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.
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.
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.
Thanks for this post. Important stuff. Pinging this.
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.
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
If someone is shooting people “on sight” then the people will return fire. Only stupid people think situations are static and not dynamic.
Don’t need a gun.
I have bazooka.
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.
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.
Scoped rifle can't see through our KUDZU ;)
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.
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.
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).
That could well be. A lot of blood will flow. Not all will be mine.
Your typical brick, block or wood home doesn’t provide significant cover from any small arms 9mm and larger.
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.
Where Im at the trees are so thick the longest range is about 100 yds unless you’re standing on the interstate.
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