If the economic and social meltdown happens, what is the best weapon for home defense?

july 5, 2010 | blessu

[Ev Reeman]

“Get your hands off me you damn dirty liberals!”

[Pelham]

“Armed and trustworthy neighbors.”

That’s what I was thinking.

[antidemoncrat]

Thanks for all those replies. I was just bringing out the point that most people cannot eat guns and bullets. I personally own 5 pistols, two shotguns, and 3 rifles. I would prefer a 9mm, 15 shot pistol and a 9 round 12 gauge pump shotgun for home protection.

[EGPWS]

If there is no market for it that is correct.

There ya' go.

When starving and dying of thirst, give a bar of gold and all will be fine.

[meyer]

A willingness to shoot to kill to defend your family’s lives.

As silly as it might sound, I would be willing to bet that this is the biggest obstacle that most people would face in a 'home intruder' situation. It's one thing to be well practiced and to want to do what is necessary - it's quite another thing to actually act. Once the trigger is pulled, life changes drastically. You can't unpull the trigger.

[Sender]

Canned food, a water filter and valuable things to barter with.

[wtc911]

I would prefer a 9mm, 15 shot pistol and a 9 round 12 gauge pump shotgun for home protection...

_____________________________________

I've got two 15 rd Ruger P89s and a Saiga 12ga ten rd semi-auto. A few other odds and ends but these are my go-to guys.

[xp38]

[cripplecreek]

I grew up in a small town and I live in a small town. I’ve seen how people in close knit communities behave when the going gets tough.

My neighbors and I would band together for the mutual security of the pack.

[mick]

All of these suggestions are very good. Any will serve the purpose. But a weapon is a very personal thing. You must be comfortable with it. You must be skilled in it's use. But most important...really the ONLY thing self defense using a firearm comes down to...you must be willing to kill a human being. If you are not then it is not a good idea to brandish a weapon because any weapon may be turned against you. I know there will be those who say that just showing a weapon can be a deterrent. But I would not want to bet my life on that assumption. You must be ready and willing to kill. The firearm is merely the instrument. You are the killer. Can you do it? Only you can answer that question.

[EGPWS]

I want one.

I have a big lawn. ; )

[Randy Larsen]

All the guns in the world won’t help much if your mind tells you to give in!

You’re greatest strength is your own brain. Believe in your cause and dedicate your life to surviving at all costs.

[jonrick46]

A Browning BLR .308:

[GlockThe Vote]

Here is what I have done for prep. Granted this is over the last 15 years so i am not new to this and have had time to accumulate a lot of stuff.

1. Glock 26 and Glock 17. 9mm is great ammo since its plentiful and strong enough for most situations. Glocks take the hi cap mags unlike the .45’s

2. Benelli Supernova, 870, and Saiga 12. I have one at the office and one at the house. 12 guage is best and get plenty of ammo. its not expensive. I only bought the saiga since its on the ban list.

3. AK & AR. For $1,500.00 you can get a AK47 and Bushmaster AR. Can’t go wrong on that. Get extra mags and ammo!

4. .22 - 10/22 and a Marlin Papoose. The Papoose is a great little survival gun I would always want on me.

5. Ammo. Without ample ammo, a gun is nothing more than a club.

6. Water. WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER!!!!!!! Go to BJ’s and buy the 5 gallon jugs for 3.99. Get at least 10 of them. Well worth the money.

7. 96 hour kit. I have a 96 hour kit in every car, in the home, and at the office. Get a good bag like a maxpedition and stock it with items you will need if SHTF. Make sure you have a crank radio, fire starter, water, emergency blanket, siphon, rope, etc.

8. Self Defense. I take classes from the same guy Celente does. Check it out. www.attackproof.com.

9. Read. Get books on basic stuff. Cory Lundin has some great books out there to check out on amazon.

10. Food - look for specials on dry food or bulk from ems, rei, etc.

PM me if you want other pointers.

[Moonman62]

Can you name a time in history where there was no market for gold?

Right now, as I said, gold has no value at my grocery store. The gas station won't take it. I can't pay my mortgage or other living expenses with it. My bank won't take it. If society breaks down, the industrial and jewelry demand for gold will plummet. Most gold dealers at that point will probably commit suicide. The few remaining dealers will be too busy hunting and fishing to make a market in gold. But you'll still be able to enjoy how bright and shiny it is, and maybe even use it as a weapon by throwing it at somebody.

[headsonpikes]

“You can’t unpull the trigger.”

There’s a C&W song just awaitin’ to happen right there!

[Mariner]

Semi-automatic pistol is fastest, 12 gauge most effective and and and "assault rifle" the most flexible.

Hell, buy one of each. And a BUNCH of ammo.

[mainevet]

Right now, as I said, gold has no value at my grocery store. The gas station won't take it. I can't pay my mortgage or other living expenses with it.

Not true. The grocery store must take your $20.00 1887 Double Eagle to pay for $20 worth of groceries. It's legal tender. Don't think I'd do that though. :-)

[mainevet]

If the economic and social meltdown happens, what is the best weapon for home defense?

Do you mean defending your home or defending yourself in your home?

If you mean the first. I must ask. Is your home defensible?

As for the second I have a Winchester Defender 8 shot, but post 27 sounds like a better option to me. I've wanted to try Dragon's Breath, a zirconium-based pyrotechnic shotgun round. Might be good for getting the fire at camp going. Post 110 is right on.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

A Thompson