Posted on 12/22/2011 9:55:45 AM PST by JohnKinAK
As the economic crisis has worsened over the last several years we have made it a point to inform our readers about the possibility of a system collapse so severe that the regular flow of commerce comes to a screeching halt. Planning for such a far-from-equilibrium scenario, which may very well involve the collapse of a nations currency, requires that we consider alternative monetary vehicles to help us get through tough times. In What is Money When The System Collapses? we outlined several supplies that would become essential in a post-collapse world. Thing like food, water, gas, and clothing would become necessities not just for your personal use, but as barterable assets.
Weve always advocated investment into precious metals like gold, and especially silver in junk form, as these will likely be some of the few recognizable emerging currencies if the worst were to happen. Another asset class that will likely experience a boom in a post-collapse world is guns and ammunition.
If theres one thing you may have noticed about guns and ammunition over the last ten years, and especially since the economic and financial collapse of 2008, its that prices for these assets have steadily risen. Some may suggest this is a side effect of inflation, and while we wont disagree that inflation has played a part, it is only a symptom of a deeper, more fundamental issue that is driving the value of these assets to historical highs.
The people have lost confidence in the governments ability to mitigate this crisis and they have no trust that government officials have their best interests at heart. Recent developments on financial, economic, and political fronts have left aware and responsibility-minded Americans with no choice but to take their financial and physical security into their own hands. As a result weve seen sustained multi-year growth growth in the value of traditional wealth preservation assets of last resort like gold and silver. Moreover, and quite telling of the lack of trust the American people have in their government, there has been an unprecedented growth in the number of Americans investing in non-traditional stores of wealth that include assets like guns and ammunition.
For many, guns and ammo are the new gold and silver. Historically these assets have retained or increased their value, while also serving a practical purpose for post-collapse emergency preparedness planning.
Via Ammo.net:
Some of the fear-based psychological reasons for golds popularity in times of economic crisis appear to be similar to the reasons cited for purchasing guns and ammunition. Michael Thompson, a small business owner from Virginia, had this to say about why he recently purchased 2,000 rounds of 223 ammunition to go with his growing collection of AR-15 assault rifles: Since ARs are so well-known & widespread, quality ones dont really go down in value. I dont trust whats going on in Washington and a reliable firearm thatll hold its value plus ammo that I can always re-sell later if I dont use it up seems like as safe a place as any to put my money in these uncertain times.
Dustin Ramsey, a 28 year old self-proclaimed realist from Tennessee who says hunting and fishing are two of his favorite outdoor activities, counts the 5,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition he keeps on-hand as one of his investments along with gold coins: Im a hunter so I know I can use my guns & ammo to feed my family if something happens to our usual food supply and theres a run at our grocery store. Plus, it seems like somebody on Wall Street is always getting bailed out nowadays and my faith in the stock market has been gone for a long time. Look, Ive seen what happens when times get tough and I figure I can always barter a popular caliber like 9mm for other supplies like I would with gold if push comes to shove. And if a crisis never materializes where I need my stash of ammo, I still love to shoot so those bullets wont go to waste. Given the uncertainty in our world, ammunition seems more practical to me than gold, whether theres an economic crisis or not.
The following fact sheet (via Ammo.net) offers some compelling statistics for the viability of guns and ammunition as investment and/or wealth protections vehicles:
Firearms and ammunition may not be a typical investment asset for most, but considering the growth we have seen in the last decade, many more Americans are turning to them in times of uncertainty, crisis and distrust. We have yet to see our government make any significant changes to our economic policies, regulators continue to ignore the fraudulent activities and outright scams in financial circles, our currency is under threat of losing its world reserve status, more Americans than ever require government assistance just to put food on the table, and our liberties are being progressively restricted on an almost daily basis.
Given the reaction to these circumstances thus far, it should be apparent that for those looking to protect their wealth, as well as their lives as crime and violence rise, guns and ammunition may be an excellent egg to add to the diversification basket.
Note to self:
Go buy more ammo.
(I always have a few hundred extra rounds. I should keep thousands though, huh.)
with guns and ammo, I’ve always found I can get the other stuff if I needed to. To be clear to others before I get flamed, I have food, medical supplies (the knowledge to use the supplies) water and a bug out piece of property.....but if the S really hit the fan I’d rather have lead than gold...10/10 times.
“.....he recently purchased 2,000 rounds of 223 ammunition...”
Lightweight. LOL
Don’t forget that lead and gold have entirely different delivery mechanisms.
It’s often said. The three most Precious Metals are...
Gold
Silver
Lead
This has been my argument against buying gold and silver in a SHTF crisis. Guns, ammo, and many other survival things have risen much less. Better allocation of my dollars to cheaper things that will have more utility.
As Victor David Hanson wrote, civilization is retreating from America, it might be wise to have a load of ammo.
I toss a brick of .22 LR into the cart every time I hit the sporting goods store.
.
The Stockpile Song
Take the flag down from the place
where it led the human race.
Run up U.N. white and blue.
Thats what your leaders want to do.
They dont seem to understand
we are a patriotic band.
So spread the word across the land
and stockpile weapons while you can.
Public schools were first to go.
Theyre run by leftists as you know.
So school your children safe at home
far from the propaganda zone.
For they dont want to understand
we are a family loving band.
So spread the word around the land
and stockpile knowledge while you can.
Stage and screen and on T.V.
theyre mocking God in all we see.
They may close your church some day
but they cant stop us when we pray.
For they refuse to understand
we are a Jesus loving band.
So spread the word across the land
and stockpile Bibles while you can.
Somewhere there near your hometown
professors robe or judges gown,
there is a leftist who must go.
So lock and load and let them know.
For time will come theyll understand
we are a patriotic band.
So spread the word across the land
and stockpile weapons while you can.
.
Are Guns and Roses the new Led and Zeppelin?
I’m sorry but the question makes just about as much sense. Things are what they are, and don’t become the “new” anything despite the ponderings of a retarded blogger.
Lead and brass to protect the gold and silver.
Thousand of rounds can be affordably acquired and easily stored.
Then when you appear in the news, the LSM can claim that your place was a fortified arsenal and add the .22LR to the larger stuff to indicate that you're a r-w wacko clinging to your ammo.
Other great bartering items:
1) Liquor
2) Aspirin
3) canned goods
4) cigarettes
5) bug spray
6) soap
7) a can opener
8) candles
9) batteries
10) everyone’s major need-—Toilet paper
Ping.
BLOAT
(Buy Lots Of Ammo Today)
also salt, toilet paper, and medical supplies (hydrogen peroxide is cheap at the dollar store and I use it in my laundry too)
Doesn't Sharia law claim that you're supposed to use your left hand?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.