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.
You were immediately correct about that 'expert' thing.
I lived in Palm Beach County the year after Hurricane Wilma. Wilma took out the power through the most populated part of the county. It also destroyed the cable and telephone lines. If your local gas station had gasoline, power, and a computer hook-up, you could buy gas after you waited on line for two or three hours. My boss thought this was hilarious because he quickly learned that if he drove 20 miles north of West Palm Beach City, he could buy all the gas he wanted in Jupiter in northern Palm Beach County.
The overwhelming majority never once listened to the radio to figure out that they could drive for half an hour and buy whatever they wanted. They sat on their hands and waited for someone to fix it for them.
IMO, 35 miles is far enough that it won’t even occur to most of the city people to go there.
I should have put “experts” in quotes, as evidenced by the reply from an “expert”.
The ferals will be quickly ‘consumed’. It is the gangs, who are organizations with many tentacles, to watch out for. They will be coming in squads, and armed well.
It will be the First
for a Modern American Patriot upholding The Constitution.
A County Sheriff in Western ND once said, "I'm not afraid of some gang banger with an AK-47 spraying and praying. I'd be more afraid of a pissed off farmer with a deer rifle, because he is going to hit what he shoots at the first time."
That statement was in reply to a question about the Assault Weapons Ban when Clinton was in office. I supported him for Sheriff, have never regretted that, and he has been Sheriff since.
I see lots of unfilled job openings.
That’s what the FAL is for. :)
I fine tool in deed.
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