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 ...
1000 for centerfires, 3000 for .22
bump for later
“Also, a Marlin is a better choice than the 10/22. It’s the most plentiful .22 rifle in the world with over 10 million sold, so parts are very easy to come by. It also carries 18 rounds.”
You’ve got to be kidding! My 10/22 has several 25 round mags, and will empty them very rapidly and flawlessly.
“Push a lever with your thumb and up pops the barrel. Pop a round in and click it back down and start shooting. “
LOL, that was the part in the operating instructions that was confusing me; but that is because I would need the gun in my hand to interpret this.
I guess it depends on what you grew up with. However, as a kid I had a Marlin (still have it!) and my shooting friend had a 10/22, and we’d switch. I still liked my Marlin better.
Go to a gun shop that has a range and loaner guns and let the nice guy there help you choose. It takes all of the guesswork out of what you think you can handle. We can say .38, .357, 9mm and .40, revolver vs. pistol, all day but it won't be as good as actually trying them.
Good idea. I have a gas spring Weihrauch match air pistol that should be able to take down most smaller edibles given how far it penetrates a phone book. It’s quite accurate, so a head shot should be able to take down the plentiful geese who think they own the neighborhood.
Speaking of that, propellant. Stay away from spring air, as they are less accurate, have more recoil and the springs can weaken so it’s not a good idea to walk around cocked. IMHO all those overcome the only advantage they have, which is higher muzzle velocity. CO2 ignores the whole point. Gas spring or a single-stroke pump is best, with fairly high velocity, high reliability (especially gas spring), excellent accuracy and a quicker trigger pull.
I'm LH male.
Remingtons and just about any other make have safeties that are backwards, clumsy for LH folks.
Mossberg is wise in having their safety on the tang(upper part of the receiver). That puts the safety under your thumb no matter right or left handed.
Mossbergs are reliable and cheaper than Remingtons.
Unless you plan on spending a lot of time shooting and having the pistol controls become second nature, get a revolver.
They are very reliable and foolproof.
Check out a Ruger SP101 in .357. I'll bet the grips fit and they are as rugged as they come.
If you need two 30 round mags for your SKS to defend yourself, you are already dead meat. It’s too dangerous for home work and the rounds aren’t big enough for the outdoors.
A .410 is the best indoor weapon. You can knock down the bad guy and not kill your kids in the process.
Outside, you are sniper bait anyway. You better have a scope
Thanks, I like the looks of those.
This list is a short and concise as any I have seen but theres still problems with it. What good is a 10/22 if you live in Miami or Manhattan? The choice of rifles depends heavily on where you live and whether hunting is an option.
A nice bolt action like a Remington 700 or 770 or a Savage will serve a mountain or plains dweller better than some hicap 223 toy.
Also a Glock 17 is not better than a 1911 unless it has hollow points in it if somebody cheaps out on ammo and gets ball, a 16 round 9mm will not serve them well against druggies or rabid animals. A S&W model 66 or 686 might be even better than either for a novice.
The article fails to mention that shotgun loads are very versatile, too. #9 birdshot is good for close up defense inside a home because it doesn’t penetrate drywall too easily. 00 buck is good for obvious reasons. Getting into exotic loads flechettes are great for hitting mobs at moderate distances and point detonating slugs ruin even the hardiest body armor.
Read This Evening BUMP!
Most web searches send me to info about the M1 Army tank or gives me M1 comparisons to other rifles, most info I already know. Anyone have a good specific links to a website on this? Thank you all.
good list!
Good thread...thanks. That website is terrific.
Try “Springfield M1A”.
They seem to be going for between $1300 and (*gulp*) $2900 depending on what goodies to get.
I’ve actually never fired an M1A so I can’t comment on it.
I also never owned but have fired an FAL ($1600 and up) and loved it. Great accuracy and manageable recoil, just a fun rifle to shoot but expensive to feed.
“I still liked my Marlin better.”
I’ve owned at least ten different .22s over the years. My favorite of all of them was an old Winchester pump, Wish I still had that one. I priced one just like it at a gun show last year and they wanted $500 bucks!
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