3 Guns Every American Should Own

The 4th of July weekend is upon us! I hope you have plenty of hot dogs, fireworks, and celebratory range-day ammo on standby.

But what, pray tell, are you going to shoot on the most American of weekends?

To get the Patriotic vibes flowing, we picked the three guns every American should own. Then we picked them several more times because it was just too fun to stop.

Did your favorites make the list?

THE QUICK LIST

1. Best Classic Rifle

   Ruger 10/22

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2. Best Classic Pistol

   Springfield Garrison 1911 .45 ACP

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3. Best Classic Shotgun

   Mossberg 590 Retrograde

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4. Best Tactical Rifle

   Geissele Super Duty

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5. Best Tactical Pistol

   Glock 19 Gen 5

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6. Best Tactical Shotgun

   Benelli M4

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7. Best Hunting Rifle

   Winchester Model 70 Super Grade

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8. Best Hunting Revolver

   Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus, 4"

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9. Best Hunting Shotgun

   Browning Maxus II All-Purpose Hunter

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10. Editor’s Pick Rifle

    IWI Zion-15

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11. Editor’s Pick Pistol

    Walther PDP

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12. Editor’s Pick Shotgun

    Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2

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13. Best Budget Rifle

    Palmetto State Armory PA-15

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14. Best Budget Pistol

    Taurus GX4

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15. Best Budget Shotgun

    Mossberg Maverick 88 Security/Field Combo

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Show more (8 items)

Comparison Chart

	Caliber	Action	Capacity	Barrel Length	Overall Length	Weight	Price
Ruger 10/22	.22 LR	Semi-automatic, direct blowback	10+1	18.5″	37″	5 lbs	$189
1911	.45 ACP	Semi-automatic, single action	7+1	5″	8.6″	2.3 lbs	$729
Mossberg 590 Retrograde	12ga	Pump action	8+1	20″	41″	7.25 lbs	$562
Geissele Super Duty	5.56 NATO	Semi-automatic, direct impingement	30+1	14.5″	32″ – 35.26″	6.7 lbs	$1,796
Glock 19	9mm	Semi-automatic, striker	15+1	4″	7.3″	1.5 lbs	$540
Benelli M4	12ga	Semi-automatic, gas	5+1	18.5″	40″	7.8 lbs	$1,899
Winchester Model 70	.308 Win	Bolt action	5+1	22″	42.25″	7.75 lbs	$1558
Smith & Wesson 686 Plus	.357 Mag/.38 Spl	Revolver, single action/double action	7	4.13″	9.56″	2.5 lbs	$868
Browning Maxus II	12ga	Semi-automatic, gas	4+1	26″	47.25″	7 lbs	$1,577
IWI Zion-15	5.56 NATO	Semi-automatic, direct impingement	30+1	16″	33″ – 36.25″	6.9 lbs	$849
Walther PDP	9mm	Semi-automatic, striker	18+1	4″	7.5″	1.6 lbs	$599
Beretta 1301	12ga	Semi-automatic, gas	7+1	18.7″	37.8″	6.7 lbs	$1,499
PSA PA-15	5.56 NATO	Semi-automatic, direct impingement	30+1	16″	32″	7 lbs	$469
Taurus GX4	9mm	Semi-automatic, striker	11+1	3.1″	4.4″	1.2 lbs	$244
Mossberg Maverick 88	12ga	Pump action	5+1	18.5”, 28”	39.5”, 47.75”	6.25 lbs, 7 lbs	$266

How We Chose the Guns Every American Should Own

To kick things off properly, I started by brewing a fine cup of Earl Grey tea and pouring it directly into the toilet. Once properly hydrated with coffee, I tried to narrow down the Pew Pew Tactical team’s collective experiences into a few categories.

Try as I might, I couldn’t pick just three guns every American should own. Instead, I made several categories and chose a rifle, pistol, and shotgun for each. We’ll call these genres classic, tactical, hunting, editor’s picks, and budget guns. 

Regardless of category, my priorities for each pick were availability, effectiveness at their intended purpose, and some semblance of variety. You didn’t come here to see a list of AR’s in various calibers or a bunch of guns you can’t buy without a Swiss bank account and an auctioneer. 

I included guns made in the U.S., and some foreign exchange blasters, as well. For guns we have reviews on, I’ve provided links so you can read more.

3 Guns Every American Should Own 

Psych! It’s actually 15.

1. Ruger 10/22 – Best Classic Rifle

Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct blowback
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Overall Length: 37”
• Weight: 5 lb
• Country of Origin: USA

If you ask people at the range what their first rifle was, there’s a good chance the Ruger 10/22 will be the most common answer. It’s one of the bonds American gun owner share.

This rimfire icon is great for beginners and pros alike. It’s fun, well-built, affordable, easy to customize, and as reliable as the .22 LR ammo you feed it.

Buy one for plinking, small game hunting, or bringing new shooters into the fold with a friendly, approachable platform.

The original 10/22 Carbine is a classic that’s created too many lifetime shooters to count. If you want something a little different, check out our guide to the Best Ruger 10/22 Models and the Best 10/22 Upgrades!

As good as it is, the 10/22 isn’t the only classic rimfire plinker out there. Working the lever on a Henry Golden Boy is pretty fun, too. You just don’t get the same kind of customization options with it.

2. 1911 – Best Classic Pistol

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, single action
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Length: 8.6”
• Weight: 2.3 lb
• Country of Origin: USA

If you’re going to buy the quintessential American handgun, it has to be a 1911, right? John Browning’s masterpiece served as the U.S. military’s sidearm for the better part of the 20th century and it’s still an outstanding handgun.

Buying a 1911 will get you an all-metal pistol, a great single-action trigger, and the opportunity to lob .45 ACP ammo downrange – a joy every American should experience.

Since the design has been around long enough to become public domain, you have endless choices when you buy a 1911. We have guides to the Best 1911 Pistols and even the Best 9mm 1911s (if you’re into that kind of sacrilege).

We’re particularly fond of the Springfield 1911 Garrison we reviewed. It’s relatively true to the original, with just the right amount of modern touches.

It’s made in the U.S. and performs well above its price. Dollar for dollar, it’s hard to get a better 1911.

3. Mossberg 590 Retrograde – Best Classic Shotgun

Specs

• Gauge: 12 ga (3”)
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 41”
• Weight: 7.25 lb
• Country of Origin: USA

While we’re flexing on countries that haven’t been to the moon, let’s revisit a World War I legend, shall we? The Mossberg 590 Retrograde wasn’t on the battlefields of France, but it’s a pretty close recreation of the shotguns that were.

You’ll get a walnut stock, ambidextrous tang safety, sling swivel studs, that awesome-looking heat shield, and rock-solid reliability.

The 590 Retrograde might look like it came straight out of 1918, but a pump gun spitting 00 buckshot never goes out of style. 

If you want something better than a single bead sight, Mossberg offers the 590A1 with ghost ring sights. 

Don’t overlook the base model, though, because its drilled and tapped receiver is perfect for mounting the new Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot. It sits nice and low on the receiver, and offers an optional multi-reticle that we’ve had great success with on the range.

Check out our hands-on Mossberg 590 Retrograde review for more! 

4. Geissele Super Duty – Best Tactical Rifle

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 14.5” (pinned and welded to 16”)
• Overall Length: 32” – 35.26”
• Weight: 6.7 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Classic firearms are lots of fun, but what if you want something more modern and tactical? Our rifle pick is the Geissele Super Duty.

The AR-15 is America’s rifle, and this is one of the best. Geissele’s Super Duty is built to an uncompromising standard, resulting in a very high level of performance.

During our hands-on Geissele Super Duty review, this rifle earned high praise for accuracy, ergonomics, and potential for customization (not that there’s much to change). More importantly, it ran with zero malfunctions, regardless of whether we were shooting cheap training ammo or match loads.

This rifle is the complete package. All you need to do is pick an optic, light, and sling to be in business with a fine setup. There are even fun colors to choose from.

Yes, there are much cheaper ways to buy an AR-15 (recommendations are on the way; hang tight). The Geissele Super Duty is worth the money, though. It boasts competitive accuracy, security you can trust as a home-defense gun, and it will last as long as you do if you hold up your end of the bargain with basic maintenance.

5. Glock 19 – Best Tactical Pistol

Specs

• Caliber: 9 mm
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.3”
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Country of Origin: Austria, USA

The modern pistol market has caught up with Glock, but it’s still hard to stray from the tried and true Glock 19 when it comes to choosing a pistol.

Yes, Glocks are as reliable as you’ve heard. The potential for customization is off the charts, thanks to limitless upgrades like triggers, sights, barrels, controls, and complete slides. These pistols are trusted by military and law enforcement professionals around the world, and they’re good enough for you, too.

The Glock 19, in particular, is a favorite because it’s big enough to use as a home defense or duty pistol, but small enough to carry concealed.

There are great Glock alternatives out there, but you still can’t go wrong with the OG – especially for the money.

Want to branch out? There are lots of Glock clones that offer different features and prices while still tapping into that massive aftermarket support!

6. Benelli M4 – Best Tactical Shotgun

Specs

• Gauge: 12 ga (3”)
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Overall Length: 40”
• Weight: 7.8 lbs
• Country of Origin: Italy

We have mixed opinions when it comes to tactical shotguns here at Pew Pew Tactical. Beretta and Mossberg scatterguns have treated us extremely well in testing, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Marine who doesn’t have a soft spot for the raucous Benelli M4.

The official shotgun of the Marine Corps is accurate and surprisingly soft-shooting, even with heavy defensive loads.

The real magic is in the gas system, though. Benelli’s ARGO system uses not one but two short-stroke gas pistons to cycle, and the mechanism is self-cleaning. That makes it fast-shooting and incredibly reliable in harsh environments.

It’s expensive, but you won’t find a shotgun that’s better suited to fending off all threats, foreign and domestic (and wildlife, and zombies, and killer robots from the future…).

See it in action in our Benelly M4 review!

What do you think of the Benelli? Rate it below!

7. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade – Best Hunting Rifle

Specs

• Caliber: .308 Win
• Action: Bolt action
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 42.25”
• Weight: 7.75 lbs
• Country of Origin: Portugal

Hunters are spoiled for choice these days, but one of the best options is still a bolt-action rifle from 1936. Some call it the Winchester Model 70, some call it the rifleman’s rifle, and right now we’re calling it the hunting rifle every American should own.

In this case, we recommend the Super Grade walnut stock over the modern camouflage variants. It’s timeless and beautiful; equally at home in the woods and above the mantle as a family heirloom.

Inside that traditional aesthetic are the secrets behind the rifle’s sterling reputation. Features like a bedded action, floating barrel, and crisp trigger make it an extremely capable platform out to the limits of your ammo. 

The Model 70 has supported a huge range of cartridges through the years, but for the sake of this article I have to stick with the ageless .308 Win. It’s Winchester’s greatest cartridge in Winchester’s greatest rifle! What’s more American than that?

Well, I guess maybe a rifle that’s made in the U.S. Winchester makes the Model 70 in Portugal now, but it’s still an American icon.

I couldn’t recommend the Winchester Model 70 without mentioning its blood rival and arch nemesis, the Remington 700. While Remington isn’t what it used to be, the 700 is still a solid platform.

If you want even more options, look into the wide world of Remington 700 clones. It turns out that three rings of steel create a timeless design, regardless of who builds them. 

8. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus – Best Hunting Revolver

Specs

• Caliber: .357 Mag
• Action: Revolver, single action/double action
• Capacity: 7
• Barrel Length: 4.13”
• Overall Length: 9.56”
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

The idea of a hunting revolver can mean different things. It’s tough to go wrong with the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, whether you’re taking game with a revolver or carrying one for protection against predator species.

The popular L-frame is basically a beefed-up version of Smith & Wesson’s classic K-frame. It’s a perfect platform for .357 Mag, and you have the option to train with .38 Spl to keep recoil and cost to a minimum.

During our hands-on Smith & Wesson 686 Plus review, this revolver impressed us with its ergonomics and value as a lifetime firearm (and then some).

We can debate the virtues of .357 Mag revolvers versus 10mm pistols, and whether you should carry a revolver for self-defense in the first place, but this is still a great handgun and a natural companion in the backcountry.

Let’s be honest, you’d feel pretty damn American standing on a mountain top with this wheel gun strapped under your bino harness.  

9. Browning Maxus II All-Purpose Hunter – Best Hunting Shotgun

Specs

• Gauge: 12 ga (3.5”)
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 4+1
• Barrel Length: 26”
• Overall Length: 47.25”
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Country of Origin: Portugal

Choosing just one hunting shotgun is an exercise in futility, but the Browning Maxus II makes a pretty compelling case for itself. It’s a bit of an underdog in this category, and every American likes rooting for an underdog.

Hunting upland birds calls for very different ammo than turkeys or deer, but the Maxuss II’s Browning Power Drive gas system handles light and heavy loads equally well.

For the most versatility, opt for the All Purpose Hunter. It’s chambered for 3.5-inch shells, has a Picatinny rail for easy optic mounting, and that snazzy camo pattern is a nice bonus.

Browning is kind enough to throw in four choke tubes: extra full, full, modified, and improved cylinder.  

10. IWI Zion-15 – Editor’s Pick Rifle

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Overall Length: 33” – 36.25”
• Weight: 6.9 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Yes, we love Geissele, Daniel Defense, and Bravo Company Manufacturing. We also appreciate when a manufacturer offers a solid AR-15 at a more affordable price, and that’s why we’re quickly becoming fans of the IWI Zion-15.

In our most recent hands-on guide to the Best AR-15s, we recommended the Zion-15 for its blend of quality components and reasonable cost. 

It offers a versatile 1:8 barrel twist, soft-shooting mid-length gas system, a free-floating M-LOK handguard, and comfy furniture from B5 Systems.

You don’t build a rifle this affordable without a few budget components, and IWI pinched pennies on mil-spec trigger and charging handle. That’s good news, because if you choose to upgrade down the road, those are both very easy swaps.

Check out our AR-15 trigger and AR-15 charging handle guides for our recommendations!

All in all, you’re looking at a very respectable AR-15 for well under $1,000.

11. Walther PDP – Editor’s Pick Pistol

Specs

• Caliber: 9 mm
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 18+1
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.5”
• Weight: 1.6 lbs
• Country of Origin: Germany, USA

The Walther PDP made a great first impression, and we’ve come to trust this pistol as much as any other firearm in the time since then.

We put 10,000 rounds through a PDP and it’s still going strong.

The platform combines comfy ergonomics with the best striker-fire trigger in the business. The oversized controls and slide serrations make it easy to run under stress, and you can mount up any optic you want with an adapter plate.

Aftermarket support is coming along, too, so you can upgrade your PDP if you want something personalized.

Walther offers several sizes and configurations of the PDP, and they’re all great. The full-size PDP with a 4-inch barrel is particularly compelling because it offers 18+1 capacity and a carry-friendly overall length.

There are no bad choices, though.

12. Beretta 1301 – Editor’s Pick Shotgun

Specs

• Gauge: 12 ga (3”)
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 18.7”
• Overall Length: 37.8”
• Weight: 6.7 lbs
• Country of Origin: Italy

The Beretta 1301 is popular around here – popular enough to earn it a spot on this list! It’s an excellent means of defending your castle.

This is high-end machinery, so you can expect it to perform well (and smack your wallet just as hard and your targets).

The 1301 feels light in the hands, but clever engineering allows it to soak up recoil, spare your shoulder, and get you back on target quickly. It’s optic-ready and has oversized controls that are intuitive to use.

The real party piece is the lightning-fast B-Link gas system. It cycles quickly and reliably, regardless of whether you’re cycling slugs or lightweight bird shot. It also patterned very well from 5 to 25 yards in testing.

If the 1301 is out of your budget, check out the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. It’s a great alternative that costs a whole lot less, and you can see how the two compare in our Beretta Battle review!

13. Palmetto State Armory PA-15 – Best Budget Rifle

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Overall Length: 32”
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

As good – and affordable – as the IWI Zion-15 is, we have an even more budget-friendly option. You can take your pick from a range of Palmetto State Armory PA-15 carbines between about $430 and $500.

Despite the bargain-basement prices, these rifles offer features like M-LOK handguards, collapsible stocks, and Magpul furniture.

If modern aesthetics are your thing, PSA has you covered. If you prefer the old commando look, they sell that, too.

One of the best financial moves is to buy one of PSA’s blemished models. They’re functionally sound, so you can save a few bucks just by letting someone else put the first scratch on for you.

Consider these rifles for the people. Inexpensive, yes; basic, sure; but no less all-American. 

14. Taurus GX4 – Best Budget Pistol

Specs

• Caliber: 9 mm
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 11+1
• Barrel Length: 3.1”
• Overall Length: 4.4”
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Some people turn their noses up at inexpensive guns, but not us! We’re thrilled that people can get a safe, reliable pistol like the Taurus GX4 without cutting into their rent and grocery money.

If you’re working hard to make ends meet, the sub-$250 GX4 is one of the three guns you need to own. Given its ability to serve in CCW and home-defense roles, maybe it should be your first purchase.

During our Taurus GX4 review, we liked the confidence-inspiring grip texture and quality magazines. Taurus offers optic-ready versions, but there’s nothing wrong with picking iron sights and more money for training ammo over a red dot.

If you have large hands, consider stepping up to the GX4 Carry to get a larger grip.

Taurus manufactures most of its pistols in Brazil, where the company is based, but the company builds the GX4 in Texas. If ever-changing tariffs drive up the prices of imported firearms, that decision might help keep the GX4 affordable.

15. Mossberg Maverick 88 Security/Field Combo – Best Budget Shotgun

Specs

• Gauge: 12 ga
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5”, 28”
• Overall Length: 39.5”, 47.75”
• Weight: 6.25 lbs, 7 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

One of the great things about pump-action shotguns is that they’re really not that difficult to make. That means you can buy a perfectly reliable, effective one like the Mossberg Maverick 88 for next to nothing.

How cheap, you ask? Less than $300 all day long.

And that’s not just for the shotgun, it includes two barrels. The shorter barrel is perfect for home defense. The longer barrel, with its vented rib and dual bead sights, is great for wingshooting or sporting clays.

If you want to add an accessory or modify this shotgun later, it’s compatible with Mossberg 500 stocks, barrels, and chokes.

It’s not flashy or particularly advanced, but this scattergun will run. Financial limitations shouldn’t stop you from owning a great firearm – thanks to the Maverick 88, they don’t.

How to Pick Your Own 3 Guns Every American Should Own

It’s fun to tackle this challenge with a theme, but you obviously don’t have to.

In the interest of being responsible, buy what serves your needs first. If you need a do-it-all gun for target shooting, concealed carry, and home defense, a tactical or budget pistol is a great choice.

If you’re leaning more toward home defense, an AR-15 (carbine or pistol) or a tactical shotgun will serve you well and give you a great platform for honing your skills on the range.

Of course, if you already have your needs met and want to start collecting oddball surplus firearms, that’s great, too!

You have the freedom to pick your own three guns. That’s as American as can be. 

Meet the Experts

This article comes to you from Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t noticed, this three-gun list is growing by the minute. I need to get out of here before I start adding more categories.

Regardless of which three you pick, there’s really no way to do it wrong. Add your picks in the comments so we can all add them to our shopping lists!

Which three guns do you think every American should own? Let us know in the comments. We have even more guns Americans love in our Best AR-15s article and Best Handguns for Beginners.