Posted on 09/16/2008 5:50:43 AM PDT by Pistolshot
FRGC - Tuesday - What if?
Last week there was a post from a FReeper asking the question about what to have for weaponry 'just in case'.
The 'just in case' could be societal breakdown due to natural disaster (Katrina, Andrew, Camille), or in the never spoken of case, restoration of the republic.
Now the second may never happen, at least in our lifetime, but every great society in history has had a breakdown due to corruption, coup, or some charismatic leader manipulating the law until a democracy becomes a tyranical theocracy.
So, let's look at what would be a good, economical, group of firearms that are basically essential to have 'just in case'. There are really only a few firearms that should be considered if you are looking to arm yourself on a budget.
22's - Every gun fancier has more than one, and you should have at least one 22 in both handgun and rifle. The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most prolific rifles ever produced. If on a budget, there are used 22's in Savage, Stevens, Remington, Winchester, and a host of lesser manufactures at extremely good prices of $100 or less. Don't dismiss them becasue of worn finishes and dinged up wood. If the bores are in good shape, and the sights are not dinged up beyond usage, they will serve well in the function of a game getter.
Shotguns - We're not talking fancier engraved over/under skeet/clays guns here, we're talking defensive, no-frills shotguns, and that means 18-20 inch barrel riot or combat shotguns. hte Remington 870 is one of the best, the Mossberg 500 series, Winchester 1200 all fit in the category of reliable, inexpensive, hard hitting shotguns. 12 ga is the norm for these guns, but the 20 will serve if necessay. The advantage of the pump guns is the ability to easily change the barrels for a longer fowling barrel. That may be necessary 'just in case'.
Rifles - Now we are getting to the heart of a larger debate, one that surrounds caliber, mechanism, and portability. Remember, we are talking 'just in case' and the worst case.
The AR-15 system is probably the best combination of portability, and capacity. Notice, I said nothing about stopping power. The . 223 makes up for that in number of rounds available. In an urban environment, it may make the most sense. A good rifle, either auto or bolt, in 308 would be the best to have, imho. The 308 has excellent stopping power, range, and comes in a variety of configurations. Bolt guns are numerous, plentiful, and ammo is available almost everywhere. Semiautos can be any of the M1A configurations, H&K, or some of the AR makers, like the Armalite. There are other good calibers that can be used inthe role of 'just in case', but, 223/308 are military cartridges, and therefore, prohbably going to be much more available than any other. Bolt rifles are available in good economic range such as the Savage or even some of the lower end Remingtons
Handguns - Caliber and availability is important here. You need a good 22 handgun, either auto or revolver along with a defensive caliber. I would not recommend anything less than a 9mm for a defensive handgun, unless something smaller is all you have. 38/357 is a good combination in a revolver for the budget minded. Taurus makes a number of economical, reliable autos and revolvers in larger calibers.
There is not one "best" combination to have 'just in case', but if you have a good 22 rifle/handgun combo, shotgun, bolt or semi in military caliber and a good handgun, you are pretty much set. There are other factors involved in self reliance 'just in case'. Working with your friends and neighbors to be prepared to defend your homes, or working together to have a plan. Y2K had a lot of doomsayers saying that there would be chaos, which never happened, and a lot of people spent a lot of cash to get ready for it. Our neighborhood prepared as if any natural disaster was about to take place, water, food, generators, etc, were all put in place by us 'just in case'. The one thing I was tasked with was to make sure that those who chose to be armed had the right equipment and we had caliber compatibility. Fortunately, there was not much to worry about after Y2K. Now, we have an unusual situation in the country. This election, unfortunately, is going to be a weather-bell in some parts of the nation. there is a possibility of dramatic unrest and rioting in case one candidate is not elected. It underlies the entire process.
Being prepared for that possibility is something you might want to consider.
Rifle - AK-47 (+ 10 extra mags) - There is no more reliable weapon in the world than an even moderately maintained AK. Ammo is reasonable too, and in short range defensive situations it is more than adequate.
Shotgun - Mossberg 590A1 - Military spec 12GA has 9rounds on board with a recoil absorbing adjustable stock and two external side saddles with 11 additional rounds, and a 50 round bandolier.
Handgun - 1911 in .45ACP (+ 10 extra mags) - My favorite handgun. It's what I shoot best, and it has never failed me. YMMV
Blades - At least one machete, an axe, a boot knife, and bayonets for each long gun.
All long guns need slings. They are convenient for carry, and if you know how to use one properly they will steay your shots.
.22 semiauto rifle, Hi-Standard .22 semiauto pistol, Taurus stainless steel .357 revolver, Rossi "Henry-style" lever-action rifle in .357, Beeman "spring-air" pellet rifle in .177.
Still need the shotgun. Will probably spring for a 20 gauge pump in the next year or so.
I’ve got an older Marlin 989 22 rifle, a Stag Model 1, and a Bersa Thunder 380. I’m looking to sell the Marlin because I just can’t get it working quite right and I think that for the investment it would take to get it working right I could go and buy a Ruger 10/22 and be done with it. I also plan on getting a Taurus PT1911 for when the SHTF. I think the 1911 paired with the Stag should prove sufficient for one of those moments. However, I’m trying to convince my lady that we should get a shotgun as well, but she’s already not too crazy about the 3 guns in the house now...
I’ve got an older Marlin 989 22 rifle, a Stag Model 1, and a Bersa Thunder 380. I’m looking to sell the Marlin because I just can’t get it working quite right and I think that for the investment it would take to get it working right I could go and buy a Ruger 10/22 and be done with it. I also plan on getting a Taurus PT1911 for when the SHTF. I think the 1911 paired with the Stag should prove sufficient for one of those moments. However, I’m trying to convince my lady that we should get a shotgun as well, but she’s already not too crazy about the 3 guns in the house now...
I’ve got an older Marlin 989 22 rifle, a Stag Model 1, and a Bersa Thunder 380. I’m looking to sell the Marlin because I just can’t get it working quite right and I think that for the investment it would take to get it working right I could go and buy a Ruger 10/22 and be done with it. I also plan on getting a Taurus PT1911 for when the SHTF. I think the 1911 paired with the Stag should prove sufficient for one of those moments. However, I’m trying to convince my lady that we should get a shotgun as well, but she’s already not too crazy about the 3 guns in the house now...
Admin, can you remove the duplicates below? Thanky mucho.
A 22 rifle is a good small game rifle.
A 12 ga. shotgun, pump or semi-auto, is great for home defense and hunting.
A semi auto rifle, the AR-15 is a good choice for a lot of reasons, magazine availability, light weight, low recoil, accuracy, high firepower.
At least TWO pistols. I would advise getting two of the same model and caliber if possible.
And one more I would add would be a scoped. bolt action hunting rifle in a common caliber like 308 or 30-06.
that’s not true. some of us don’t want guns for Christmas.
for example, i want a dillon 650 press, a dillon square deal, electronic powder measure, lead pot, bullet molds, someone to teach me how to cast my own bullets, couple kegs of powder, a case or six of primers..
but no more guns until i can afford enough bullets to feed them all, which means casting my own.
if you don’t have the money for a fancy one, look at the remmington spartan line. very functional, but not prettied up shotguns, and are very inexpensive as far as doubles go.
.22LR, generic.
5.56 (not .223, there is a subtle but meaningful difference), AR-15, major manufacturer.
.308, Remington 700 or Steyr Scout, with high-quality scope.
12ga, Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590.
9mm or .45ACP, Glock or major M1911.
Get one of each, with minimum 1000 rounds for each.
Keep in mind what “economical” will mean when your life depends on it.
For those wishing to yammer on about the subject, do so.
For those wishing to just get what’s needed and move on with life, there’s your list.
Don’t forget training, minimum of 40 hours on each.
I've only recently started exploring centerfire rifle/pistol combinations that are chambered for the same round. The .357 Mag., .45 Colt and .44 Mag. all gain approximately 200 fps (factory or standard pressure handloads), out of the longer rifle barrels and become pretty formidable, and the rifles, typically Marlin or old Winchester leverguns are very simple, rugged and reliable. This simplifies ammunition requirements and storage. I presently own the aforementioned leverguns, and am energetically seeking a .45 ACP Marlin Camp Carbine.
consider this.
my pistol of choice is .38super. yep, ammo is hard to come by, but i have a good sized horde of it, and a ton of cases and powder. but consider this, if SHTF and for some reason i have to drop it, is becomes 90% useless to whomever picks it up. OTOH, .38super fires the same projectile as 9mm, so worst cases scenario, i have a gun that mostly useless to other people, but with a few minutes work pulling bullets from 9mm, i can have ammo.
teh same goes for a couple of my other guns. components are common, but factory bullets aren’t. also, i’m hoping to start casting my own soon, which will make it even better for me in SHTF world.
bump
I have absolutely nothing to add and agree with you on every point. I have:
.22LR pump action rifle
.22LR long barrel pistol
Mossberg 500 pump 12 gauge
AR-15 (.223) with large cap magazines
M1-A1 (.308) with large cap magazines
S&W auto in 9mm and .40 S&W with large cap mags
.45 Long Colt/410 revolver
Marlin lever action w/ scope in .44 Mag
Adequate ammunition for all.
You might want to take a look at a Ruger 22/45 pistol. Ergonomics are very similar to the 1911. The ammo savings from using the .22 vs. the .45 for most of your practice/plinking will save the cost of pistol pretty quickly.
It stands by itself and being circular stores in a small area. Height was based on your favorite stool or chair.
But thanks for the heads up. I'll take a look see.
Please, what “M1A1” are your referring to-I can only recall two M1A1s in small arms configuration-one a 45 cal Thompson SMG, and the other the paratrooper M1 Carbine in 30 Cal carbine. Oh, and the M1A1 Abrams MBT, but alas, no M1A1 in .308 Win or 762.
Might you be referring to the M1A commonly made by Springfield Inc as a civilian copy of the US M14 in semi-auto only?
Not trying to be a pain in the butt, only looking for clarification.
Good list otherwise! (recommend not posting your listing of personally held arms-this is not a secure environment....).
God Bless
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