When I used up all of my prep stuff after October 2008, I wasn't over-run. But that was a personal SHTF thing.
I'll take my chances.
Do you have historical evidence for your observation? If it's more than a personal SHTF kind of thing?
/johnny
Nope. I'm just thinkin' out loud. Let's say that - for whatever reason - the USA's food distribution network breaks down for a month or so. I'm guessing that folks with hungry, starving children aren't going to just sit at home and do nothing. They're going to go a'raiding. It would be like the Watts riots, times 100.
Will you at the front door with a .357 and Uncle Joe at the back door with a shotgun scare them off, for good? I don't think so. Starving people, especially when they are also armed, are a formidable foe.
That's why I say preppers are screwed too.
But you are correct when you said you'll take your chances. The more preparation a person makes, the better, even if the long-term odds are still poor.