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After the basic survival necessities of shelter, water, fire, and food have been satisfied, acquiring a firearm should be one of your highest priorities after the SHTF. In the event of a post-apocalyptic scenario, however, you may not be able to find one. For this reason, a good firearm is one of the most important things to acquire ahead of time.
Firearms can add an incredible amount of power to your inventory. With them, you have the ability to hunt, to defend yourself, and the leverage you might need in social scenarios to tip the balance of power in your favor.
In this article, we’ll cover the 9 best firearms to have after the SHTF: 3 rifles, 3 handguns, and 3 shotguns.
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Rifles
There are many dissenting opinions out there about which firearm is the most important, but taking into account weapon maintenance, ammo weight, and availability, and overall weapon functionality, the rifle is probably the most useful.
It can be used readily in any hunting or defensive scenario you may come across. These three rugged options will serve you well almost anywhere.
1. Ruger 10/22 Takedown
One of the best, most versatile firearms you can have in a survival scenario is the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. This long rifle is excellent for hunting small game. Its .22 ammunition is readily available and extremely lightweight, making it the obvious choice when you want to carry hundreds of rounds of ammunition at a time.
Generally speaking, the ammunition is also fairly cheap, making it easy to stockpile ahead of time. The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is semiautomatic with a 10-round magazine, meaning it’s ideal for situations where you need to fire more quickly than you could with a bolt-action rifle.
2. ArmaLite AR-15
The classic, ever-popular AR-15 makes this list due to its durability, ease of use, and availability. The AR-15 is common enough that you could easily find parts for it, and its design makes it one of the easiest to clean and take apart. There are dozens of AR-15 variants out there, and most of these are good options as well.
Make sure you have your AR-15 chambered in 5.56, which allows it to shoot both 5.56 rounds and .223 rounds. This gives you added versatility if you need to forage for ammunition at some point.
3. Mosin-Nagant
Your third rifle option should be something of a larger caliber–think in terms of being able to take down the biggest game in your area. The Russian-made Mosin-Nagant fires a 7.62×54 round, packing a punch that most big game won’t be likely to shrug off.
Another benefit to the Mosin-Nagant is that millions of them were made in the earlier years of the 20th century, making them easy to find and their ammunition fairly common. This firearm can even fill the role of sniper rifle should the need arise.
Handguns
Handguns give you the element of surprise and convenient protection. While you can hunt with handguns, you probably wouldn’t choose to unless it was your only option. With that in mind, here are some of the best pistol options you should try.
4. Glock 17
Perhaps the most useful handgun to have in preparation for the SHTF is the Glock 17. With a magazine capacity of 17 rounds, you also carry almost twice the amount of ammunition as some other handguns, which is useful since its 9mm round doesn’t have the highest stopping power out there.
This weapon is the most widely used handgun by law enforcement all around the world. Not only does this mean the weapon is extremely reliable, it also means it is readily available should you ever need replacement parts or extra ammunition.
5. Colt M1911
The 1911 is an all-around winner when it comes to pistols. With a slim profile that still has all the stopping power of a .45 round, this handgun is a good choice because of its durability and availability. A tried and true weapon since World War I, this handgun will serve you well as your personal sidearm in any survival situation.
6. Smith and Wesson 586
No good handgun list would be complete without a tried and true revolver. The Smith and Wesson 586 is one of the most reliable revolvers available. Extremely easy to load and to clean, the Smith and Wesson 586 is the perfect survivalist pistol. Its only disadvantage is its ammunition capacity (6 or 7 rounds).
However, the revolver more than makes up for this by being versatile. The Smith and Wesson 586 can fire both .357 and .38 special rounds, making finding ammunition for the weapon easier.
Shotguns
Last but certainly not least, the shotgun is an important part of the survival arsenal. Most game can be hunted with one, and nothing says “don’t mess with me” like a shotgun.
The only reason this list didn’t rank its value above that of the rifle’s is for the weight of its ammunition and its limited range. Still, for versatility, you can’t beat a good scattergun. Here are three great options when the SHTF.
7. Mossberg 500 12 Gauge
Easy to use and easy to maintain, the Mossberg 500 easily makes the top of the list for survival shotguns. While it is made in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore variants, the 12 gauge is the most popular and allows the most customization.
Its pump action allows you to deliver firepower quickly and effectively–sometimes defending yourself takes more than one shot.
8. H&R Single Shot 12 Gauge
While many people dislike single shot shotguns for their slowness both in hunting and self-defense, the H&R single shot 12 gauge is perfect because it is a platform of possibilities. You can use a wide variety of chamber adapters, which allows you to effectively scavenge and use almost any kind of ammunition that comes your way.
Whether you find shotgun shells, birdshot, slugs, or a multitude of rifle ammunition, the H&R single shot 12 gauge with chamber adapters can have you covered.
9. Chiappa X-Caliber
The Chiappa X-Caliber is the ultimate survival option, sporting the ability to shoot both 12 gauge shotgun shells and .22 rounds with its double trigger, over-under style. It includes eight adapters that allow it to shoot eight separate pistol calibers. This truly is the one-tool option of the firearms world, if such a thing exists.
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In regards to the AR-15, The best thing about it is that with one lower and several uppers, you can have a 9mm PCC, a short range heavy thumper in 450 Bushmaster, a long range tack driver with the 6.5 Grendel and everything in between
THANKS FOR THE INFO,,BEING A WOMAN I WANT TO GET A FEW GUNS, AND ALSO A SHOTGUN? WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? THANKS,
Try a 9mm carbine. If you use 115JHP +P ammo, you can have very effective gun, easy to shoot with low recoil and muzzle blast. The Hi Point carbine is very cheap and reliable and is what I use for inside the house.
Most definitely!! The Mossberg 500 can come as a kit, to include a 26″(I think), barrel, an 18″ barrel, a standard shoulder stock, and a pistol grip stock. Concerts from a full-size shotgun to a fairly concealable home defense or “truck gun”.. If the recoil of a 12 Guage is uncomfortable for you, it also comes in 20 and 410 gauges..In that case I’d go with a 20 Guage. The 20’s recoil is considerably less than a 12, but recoil between the 20 and 410 is hardly worth mentioning, even if you are of smaller stature. *Get some training and practice, especially with the pistol grip and 18″ barrel. It’s not designed to be shot “pistol style” nor “quick from the hip”.Unless you are an EXPERT at that level, it’s uncontrollable, and you are prone to self-injury (just watch some blooper reels regarding this).
JUST TO REINFORCE THE 10/22 IT ALONG WITH A 25 ROUND BANANA CLIP IS THE OPTIMUM WEAPON OF CHOICE. I CAN CARRY TWO BRICKS OF 22 AMMO IN MY FRONT POCKETS & TRUST ME I CAN WEAR OUT TARGETS @ 75 YARDS ALL DAY LONG!! GOOD LUCK & HAPPY HUNTING!! ;->
depending on your size/stature a 20 gauge may be better than a 12 gauge
At the police academy most of the ladies used Glocks. 9mm has less recoil that the 1911. We all used Remington 870 shotguns ( 12 gauge) You can get it in 20 gauge also.
if you use the 1911 in .45 consider also getting a marlin camp carbine in .45 it uses 1911 mags ( so you can even get 30 round mag) can be used with a folding stock and 18″ barrel provides better ballistics and good accurracy) easy to carry and quick to reload.and enough power at normal ranges.
The one thing most proper miss when it comes to the AR platform is its versatility, Swap out the upper and magazine(in some cases) and you have a whole different beast. From .22LR to .450 Bushmaster or 458 SOCOM and everything in between, including some reach out there rounds, like the 6.5 Grendel, 6 ARC. The platform can do quite a bit. Invest in a good trigger and good glass and you have a decent sniper platform, Go subsonic with a suppressor and you are quiet, go with the 22LR and you’re bagging lunch, go with the 458 and you’re stopping vehicles.
I carry a Glock in 40 more than 1 a Ruger gp 100 in 357 an 870 12 ga with a Kick Light stock 8 rounds, an AR 556 good for 500 yards and rem 700 270 .I reload and I have a huge amount of ammo stocked
Black Powder is worthless after first shot. Depending on what I feel like today I have hand gun carbines for every handgun and lots of ammo for each. Stay away from confrontation at costs.
you’re nuts if you “think” you wont need a silencer, night vision, night sights, passive IR scanner concealable armor and a solar charger. the 100 gr Corbon jhp makes the 9mm an acceptable manstopper, FAR superior to .45 ball ammo, for a fact. A gun for which you have no ammo is just a club. The is not one rd of AK ammo amongst the billions of rds of ammo in N guard and military arsenals. 223, 9mm and .22lr are the rounds to use. You want a micro 9mm in a front pants pocket and one spare mag, that’s all. Once the longarms come out, the pistol wont amount to a hoot. you can’t be firing noisy ammo, if it’s shtf, You’ll just be calling in your killers. You can’t be without rapidfire, either. So forget about bolt actions and singel shots. they are just jokes. You wont be firing enough centerfire ammo to bother with cleaning the guns. If you are, you are clueless and wont last a month. You have to stay underground during daylight hours.
balisong, most people can’t really afford all the high quality defensive and tech gear and as you describe, even good quality body armor with AR500 or better steel plates is expensive (avoid ceramic plates, waste of money), but then again, most people won’t be going out on any sort of tactical “missions” where tac gear is highly encouraged.
i think the chiappa is a lot of money…….better you buy a good quality single shot 12 gauge shotgun and buy SOME of the long shell adapters from Chiappa. I think each shell shrinker is $42…..at 6″ plus length they should provide enough spin to bullets to give decent accuracy….i know the little 3-4″ shell shrinkers sold by some companies…don’t impart enough spin to bullets and the accuracy is bad……..the chiappa system with 9-10 shell shrinkers is just too expensive and i don’t see the need to fir 32 caliber ammo thru my gun….best to just have maybe 9mm…..22lr….and what ever else caliber is common to your area….45 acp or 40 cal if thats what local cops carry…but no need to get the entire assortment of shell shrinkers…..
In case ypur wondering i have all available adapters in the 8″ and i can nail a 6″ gong out to 100yards with a H&Rs bead sight. 100yards out of anything with a handgun round is damn good in my book.
ruger mini 14 in a standard….non pistol grip stock…..the gun was designed by bill ruger to be like a military rifle…..that is it is easy to tear down in the field to clean….and even exchange parts if necessary…its short and when you take the barreled action off the stock(easy to do by pulling the trigger guard lever) it is two short pieces that can be carried in a pack…..nice way to bug out….all the mini 14s are chambered bfor both 223 and the nato round 5.56…EXCEPT the target versions…so this should make ammo easy to get…….comes in 5 10 20 30 round magazines……good sites easy to add a scope….lightweight rifle for people….small to medium size game…. the wooden stock( no pistol grip) its less menacing looking than the ar 15 which is the little black rifle most people think of as an assault rifle…..less likely the 14 will be banned than the ar15….
Having a variety Sub Gage Adapters for you single shot shotgun just might be useful someday.
I have a question. Not knowing but for hunting wouldn’t a Bow be better. No sound and a possibility to reuse your arrow.It would keep your location quiet. Just saying. Also wouldn’t it be a good idea if pistol and rifle were of the same caliber.
These are both great suggestions, thanks!
get or make a silencer and you’ll be WAY ahead. at any range that you can reliably hit a deer in the chest with an arrow, I can brain it with a silenced .22 conversion unit in a shorty 223 AR-15
How many guns do you plan on humping on the run?
I have a GOOD, QUALITY, AR-15, M4 version, in 5.56. I don’t like how complicated it would be to PROPERLY clean out in the field. But I am just NOT going to trust my life to a kids 10/22……
I have a S&W model 686 snubby. 7 shot, .38 & .357, with several speed loaders. Medium sized and powered bullets, both readily scavengeable.
And I have a S&W Governor. .410, .45ACP, & 45 Colt, with speed loaders in 45Colt.
Both revolvers are solid and ALL of my firearms fire multiple calibers.
And I would NEVER choose a shotgun to lug around, in a survival SHTF situation.
If you pack a 22 hollow point with wax and compare that to a round nose the results will be surprising. Shot bird with round nose….fell to ground. Shot bird with wax in hollow point….poof, nothing but feathers floated to the ground.
I would first say, you better think of NATO caliber weapons, first and foremost, especially if you don’t have a mountain of ammo stockpile. Reason: Here in the US, rather the US military are the good guys or the bad guys, their weapons and ammo are already HERE. Along with spare parts and magazines/etc. Being a former dealer in survival gear, plus a former Class III (Machine Gun) Dealer and a former Federal Police Officer (SWAT) the so called “survivalist/prepper ” tend to be some of the cheapest when they buy their weapons. Why someone trying to gear up for survival pick a SKS? Ok, the round it self is a good bush round, and at one time cheap, but the gun holds 10 rds., (original design) the ext. mag verison sucks, and now their was a embargo on the ammo coming into the country. Even the AK, unless this country is invaded and either Russia or China brings in their now out dated AK-47’s (not current issue weapon system), they will be no re-supplying your ammo stock or spare parts. It would be better to look at current Law Enforcement popular/common calibers and weapons. Or even World War II calibers like the 30-06. As far as re supply factors there too. My list would be: A AR 15, this weapon system will be encounted in the field, either by military or law enforcement forces, or civilians now days. There will be a lot of 5.56mm ammo out there too. 10/22…..with 30 rd mags for hunting, and at least keep people heads down while you reload your primary defense weapons, or to put the women or kids helping out in a firefight shooting while you reload. Maybe a M1/A or FN FAL/HK 91 for long range. Handgun wise……….any good 9mm hi cap. military grade, glock/sig/beretta/etc. Even a 1911. Just like any good carbine type weapon in either 9mm or .45ACP. Shotgun, you cant beat a Remington 870……..that’s why law enforcement uses them, as well as the military did.
As to the 870, the mossy 500/590 were also used by the military, that is what we were issued in the Navy. The AR is my top choice for number of reasons, availability of parts and ammo (5.56)but also because I can have several upper in different barrel lengths and different calibers while still using the same lower. This gives me a ton of options
I just wanna day in the article you say the ar15 shoots 556 and .223. They are the same round 556 is the nato round and .223 is the civilian round.
NOPE
the 5.56 and .223 are NOT the same round, 5.56 produces more pressure when fired so shooting 5.56 through a firearm designed for .223 will eventually result in overpressure failure, such as your gun blows out the breaching chamber within inches of your face and hand, which is not a good thing. I would prefer to obtain a firearm designed to fire 5.56 and know I can still use .223 if that was the only ammo available.
Spare parts? After SHTF you better already have parts no matter how popular. You WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE GUN SHOP!
Getting people to realize that calamity or civil revolution could thrust all of us into situations of total self-reliance in a hostile environment is laudable. Some of your suggestions, however, are not practical.
Historically, the 9mm round — a submunition — has been unsuccessful despite deployment of the M9 pistol. The .40 S&W has better ballistics for defense, as does the .45 ACP.
The AR-15 chambered for 5.56x45mm is a good short-range rifle, but the same rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm as short-range rifle has better lethality for defensive purposes. The same rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm is a better weapon, usable both for mid-range defense and for hunting. The Mosin–Nagant rifle is ubiquitous in Europe, perhaps, but in most of the United States, the parts will be very difficult to find as would the ammunition: suggesting to people that they should acquire the rifle is as impractical as it is inappropriate.
As for shotguns, the Mossberg 500 has been produced for more than 60 years and is an excellent choice. Other than perhaps the Remington 870, parts are likely to be very obtainable for the next century. Off-brand selections might be unique in some aspects but very difficult to maintain in a SHTF future.
For hunting & sniping my “Old Faithful” 1903A3 and it’s brother the 1903 scoped and in 30.06 are my choices. Of course the Garand is there for rapid fire if needed, also 30.06.
1. .308, Scoped, w/bipod
2.1911
3. AR15 .308
4. Shotgun, 12gauge 5-30 round
An AR15 in.308 is an AR10, not an AR15.
Handgun wise that why I have the S&W-686 in 3/4 inch barrels,yes I know 7-might not cut it an urban/suburban situation,as a high or actually standard capacity,9/40/45.but it’s my handgun choice,I love the AR design but not really a fan of the 556/223 cartridge(just me)I’m not to concerned about finding ammo-that means bugging out,I have a Maverick-88,and a M1A1-Scout.
This article was basically pretty decent except for the suggestion on using the ww2 Russian rifle as a sniper rifle. While it is a very hardyrifle that you can treat like crap and it will still come thru for you I would not like to have to depend on it for accuracy, saying that it is still a good rifle with a lot of take down power if you only have one shot.
The woman with her kids I would suggest that speed will be her most valuable asset purchase them I didn’t comeshe should leave as quick as she can before people realise just how bad it is then go nuts because we don’t have to have real zombies for there to be flesh eating mobs.Once the big cities run out of food all hell will break loose because most people around now haven’t gone a day without a meal. It won’t take them long to start feasting on the weak,vulnerable,and family pets. All our great millionaire leaders own huge estates in foreign counties with escape plans all drawn up.None of them have a real American bone in their bodies.
I’m with you on the Moisan recommendation because, it’s a gun that predates the first World War. Yes it’s popular with the Mil Surp club, but you never know what you’re getting. A buddy has one, and the bore is almost like a mirror. You can barely make out what’s left of the rifling. God only knows how many thousands of rounds it took to get like that..
Cost on Mil Surplus has gone up. Monsoons are close to $300. For a little more, you can get a Mossberg Patriot or Savage Axis in .308 or 30-06 and have a hell of a better rifle to shoot.
Honestly, this is the worst article ever written on this. 🙁
No it isn’t. You’re just trying to pirate this site’s readers to your own survival site.
Every one of those guns is great for it’s use. I would add an high powered air rifle to the list.
@tony: You are right. Any list like this is a judgement call, but I can tell based upon a lot of experience buying this kind of stuff, that this list is composed of the MOST COMMON, and cleverest selections, not every one was my personal choice (no Glock, no revolver, or Chiappa), but each made sense, given the SHTF precondition. The idea is to emphasize most commonly available ammunition, reliable firearms, and ones where spare parts can easily be found, along with some clever choices like the H&R which does allow for great versatility, and which is very light to carry (same logic as the 10/22 Ruger; easy to lug over huge distances). |
For people just getting into firearms, the arena is filled with very passionate fans of various firearms, and so, there are some who think anything not an AR is terrible, and some who think anything not a Glock is terrible, and others who simply hate the Mosin Nagant, and others who believe the 1911 should be dead and gone. Each is passionate, but frankly having shot a lot of these and studied, they all have some place, and if they are maintained and you practice with them, the firearms make sense. It’s important to study up. I have yet to buy a 1911, even though I respect it’s place in history, and know the value of a .45 cal sidearm. It’s a wonderful, and historic design, and the parts are everywhere, it can be easily upgraded to just what you like. Same is true for the AR15. Millions are out there, and the parts are everywhere.
For horrible national disaster like SHTF, then repair and replacement parts, as well as ammunition availability becomes a big issue. So, 12 gauge, 9mm, 5.56 NATO become logical choices. For larger caliber 308 Win, and 7.62 by 54 mm is a common choice, again due to being readily available. The listed firearms also tend not to be very expensive, mostly due to their huge supply in the market place. Some other really fine firearms like the M14 are a bit more expensive, even though they are legendary battle rifles, with hard hitting, and common ammunition. M14 rifles seem to run about $1,500 right now, new. An AR15 can be had for around $875. The Mossberg 500 can be had on sale for $350.
I don’t know which are least Qualified the writer of the article or those commenting.
I agree with you.
This imbecile is in love with his own opinions at the expense of common sense, practicality, and physics. Suggesting a Russian rifle for which little ammunition will be available destroys his credibility, as does his choice of a submunition round (9mm) — proving that he’s one more moron with a keyboard and a lot of bad advice.
With the ban on the importation of Russian Ammo set to start, 7.62 X 39 and 7.62 X 54R are not going to be easy to find.
So the recommendation of the Moisan is one I find highly questionable. For one, it’s a gun designed well over a hundred years ago (1890’s). Two, being Mil Surp, unless you know a lot about guns, avoid Mil Surp weapons. I’ve seen Moisans with smooth bores (rifling is almost gone).
When you’re advising Preppers of every level, the author fell into the trap of covering far too many guns in one article. Far better if he’d cover rifles in one article, rimfires in an article, Handguns and so on. It would also then be easier to give more examples than just say a Glock 17 as he did. I don’t like Glocks, the triggers are crap and the sights suck. There are a lot better guns on the market.
I carry my Glock 17 daily. But for SHTF, I have a JR 9mm carbine built on an AR format that uses Glock mags. Being interchangable makes for a lighter load to carry and the availability to reach out father with the carbine if necessary.
I like having a 9mm carbine for indoor use. It’s light, low muzzle blast and will give the performance of the best 357 using the proper ammo.
Rifles: Any .270 or .30-06, and good choice with the 7.62x54r. It is cheap, hard hitting, and decent up to 400 yards. I’d go with SR-22 Tactical Rifle in Ruger for a varmint gun/self defense. .22lr is less than $3/box for Federal down here.
Pistols: Military surplus is where you want to go. 9×18 is cheap and easy to get in bulk, plus it likely won’t be stolen from you. It hits harder than a .380 or .38 special. Makarov PM, P-64, P-83, or PA-63 are good, cheap choices. Secondly, any reliable 9mm will do. Do NOT buy Hi-Point, Bryco/Jennings/Raven/Taurus/Phoenix, Sccy, or Diamondback. Glock, CZ, Beretta, Springfield, Sig, FN, Ruger, HK, IMI, all good brands. Finally, try to have a pistol in all of the popular calibers if you can. 1911’s require too much maintenance to be practical. Glocks can be put through anything and not be cleaned or oiled. Same with FN’s. The Ruger P85 is affordable, reliable, easy to clean, high capacity, accurate, easy to shoot (low recoil), and absolutely indestructible.
Shotguns: Remington 870 if you live in the South. Everyone and their grandmother owns one. Mag tube extensions are plentiful and cheap. They are easy to modify and clean. They are reliable and accurate. They are cheap to purchase or repair. 12 gauge birdshot is dirt cheap. Buckshot is pretty cheap. Slugs are about $1/piece for 2.75″ one ounce rifled hp. Avoid semi-auto shotguns because they will cause you to use far more ammunition than is necessary. Stick with pump.
Another good utility gun is the JC Higgins bolt action shotgun. You can buy them for nothing, and 16 gauge will likely not be stolen from you.
Finally: Acquire as many little guns as you can, yet within easily obtained calibers. NAA revolvers in .22lr, Heritage Rough Rider, J-frames in .357, Smith & Wesson M&P series, Walther PPQ, Ruger SR-22/Walther P22, Kahr 9mm, Ruger SR9, Bersa Thunder, Glock 42, etc. The more choices you have, the better your survival chances.
If you can’t afford this stuff: Stick with 9×18 or 9mm pistols, .22lr guns, and Mosins. Just stockpile ammo whenever possible. It’s about $180/1000 rounds in 9×18, $100/1000 in .22 LR, and $225/500 rounds of 7.62x54r. Ammoseek.com is your best friend right now. Use it.
There’s just so much more to survival-relevant handguns than what you see on video games. The author should have taken ease of cleaning into consideration. Had he done so, the 1911 would not have made the list, nor would the AR-15. Both are great guns outside of long-term survival situations, but anything chambered in 7.62×39 takes more crap before jamming up, and they’re easy to clean. Also, this article was about urban survival. When crap hits the fan, get out of the city. If you want to survive, seek isolation with your family, live off the land, and work toward creating an invincible bunker.
People don’t realize the huge populace of people that plan to head for the hills and live off the land. Unless human flesh is your forte, you won’t have much luck surviving off of squirrels and poke salad! Humans can defoliate a Forrest in a relatively short period. When SHTF happens, the woods will be full of hungry, desperate, scared people. All will be searching for 1. Food 2. Water and 3. Shelter. They will find themselves begging, paying, bartering, stealing, and killing for those three basic things. It will be eat or be eaten…and the squirrels and poke salad will be but a dream.
I’m a single mom of an 11 year old girl and a 3 year old son. I live about 3.5 hours away from my nearest relative and I can see where the world is starting to fall apart. My goal is to take refuge to my dad and his land about 4.5 hours way up in the mountains- if disaster strikes. I need to buy a couple of guns and want to know for safety and survival what should be a wise buy. Also if you have any suggestions in how to travel at a time of chaos where I can get to his place safely and without much notice I’d love to hear your ideas. Traveling with two young kids and trying to bring water and food would be tough and I would t know how much to bring
The article was interesting and had several good points to observe. I would get you a ruger 10/22. It is simple and there are a bunch of them around. No kick, good for varmits, easy to load magazine, keep the magazine separate from the gun so the kids can’t get into it without you there. A big rifle would be nice for deer and whatever might be in the mountains you are going to. I like bolt action because of durability and simplicity. I have an AR but too many moving parts.
I’m not a conceal handgun owner, I have a colt python that can take .357 and .38 ammo, big pistol but it has some stopping power and it’s easy to clean.
Shotgun is handy, pick the ammo by your body type, if you are petite, go with 20 gauge, if you can handle a more powerful weapon, go with 12 gauge. The article talks about shot for birds and slugs for bigger game or vandals.
Good luck
Hi, it will all depend on what you are personally able to handle effectively. I would try to see if any of your friends have guns and try to go shooting them. The 9mm, .40, .45 debate is still raging and will for some time. It’s a personal preference for a handgun round, imho. That said, as far as rifles are concerned, I personally like the AR-15. It’s very common and very shootable with not much recoil. And very accurate to 500 yards. With practice, of course. Handgun, I would say a 9mm, due to low recoil. I personally like the .40 because I am able to handle the higher recoil and like the fact that it has more mass than a 9mm and higher capacity than .45. That being said, the modern engineering has made 9mm just as lethal as .45 with almost double the capacity and far less recoil. I disagree with some of the posters saying that 9mm is a submunition. Go shooting, see what you can handle, and go from there. The most important thing is that with both a rifle and a handgun, it is important that you get rounds on target and are able to floolow up. I hope this helps.
I agree with Darren, go with 1 good rifle 5.56 and a 9mm or .40 pistol.
The 11-year-old girl is old enough to learn to shoot and should!
I know a 7 year old who can take out a 3″ pattern at 100 yards with an AR-15.
Weapon education teaches a child to be realistic with weapons and not make
fatal errors with their potential. Botany, “what is edible” will get you from here to there.
That is you know how to find potable water that won’t kill you!
Education is never a loss!
Good luck!
A 10/22 Ruger rifle is excellent for small game and perhaps protection. A 9mm pistol along with a carbine in one of the popular calibers would be your basic guns.
The best suggestion I’ve read is leave the city before things get bad and head for your retreat. Your retreat should be located at least 60 miles away from any major city. It should ideally contain enough food, water and supplies to last you a year. You want to lay low and keep hidden until better times return, which can take awhile depending upon the disaster.
Just make sure you or a family member are well versed in medical knowledge, possibly even some minor surgery if someone needs stitches for a bad wound, and especially if children are involved. The further one gets away from larger cities, the farther they are from hospitals that handle severe illness, injuries, broken bones, heart attacks, etc..People near a large city get comfortable dialing 911 and having an ambulance roll up to their door in a matter of minutes and getting the patient to a facility where a doctor can help them.
one of the best books is “what to do when the s hits the fan” by a man named Black. He gives lot s of practical advice …He is not a gun person….his advice is how to avoid confrontations…but his book lists so much practical advice you would be remiss if you don’t read it…..Get a handgun if u are able…a good 22 lr will kill if necessary and ward off the bad guys….don’t buy a 25 cal pistol or 380 cal pistol as most automatics in these calibers are junk…and the 22lr actually has better ballistics….A good quality 38 special revolver with man stopper loads would also be good….again buy a name brand…..colt smith & wesson…..taurus is very afforadable and has been around a long time….don’t buy unknown brands….9mm is the most popular caliber but its not the best man stopper…..and in a light framed aluminum gun will twist around and is not pleasant to shoot…..a good all steel 38 special with medium loads ( man stopper bullets)…..is easier to shoot more so then an alloy 9mm….don’t get off on the myth….a Glock with 17 rounds in 9mm is better than a 38 with 6 shots. Most fire fights are over after 1 or two rounds….i think you can learn to shoot better with a steel 38 than an alloy 9mm…also you train on the 38 using target loads( wad cutters)….a four inch barrel is best for the 38,,,,,the 2″ snub noses are difficult to aim properly…..carry the gun ( legally) in your purse or on a belt holster under a jacket to protect your family……do read Blacks book…..also there is a great site ” the apartment prepper”……the author wrote a book…”101 ways to prep”……or something like that. the woman author learned thru two floods and being deserted by her husband what it takes to survive….very practical advice like Blacks book….u don;t need to be “Rambo” to survive…just keep your head…….and plan and prepare…..
Jennifer, the first thing to do before making any real plans is to contact your Dad and discuss this in detail, take notes, and really listen to the advice of the guy who already lives where you are planning bugging out to. I expect he he will be advising you to purchase defensive weapons and ammo for travelling, and he may ask you to stock up and bring more ammo for the weapons he already has.. If he says to get a 9mm handgun for protection, then do so (my wife is 5’2″ 115 LB’s and has a Glock 17 9mm), some extra magazines, and plenty of hollow point rounds for defense, and also enough solid point rounds to use at a shooting range and practice a lot so you know how to comfortably handle your gun before you need to use it to defend your kids. If your Dad says get a shotgun, try shooting 12 gauge pump shotguns to find out if you are comfortable handling, loading, and shooting a 12 gauge. Pump shotguns are a lot more reliable than semi-auto, A 12 gauge is powerful, but has significant recoil (kick), and if a 12 gauge has too much recoil for you, then try a 20 gauge pump that has less recoil. Shotguns rounds for defense should be double 00 buckshot if available, single 0 buckshot is also good, and have smaller pellets, but more of them per round.
This is what I advised my own daughter to do: get a Glock 17 9mm, extra magazines, and hollow point rounds to use for defense, then get a lot of cheaper solid point rounds to use for practice, practice, practice. She is a nurse and lives in a very heavily populated area, but if SHTF and she decided to bug out, I think she would try to make it my house first before traveling on to anywhere else (even though we are on the outside edges of the urban area) because she knows we are well stocked and have some skills of our own.
I have owned four Taurus handguns in the last 15 years. They have all been accurate out of the box, NEVER have I had a jam, and all have been reliable to fire when I wanted them to. Don’t hate (or disqualify them) just because it seems “popular” to do so in some online forums. Taurus has become a quality brand regardless of bogus bias, and an affordable price tag. Try one out before you form your OWN oppinion. I’m GLAD I did.
I totally agree with you on the Taurus. I just picked up a PT111 and it only took a few groups to set my zero. It’s my daily carry and it works great.
To add to the main of this article, I personally will stick with the AR platform. My biggest reason are the various accessories that are easily carried to supplement your firepower. For example:
.50 Beowulf can kill anything on this continent and handle vehicle threats.
.224 Valkyrie gives you even greater range.
So many options using the same lower and mostly the same magazines.
And of course if it’s a SHTF scenario I’m not gonna care about NFA rules and my 5.56 upper will be much shorter.
After years in the military being able to diagnose and clean an AR easily. Not to say that it’s the end all be all, just what I know would work for me the best.
Everyone should get very intimately familiar with a platform or three so they can handle themselves more effectively
I have been shooting since I was 10 years old. An avid reloader for 40 years, an NRA certified instructor, ex combat arms infantry Officer (airborne) type, so I have a bit of hands on experience with the platform . I do take exception to your comment about the reliability of the 1911 platform. In government testing it performed flawlessly and did so for me under extremely nasty conditions. Now if your speaking of the new super tight tolerances of some models….maybe if not broken in properly, otherwise I call BS.
The only thing that may be used as a so called gig is in the 7 or 8 round magazines when compared to some of the other tuberware pistols out there. I don’t see that as any real disadvantage when your talking 45 ACP, even with FMJ bullets….bad guys tend to go down and stay down. Point, Set , Match.
There is a good reason why some of our Special ops, Special Forces, and Navy Seals still opt out for the 1911 pistols.
Amen. A non race gun, or match grade gun, just a service weapon with decent sights and a good trigger, that’s all you need.
after reading “one second after”, I am leaning towards black powder and lead balls
My brother actively owns, shoots and maintains black powder. It’s a huge pain. Close to half the time there is a misfire. Granted he uses the older guns. But there’s a reason Josey Wales had to carry 4 pistols and 2-3 rifles. They are unreliable, slow, and require constant maintenance. Maybe the new ones are better. But a Mossberg 500 shotgun is cheap and reliable. As is a Ruger 22 and a Glock. The work every time no matter what. Plus bullets will be easier to acquire and keep than black powder, imho.
Just sharing what I’ve seen when it comes to black powder.
Brother I was s Civil War re- enacter for years and I never had a misfire but I wouldn’t want to have a fire fight with an enemy that has semi auto modern weapons, Black powder would be excellent for hunting though as long as a person is well used to operating and firing their weapons.Being a Vegan survivalist I have studied what plants,roots,fungus, molds algae can be consumed because when it goes down there isn’t going to be many animals to hunt and not for long. One last thing cleaning black powder firearms is a job though.;)
Really, don’t know where you got your information from. I have been an active black powder shooter and attend many rendezvous’ for over 40 years and don’t have any such problems with reliability. If you are referring to flintlocks of poor manufacturing I would agree with you.
My flinters go off very reliably, even upside down to boot. Keep in mind that they are either high end manufactured rifles or custom built rifles.
Black powder is very easily ignited. Keep your powder dry
Denis
Remington 700, or other quality bolt action rifle in either 30.06 or 308 (7.62×51 NATO). Make sure it has both open sights and optics.
A quality 22 LR rifle with open sights and optics.
A robust and reliable semi auto rifle in an easy to find and acquire caliber (AK47, AR15, AR10).
Quality pump action shotgun, x2 preferably. 12 Guage is THE bore size.
Quality 1911 in 45 ACP.
Quality 9 mmP pistol (Glock is fine, but not my favorite ).
Quality (read Ruger, S&W, Colt, Dan Wesson) revolver with 4-6 inch barrel in 357 magnum is a must.
Make sure you have too many magazines and cleaning materials for each firearm. Too much ammo.? No such thing. Learn to reload- especially 12 Guage and 357/38. It’s easy and I have a good time with it. During extended SHTF/WROL you need to have the ability to clean water, build shelter, make fire, produce food and protect your family.
Any advice on learning how to begin reloading?
Get a Lyman reloading manual.
I would have thought the Remington 870 would make the list. Everyone has one and there are countless options for them. Just a general observation.
I’m a fan of the .30-06 for a rifle, and if you want a great shotgun, try the Mossberg 590 in 12ga. It’s a semi-auto, and holds 9 rounds!
590 is a pump. Still a great gun, but a pump
Being I collector and avid outdoorsman for many years I disagree in two areas my opinion only.
One although the moisin nagant 7.62 is a ok round the heft and length of the rifle is very cumbersome it has no really good way to mount a scope and the sights are average at best. Ammo is out there but when the poop hits the fan good luck. My choice would be any 30.06 capabilities beyond that of the Russian 7,62r.
Ammo is more available in all grains of bullets. Most are able to host a scope if desired.
Two although I am true American forget the AR the 5.56 round is good but the characteristics of the firearm will lead you to failures if not kept properl cleaned and who will have the time to do that. My choice is the AK47 7.62×39 hands down will do any job the Ras 47 or any other semi variant will not leave you with a failure. They are very dependable in all weather and terrain conditions and the ammo is plentiful.
Would add one more… an air rifle…. pellets are really cheap, little to no noise, and great for small game. They come in both .17 and .22 caliber and many are pushing up to 1400fps
Bingo!!! AMEN!
Couldn’t agree more.
1. My neighbor shot a boar between the eyes with an air rifle and killed it.
2. They don’t scare off other animals when you shoot it, so it’s great for squirrel.
3. Suburban hunting without any sound to draw the cops.
Beware eating squirrel, US stocks of this animal are now peppered with a form of Mad cow disease ( bovine spongeform encephalitis) that humans are highly susceptible to. If you consume one that’s infected you not only will get the disease and die but you will suffer and make your family go thru one of the worst nightmares imaginable.
I sure do like my AK-74. Ammunition is readily available at the time of this writing as are magazines.
Solid list. That over under one sounds great. I believe they had one on Out of the wild the Alaskan experiment. And it really helped them put meat on the table. I definitely want to add one to my gun case.