Posted on 02/19/2009 1:32:54 PM PST by terabyte
Given the instability of the world today and the very real possibility of worldwide economic collapse, let us accept that every family should own at least one firearm. There are more reasons, of course, and those have been discussed ad nausaeum on more websites than could possibly benamed here. Since our budgets will allow most of us to own only a few (or potentially just one) firearm, we should choose wisely.
The criteria is simple. The firearm must be very simple to operate. Ammunition must be plentiful, even in a scenario in which law enforcement and traditional retail markets have broken down. The firearm must be inexpensive, versatile, and be completely reliable. Each of the four firearms listed below has good marks in each of those five categories. There are too many excellent firearms on the market to compromise on any of those criteria.
1. The first firearm in any home should be the American standby, the twelve-gauge pump shotgun. There are numerous makes and models on the market, but the best is the venerable Remington 870. With easy-to-change barrels, it can switch duty from defending the home to putting food on the table in less than a minute. With the ability to fire a wide variety of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, it can handle hunting duties from all but the smallest of small game up to deer-sized animals. Its stopping power is legendary. There is very little this shotgun cannot do. Buy one inexpensive 870 for around $250, and then simply purchase an extra barrel or two for the ultimate in versatility.
2. The second firearm in a home should be a high-quality pistol. The pistol should be in a caliber no smaller than 9mm Parabellum. Anything smaller than that is simply ineffective for anything other than target practice.
(Excerpt) Read more at associatedcontent.com ...
No 50 cal?
Good article, and timely: I just received my License to Carry today!
BUMP
License to carry? You mean concealed?
Take your license out for a spin, leave the gun at home. That’s what I did for a month before actually packing. GO slow, stay safe. My wife did the same.
Just went to the range last night, the wife is becoming a hot shot with her GLock 19.
I got my four.
$400 for an AK ?
Gotta disagree with the author on several points.
(2) — he doesn’t even mention wheelguns. I would highly recommend something like a good, used .357 revolver, because they’re simple, reliable, and in variants with a long enough barrel suitable for hunting. .44 Mag is too much, .41 Mag is too difficult to find ammo for.
(4) I’d recommend a bolt gun over a semi-auto every time. They’re more accurate, more reliable and for beginning shooters, they force a consideration of the shot rather than an attitude of “oh, I can follow up quickly.” There’s tons of bolt guns out there in ‘06 or ‘06-class rounds that are popular, or .308.
I completely agree with his recommendation of a 12-ga first, tho. If someone has the budget for only one firearm, make it a reliable 12ga.
Pre-election publication date.
Except for the Ruger 10-22, I have ‘em (along with 6 other shotguns and another pistol) and I don’t even have a family.
Yeah that’s what I said.
This is my next purchase.
That's a 65 cal. ball w/6#1 buckshot. Just in case some Zombies attack.
Yeah, in MA, a LTC is concealed-carry. There are a couple different licensing levels here, I figured I may as well go for the top license - unrestricted Class-A. Fortunately I live in a town with a Chief of Police that has no problem issuing such licenses. (This is a “may-issue” state and the Chief can impose completely arbitrary standards of “suitability” and various restrictions)
Every single eligible citizen should go take the time to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights.
2. Hi-Point 9mm pistol (ammo cheaper than other sizes)
3. Ruger 22 Mark II or III pistol
4. Ruger 10/22 rifle with over/under scope and 30 shot clip
5. Remington Model 742 30-06 semi-auto rifle with over/under scope.
Actually he does mention wheelguns and says they are too hard to reload. I think most 5 year olds could master a speedloader. And that’s the thing ... a wheelgun is pretty simple for a novice to use. Sure, slapping in a magazine is easier than a wheelgun reload, but how about clearing a jam or dealing with a misfire? Then suddenly the Glock is a Block for most family members.
Not exactly... from the article:
Although oceans of ink have been printed on the best pistol forpersonal and home use, most of the arguments come down to either a revolver of some sort, something in the Glock family or a Colt 1911-style pistol.
The author mentions that there are lots of choices out there, but clearly states his personal preference.
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