I think the most versatile weapon is the 12ga and my 870 is a good one. I also like the Ruger Mark II .22 pistol. It's lite weight and compact size makes it easy to carry. The .22s ammo is a joy to carry compared to most and it gets the job done in my area. If silent is necessary, I've always got my longbow along, which, when combined with a quiver of 2 dozen arrows with broadheads and ace blunts, weighs in at not quite 4 pounds and if push comes to shove, I can manufacture more ammo for the bow in the wild.