Are they just fun toys and hunting tools to you, or are they meant for defense or something else?

All three for me.

I have a 20 gauge shotgun. I use it for hunting -- Quail and Duck. Very tasty.

I have a .22 Rifle. It's mostly for entertainment. Sometimes it's for Rabbit. Also a great shit-hits-the-fan preparedness kind of weapon -- Simple and reliable (especially as a bolt-action), lightweight, and the ammo is cheap.

I have a pistol. Its main purpose is defense. Not necessarily just home defense, though. I spend quite a of time out in the middle of nowhere camping, often in areas frequented by immigrants and smugglers. I don't expect to ever have a negative encounter or anything, but it's nice to know it's available. Speak Softly/Big Stick kinda thing. Plus the whole dangerous animals thing.

What are your favorites and why?

I adore my .22 Rifle. Savage Mark II with a bull barrel and a Vortex 2-7x35 scope. Dime-sized groupings at 60 yards is just too much fun. Plinking and chasing golf balls around is a good one, too. I don't really care about the firepower. I think it's the accuracy. For some reason I find it very satisfying.