We all love guns and have our own collections and favorites. But what are 20 guns that are good enough to hand down to the next generation?
1. The Gun You Own
Before we jump into the list full force (and there are some great guns on it), I think it's important to start here. What gun is good enough to hand down to the next generation? That would be every gun. When guns get passed on through generations, it's often who it came from that makes it special, not what the gun is capable of.
Guns are awesome, and we love them. Every gun is worthy of getting passed down. Someone's hard-earned money bought that gun, and the sentimental value of getting your grandpa's gun is something you can't put a price on.
So, this list highlights the standout classics we think have already proven themselves as great heirlooms, but it is not, by any means, exclusive.
2. Crickett .22
A great starter gun. The Crickett .22 is the staple for a youngster's "first rifle." Small in size, its functionality is perfect for children plinking in the backyard or hunting squirrels. Seeing a rifle this small is eye-catching and pretty neat.
Everybody needs a Crickett.
3. Remington 870
The 870. If you hunt and haven't heard of it... well, I hope there's good hunting under that rock where you live. Probably recognized as the most versatile shotgun out there, I would love to know how many waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, turkey and deer harvest this gun has accounted for in its rich history.
Legen... wait for it... dary.
4. H&R Single Shot Topper
H&R makes some great single shots. 410, 20, 12, 10...every gauge you can think of. One shot...because some time simple is cool. According to their page, "the Topper resonates with many generations of shooters because it's often the gun you start with as a youngster and return to as an adult when you realize simple is better. When you desire one well-placed shot from a lightweight, dependable shotgun, Topper is the lineup more people trust than any other."
Could not agree more. Nothing feels cooler than breaking open a single shot as a child.
5. Colt 1911
The 1911 is a semi-automatic large-frame pistol chambered in .45 ACP or .38 Super. It is one of those guns: if you haven't heard of it, you haven't been listening. The Colt 1911 has a long history with the US Military and became the token pistol because of its simple design.
One of the biggest things that draws gun people is its light recoil. 1911 is a must in a collection and a great gun to hand down to your kids.
6. Ruger 10/22
This gun is very dear to me because it was my first. Many rounds fired at cans, squirrels, and whatever else I could get the sights on. The Ruger 10/22 rifle offers a superior combination of light weight, short overall length and mechanical dependability that ensures years of reliable old fashion firepower fun.
30 round clip and an itchy trigger finger is this gun's best friend. You can guarantee I will be passing this one along to my first child.
7. Remington 700
Incredibly popular rifle with incredible results. This bolt action rifle from Remington was designed for mass production. The 700 comes in a large number of variants, with different stocks, barrel configurations, metal finishes and many many calibers.
If you don't have atleast one style of the 700 you aren't living. There is a reason it is one of the most sold guns in the history of firearms.
8. Savage .17 HMR
A very cool little rifle with some good knock down power. This gun has gained a lot of popularity in the last decade and seems to be finding it's way to many collectors gun safes.
Savage .17 HMR, you need one.
9. Browning A-5
The Browning A-5. One of those guns that really doesn't even need explained. Legendary shotgun with a very recognizable "humpback" look. Make sure you get the old A-5 with wood.
Once again, the Browning A-5...enough said.
10. Remington Model 1100
Super popular among sportsman, the Model 1100 is a gas operated semi-automatic shotgun. The Remington 1100 was the first semiautomatic shotgun to feature significant improvements in felt recoil, weight and reliability. And since that breakthrough, they haven't quit flying off the shelves.
Hard to find a gun collector that doesn't have one of these stored away somewhere. You can guarantee this gun will be changing generational hands for thousands of years to come.
A clay pigeon's worst nightmare.
11. Henry Golden Boy .22
What a beautiful and iconic gun. That shiny gold sitting atop that clean lever action mold is sure to catch the eye of any gun lover. Recognizable and awesome, the Golden Boy is a great gun to snatch up.
Nothing beats a good ol' lever action. And nothing beats a .22. So what happens when you put them together and slap some gold on it?
Greatness from Henry.
12. Benelli Nova
Benelli makes very durable guns and everybody needs a good pump gun like this. I have personally seen these guns put through the ringer. Rode hard and put away wet, and they always continue to function like new.
Choose either 12 or 20 gauge for your needs, but this gun will last a long time. And they also look very nice.
13. Remington 11-87
Based off of the Remington Model 1100, Remington made another great shotgun with the 11-87. Nothing incredibly mind blowing or special, just a solid gun for a very affordable price. You can never have to many semi-automatic shotguns either.
14. Savage 220
We all love whitetail hunting, and this gun is starting to separate itself from others in the outdoor world for the "go to" deer slug gun. The bolt action 20 gauge is a tack driver and can help you put down monster bucks from over 150 yards with a shotgun. A great gun to invest in and hand down to someone special someday.
15. Marlin 336 in .30-30
What kind of list would this be without a .30-30? The Marlin 336 will make you feel like a real John Wayne when cracking the lever and racking off shots.
Marlin is a tremendous manufacturer, and 336 will not disappoint. There is a reason there was over 3.5 million sold in its first 40 years of production.
16. LC Smith 28 Gauge
Everybody needs a double barrel within their collection. And why not spice it up with a 28 gauge from LC Smith. No other gun quite screams "my father worked for a living but lived to hunt" like an LC Smith 28 gauge.
17. .30-06
For the sake of not hurting anyone's feelings and ticking some of you off by choosing a certain manufacturer, we are just going to go with the 30.06 in general. One of the most popular hunting calibers on the planet, the 30.06 is a must have. Choose a manufacturer that fits in your price range and hand this puppy down for generations to come!
18. Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum
Let's face it, every and any Smith & Wesson revolver could make this list. Rich tradition and great products. Every body needs a big pistol, and the .357 Magnum by S&W is a no brainer.
19. Benelli Ultra Light 20 Gauge
It is always nice to have a nice upland gun. At 5.2 lbs, the Benelli Ultra Light is the lightest 20 gauge in the world. Benelli is great quality and this inertia driven system is something your next generation will learn to love.
20. Red Ryder BB Gun
Let's end with a bang! Old faithful. Everyone has had one and everyone in the future needs one. The Red Ryder BB Gun is where it starts for most.
Just don't shoot your eye out, kid!
What else?
Let us know what is your favorite gun that has gotten passed on to you and if we missed any that you think should have made the list.
Aim small, shoot straight, and enjoy those guns that get handed down to you.
