The Ruger 10-22 has to be one of the most upgradeable rifles
in all creation.  Every kids first .22 rifle, the Ruger is a timeless
classic.  An excellent learning tool, and a fun plinker.  Could use
a steel receiver, to increase durability.  Weak point at
barrel-receiver interface needs to be remedied.

This is the world famous AK-47...
it fires a 7.62 x 39 round.  It is much weaker than
the 7.62 NATO or .308 round used in good old
American guns like the M-60 or the AR-10
or most Sniper rifles like the HK PSG-1
World renowned for it's reliability it is nonetheless
highly inaccurate without refinement, and lacks
sufficient range.

This is the newest version of the Army's M-16. The M-4
It fires a 5.56mm or .223 cal round.  Though lacking in
bullet mass this round is capable of very long range and
extreme accuracy.  The rifle itself is a true selective fire
weapon, capable of semi, or full automatic modes as well
as the three round burst of its parent rifle, the M16A2.
This rifle has also been shortened considerably, adding
portability and light weight to an already light system without
significant loss in range or accuracy.

This is a specialty long range rifle in .50BMG.  Used as a sniper rifle
it is capable of taking out a target at nearly two kilometers away!
The .50 BMG round is unsurpassed in long range power and
accuracy.  Nothing but an anti tank missile is more effective in
reaching out to "touch" someone.  The downside to this platform is
the enormous size and weight of the rifle and the ammo itself, not
to mention the blast and "kick" of the thing.  Hearing and eye
protection required.  You will see the face of God!

This is one of the fastest firing rifles ever invented.  The SAR 180. Originally
designed to fire 180 rounds of .22LR in the blink of an eye, it can
easily cut through a bullet proof vest in a matter of seconds.  The
.22 LR round is one of  the most anemic commercially available,
however it is also the cheapest, the smallest and the most
controllable.  Accuracy is attained through volume and thus it is
"accurate" to about 100 meters

Pistols...

This is my personal favorite, the HK USP Compact.
This one is chambered for the .40 SW caliber, or a
short 10 mm.  Often called the .40 short and wimpy
it holds its own and often surpasses the performance
of both the 9 mm and the .45ACP in terms of range,
intrinsic accuracy, and power.  This particular pistol
is fitted with a polygonal rifled barrel, and is one of
the most reliable and durable  pistols on the market.
The downside to this design is it's inefficient size to
power ratio, and its high cost.  Worth every penny.

For size to power ratio, you can't beat the KelTec P11
9 mm. The KelTec is everything the HK USP is not.  It is
very inexpensive, small, and size efficient.  The perfect
defense gun. It's harsh trigger and it's lively kick lead to
a serious lack of accuracy beyond 15 feet or so.  This
pistol can be controlled, albeit with a lot of patience, to
produce reasonable accuracy.  Must fire before investing.

The Kahr K9 struck me as finicky & unreliable.  The kiss of death.
Glock 26 was controllable, though accurate it  produced a light
    firing pin strike three times in twenty rounds.  Although this specimen was
    a filthy rental, a pistol must be above all, reliable.
Sig P239 a very small and flat 9 mm, also avail. in .40 and .357 SIG
    Very accurate, despite it's compact size.  Reliable and beautiful it
    Should make it's owner very proud.

The .45ACP Glock 30.  Perhaps the best Glock has ever done
in developing the perfect carry weapon.  Accurate, reliable,
powerful, controllable, and extremely size efficient.  The only
thing that could improve on this design is an offering in
.45 super.  (a cartridge with the same dimensions as the .45ACP
but with a serious increase in velocity).  Add this to my dream list.

Smith and Wesson Model 629 PowerPortTM Classic.
.44 magnum DA revolver.  Power and Reliability, not to
mention the intimidation factor.  This ported (controllable)
.44 magnum is perfect for controlling pests such as bears,
and mountain lions, oh yeah, and the two legged type.
The only improvement I would make is a larger cylinder,
allowing for the world's first 7 shot .44 magnum, a 10 inch
barrel, oh and a silver holo(type) site.  Add this to my
dream list too.