As fun as the "choose just one" question is, the right answer is multiple weapons. I have a hacksaw for metal, a table saw for large flat stock, a skill saw for cutting 2X4 and quick work, a Miter saw for doing angles and belvel cuts, a jigsaw for cutting curves and holes, a saws-all for those god forsaken obs the other saws won't work on etc etc.
These are all Saws. Why would anyone need so many saws? Because they do different jobs.
I agree if you are going to own one and only one firearm, you want a .22, its the skillsaw of the bunch. However, you will not get the precision cuts, nor the fancy curves available with other choices. I would hate to hunt foul with a 22. You need a long barrel shotgun. I would hate to use the .22 wandering around the house with a potential intruder- for that I want a pistol or a short barrel shotgun. For Deer and elk you want/need a high powered rifle. So on and so forth. Pick the right tool for the job. If you have multiple jobs you will and should buy multiple tools.