Whats the MINIMUM number of guns one should own?

[GardoneVT]

I got asked that question by a pal of mine, and I didnt have a good answer to it. One plainly isn't enough in case it's used defensively and impounded temporarily ,or suffers a mechanical problem, but two seems awfully low of a number. Then again, I like guns, and the woman asking was speaking in terms of practical merit.

The question gets even more nuanced if we consider one shotgun, one pistol, one centerfire rifle: that makes three and we haven't considered spares yet.

What say the experts here:

[LittleLebowski]

One that you're proficient with.

[Totem Polar]

Zero if you're a fool, as many as you want and can afford if you're not.

[breakingtime91]

One that you're proficient with.

Truth , while not ideal I would be perfectly fine with one pistol and one semi auto rifle for the rest of my days

[orionz06]

42 is the answer.

[Dan_S]

In my experience of using guns as tools, and not just toys, two guns are sufficient.

A long gun (my preference being a bolt gun in .243, as it met my needs) and a handgun (a Glock 19 worked for me at the time) were more than sufficient.

While I like having more than that (a semi-auto long gun with a detachable mag *is* handy at times) I got by just fine, and used them in a capacity other than just toys.

[DocGKR]

For defensive purposes three of each (one for daily carry/defense, one for training, one spare), so 3 identical handguns and 3 identical long guns. Others as needed for your situation.

For sport, target, hunting use--whatever you need and desire.

[TORCH2J]

Eight.

2 identical semi-auto rifles,
2 identical handguns
2 identical shotguns
2 identical distance rifles

[YVK]

GJM is a person whose opinion on this particular matter I would value the most.

[MGW]

It seems to always be one more than I currently own.