7 Firearms Every Homesteader Should Know How to Use

Living off the land isn’t just about growing your own food and chopping firewood. When you’re far from town, you’re also your own first responder—whether it’s predators in the chicken coop or meat for the freezer. That’s where the right firearms come in. These seven aren’t just for defense or hunting—they’re tools, plain and simple. If you’re building a self-reliant lifestyle, these are the ones you’ll want to know your way around.

12-Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun

If you’re only going to have one gun on the homestead, make it a 12-gauge pump. It’s great for everything from clearing out pests to putting food on the table. You can load it with buckshot, birdshot, or slugs depending on what the job calls for.

They’re simple to run, easy to clean, and parts are everywhere. Whether it’s a fox sniffing around your ducks or a turkey in your field, a 12-gauge has you covered. And if things ever go sideways, it’s more than capable for home defense too.

.22 LR Rifle

Every homesteader needs a .22. It’s the go-to for small game, pest control, and even teaching someone new how to shoot. Cheap ammo, low recoil, and quiet—there’s really no downside to having one (or two).

A good bolt-action or semi-auto .22 will see a ton of use, whether you’re knocking down squirrels in the garden or taking out a raccoon in the feed shed. Plus, it’s just plain fun to shoot and practice with.

AR-15 (or Similar Semi-Auto Rifle)

You don’t need to be tactical to appreciate what a lightweight semi-auto rifle can do on the homestead. The AR-15 in .223 or 5.56 is great for predator control, property defense, and varmints like coyotes or groundhogs.

It’s accurate, easy to shoot, and has endless upgrade potential. Whether you’re running iron sights or an optic, having a rifle that can shoot fast and stay on target is just smart when you’re working land that’s far from neighbors.

.308 Winchester Rifle

For big game or longer shots, a .308 bolt-action rifle earns its keep. Whether you’ve got deer wandering into the garden or you’re putting meat in the freezer, this caliber does the job cleanly and reliably.

A scoped .308 can double as your hunting and security rifle. It’s more punch than you need for most varmints, but when you’re after something bigger—or need to reach out past a couple hundred yards—you’ll be glad you have it.

Lever-Action Rifle in .30-30

The .30-30 lever gun has been riding in truck racks and saddle scabbards for generations, and it still holds up. It’s a solid mid-range hunting rifle that’s quick to shoulder and easy to maneuver in the woods.

Great for brush hunting or taking care of business around the property, a lever gun in .30-30 gives you decent power without too much recoil. It’s also just one of those firearms that feels right at home on a rural property.

Revolver in .357 Magnum

A .357 revolver gives you the flexibility of shooting full magnum loads or lighter .38 Specials. That makes it a good fit for both defense and basic shooting tasks around the property.

You don’t have to worry about feeding issues or jams with a revolver. Just load it, close the cylinder, and it’s ready to go. Handy as a sidearm when walking the property or for tossing in a tractor toolbox.

9mm Semi-Auto Pistol

There’s nothing wrong with keeping a reliable 9mm on hand. It’s simple to shoot, easy to reload, and useful in a pinch. Whether you’re answering a knock at the gate or just want something compact and capable, a good 9mm checks the box.

Plenty of affordable and dependable options out there—from Glock and Smith & Wesson to Ruger and SIG. Keep it in the house or carry it on your belt; either way, it’s good peace of mind.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.