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If I could only have one firearm in an SHTF grid down disaster scenario, it would be…
… a Glock 19. A Colt 1911. A Ruger GP100. An AR-15. An AK-47. A Mossberg 500. A Marlin 336. A Winchester Model 70. A Ruger 10/22. A Barrett .50 caliber rifle. A muzzleloader.
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Those are just a small handful of the responses that you are likely to receive if you ask someone what their one gun to have in an SHTF disaster would be.
Each of those above guns and ones like them would certainly provide you with a large number of advantages (as well as disadvantages). You see, there (unfortunately) is no one gun that can do everything for you.
A Winchester Model 70 is great for big game hunting and anti-personnel use at long distances, but for concealed carry or close quarters home defense? It sucks for both of those uses (good luck conceal carrying a rifle!).
Conversely, a pistol is great for home defense and concealed carry, but vice versa would suck for long-distance shooting or big game hunting.
Now you may tell yourself that the obvious solution to this problem is to use more than one gun in an SHTF disaster.
But what if you’re not able to? What if you need to bug out of your home right then and you can only bring one firearm with you?
In that case, what would that one gun be?
What Are The Options?
Well, you have a very wide variety of choices for a gun in an SHTF disaster (as in literally any gun out there, or at least any gun that you own).
Now that being said, there are a large number of guns that most people would probably agree are not very good options for an SHTF gun, assuming you could only have one.
For example, take a .380 ACP pocket pistol or a .38 snub-nose revolver. Both of those types of handguns are certainly very concealable, but they are not at all very practical. Both have a very limited capacity, are difficult to shoot well due to their high recoil, and limited stopping power (at least with the .380).
For another example, a Barrett .50 caliber rifle also likely isn’t going to be a good choice for an SHTF rifle. That’s the last type of gun that you will want to be hauling around all day every day.
There are also a large number of guns that those same people would probably agree are a very viable choice for an SHTF firearm (again, assuming you could only have one).
For example, most people would agree that a semi-automatic rifle such as an AR-15 or an AK-47 is a very viable choice for a disaster firearm. Both the AR-15 and the AK-47, and other semi-automatic rifles like them, offer you a large magazine capacity of thirty rounds (or more) that makes them a perfectly good choice for defending yourself against multiple attackers. That’s also not to mention that a rifle offers longer range than either a handgun or a shotgun.
Another viable choice would be a bolt action hunting rifle, something with even more power than a semi-automatic chambered in an intermediate cartridge and that can tough targets at long distances.
Another viable choice would be a shotgun, and specifically one chambered in either 12 gauge or 20 gauge. Shotguns are among the most versatile firearms of all time due to their practicality and a wide selection of ammo choices.
With slugs, you can go big game hunting. With birdshot, you can go bird or small game hunting. And with buckshot, you have what is easily one of the most effective close-range home defense and self-defense weapons on the planet.
Yet another viable choice most people would argue is a semi-automatic handgun, and specifically, one that is mid-sized (compact enough to conceal but large enough to fight with and control), chambered in 9mm, and with a large magazine capacity. Examples of pistols that fit these criteria effortlessly include the Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact 2.0, CZ-P10C, and the Walther PPQ to name a few.
And yet one more viable choice that many people would be very likely to cite is a .357 Magnum revolver. Revolvers are simple, durable, reliable, easy to operate by anyone, and when chambered for .357 they can also chamber and fire the lighter .38 Special cartridge.
That’s also not to mention the fact that .357 Magnum can be used to bring down some game such as deer, whereas 9mm would most likely be too light. Those who could struggle to operate a semi-automatic pistol could shoot a revolver no problem.
The point is that you have a very wide variety of choices for an SHTF firearm assuming you could only have one. And each of those above options isn’t perfect, having their own unique set of pros and cons.
But What Is Really The Best Choice?
But what is really the best choice for one gun to have in an SHTF disaster scenario?
Well, it’s really up to you, but there is something to think about: Are you really going to be doing any hunting in an SHTF grid down disaster? You see, if you live in the city, you’re most certainly not. And even if you live out in the rural areas or make it out there, literally millions of other people are going to be big game hunting as well.
This means that the populations of game animals such as deer and elk is going to fall dramatically, and your chances of making a kill are going to fall dramatically with it.
Therefore, if what you’re concerned about the most is using a gun for hunting, you probably need to rethink things through a little.
And here’s one more thing to think about: do you really want people to know that you have a gun on you? Do you want other people, criminals, or law enforcement to see that you have a firearm? Because if that happens, you’re going to attract attention, and specifically you’re going to attract attention that you most likely do not want.
And yet one more thing to think about: if you are ever attacked suddenly when you least expect it, you want a gun that you can draw as quickly as possible to defend yourself, right?
Is slinging a rifle or a shotgun over your back really the best bet when you think about things from that perspective?
Not really. In fact, not at all. But what is?
That’s right: a handgun.
You see, a handgun can be carried concealed on your person at all times so that no one else knows you have it on you. And when you need to use it, you can draw it quickly. In contrast to this, you would have to keep a rifle or a shotgun or any other long gun relatively close by and out of sight, but not on your person.
This isn’t to say that a handgun is a perfect choice for a one gun SHTF firearm, but as we’ve already touched on, no gun really is. But this is to say that a handgun is quite arguably going to be your most practical choice.
Whether you choose a revolver or a semi-automatic for your handgun is largely up to you. But just know that 16 rounds in a Glock 19 or 19 rounds in a Canik TP9 is A LOT more firepower than 6 rounds in a Ruger GP100 or 5 rounds in a Smith & Wesson Model 60.
There’s a saying in the gun world that more bullets equals more time in the fight, and a semi-automatic pistol (even if it requires more training to operate for members of your survival group who are more inexperienced) is going to be a much better choice for defending yourself against multiple attackers than a revolver is. At the very least, it’s just something for you to think about.
Conclusion
There’s another short answer to this question of what the one gun to be in an SHTF grid down disaster scenario should be: the one you’re the most comfortable with.
Seriously, what gun do you shoot the best? Which one do you like the best? Which one would you seriously feel the most comfortable with?
Because in the end, you need to use the firearm that you are the most proficient with and that you feel you will be able to use well to defend yourself with.
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My Marlin 1894C in .44 mag with my Taurus .44 as a backup
Keltec PLR 16
Interesting idea. If I could have two, would want my 9 mm pistol and carbine.
Didn’t see anything about the good old 30-30.
Or, Taurus Juge, both shotgun and center fire.
A lot will depend on the scenario, too. Many people already dead? Everyone alive?
Savage 24 .22LR/20 GA over and under. Only draw back is you only get 2 shots before you have to reload.
WITHOUT A DOUBT , ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCE ,HUNTING,KNOWLEDGE OF BALLISTIC ,
WOULD CHOSE A SHOTGUN WITH A 20 INCH BARREL ! NUMBER 4 BUCK AND NUMBER 5,SHOT
AND SLUGS ! IN AN ENVIRONMENT AND POPULATION DENSITY THIS FIREARM IN A PUMP OR DOUBLE WOULD SERVE YOU WELL UP TO 100 YARDS !
if only one i like the 454 casull revolver that fires 410, 45LC, 454 casull and with chamber adapter 22LR
Based on where I live and work if shtf I have a 9mm and extra magazines for tactical reloads. This should be able to get me to home base, family to other supplies and determine at that point it we need to bug in or bug out.
So many articles on various web sites refer to a “SHTF” situation or, like this one, refer to a “grid down” situation. The former is a broader term, but the latter term is essentially vague.
The most important question to be asked about a grid down situation is “For how long?” An EMP attack that takes down the national grid can last many years in places. An attack that simply takes down the grid could come from an enemy nuclear strike, the sun, or cyber warfare.
Most preparedness-types have heard that we are only “nine meals away from anarchy.” It is easy to imagine a cyber attack that takes down the grid for a couple of weeks to a month. If that is the case, I suggest that just about any firearm would do for most people because those who are most inclined to engage in anarchy live in the inner city. I venture to say that most preparedness-types have the common sense to NOT live near the centers of urban areas. Society will not devolve to the feral overnight for most of us. As the duration of the power outage increases, however, humanity will become more and more desperate, and that is when more and more preparedness-types will become threatened.
So, are you preparing for a power outage that lasts four years, or are you preparing for a power outage that lasts two weeks? Are your funds for purchasing ammunition limited, or can you pretty much store ammunition on rack after rack in the garage?
If you are limited in the amount you can spend on ammunition, and if you are planning for a power outage that can last for years, while the .22LR cartridge may not be the manstopper you would prefer, given its all around versatility for foraging and the fact that even a .22LR whistling by the ear of a bad guy will be very intimidating (much less one in the center of the forehead), a Ruger 10/22 with an extended magazine and 3,000 rounds would be a serious option. It will serve as a reasonable foraging firearm and, for defensive purposes, it will remove the defender from the “low hanging fruit” category
Hmmm, didn’t think about that. Makes sense, it’s quiet, lightweight and with the Ruger 10/22 takedown, packable. Thanks for the different perspective.
10/22 is great and all, but I’d still consider a shotgun over any rifle or handgun. In my opinion for any off-grid/SHTF situation it’s shotgun>rifle>handgun(shotgun wins in being extremely versatile, rifle has good long range option and modularity. Handgun pretty much only has size to it’s name and some modularity – stuff like flashlights and laser sights – Lasermax https://gritroutdoors.com/lasermax/ being a good example – can also be used on rifles, so it’s not some sort of advantage).
The age old one gun.
Sorry to disagree so strongly with Nicholas on this but IMHO the 22lr in say something like the Ruger take-down is the obvious one gun solution. Hands down the largest surplus of ammo in the US and you can EASILY carry 2000 rounds around with you (4 bricks). Add the fact that you can get 25 round mags or the 25/25 flip over mags that hold 50. You can think the little 22lr is under powered BUT I have personalty seen one take down a BUCK at around 100 yards and if you don’t know I’ll tell you deer are tough critters and shot placement is key. My brother in law (Army Master Sgt.) says it best I think, to quote him “I’d rather take a 50BMG to the foot than a 22lr to the forehead. It would defiantly ruin your day. Very low recoil so quick follow up shots. Will run the bad guys off and keep dinner on the table.
A perfect solution it’s not but the best choice definitely!!
Yes sir, totally agree after reading these posts. If I could only take one gun, the Ruger takedown would be it. Now, would I like to be able to have a handgun in addition to it? Oh yeah, that would be nice, a 9mm or even a .22.
Only one gun………….well if I had to pick from my collection I would have to go with my Mossburg pump shotgun.
Its short enough to conceal carry with a long coat or down my back and the ammo choices from bird shot to slugs will do the job nicely.
I pick the centerfire handgun for the reasons given above if it were SHTF Right Now. If required, the handgun will provide the means to get other firearms as well.\
If I were defending our home from looters, a dependable riot shotgun would be a good choice. One of the best examples of LEAVE ME ALONE – I MEAN IT !! there is.
If it were for living off the land for foraging, the rimfire rifle would be my choice. So very versatile and most hunters know of a place where game trails converge and chances are high finding game there. Quiet so your competition are less prone to knowing where you are. Truth be told, trapping would be more productive.
For international travel, one man had good thoughts for selecting the .22lr handgun. His opinion was based that if you had to seek ammunition any where in the world, that single round would be common enough to get, where ever it was.
My point – it all depends what you are attempting to survive.
Choice #1 – 12 ga Mossberg 500 Tactical
Choice #2 – AR15 w/holographic sight
Choice #3 – G21 (.45 ACP)
Choice #4 – .22 semi-auto rifle w/scope
Choice #5 – Winchester 70 in 300 Magnum w/scope
The Mossberg is just too versatile, too dominating in a firefight, too everything to leave behind.
I think firefight/defense first, hunting second. I can fish/trap/trade for food but nobody can stand up to that .00 buckshot cannon blast from the Mossberg.
I choose my Mossberg pump as well.
Slugs all the way down to bird shot gets the job done.
My choice would be the over-under rifle and shotgun for all-around function, say with .223 and 20 gauge ; that would cover most game east of the Rockies.
The author makes some good points, but misses the biggest one.
That is what ammo’s will be most available post SHTF.
If you do not have ammo for it it is useless.
9mm is one of the most Popular, so is the 12 ga shotgun and AR 15 ammo ( 5.56×45, or Rem 223).
The next most common would probably be the 7.62×39. Since the AK and SKS rifles use it and many cartels still use that rifle, ammo should be available from many sources.
Large Magazine capacity can be a drawback, as untrained or inexperienced shooters will waste a lot of ammo. Fear will cause them to empty the gun or shoot aimlessly, wasting ammo. So consider that carefully.
It is better to have a lot of spare, mags with you. Something the Author does not cover.
Changing out mags makes you stop and think, breaking the fear driven, shooting cycle.
Your choice of weapon(s) should be based upon your survival plan and it’s location, needs, etc, not just by your preferences.