Posted on 11/17/2015 12:29:45 PM PST by w1n1
We've all been part of these discussions, and we've all read a ton of them on forums and blogs over the years: "If you could have only one gun for TEOTWAWKI, what would it be?" A more enlightened-seeming variant on this same theme are discussions that start with, "If you could pick only three guns for TSHTF.."
Here's what's wrong with so many of these discussions: no matter what flavor of civilization-ending apocalypse you contemplate-meteor strike, super volcano, global pandemic, EMP blast, etc.-a SHTF scenario is likely to play out in phases, and for each phase you're going to need a different skill set and a different load-out. You'll not just need a gun, but a complement of tools and skills.
Below is my brief attempt to sketch out the three phases that society would go through in a total collapse, and to think about some load-out options for each. Sure, you could read this and then pick three guns–one gun per phase-but by the end you'll see that this attitude is putting the cart before the horse. The smarter thing to do is to put together a set of load-outs that will give you multiple options for dealing with each phase. You may still end up with three guns, but the point is that "which three guns.." is not the question that you start with. Instead, the right question is "What mix of weapons and accessories are the best fit for each of the scenarios I'm envisioning?"
Phase 1: Martial Law and Trigger-Happy Authorities In the initial phase of a catastrophe, a phase that admittedly may last only a day or two depending on the swiftness and severity of the cataclysm, there will be some attempt by authorities to maintain law and order. During this phase, if you're walking around with an AR or AK strapped to your back, you're likely to be taken for a looter and shot on sight.
This is the red dot or reflex sight + polymer frame pistol phase. Mobile, concealable, accurate, quiet, and 100% reliable are what you're looking for. Don't worry about how long the batteries will last in your Aimpoint right now. You just have to get through this phase without getting arrested or shot. Read the rest of the story here.
Preppers’ PING!!
In the real world, every decent person should have a high-caliber rifle, a high-caliber pistol, a .22 rifle, a .22 pistol, and a shotgun at a minimum. In a family of four, that is 20 guns. If you may have others helping you in an emergency and cannot count on them bringing all the tools they may need, you should have a spare or two. If you may have different needs (ar-15 semi, bolt action, long range), you need more than the five basics I just mentioned.
And that’s just a start.
There are certainly a lot of experts who know everything about something that has never happened.
Since my personal SHTF, I've found that I lost the use 1/2 of my firearms because my arms became weak.
/johnny
This is all rather depressing. Sigh.
I live in a small town, 12k, about 50k people in the entire county. Big city about 35 miles out. I’m hoping that LE and military will be concentrating on the urban areas. Our city & county LE is not equipped to lock down everything here, so I am also hoping and thinking that we might be better off left to our own devices. Those of us that are properly armed, I mean.
I also consider it a possibility that our local LE might even work with us to organize armed and responsible adults to maintain control. I’ve not talked about this with of them, but it seems a logical way to go.
Suppressed 77/22 with suppressed Ruger Mk II pistol for backup. I’ll get whatever firearm I want.....quietly.
Have a gun for each scenario you’ll likely face. If possible, have multiples so you can arm members of your community.
There are those areas of this country that will indeed have organized militia. More than likely organized by the local constabulary.
“I also consider it a possibility that our local LE might even work with us to organize armed and responsible adults to maintain control. I’ve not talked about this with of them, but it seems a logical way to go”
OR they could decide to take what you have to improve their own chances.
Before forcing you into a resettlement camp for your own safety. Nice property you have there, I bet their in-laws would look quite comfortable in it.
I have the proper weapons for any “social” occasion.
Most important rule for a prepper: Don’t tell anyone you are a prepper...other preppers will kill you first and take your stuff! ;)
If someone with a scoped Moisin-Nagant cheap Russian surplus rifle has a bead on you...he’ll own your .22s before long. He’ll be waaaayy outside your weapons range. Something to consider.
If I'm reading you right, let me state that I don't believe that planning to take whatever firearms you want by force or threat of force is a FReeper principle. If I'm not reading you right, my apology and please enlighten me.
Rarely mentioned in these discussions, and notable in its absence, is the need to be proficient with these weapons. I’ve made this point at the range many times for people who ridicule my propensity to not ride the latest trend of overpriced firearms or gadgets; the weapons I like, I can shoot well in a variety of situations, to include fire and maneuver. I know too many people, many who should know better, who think their armory of high end guns will keep them safe, but they never have time to train, and the few times they do shoot they shoot from a bench rest at short range.
Good luck trying to take a firearm by force in Texas.
Suppressed?
He won’t even know you’re there.
And urban ranges, which most of us will face, won’t lend an advantage to even 7.63x39R.
And probably never will. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared, but having a rifle and a couple of hand guns is better than nothing.
It is more important to have enough ammo.
You got a problem. Thought the old rule of thumb was beyond a tank of gas from any large city. Hopefully not too many gibsmedats in the city.
Maybe impossible in the northeast, possible in the midwest and west.
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