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Why One Gun or Three Guns is a Bad Idea for SHTF
AShooting Journal ^ | 11/17/2015 | Bilj

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.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; Outdoors; Society
KEYWORDS: 3guns; banglist; guns; preppers; shtf
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To: ChildOfThe60s

In my county we’ve been told that at a minimum it’d be forty-five minutes before a deputy can get to your place; provided he’s not busy somewhere else. The sheriff of Shelton, WA told homeowners to gun up since he doesn’t have the staff.


21 posted on 11/17/2015 1:08:05 PM PST by SkyDancer ("Nobody Said I Was Perfect But Yet Here I Am")
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To: LambSlave

Good point, the “big” facilities such as Gunsite and Thunder Ranch are not the only options - people should do some research and avail themselves of any training offered in their area. New shooters should begin with one of the Appleseed events and move up from there.


22 posted on 11/17/2015 1:08:54 PM PST by Charles Martel (Endeavor to persevere...)
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To: w1n1

Thanks for this post. Important stuff. Pinging this.


23 posted on 11/17/2015 1:09:07 PM PST by Impala64ssa (You call me an islamophobe like it's a bad thing.)
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To: JRandomFreeper
Since my personal SHTF, I've found that I lost the use 1/2 of my firearms because my arms became weak.

I can sympathize and do understand. I broke my neck a couple years ago. The surgery was very successful and I am happy with the outcome. I lost a lot of strength (for me) and find some of my firearms are fatiguing and painful to practice with.

I have had to adjust accordingly. It was an eye opener. Freepers need to understand they are going to get old someday and suffer the same limitations.

All of the best to you JR.
24 posted on 11/17/2015 1:10:06 PM PST by PA Engineer (Liberate America from the Occupation Media. #2ndAmendmentMatters)
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To: w1n1

Small arms will not stop fully outfitted “swat” teams with MRAP’s. My home was built this century. Plywood, 2 X 6 walls, brick veneer, lots of windows. You could crash the walls with a VW.


25 posted on 11/17/2015 1:10:23 PM PST by showme_the_Glory ((ILLEGAL: prohibited by law. ALIEN: Owing political allegiance to another country or government))
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To: ozzymandus


26 posted on 11/17/2015 1:14:29 PM PST by JoeProBono (SOME IMAGES MAY BE DISTURBING ’VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED;-{)
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To: PA Engineer
And all the best to you, too.

I have found that revolvers and shotguns seem to work for me.

I can forget autoloading rifles and pistols at this point.

That changes my deployment of the weapons, obviously.

/johnny

27 posted on 11/17/2015 1:14:57 PM PST by JRandomFreeper (gone Galt)
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To: w1n1

If someone is shooting people “on sight” then the people will return fire. Only stupid people think situations are static and not dynamic.


28 posted on 11/17/2015 1:20:52 PM PST by CodeToad (Stupid kills, but not nearly enough!)
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To: w1n1

Don’t need a gun.

I have bazooka.


29 posted on 11/17/2015 1:23:18 PM PST by Jonty30 (What Islam and secularism have in common is that they are both death cults)
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To: ozzymandus
Never happened?

Nations have been rising and falling since civilization began. Invasion, natural disasters, the rise of tyrannical governments are sadly all too common through out history.

It has even happened here in the USA.

And some of the unprepared people died. The rest were uncomfortable for quite a while and never regained their former standard of life.

The prepared tended to live and rebuilt rather quickly.

30 posted on 11/17/2015 1:24:27 PM PST by Harmless Teddy Bear (Proud Infidel, Gun Nut, Religious Fanatic and Freedom Fiend)
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To: JimRed
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.

Forgot my sarcasm tag! As you are well aware, I suffered a recent tragedy of losing all my firearms in an aquatic nature activity. Darn shame.

31 posted on 11/17/2015 1:26:02 PM PST by DCBryan1 (No realli, moose bytes can be quite nasti!!)
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To: Bloody Sam Roberts
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.

Scoped rifle can't see through our KUDZU ;)


32 posted on 11/17/2015 1:27:41 PM PST by DCBryan1 (No realli, moose bytes can be quite nasti!!)
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To: DCBryan1

I suffered a recent tragedy of losing all my firearms in an aquatic nature activity

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I remember reading this a while back.

My imagination still runs wild with thinking about what kind of aquatic activity could lead to one’s losing all of one’s guns.

Living on a houseboat was about the best I could come up with, and I usually don’t have a limited imagination.


33 posted on 11/17/2015 1:33:13 PM PST by dmz
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To: DCBryan1
All I have is three firearms for when TSHTF...but that would be three firearms more than necessary.

I'll probably be at the gun shop after I'm through with Christmas shopping for the family.
34 posted on 11/17/2015 1:33:27 PM PST by jy8z (When push comes disguised as nudge, I do not budge.)
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To: SJSAMPLE
Suppressed?

Immaterial. The .22 won't be able to reach the scoped sniper. Even if it could, it won't have any effective results after 150yds.

A 40 grain bullet at 1,082 ft/s versus a 121 gr. round at 2,356 ft/s...effective to about 350 yds...is a loser.

35 posted on 11/17/2015 1:34:29 PM PST by Bloody Sam Roberts (Democracy is not freedom. Democracy is simply majoritarianism. It is incompatible with real freedom.)
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To: ozzymandus

The ‘and a shotgun’ is always a hoot. If you have a good 12 gauge or twenty gauge pump, the ammo gives you ‘high powered rifle and hunting gun, and self defense gun. A 12 gauge with three or four ammo choices and a 20 gauge pump with pistol grip (making it a long pistol, but the typical pistol grip is painful in two or three shots, so use the ‘pirate pistol’ type).


36 posted on 11/17/2015 1:42:03 PM PST by MHGinTN (Is it really all relative, Mister Einstein?)
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To: driftdiver

That could well be. A lot of blood will flow. Not all will be mine.


37 posted on 11/17/2015 1:42:17 PM PST by ChildOfThe60s (If you can remember the 60s, you weren't really there....)
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To: showme_the_Glory

Your typical brick, block or wood home doesn’t provide significant cover from any small arms 9mm and larger.


38 posted on 11/17/2015 1:42:48 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: dmz
My imagination still runs wild with thinking about what kind of aquatic activity could lead to one’s losing all of one’s guns.

Yeah, I can't figure out how I lost all of them either.....I bet it was the new deer stand on the stern, or maybe the hottub near the aft. The Arkansas River above Murray Lock and Dam is full of such tragedies!

Dang.

39 posted on 11/17/2015 1:43:43 PM PST by DCBryan1 (No realli, moose bytes can be quite nasti!!)
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To: Bloody Sam Roberts

Where Im at the trees are so thick the longest range is about 100 yds unless you’re standing on the interstate.


40 posted on 11/17/2015 1:43:55 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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