I live a small town. 5 miles away and you are in the forests of KY. Friend has a nice piece of property that is geographically perfect for a firing range. I use it at least twice a week for practice. Usually the 22 Marlin 795 because of ammo cost. But as you Appleseed folks know, that works for all your long guns. I love my AR15, but ammo costs mean I have to be somewhat frugal with it.
My opinion? If you own only one long gun for protection, make it a shotgun.
The first 3 things you do if you live in an urban area and the SHTF?
1- get out of the city
2- get out of the city
3- get out of the city
Sorry but that is terrible advise. For some of us, where are we going to go? Is some compassionate country dweller going to take us in?
Plus if SHTF, are the roads even going to be passable? Is sitting in a five mile long traffic jam that never moves better than staying in your home in the city?
Sure I would love to be away from the city if SHTF but for some of us, it is not possible. I’ll stand and fight where I am. I have prepped as best I can and will stay unless it is the last resort.