When I think of America I think of Freedom, Democracy, Liberty, and the reason why they are still around: firearms! America was founded by the gun and has been protected by the gun ever since. Many guns have defined America, but just as time ticks on, so do the weapons that occupy the hearts and the homes of U.S. citizens. Today if you ask some one if they own a gun it’s “Yeah, I have a GLOCK.” Or maybe it’s a Smith, or maybe even a Mossberg. So the question presents itself; what five guns define the American gun owner?
Retailing around $600, its easy to see why America loves its polymer powerhouse.
The GLOCK 19
Let me make it clear–the GLOCK 19 is (and may always will be) the gold standard for 9mm pistol size, weight, and capacity. Not everyone will agree with our reining champ, but credit is due when deserved.
The GLOCK 19 was first seen in 1988. Following close in its big brothers foot steeps, the 19 kept true to form and innovation but reduced the GLOCK 17’s height and length by a mere half inch. Making it a more realistic choice for those looking for a duty gun that could also serve as a concealed carry gun. The GLOCK 19 is the weapon of the American public whether we openly carry that statement or conceal it.
And like a lot of America itself, we’ve taken what works with the 19 and found numerous ways to modify the gun. From stippling the grips, to coating the slides, we have no shortage of ways to make the GLOCK fit our specific needs.
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The TRP can be purchased below MRSP, and is generally seen for sale around $1300.
The Springfield Armory TRP
On the opposite side of the pistol spectrum, the 1911 will forever be the pistol of America. Created by the most influential firearms designer of all time, the 1911 was and is one of John Browning’s greatest handgun designs. It saw service starting in 1911 and is still shooting strong in 2014.
Today’s 1911 is as common as the cold and it seems as if finding one that represents top quality and value is impossible. Luckily for us, Springfield Armory has the balance nailed; the TRP. The Tactical Response Pistol is a handgun with custom shop features and reliability, but with a production gun’s price tag.
America loves its 1911s and for me the TRP is the best example of everyday carry excellence. It is available and easily obtainable. Ask anyone in the industry–hell even ask the 1911 snobs–who builds the best 1911 for the money? Springfield Armory will be high on the list.
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Mossberg 500
Mossberg has been a household name in America since the early 1900’s. They’ve been around for nearly a century, so they must be doing something right. The 500 was first seen in 1961, but has continued to evolve into the platform we know today. In its tactical configuration, as highlighted below, it has been used by the military, by law enforcement and (most importantly) by the American public.
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The Mossberg 500 is seen here in its latest and greatest Magpul drag showing off that this old dog can still learn new tricks while maintaining its all time low price tag below $500.
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The Mossberg 500 has been the standard for tactical shotguns for decades now and shows no signs of relinquishing power. You might argue that the Remington 870 deserves a nod, and that’s a solid argument–but I see it as a Coke–Pepsi sort of argument. Brand loyalty wins out. I’ll take a Mossberg.
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Remington 700
Rest easy Remington fans. Even though Remington has been plagued with recalls and quality control issues in the past few years, they will weather the storm. No recall can remove the model 700 from the American landscape, nor does it remove it from this list.
The Remington 700 shown above is the VTR model in .308. This rifle is aimed at multiple audiences, hitting the X in both the tactical and hunting world all below the $1000 mark.
The model 700 has been a unit of measure in accuracy for generations. First born into the hunting field, and later fielded by the military, the 700 is a gun that can’t lose. Models like the VTR bridge that gap between hunters and tactical shooters, keeping Remington current and neutral in the market. Odds are if you’re into precision shooting, there’s a Remington 700 in your past or in your future.
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The Smith & Wesson MOE Mid
Smith & Wesson M&P 15 MOE MID
The AR15 is the modern day musket. It is the weapon that defines us as Americans in almost all other parts of the world. We lust over their design. I’m offering up a Smith & Wesson, but there are hundreds of manufacturers creating rifles, and a competitive marketplace is driving the prices down. Shown to the right is the S&W M&P 15 MOE MID.
It is the rifle I tell every first time buyer to spring for. It offers a compact size with plenty of room for growth. It sports Magpul furniture from top to bottom and utilizes the soft shooting mid-length gas system. With the proven quality and performance that S&W historically delivers, the M&P 15 is the perfect example of an American AR-15.
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Conclusion
There you have it. Five guns that are uniquely American, even when they’re designed in Austria. It doesn’t matter. Like almost everything else about us, we take what works and build on it until it becomes a part of us.
America’s most popular gun till date if you ask me is the AR 15.
Why Remington 800 was not on the list? Should be included for sure
Take the keyboard away from the guy that wrote this article, please.
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Has anyone noticed how the subject turned political? I must say in retrospect: If Johnson did not go after that “other” boat that tried to sink one or both of our destroyers; go to Congress for permission to send our Marines to Da Nang,(I know, I was there), we may or may not have had a Vietnam War….. in my opinion, of course.
Did anyone mention the lowly…..by some standards, the M1 carbine? I just love shooting my Saginaw version w/o the T3 bayonet lug.
BTW, I have owned my Rem 870 for 40 years, as well as my 1100; shot K’s of rounds with no malfunctions;(oh yes, the buffer bushing split once) my Rem 700 in 308;708 is premiere. In the silhouette game, Rem 700’s dominate
By some standards there are people who say; “Winchesters” won the west….. of which I own several, but I feel the Marlins were there as well, and are a stronger more durable action.
That being said, I enjoyed all the comments/debates of everyone’s opinion as to what is the best; is best, or was the best. Let’s face facts: We all have our favorites, and if it satifies our palate, then it must be good. Even tho’ I don’t own one, the Ithica shotgun was not mentioned.
I hope I wasn’t too verbose, just had to get my 2 Lincoln’s in. I rest my case.
What about the Kentucky musket, colt SAA, henry rifle, sharps rifle, all winchester lever actions????
Huh? This list is a joke. I just wasted my time reading it.
How about a Python?
the Ruger 10 22 has to be on any list
SSG Mas,
Although I have no clue about who “Jacob Epstein” is or his experience with firearms, what I think is obvious is that his name is conspicuously Jewish–as conspicuous as your un-veiled (not thinly veiled) anti-Semitic remark. You imply that Jews and firearms don’t mix because of some perceived sissiness.
Let me help dispel your delusion. I am an Orthodox Jew who proudly served my country for more than 10 years, leaving the USAR as a captain (infantry, airborne, air assault) after four years of ROTC (including two simultaneous enlisted years). I teach firearm certification courses and have an active FFL. My wife was a career commissioned officer (also a captain) in the Israeli Air Force.
To help fuel the stereotype, I am an attorney specializing in complex civil litigation with a focus on challenges to unconstitutional firearm laws and regulations. Google “Draper v. Coakley” and my name and read the pleadings to confirm my statements here. I’m proud of my work so no pseudonyms here. I “assume” you’ve heard the old adage about assumptions: They make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”.
If you really are current/prior service, don’t embarrass your uniform and rank with that type of dribble in a public forum.
Alex Flig, CPT IN
the glock mod. 36 in .45 cal is the best glock ever made, accurate, and easy ccw. i think someone should design a magazine with at least 12 rnd capacity. 9mm does not do the job. it is like when we were in vietnam, we were shooting .223 and they were shooting 7.62X39 or russian 762X54r a monster not unlike the ballistics of 30-06. this was a bad mistake to arm us with .22 carbines, the m-14 could be lightening up easily as a carbine. with the same composits they used in the m-16 a .308 could have equalized things somewhat. McNamara and his wiz kids decided that the smaller cal would allow us to carry more ammunition, well, we would need more since you had to shoot the enemy more than once to stop them. too many generals, corporate bribes, and as we have seen that the corruption never stops and is never investigated. remember body count, it was all a lie on our part, if you wanted fire support on your next mission you called back and gave the fire base a good report. none of us went out and counted enemy bodies. and anyway most were carried away by their “comrads”. a stupid war based on fabricated information and colt arms, brown and root and others. war is really good for business. another thing, the officers and staff, westmorelan. used wwII tactics to figth a modern war based on terriorism. and atrocities. the poor civilian rurals were caught in between, shot by both sides. non political people whom just wanted to live their lives. now we have lost good men in iraq and afganistan for oil. as greenspan said,”everyone knows the war was all about oil.” ptsd is a concept that is pervasive amoung all combat warrior veterans. civilians and politicans do not care. period. george bush cut the military budget so far that soldiers bought their own personal armor. all you naysayers who want to attack my information, i am now a graduate historian, what i am telling you is fact. do you own research, if you know how.
1 colt 45 2 winchester lever action 3 s&w revolver 4 browning BAR 5 slide guns [ glock, ruger, ect… ]
Why doesnt anyone ever mention the winchester model 1300 12 guage ,I’ve owned a 1300 for 30 years never any problems also from what I understand its the fastest pump shotgun ever built , I know ya just hold trigger and pump it will fire as fast as ya can pump , just curious why nobody ever talks about em , have a great day.
What a crack up all these comments are.
Thanks you guys.
No wonder they did a “do over”
This is the most wrong-headed article I’ve yet to read in gunsamerica. The author either has a contrary-streak or receives renumeration of some sort from the selected marques, or is trying to sell particular guns. First, a Glock as uniquely American … duh? Not a classic revolver from S&W, for example? Then, the 1911, yes, but why pick a marque other than Colt, which still manufactures this classic in every model from basic WWII configuration to the latest, custom rigs including a Marine/Special Forces gun. Then, tout the Mossberg 500 over the American-standard, Remington 870 … because it just comes down to “Pepsi vs. Coke.”? Third … the flawed, Remington 700 over the current, outstanding, cost-effective, American classic rifles from Ruger? And finally, the AR-15 is the original American version of this type … although I don’t see any of this genre being uniquely American … as foreign types continue to be superior in all departments including reliability. Rather, if he needed a fifth, uniquely American gun, might have considered a single-action revolver or a lever-action carbine.
Rename the list to “5 high margin or high stock level guns we’d like to sell”….because, for each category of firearms represented (SA pistol, striker-fired pistol, shotgun, bolt-action rifle, semi-auto rifle) not one single gun on the list (maybe the Mossberg 500 is close, but Remington 870 probably wins) defines the America as I know it.
Epstein…Epstein?!? Is that of the New York Epsteins? Oh, that explains it!!
I would say being cheap and practical does define America – I’d slightly modify the list by:
1. replacing the Remington with a .223 Savage rifle – I and my buds have shot thousands of rounds until our barrels were hot, and the few that had Remingtons simply broke. You couldn’t get me to buy a Remington now days. I realize this is partially because of hot handloads, but none the less the Savage takes a licking, and keeps on shooting.
2. Few people can actually afford an AR-15 variant, but those who do, invariably have a Bushmaster/Windham Weaponry.
3. Most folks I know can only afford an off brand of single action .22 revolver or maybe a Ruger Single Six if their lucky.
4. Iver Johnson used to be king in .22 handguns, but this is 2014, so the only other kind is the Ruger Mk II/III
5, Few people I know can afford to shoot a .45, but they always seem to be able to scrape up the ammo for the Glock 19, so Glock in 9mm is definitely king around here. It is one of the few guns people will sacrifice their hard earned money to purchase anyway.
The Mossberg has definitely took over here, and most who make the mistake of buying an Remington 870 at Walmart trade it in for a Mossberg 500, because of poor quality control for those stores. Mossbergs are rough, but they keep shooting, and arrive with all their parts, and don’t break.
The various gun shows, gun shops, and other dealers I know can’t keep AK-47s in stock. Get with the rest of the world and agree its AK with us. I would also agree with the M-1, 1903 Springfield, 1911 Colt .45, and the M16, as our frontline of liberty keepers.
History doesn’t lie about that.
“Today’s 1911 is as common as the cold and it seems as if finding one that represents top quality and value is impossible”
Really? I can find them all day long. maybe you should educate yourself before making idiotic statements like that.
with all the better obvious choices, and using springfield armory as your 1911 is a poor poor example? Would anyone argue that Colt is the Iconic American 1911 and what all others get compared to? it is a joke that a glock top’s your list, American guns define America, not austrian guns.
if your subject was which brand shoots it’s owners in the leg more than any other brand, then glock should be at the top of this list. but that’s what happens when a le open carry design, finds it’s way into the ccw crowd. I’ve never heard of ” 1911 leg” or “Colt leg” Only glock has and deserves the term “glock leg” it’s popular because it’s cheaper than others, not because it’s better. and if this is your standard why isn’t the SCCY at the top of your list? and why did you use the springfield trp when a Rock Island shoots just as well, for a lot less? I guess you’ve never heard of 1911’s made by Colt, Smith, Remington, Para USA, Kimber, etc. etc.
Everybody has their favorites.
Smith and Wesson M&P Sport 223/5.56 AR15 – affordable fun-to-shoot reliable
Ruger LCP .380acp – meh…it’s a Ruger but they sell and disappear in your pocket
Marlin/Winchester Lever Action rifle – does any deer hunter not own one?
Smith and Wesson Snub Nosed – a thing of beauty
Glock 23 – why not .40 caliber for same size as a G19? But be warned buy the Made in Austria version.
Since I’m limited to only five I’ll stop there.
I enjoy the comments as much, sometimes more, than the articles. Especially the ones by the grammer police (not a complete sentence) and other fanatics.
Let me say, I have to believe it comes down to personal choices. when I review my own choices I have 4 357s and 1 38 special (my carry gun) I have 2- 22 rifles and 3- 22cal hand guns along with 2-12 ga Mossberg and Remington, Cant say I own any guns that doesn’t have a purpose or I don’t like. Favorite gun to shoot Ruger mini 14.
They are selling guns guys. Take it easy. No harm done.
They are selling guns guys. Take it easy. No harm done.
I have been in law enforcement since 1975 both local and federal started with model 66 s.w. but now and for quite a while i carry a glock 19 more rounds and very accurate.
1911?.. Colt or Kimber
Shotgun ? Remington 870 or 1100
AR15 ? who can tell the difference anyway?
This is just the author,s “look what i got” list!
Seems like this person is getting paid to choose certain guns. They are very high on Glock and Smith. I think these are all good weapons and I do have some of them. Just wondering why there are no revolvers. To me these are the best shooting and handeling guns around. What about Ruger? As far as AR’S go I think Sig Sauer makes one of the best around and coming up with more all the time.
I couldn’t finish the article because Mr. Epstein committed an unforgivable sin in one sentence:
“Created by the most influential firearms designer of all time, the 1911 was and is one of John Bowning’s greatest handgun designs.”
I’m glad he recognized the genius of the 1911’s creator, but to then misspell his name??? Dam that’s like me writing that I go to church because I’m a follower of Jesus Crist.
Mr. Epstein, I say to you, there is a huge difference between running one’s spell check feature and actual proof reading. You claim to be a journalist, you should know this!!!
Who could forget John Bowning? John Bowning invented the far less successful 1912 pistol…
Well everyone is entiled to thier opinion,the author say’s times have changed and so have the gun’s! Sadly to me this is true and his list does cover part (NOT ALL) of America Today I’d say from what I see now as compaired to my good old days that are long gone his list is probably pretty close for most city dwellers who keep saying hunting has nothing to do with the 2nd. A. which I disagree with but that’s another story. I know alot of city folk who have been brain washed to the think the mighty glock is the best thing ever and I’ve asked them all how it is better than thier other guns,most answer oh thats my first or only gun but the salesman said this is what I should have and a few say they seen it in a movie and they are badass! The AR’s are owned by alot (not all) people who love the term tacticle or para miltary style and thats fine if thats what you like but THIS American has no glocks or AR’s I grew up hunting, fishing ,trapping, ect. and revolvers,Rem.870&1100 (my old&first a winchester 410 pump)shotguns ,single shot 22 rifles,and higher caliber rifles with 3 round magazines are what I love but I do have a few 22 semi auto pistols and rifles all have been used for target shooting,hunting,plinking.Thats what has alway’s defined My America,yes his list probably covers alot of America Today but not all and certainly not me,we all have our list’s we are entiled ours and the author entiled to his!
Ssgt Mas should have written the article. His list is spot on except that I would rather have a .308 (Colt LE901 of course!) instead of a 10/22.
These weapons must represent your largest advertizers? In general i agree a 1911 and a Remington 700 are basics. After that i have no clue where you were headed or thinking
Tom
What are people smoking? Geez wiz, if only half common sense, the list would be full common sense. Yup.
You expected “Jacob Epstein” to write an article on guns that define America? Maybe this article could be more aptly titled “The Guns That a Guy Living in NYC WISHES He Could Own?
Here’s what real Americans would actually pick:
1. Colt 1911
2. M4 Carbine/M16 and civy versions
3. Colt Peacemaker
4. Rem 870
5. Ruger 10/22
I’m confused. Are you implying Jacob’s a New Yorker?
So, you put Epstein in quotes as if to suggest he knows nothing about America because he’s a Jew and suspected New Yorker? Before you deny the implied anti semitism you put it in quotes. Considering some of the vieled racist comments posted in other articles here that sort of bigotry doesn’t suprise me. The gun culture will not survive if the only acceptable gunowner are middle age white guys from the south or west. That sort of attitude turns off women, minorities and non christians curious about guns. America is constantly changing, gun culture better adapt.
Ian, the only difference between you and MSSgt. Mas, is you didn’t put middle age white guys from the south and west in quotes. Your cute little reply sounds pretty bigoted to me.
thats a little off, must of taken the survey in New York.
Ummmmm. I think these are all good modern examples. Maybe a better title would be”Five guns most comonly found in american homes”? I think a few could be added to the “defining” of america though like the classic colt .45 or the M1 grand? Or the 357 henry. Dont get me wrong you guys hit some important nails but the board just aint stickin yet.
In his defense…those are guns that currently define america. Mayne if the articles title was that ” built” America everyone would be corect. But it’s 2014. Not 1897
Actually 2015 , but your comment is correct.
Steve, please explain how “these are guns that currently define America.” I don’t have a clue as to what that means … when referring to the five guns listed ….
this list is horrible. Whoever wrote this article deserves a shovel slap to the face. You are an idiot sir. Don’t write ever again.
I second that!!!! Whoever wrote this article doesn’t know a damn thing about “Guns that define America”. How pathetic…..
Willy: your motion is seconded.
You have a second, all have said AYE! …. motion is carried.
mossberg 500 over a Remington 870???
A Remington 870 over a Winchester 97 or Model 12?
I have a 100 year old 97 and it still feeds better than my 30 year old 870, always did.
But you are right the 870 would be far ahead of the Mossy, any Mossy.
Some good choices here: the 1911 and the AR-15 platform to be sure. An Austrian gun does not define America, despite being a popular and very functional 9mm auto. You would have been better served to break this list down by category of gun: Pistols, Shotguns, Rifles, Revolvers and historical/iconic weapons like the SAA that one of the other commenters mentioned. My top 3-5 lists in each category:
Rifles: Ruger Mini-14, Ruger 10/22, Winchester Model 70, Remington 700, Ruger M77, AR-15 (Pick your manufacturer)
Pistols: 1911, Browning Hi-Power, S&W Model 59/459 family
Shotguns: Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Remington 1100
Revolvers: Colt Python, S&W Model 19, S&W Model 29, Ruger Blackhawk/Improved Blackhawk
Iconic/Historical: Colt SAA, 1911, Ruger No 1, Winchester Model 94, Marlin 336, M1 Garand, Springfield 03/M1917 Enfield
1. The Colt Peacemaker.
2. The Winchester ’94
3.. The M1 Garand
4. The 1911
5. The Tommy Gun
6. The M14
7. The M16
100% correct. What a misguided article.
Not a single revolver on the list.
Or a married one either!
Wow! How could you leave out the 44 magnum?
Or the .357 ?
Or the 870
I’m in shock. This is the worst list that ” defines ” America. No Winchester lever gun, really ? A Glock 19 over the Beretta 92F which our military chose and law enforcement ? For a 1911 its a Springfield Armory and not a Colt ? Please !!
Brian you hit the nail on the head.
Amen to Brian and Lee. This is a comedic parody of what 99.9% of American gun owners would put on such a list. 50 years of gun ownership, and somehow I have resisted the temptation of Glock ownership.
Then you are ignorant. And Arrogant. Oh the Anti-Glock Crowd. They are legion! So proud that THEY do not own a Glock! Imbecilic! The Venerable Glock is indeed the ICONIC example of what a handgun is in the minds of people all over the World, including America. When someone says “Gun” (especially handgun), I guarantee that the majority of people picture a Glock, most likely either a Glock 19 or a Glock 17. Most of the rest will “picture” some type of 1911. And whoever is left over will picture some type of revolver (most likely either a 2″ Snubbie “Dectective Special” or an old police 6″ revolver). Now I’m not talking about just “gun people”. I’m talking about everyone. Before the 80s when the Glock came on the scene, the 1911 and the revolver would probably pop into mind at close to a 50/50 ratio. But, not these days. The “classic” look of a Glock IS the definition of what a handgun looks like these days. you can hate them or love them. But, these days, it is extremely difficult to IGNORE them.
Arrogance personified by Northman.
Difference of preferences that disagree with you and then a rant that makes you really look ignorant…..
I don’t dislike Glocks, just don’t fit my hands.
Lets compare the number of 1911’s to the number of the glocks and compare their history.
Don’t have one but again, not a good fit.
Arrogance personified by Northman.
Dissing people as ignorant because they feel the list is wrong?
Not even a typical Glock owner, pure arrogance and short sightedness.
Wonder why people act like that…..
Difference of preferences that disagree with you and then a rant that makes you really look ignorant…..
I don’t dislike Glocks, just don’t fit my hands.
Lets compare the number of 1911’s to the number of the glocks and compare their history.
Don’t have a 19111 but again, not a good fit.
Really need to ease up there Northstar…you’re about at the point you need to start reading questions 11.e and 11.f of the ATF 4473 and think about marking them “Yes”
I’ll keep my Kimbers any day . Yes they are pricy but so is a Mercedes to a Volkswagen .
I am with you Ed. I have a Kimber Tactial Pro Carry II and a Glock 30 sf. I just happen to like these pistols. But because I like them and someone else does not, shows (what ever a nice word for Arrogant) person likes something else. SO WHAT. Why waste a post and make yourself look like an ass, because if everyone does not like what you do, we are ignorant. Did you vote Liberal? Your using their logic. Lighten up Dude. We all love, what we like, as if they were our family. This being said, you have offended me putting down what I like. You have shamed my Father, My Family, and the Shaman Temple, for this you mu
st be punished….smile
I could not agree more. Good comment Brian
LIVIO
I would have to add the revolver as typically American, above and way beyond the Glock, I prefer the K frame Smiths, but one could argue the merits of the 1873 Colt Peacemaker. Which firearm is more tied to America, than the SAA?