any gun that was ever used in a war, esp american guns.

The guns hunters need to have is a good old pump action or semi auto 12gauge shotgun, a .22 rifle(10/22),a bolt action rifle .270 up, a semi auto rifle .223 up(mini14, ar15) and a pistol.
12 gauge shotgun-can kill everything short range
.22- perfect to hunt small game without exploding them ideal for kids
bolt action- can kill anything at long range(not recommended for small game)
semi auto rifle-kills a lot of stuff and it is a lot of fun perfect to just go around your ranch looking for stuff to kill
pistol- to finish large preys, snakes, security(if a hog is rampaging against you) to hunt animals at short range you see at the moment.

To cover all bases, at least in my case, most hunters should have something similar to these:

Good brush gun - 30-30, .44 mag
Flat shooting gun - .308, 300 win mag
Shotgun - 12 ga
Muzzleloader - 50 Cal.

Every collection should have a Winchester model 12 in 12,16or 20.
1 96 or 98 Mauser and something between 1903 and an M-1Garand.
A 1911,Hi-Power,Smith & Wesson or Colt revolver.
You ought to have at least 1 rifle ,1shotgun and 1 repeating pistol cartridge hand gun that fit you that YOU shoot well every time.

No love for lever guns....What about a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington to add to the list....short barrel, easy reload, good power.

12 gauge 870 with variable chokes, 20 gauge side by side shotgun scoped .22 of preferred action, .30 caliber centerfire scoped rifle, scoped .22 caliber centerfire varmint gun in prefered caliber, muzzle loading rifle per regulations in your area.

My choices are: an accurate 22 LR, a good brush gun, (35 Rem) a long range, varmint (6mm), a medium big game rifle (308 Win.) and a large caliber for danerous game (375 H&H).

Must haves
12 ga
22 bolt or semi-auto
30/06 or other medium bore hunting rifle (.257 up to .35, with .308 a good pick)

Should haves
20 ga
.243 - .284 light kicking rifle for smallish big game and/or varmints
9mm pistol or .38 revolver

Nice to have's
1911 45 variant
large bore pistol
Large bore dangerous game rifle

Ruger 10/22 .22 LR
Remington 870 12 gauge
Marlin 336 30-30 or 35 remington

12 gauge (sub gauge comes later)

38/357 revolver (pistol comes later)

Rimfire rifle (your choice)

Big game rifle - classic cartridge (.243 to .338)


All the rest are gravy..........................and yes, I LOVE gravy !!!