I would recommend a 12 gauge pump as the first gun. You can use it for home defense and hunting.
I don't think a 22 magnum is a very practical choice. It's only good for plinking and small game. A 22 long rifle is cheaper to shoot.
A 454 Cassull is not practical for anything but medium size game hunting. It's not a good weapon for a beginner because it's expensive and kicks pretty hard.
I would recommend a 12 gauge pump as the first gun. You can use it for home defense and hunting.
I don't think a 22 magnum is a very practical choice. It's only good for plinking and small game. A 22 long rifle is cheaper to shoot.
A 454 Cassull is not practical for anything but medium size game hunting. It's not a good weapon for a beginner because it's expensive and kicks pretty hard.
I agree with you. The 22 LR is the way to go. Mossberg Maverick is an excellent way to get into the shotgun world for a reasonable price. I'd go with a 30-06 rather than a 270. And finally a 1911 or clone for personal defense. If a semi-auto "assault" style is desired, an SKS is cheap and reliable.
The bonus is that these firearms use the least expensive ammo.
Now, what if you have to go mobile and leave your home? It would certainly be prudent to have at least one type of "carry" weapon to have and to hold until something or someone needs to be blown apart. Here is where the user needs to evaluate themselves and the level of commitment they do (or don't) have to develop the skills necessary to become proficient with their "tool" of choice.
What level of investment (time and money) are you willing to put into defending yourself and your family? I really think this is much like buying a car. Are seatbelts good enough for your safety concern? How about air bags all around? How about the vehicle itself? Are you interested in a design that affords better safety over a longer period of operation in more varied operating conditions? Perhaps you are interested in a "speciality" vehicle that is designed to meet your specific needs. How important is the ease of operation, maintenance, and cost of ownership? If you buy your vehicles based upon the perceptions of others, then you may end up doing the same with firearms. You can expect the same results in both cases. Paying for the bling instead of the bang.
In the final analysis we make our purchases and then we live with them. We really don't know how that vehicle will perform until we take it out and put it through the paces. If they don't work out we trade them in for something that will do the job. As we gain more experienced, more money, etc. we may purchase additional vehicles or trade up.
Remember that you should only purchase what you are willing to use. Having the tool is one thing, using it is another! If your purpose is to own and operate a "carry" weapon then make sure you WILL carry it and operate it. The biggest baddest dudes are often found near death (or dead) in the wilderness with their packs full of survival gear that could have saved their lives if they had only USED it.
A pocket knife in your pocket is way more useful than a 7" hunting knife left in a bag in the back of a truck that is now drifting down a flooded river.... get the picture? It won't peform like that really nice knife would have, but it is there for you when you need it. Could you have, should you have carried that other knife? Perhaps. That is another facet of preparation and something each person must determine for themselves. What is pratical for some is not for others.
It is your choice, your family, your life and your tool! No one can make the right choice for you. Educate yourself as much as you can about the various strengths and weaknesses of various firearms. As much as possible, take some out for a test drive! Find a friend or someone you know that has that model and take it for a spin! Some ranges let you rent the firearm for an hour so you can at least get a "feel" for the operation of a particular firearm.
My last recommendation is that if you are new to firearms it would be smart to take a course from a certified instructor(sort of like drivers ed)that is designed to teach you the basics in firearm safety.
There was a similar thread right after Katrina hit in which someone asked for what gun(s) they needed to buy within a reasonable budget for a natural-disaster type situation. My list was as follows:
1) Remington 870 12 guage with 18 inch barrel. Perfect for home defense and can be used to hunt as well.
2) Ruger 10-22 for shooting small game as needed, plus, ammo is cheaper than dirt.
3)Good defensive pistol - I prefer the Glock 17. Personal preference plays a *huge* role here.
4)Military rifle - either a civilianized M4 or AK47. I prefer a civilianized M4, since ammo is easier to get (you'll be able to cadge some off the National Guard or whoever.)
Just my two cents.
Yep, this guy is off base. 12 gauge, yes, the mini-14 or better yet a mini-30, yes. 357/38 is a good first handgun. Skip th 22 magnum, just get a 22 LR and buy hundreds of round for the price of 50 mags. I don't know why he's suggesting a 454 to a newbee.