A non-gun example: A hacksaw will cut through a bolt, but it’s slow. An angle-cutter can slice off a bolt in seconds. But, an angle cutter won’t fit between my tractor’s cylinder head and the frame. The hacksaw is THE tool for that job, even if it’s slower and not as sexy.

Someone else said something like “a hit with a .22 is better than ten misses with a .45” Sure, hit-for-hit, the .45 has more stopping power, but not everyone can deliver the .45. That’s why I got my wife Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite (9mm). With less recoil, she can deliver a second or third shot with sufficient accuracy. Three hits with a “lite” 9 are better than misses with a .45.

Also to keep in mind is your expected operations theater. Around here (old forest), you’d be hard-pressed to ever get a hundred yard shot at a bad guy. Far more likely, he’ll be very close. As such, a perfectly-scoped .308 sniper rifle with bi-pod won’t get a lot of use.

Examine where and how you’ll have to use the tools. Fit the specs to the job, not the ego. And, as with hand tools, no one tool will do it all. Better to think toolbox than single multi-tool.

— Mic