SHTF Drop your AK and Pick up a Shotgun

AShooting Journal ^ | 10/27/2015 | M Miller

[corlorde]

You can find some really bad advice on these threads.

Isn't that the truth.

[circlecity]

"Mini-14 vs. AR is also good popcorn entertainment."

I know there used to be issues with the accuracy of mini 14s that had something to do with the barrels they used. I believe that Ruger remedied the problem and they are now fine rifles. But it's something to keep in mind if one is considering buy a used mini.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Yep... usually beginning with the “racking the slide will make even the Devil wet his pants” posts.

[Nervous Tick]

I happen to like my Mini. I’m aware that out of the box a typical Mini is likely a bit less accurate than a typical AR. There are a couple other common issues, like they throw spent brass into the next county, although that can be corrected.

But you would not believe the amount of heat generated by a discussion of relative merits in either the popular Ruger or AR forums. Like a Mac vs Windows thread here. (Or Catholic vs Protestant in a religion thread)

[lavaroise]

I have the two in one, the Saiga 12 gauge “AK shotgun”

[lavaroise]

beat me to it

[gundog]

Looks like a Vz-58.

[gundog]

I’ve put plated OO buck through a deer and had them stop at the hide on the other side...at 60 yards. Nobody’s very froggy when their lungs start filling with blood.

[mosaicwolf]

"Strange. Because practically everywhere in the world where S*&t HAS hit the fan, they drop everything and pick up an AK."

I have to agree. The Viet Cong and the NVA had very good success with the AK. I actually carried one occasionally in Viet Nam.

[Pontiac]

AR15 vs shotgun?

You forgot to mention that although not as recognizable as the sound of racking the slide on a shotgun the sound of an AR 15 bolt chambering a round is quite terrifying to the average lowlife home invader.

[Nailbiter]

bflr

[Utah Binger]

Also a SUPRESSED Ruger 10/22 with scope.

How sweet is that?

[TheTimeOfMan]

LOL - think of it as a savings account. If you buy used at a good price you can probably get your money back at any time even factoring in inflation.

[archy]

My vote for home protection? The all-American choice is the Remington 870.

Shotguns are okay, but I like something a little larger.

M1028 comes in at about 6:30]

[Big Red Badger]

ping for later

[Stentor]

He forgot to mention, pumping an 870 in a dark room is one of the most frightening sounds on earth.

If you're not an ignorant savage that doesn't know what the sound means.

[central_va]

Cycling a .45 M1911 has the same chilling effect.

[PapaBear3625]

He forgot to mention, pumping an 870 in a dark room is one of the most frightening sounds on earth.

It also gives away your position, and a hyped up addict might just start blasting away toward the sound of it. The first and last sound a burglar should hear is muzzle blast.

[CodeToad]

So what do you do when the SHTF and the bad guys simply step across the street and return fire? Shotguns have a very limited range.

[Stentor]

Cycling a .45 M1911 has the same chilling effect.

True. I operate on the principle that there will always be somebody out there who's crazier than I am. For instance, suppose some dumbass brings a knife to a gunfight at close quarters in a darkened room of my house. I am not giving my knowledge of terrain advantage away by racking anything.