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.
Once you know how they work, suppressors are easy to build from typically available items. Buy the adapters now and build the suppressors when the rule of law collapses.
Like I said, in an URBAN environment, the range of the Mosin won’t matter. You will rarely see that type of range or be able to acquire a target in an URBAN environment.
Meanwhile, a big honking, LOUD Mosin will be very noticeable.
The Israeli’s used integrally suppressed 10/22s to drop Palis. It’s become quite popular. Combined with urban ranges and semi-auto action with a 10 or 25 round magazine, and you can own your castle with anonymity.
But if we’re talking 350yds, why limit yourself to the heavy, unwieldy Mosin when an intermediate cartridge rifle like an AR or a Rem/Win bolt would do the trick?
Are you growing weed in that greenhouse?
The flowers look nice, though.
We will all have a problem. There are plenty of gibsmedats in L-Ville, as in *every* city. However, each different population density area will have it’s own drawbacks.
I will say that this state (excepting liberal L-Ville & Lexington) is a gun culture state and well armed.
Example:
An FBI report on the number of gun purchase background checks, January 1 through September 30, shows that Kentucky performed more than twice as many background checks in the first nine months of the year as California and Texas combined.
According to the FBI, Kentucky performed 2,337,494 background checks by the end of September, California performed 1,164,806, and Texas did 1,059,166. Even if you combine the background checks performed in California and Texas—a combined figure of 2,223,972—Kentucky beats that total by 113,522 background checks. This is quite a feat, considering the fact that Kentucky is much smaller geographically and population-wise than California or Texas, let alone compared to the two states combined.
Read that again. TWICE AS MANY AS BOTH TX AND CA COMBINED.
All of this is grist for the mill. We prepare as best we can and wait for the possible tsunami of evil. It is what it is. I am not young, but am in good shape. I can only promise that I will take as many of those worthless fookers with me as I can.
In Phase 3, I would add the following: Clear your fields of fire, install multiple double apron barbed wire fencing with concertina wire and tangle foot encircling your perimeter, along with phu-gas containers on likely avenues of approach.
It worked for me before, and I’m sure it would work again.
Back during the Year-2000 angst, one Iowa sheriff proposed deputizing all CCW holders 'just in case".
I thought that brought up a modern-day "Minuteman" problem. Suppose that scenario went down and you were "called up". Would you be willing to leave your family and answer the call to go out of your immediate area?
I’m sorry to hear that. A close relative gave up everything except .22 a few years ago. Still, even a .22 LR can do a whole lot more than most options, especially in the right hands. I hope things are going better, or at least not going worse, for you these days.
“You will rarely see that type of range or be able to acquire a target in an URBAN environment.”
Nonsense. Are you saying that from the roof of a building you can’t see even a block and a half down a street? Really?
LOL!
Most (not all, but most) rural cops I've known are not that type. They would feel a whole lot safer with the armed half of the county on their side than trying to protect their homes on their own. A rural area that generates its own food can hold out until order is reestablished. Without the people, it cannot take care of the livestock, dairy cows, the crops, or self-defense. Only a fool would get excited about his jackboots when his family's safety depends on the community. Most rural cops are not fools.
If someone with a scoped Moisin-Nagant has a bead on anyone, anywhere,m at any time, that is a problem. Fortunately, most decent snipers will be more on the defense side than offense. Zombies move in hordes rather than thoughtfully, at least in the movies and for the most part in real life.
If the S ever hits the fan, EVERYONE is going to have a gun. Guns will be cheap. You’ll be able to buy them by the pound at the local flea market. There are at least 300M guns in the United States; guns will be everywhere.
Small arms, IEDs or an RPG???
Good luck figuring things out!
True that.
Ammo might be a whole nuther matter ...
Why on earth would you be out walking around in such a situation? The most important thing is that you get the drop on any evildoers, not the other way around. Walking around outdoors makes you an easy target. All the guns in the world won't help you if they shoot you before you even see them.
Common sense suggests you need a handgun for inside your house, a shotgun for keeping people out, and a long gun for distance. Exact details are less important than having those. The only reason I can see for having many different guns beyond that is to be able to use many kinds of ammo you might come accross, but it's a lot easier and cheaper just to buy lots of ammo in the first place.
Shotgun, 45 and my M1A....oh, I guess I would find some use for my 30-06 with its Luepold MKIV(I love parades)
That’s why integral suppressed 1022s work to disperse the pali hordes. Drop a few int he front line and the followers tend to be unable to climb the pile. BUT when they do, their higher profile is a welcomed sight for the sites.
In 1905 Serbia, Romania and Greece, and Bulgaria...had no idea what was to come.
The War of 1812 was anticipated...and reacted to.
History repeats....over and over...
I think the chances are good the authorities will end up searching for hoarders.
The purpose for MRAPS all across the land in police lots.
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