Posted on 08/05/2026 7:33:47 AM PDT by jagusafr
The Colonel's Wife has finally agreed it's time for a rifle.
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An AR pistol can be a pretty flexible weapon to have, either with a pistol brace or folding stock.
“Recommendations on AR/AK/ other long gun for when SHTF”. Both.
AR-10, 7.62x51, scoped.
Grenades work good too.
1. What are your requirements? 2. What weapons are second nature to you? It is said that the best weapon in any situation is the one you know; there is truth to that. Requirements matter, likely defined by your strategic plans. Will you shelter in place; bug-out to remote location? This choice leads to different requirements: Defensive combat at close quarters/heavy vegetation? High mobility in adverse environments avoiding combat, but requiring hunting? Mobility through mountains with wide open spaces conducting ambushes? If you analyze your unique situation and requirements, you will make a better choice than someone elses blind recommendation.
Get six of one and a half dozen of the other...............
Added plus, they are made in Florida.
Buckle your seat belt my friend. You’re about to get an absolute avalanche of suggestions and very strong opinions.
Nothing like a gun post to fire up Freepers. 😁
Go to the Hickock45 youtube channel. He’s very knowledgeable on all things firearm.
And ammo!......lots and lots of ammo!
My theory is I want to be able to utilize whatever ammo I can find when stores are no longer an option.
To that end, .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .223 and 5.56mm, 7.62x39mm and 12 gauge should be in everyone’s possession as a starting point. My chief recommendation for anyone getting ‘exotic’ is make sure they have a lot of it on hand if they’re not likely to be able to scrounge for it easily off the fallen.
What do expect to happen when the SHTF?
A civil war?
Home invasions?
Both?
I think it also matters where you live. A guy living out on a farm would probably have different requirements than some guy living in city row house.
My next door neighbor used to work for Kel-tec when we still lived in FL. Low cost and reliable as far as I know.
Since you are already familiar with the M16, just get an M4 style AR. Simple ergonomics, adjustable, and easy to use! There are many quality brands out there for reasonable prices (although I personally prefer Smith and Wessons M&P 15 line). Get one with the removable carry handle in case you eventually want to mount a simple red dot sight or other optic on your rifle.
I prefer a Marlin 336 (original) fitted with a rail, red dot sights and underbarrel light.
LOL, brace for impact!
The good news is that the the AR platform in general is so good that if you buy from a manufacturer with much history at all, you can't go wrong. Ball ammo for 5.56x45 is also not scarce right now so it's a good time to get into it. Buy a "middle of the road" rifle, a bunch of Magpul magazines, and a few thousand rounds of ammo.
Welcome to the militia!
And I suggest a reloading kit...............
Best advice jagusafr can get.
After studying your preferences and likely needs, then it makes sense to consiider a particular weapon or weapons.
An excellent suggestion!
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