One Gun, One Cartridge: The Ultimate Debate GPC #309

In this episode, we dive into the timeless shooter’s question: If you could only have one gun in one cartridge for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Drawing on decades of field experience, practical know-how, and a heavy dose of real-world logic, the discussion ranges from rimfire realities to centerfire versatility and what actually matters in a “one-gun” scenario.

Along the way, we get into squirrel hunting, cartridge capability, recoil management, ammo availability, and what separates theoretical choices from practical ones.

Whether you're a survivalist, hunter, prepper, minimalist, or just love a spirited debate, this episode gets right to the heart of the “ultimate gun choice” question.

*Key Topics Covered*

Why rimfires still matter — and where they fall short
The gray squirrel factor: realistic field performance
Centerfire cartridges that punch above their weight
Balancing recoil, ammo cost, and availability
What “one gun” really means in practical terms
Survival vs. hunting vs. everyday versatility
The emotional vs. logical sides of cartridge choice
Real-world examples from the field
How experience shapes the “best gun” answer

EPISODE SPONSOR

The Guns Podcast is presented by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. Explore the full lineup and discover what makes Ruger a name shooters trust at Ruger.com.

--

Have a topic idea or a guest you’d like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected]

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter (https://gunsmagazine.com/newsletters) to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week