7 Best Do It All Guns: When Versatility Is Priority
Firearms are often made for a specific purpose. It can be tough to find multiple uses for a single-barrel shotgun. Purpose-built firearms usually excel at their task, but sometimes, you want a gun that can do it all. Is there such a thing?
Admittedly no. You can’t make a weapon that can hit targets at 1000 yards and also be a concealed carry weapon. However, there are firearms that can take a more versatile role in their world. We say do it all guns in this context, we aren’t being super literal.
We are talking about guns that offer a greater degree of versatility than other weapons. Who doesn’t love a weapon that can be used to hit targets near and far, or a gun that can use multiple ammo types, or maybe even a weapon that excels at both self-defense and hunting? That’s what we mean by do-it-all guns.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best do-it-all guns currently on the market. We kept it isolated to current production firearms and didn’t include anything that’s too tough to find on the market.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Do It All Guns
Best Do It All Guns
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Spec Comparison of the Best Do It All Guns
Below is a table of the specifications for the best do it all guns.
| Gun | Weapon Type | Barrel Length (in) | Weight (oz) | Reticle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump action shotgun | 20 | 7.25 | 12 Gauge | |
| Semi-auto rifle | 13.7 | 8 | 5.56 NATO | |
| Semi-auto rifle | 16.5 | 7.9 | 5.56 NATO | |
| Lever action rifle | 16.5 | 5.75 | 44 or 357 Magnum | |
| Revolver | 2.5, 3, and 6.5 | 2.18 (3 in barrel) | 357 Magnum, 38 Special, 9mm, and 380 ACP | |
| Glock 20 | Semi-auto pistol | 4.61 | 1.91 | 10mm |
| Semi-auto rifle | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Best Do It All Guns
Here is our list for the best do it all guns:
Best Do It All Guns – Reviews
1 Mossberg 590S Optic Ready
Mossberg 590S Optic Ready
The 590S outfitted with a tradition stock, MLOK forend, and a 8 shot magazine tube.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Mossberg 590S Specs
- Weapon Type Pump action shotgun
- Barrel Length 20 in
- Weight 7.25 lbs
- Caliber 12 Gauge
Mossberg 590S Review
The Mossberg 590S is the tactical variant of the Mossberg 500 series. These are very robust pump-action shotguns that have been around for decades now. They are everywhere, tend to be quite affordable, and offer plenty of modern features. This includes two tube arms for reliable operation, an optics-ready receiver, and plenty of modern furniture and sighting options. The Mossberg 590S is one of the most affordable options on this list.
The Mossberg 590S and I don’t mean plural; I mean S, as in the moniker, is Mossberg’s premier pump action shotgun series. The S is the moniker Mossberg uses for their shotguns that have a special tongue in the gun to accommodate any length of shell. With the S model, you can reliably shoot shells ranging from 1.75 inches to 3-inches. Between those two numbers are plenty of shells, and plenty of shells offer you a number of benefits depending on their length.
Shotguns offer you a ton of versatility and are one of the best do-it-all guns. The 590S can be thrown into a home defense role. Load it up with buckshot, equip it with a red dot, and you’re good to go. It’s also a solid hunting weapon with buckshot, slugs, and birdshot. You can take anything from birds to bears, depending on your chosen load. The S models take this a step further with the ability to use all manner of shell lengths.
The downsides to the 590S will often relate to the weapon’s weight and length. It’s larger than most other defensive weapons, offers eight rounds in the magazine tube at most, and requires two hands to operate. There is certainly some training required to use the gun effectively, and if you can get serious with your use, the Mossberg 590S can be a very affordable, versatile, and powerful gun.
Mossberg 590S Pros and Cons
- Powerful
- Extremely versatile
- Compatible with most lengths of shotgun shells
- Requires two hands to operate
Mossberg 590S Deals
-
$479.99
-
$558.73
-
$582.99
-
$599.99
2 SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle
SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle
An AR-15 rifle with a 13.7 in barrel and a pinned and welled muzzle device.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value B
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle Specs
- Weapon Type Semi-auto rifle
- Barrel Length 13.7 in
- Weight 8 lbs
- Caliber 5.56 NATO
SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle Review
When it comes to do-it-all guns, it’s tough not to include the AR, but the question is, which AR? There are just so many great ones! With that in mind, Sons of Liberty Gun Works makes one of the best AR rifles on the market, but they do tend to be quite expensive. However, the Simple Jack carbine, designed in coordination with Ambrosia Terrebonne, aims to bring everything you need and nothing you don’t.
This rifle features a compact 13.7-inch barrel, but a fixed, pinned, and welded SOLGW NOX 9-hole keymo muzzle device. This brings the length to 16 inches and ensures this isn’t an SBR. That muzzle device makes attaching suppressors really easy and quick, which can make the rifle even more versatile. The SOLGW Simple jack is a 5.56 caliber rifle that comes outfitted from the factory in a very nice configuration.
This includes a lot of SOLGW gear, including the lowers, bolt carrier group, and charging handle. The Simple Jack features a mix of furniture with a Magpul handguard and B5 Bravo Stock on top of so much more. The gun comes with a front and rear sight and three mags, so it’s ready out of the box. Just add ammo and go.
Part of the AR’s versatility is its ability to use a multitude of optics, which can change the purpose of the gun and its capabilities. The Simple Jack allows you to set the gun up for any encounter.
This AR platform makes do it all status for its ability to effectively clear rooms with its lightweight, low-recoiling, and compact nature. At the same time, you can run out and hit targets at 300 yards without much effort or issue. The Simple Jack can be used to hunt medium-sized game and is a great defensive rifle option. It’s even well-suited for competition and more.
The price might be a bit high at $1,450 for some, but honestly, that’s a great price for a premium-tier AR rifle. It’s tough to beat a well-made AR at this price point. For SOLGW, it’s downright cheap. Plus, it’s not just the Simple Jack; it’s the Jack of All Trades.
SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle Pros and Cons
- Extremely reliable
- Low recoiling
- Super accurate
- Tough to find at times
SOLGW Simple Jack Rifle Deals
-
$1,299.99
3 IWI Tavor X95
IWI Tavor X95
The Tavor X95 has by far earned the Best Overall Bullpup Award. You can see below why we made that decision.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A+
- Value A
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 56 Reviews
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Tavor X95 Specs
- Weapon Type Semi-auto rifle
- Barrel Length 16.5 in
- Weight 7.9 lbs
- Caliber 5.56 NATO
Tavor X95 Review
Almost any semi-auto 5.56 caliber rifle can be used as a do-it-all rifle. With that in mind, there are plenty of options out there, but outside of the AR, what’s the next best option? The Tavor X95 takes that position, in my opinion. Unlike the AR, and unlike most other rifles, the Tavor X95 is a bullpup rifle. A bullpup places the action and magazine behind the trigger and drastically shortens the rifle while leaving it at 16 inches.
The Tavor X95 series is the Israeli service rifle of choice, and they’ve become quite popular in the United States. The X95 utilizes a long-stroke gas piston system of operation that’s extremely reliable and, in a bullpup, doesn’t have the traditional downsides of a standard long-stroke gas piston rifle. Tavor’s X95 series uses the standard AR magazine, which makes finding mags easy and cheap.
Just like the AR, the Tavor X95 series is perfectly suited for clearing rooms and taking shots out to 300 yards. In fact, the Tavor X95 is even better at clearing rooms because it’s uber-small due to its bullpup configuration. The Tavor X95 series does make it easy to accessorize, not quite to AR lengths, but enough to get the rifle right to you. Optics, lights, and all the other stuff is easy to mount and easy to use.
The Tavor does a great job of accommodating left-handed shooters by making left-handed use an option. The main downside is the same downside to any other bullpup: the trigger isn’t great. It can be cleaned up with some aftermarket options, but bullpup triggers are always tricky. The Tavor series is also fairly expensive for a rifle. Learning to use the gun can also take a little more effort, but it’s all about training.
Tavor X95 Pros and Cons
- Short and compact
- Modular
- Takes AR magazines
- Expensive
Tavor X95 Deals
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$1,749.00
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$1,859.99
4 Rossi R92 Triple Black
Rossi R92 Triple Black
A weather resistant lever action rifle with large lever loop and picatinny rail.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics B
- Accuracy A
- Value B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Rossi R92 Triple Black Specs
- Weapon Type Lever action rifle
- Barrel Length 16.5 in
- Weight 5.75 lbs
- Caliber 44 or 357 Magnum
Rossi R92 Triple Black Review
The Rossi R92 is a clone of the famed Winchester 1892 and follows in the American legacy of the lever gun. A lever gun uses a manual lever that is pressed downward and then pulled back upward. This lever motion extracts and ejects the spent cartridge, re-cocks the hammer, and on the forward movement, it picks up the next round and readies the weapon to fire. The R92 series comes in a number of different calibers, and I’d choose the .357 Magnum, but I could also see an argument for the .44 Magnum.
The .357 Magnum can shoot .38 Special, which is quite common. While the .44 Magnum can shoot .44 Special, the .44 Special isn’t that popular or common these days. The R92’s lever action design makes it inherently reliable. It does not rely on any gas operation, pistons, or box magazines. The gun isn’t maintenance heavy and can eat everything from hot and heavy .357 Magnum to the lightest loaded .38 Special, including rat shot loads without much complaint.
The Tripple Black model is the ‘tactical’ model, for lack of a better term. It’s all black, optics-ready, and features a big loop lever with a bit of cordage to protect your hands. The barrel is threaded and could be a perfect option to mount a suppressor or other muzzle device. The barrel is a short and sweet 16 inches. One of the big benefits of this platform is the fact it weighs less than six pounds.
In either .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum, you have a man-stopping rifle that’s still pretty fast-firing for self-defense purposes. The recoil is light in a rifle, especially with .357 Magnum rounds. The gun holds eight rounds, which isn’t a ton, but a side-loading gate makes it easy to top off, much like a shotgun. Either of these calibers can take medium game within 100 yards or so.
Manual action is a strength, but it is also a downside. You can’t operate the R92 with a single hand. The gun also doesn’t give you a ton of capacity. However, that manual action ensures it’s legal practically anywhere and won’t be affected by a state-level assault weapon ban.
Rossi R92 Triple Black Pros and Cons
- Legal everywhere
- Lightweight
- Super reliable
- No one handed use
- Low capacity
Rossi R92 Triple Black Deals
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$725.98
-
$759.99
-
$825.39
-
$849.99
5 Taurus 692
Taurus 692
A multi caliber revolver with 7 round capacity.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Taurus 692 Specs
- Weapon Type Revolver
- Barrel Length 2.5, 3, and 6.5 in
- Weight 2.18 lbs (3 in barrel)
- Caliber 357 Magnum, 38 Special, 9mm, and 380 ACP
Taurus 692 Review
Revolvers are a bit like lever guns. While the design is older, it’s still a competent choice. They are rarely banned anywhere, and they do offer a bit simpler design where the shooter isn’t concerned with additional magazines or the power of a particular load of ammo. As long as the trigger works, the gun works. The Taurus 692 does take a modern edge on an old concept.
The 692 is a seven-shot revolver with either a 2.5, a 3, or 6.5-inch barrel. Personally, I’d go with the three-inch for the widest variety of purposes. I also find three inches to work best with .357 Magnum rounds. The top of all of these barrels is ported to reduce muzzle rise. It’s a medium-frame revolver that could be concealed with the right holster.
The trick behind the 692 that makes it a do-it-all gun is the ability to easily change the cylinder and caliber. The Taurus 692 comes with both a cylinder cut for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, but also a 9mm cylinder. That 9mm cylinder can be mated to TK Custom Moon clips to allow the gun to fire .380 ammunition. This gives you four calibers in one, and each has its own particular purpose.
With 9mm, you have a source of affordable and effective self-defense ammunition. You can train on the cheap to become a competent shooter and have access to very capable defensive ammo. While .38 Special and .357 Magnum are also proven fighting firearm cartridges, they do tend to be a bit more expensive. The mighty .357 Magnum can be a great choice for close-range, medium-game hunting and obviously be a dual-use weapon for self-defense.
Having four calibers allows you to have tons of options with one gun. Pick up a few of those TK Custom moon clips, and you’ll be on your way regardless of what the ammo situation looks like.
Taurus 692 Pros and Cons
- Can shoot 4 calibers
- Ported barrel
- Seven shot cylinder
- Hard to find
Taurus 692 Deals
-
$602.99
-
$732.99
6 Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS
Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS
The latest update of the pistol that’s been revolutionizing the world since the late ’80s and bringing the 10mm into mainstream
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 13 Reviews
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Glock 20 Specs
- Weapon Type Semi-auto pistol
- Barrel Length 4.61 in
- Weight 1.91 lbs
- Caliber 10mm
Glock 20 Review
When it comes to semi-auto handguns, you’re limited to some pretty tame calibers. It’s tough to make a magnum handgun work. While semi-auto handguns exist that utilize .357 Magnum and even larger calibers, they tend to be unwieldy and tough to carry and even tougher to conceal. One exception to that rule is the 10mm automatic, and the best option for a modern 10mm belongs to the Glock 20.
The Glock 20 takes all of Glock’s positive traits and applies them to the 10mm. This includes the double-stack magazine design, which gives you 15 rounds of the powerful 10mm cartridge. We get Glock’s renowned durability and reliability, as well as an open market for holsters, accessories, and more.
The 10mm cartridge rivals the .357 Magnum and can even reach the lower levels of .41 Magnum. For close-range medium-game hunting, it can get it done. Of course, the purpose of the cartridge was gun fighting and self-defense, and it’s quite effective in that realm as well. The key to the 10 mm’s versatility is the wide variety of loads available for it. Many are light loads that minimize recoil, while others are a bit stiff and maximize power. There is something for nearly every role.
The Glock 20 can be converted to several calibers by swapping the barrel. This includes 40 S&W, .357 SIG, and even odd calibers like .50GI. In the past, 9mm conversions have been available, but reliable feeding through the magazines has been an issue. Still, being able to convert the gun to several calibers can be beneficial to doing it all. The main problem you might run into with the Glock 20 is size.
A double stack 10mm is a big magazine fit into a big grip. This makes it a bit much for the hands. This can make life a little tough for those with small hands.
Although it’s still a handgun, it can be concealed without much trouble. Get a good holster and a good belt, and you’ll be on your way.
Glock 20 Pros and Cons
- Powerful
- 15 rounds on tap
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Thick grip
Glock 20 Deals
-
$559.00
-
$620.00
-
$620.00
-
$620.00
7 PWS UXR
PWS UXR
A highly modular rifle with AR-15 ergonomics, but a different operating system.
- Shootability A
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value C
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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PWS UXR Specs
- Weapon Type Semi-auto rifle
- Barrel Length Varies
- Weight Varies
- Caliber Varies
PWS UXR Review
My last spot is usually my editor’s pick or my wildcard, and I argued with myself about putting on the brand-new PWS UXR. Still, it’s tough not to argue the potential the gun has to be a do-it-all rifle. The Primary Weapon Systems UXR is designed to take modularity to the next level. The PWS UXR is a semi-automatic, long-stroke gas piston gun that is unlike any other weapon I’ve seen.
The rifle may initially come in a standard 5.56 caliber design, but it can be stripped down and, taken apart and put back together in a ton of different calibers. The end user can easily remove the barrel with a single wrench. They can then remove the upper form from the lower and then separate the mag well from the lower. This allows you to swap between basic calibers like 5.56 and .300 Blackout, but you can also swap from 5.56 to .308 or to 8.6 Blackout.
You can convert a home defense rifle in 5.56 or .300 Blackout to a long-range hunting rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s easily done and doesn’t require a ton of effort or work to do so. The PWS UXR might be the most modular rifle on the planet and will certainly be one of the best do-it-all rifles. It’s brand new, and admittedly, PWS has promised a lot, and if they deliver, the rifle will be legendary.
The PWS UXR utilizes a proven and reliable gas system and is surprisingly lightweight. As you’d imagine, the gun is optics and accessory-ready. Users will also be able to change barrel lengths, which allows those who want an SBR to have an SBR. The downside is the $2,500 dollar price point, which is a tough sale for a lot of shooters, including your humble author.
PWS UXR Pros and Cons
- Interchangeable calibers
- Modular design
- Modern ergonomics
- Expensive
- Still brand new
PWS UXR Deals
-
$2,650.00
Doing It All
It might be impossible to do it all, but some guns can get pretty close. A lot of firearms can offer you a high degree of versatility that opens up your options for the gun’s use. While plenty of us gun nuts like to have a whole collection of purpose-built firearms, there are plenty of people who just want a firearm that can tackle multiple tasks, and the above can get it done.
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About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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