It’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think: If you could only keep one firearm, which would it be, and why?

My first reaction is always: it depends. What’s the situation? Are we talking about day-to-day carry? Hunting? Self-defense in a no-rule-of-law scenario? The answer shifts depending on the context.

For pure survival, it’s hard to beat a 12-gauge shotgun. There isn’t an animal on this planet that can’t be taken with it. From deer to birds, it covers the spectrum.

But if the focus is small game and sheer versatility, the humble .22 rifle is king. It’s light, cheap to shoot, and it will put food on the table when bigger calibers are wasteful or unnecessary.

Now if the conversation shifts to pistols — that’s where it gets personal. My .22 pistol is a phenomenal training tool. My 9mm is my go-to for daily carry. But if you told me I could keep only one handgun, I wouldn’t hesitate: my 1911 in .45 ACP.

Why? Because it’s more than a tool. It’s reliable, powerful, and deeply personal. It represents a lifetime of shooting, training, and trusting a sidearm that’s stood the test of time. In short, it does everything I need it to do, and it does it with authority.

So the truth is this: there isn’t one single “right” answer. The context matters, and every tool has its place. But when pressed to pick only one, I’ll stand with the .45 1911 on my hip. That’s my gun. That’s my answer.

— Trusted since 2021
Davey Defense