Standardizing calibers for handgun/rifle/shotgun per Mel Tappan

[DisasterGuy]

About 40 years ago, True Magazine had a survival expert named Mel Tappan.

Mel advised that instead of having multiple guns in multiple calibers, it was smarter to have one caliber for all the handguns, another caliber for all the rifles, and another gauge for all the shotguns. That way, all the handgun ammunition would fit all the handguns, all the rifle ammunition would fit all the rifles, and all the shotgun ammunition would fit all the shotguns.

For example, take handguns. Decide on either 9mm Parabellum OR .357 Magnum. The 9mm handguns will likely be automatic pistols, ranging from Lugers to Glocks. The .357 Magnum handguns will likely be revolvers, ranging from Rugers to Colts. The .357 handguns can also shoot .38 Special ammunition. We could discuss many advantages, disadvantages, performance, etc. But the KEY is that by choosing only ONE caliber for all our handguns, the ammo would fit all of them.

Take rifles. The NATO 7.62 round was the standard for years, and it's a good 30 caliber round. Or, take the 5.56 round, current used by the U.S. Military. Or, go back in time and get a .30-06 round. Again, the KEY is that you choose only ONE caliber for all your rifles. Your ammo fits all of them.

Consider shotguns. A 12-gauge shotgun that can shoot a 2-3/4" or 3" long shotgun shell will put food on your table. With slugs, you can hunt deer. A .410 will kill small game, but the ammunition costs just about as much as 12 gauge. The KEY is that you choose one gauge for your shotguns, whether it is 12-gauge, 16-gauge, or .410. Your ammo fits them all.

There's been a discussion on how much ammo to store. If you have 5 rifles, all in different calibers, and 3 handguns, all in different calibers -- your ammunition storage can be very complicated. A .38 Special round and a .38 S&W round are both .38 caliber, but they won't shoot in the same handgun. However, if ALL your handguns used the .38 Special round, there wouldn't be a problem with ammunition interchangeability.

One question is what to do with rifles that have odd calibers. Let me suggest you swap them for rifles with the caliber you want. Once you choose a standard caliber, stick with it:
Handgun: 9mm Parabellum (would also work in your Uzi!)
Rifle: 7.62mm or .308 Winchester (same size, different name)
Shotgun: 12-gauge, 3"-long shotgun shell

Of course, these suggestions are just for purposes of example. It does sound like a good way to save a LOT of money on ammunition, doesn't it?

[Kelly Alwood]

Not all bad, but I have some thoughts on this: First, only one caliber for each will not do the job. One caliber for rifle. Are you using it for hunting, CQB, sniping long range, or small game hunting? The same caliber will not be the best choice for your multiple needs. Two, if you only have one caliber (the one you like and pick), then you have to stock up all of the ammunition that you think you will ever need. If you have three handguns (or rifles) in the most popular calibers, then you will always be able to find someone who has it. I am all for streamlining, but you must have the right tool for the right job. If this was not so, there would only be one caliber offered in each of the three categories here. We are very specific when picking a vehicle. Not all of us need a semi. Not all of us drive a BMW. Some need minivans and some PU trucks, and some SUV's. Always pick the right tool for the job. Always develope the skills for the job, or the tools will not matter.