Finding Perfect Pairs for Convenient and Economic Shooting :: Guns.com

Gun owners chose their firearms depending on many differing criteria. Size, looks, caliber, and so on can all be the deciding reasons why someone selects one model over another. The old saying still rings true today that two is better than one, especially if you can find multiple guns in a common caliber.

Today I wanted to go over a subject that will help narrow some of the selections and make it easier to pick out your next firearm, or pair of firearms.

consistency

Having multiple guns in the same caliber allows for an easier load out and more consistent practice. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)

I have several firearms chambered in the same cartridge, if you are reading this you probably are in the same boat. Having multiple firearms chambered in the same cartridge simplifies a few things for gun owners. The most obvious way that occurs is through uniformity, instead of buying ammunition for each individual firearm, you can buy two or more guns. If you have on AR type rifle for defense training, and a bolt action varmint gun both chambered in .223 Remington it’s easy to feed them both from the same box.

Today I want to specifically take that thesis out of your gun room, and into the wide-open spaces where your guns are likely to be used.

paired up

.357 Magnum is a venerable round for self-defense, so why not pair it with something that can be a little more accurate at distance? (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)

Identically chambered guns can simplify things when in the field. If you are a cowboy, or perhaps just a modern rancher, you might find yourself frequently armed with both a pistol for short work and a rifle for more significant things. Having a pistol on your hip is a valuable tool for many of us, but it’s often not enough in the big open country. Having a rifle or carbine on your horse or ATV in case a pesky coyote gets too close can be a lifesaver.

If both of these firearms are chambered in the same cartridge it will simplify and speed up your daily loadout. A .357 magnum chambered revolver is more than enough for pistol range shots, and a handy little lever-action rifle chambered in .357 as well is certainly enough for dispatching the occasional errant coyote.

Related: Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum: ‘Long Live the Lever Gun’

The Ruger LCR is counted on by many Americans for their daily carry, the chambering makes its ideal for self-defense or varmint control with a long gun. (Photo: Jeff Wood/Guns.com)

A handy little revolver like the Ruger LCR .357 magnum is easily carried and less intrusive for someone with work on their mind. To go with it, a short and quickly fired lever gun like the Marlin 1895 gives more range and power for things that are beyond pistol distances. The two of them together make a great pair, giving you options without complicating things with multiple cartridges, magazines, and such. Both firearms could also easily shoot .38 Special ammo, to further lighten the load for someone with a job to do.