I'm not going to skrimp on a gun needed for survival in a SHTF situation. My life is to valuable to me. The people who depend on me are to valuable to me. I buy the best I can afford and then upgrade as I can. I can do without a few movies or trips to the Dairy Queen to have the money to buy a good gun. I don't want a gun or caliber that might not be enough or may not be reliable.
I'm damned sure not going to carry a gun that MIGHT work. I want a gun better than the OTHER GUY is carrying.
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Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.
What's your point? Are you going to show us some new Rambo gun you got? Are you going to ask what gun you should get? Are you wanting to debate whether or not you should get said big Rambo gun? Did I miss something?
Mike, think your requirements through slowly and carefully before you decide what kind of a longarm you want. "Might not be enough" to do what? Drop a man at 300 meters? Shoot as fast as I can pull the trigger, to the point it sounds like a slow-cycling full auto? Hunt food with? Blow a zombie's head off at 1000 meters? Never need cleaning and still work? Digest any type of ammo in its caliber? Shoot sub-MOA out to 500 meters? You have to be specific. But I will make this observation.
When The History Channel did a "Top Ten Rifles" list, the rifle that came in at Number One was the AK-47. Richard Venola, an ex-Marine who writes for Guns & Ammo, said that if he was about to be dropped on a virgin planet and could only take one gun with him, that gun would be an AK-47, "because it will keep you alive." I don't think AKs are particularly accurate, that banana clip is an invitation to waste ammo, and the issue sights suck; but I have to agree AK-47s will take abuse that would send an AR-type rifle to the armorer for a total overhaul and just shrug it off and keep on shooting.
The 7.62x39 cartridge will take any game animal in North America except moose, elk, grizzly bear and bison with 1 shot at 100 meters or less. The Vietnam Memorial stands in silent testimony to its ability to kill men. 7.62x39 Combloc is readily available, something to consider in a SHTF situation.
An AK is not heavy, something to consider when you may be on foot for a long time. Venola says anybody can learn to shoot and maintain an AK-47 in 4 hours or so. The rifle is so simple to use and maintain it's the first rifle of many Third World kids, the way American kids get a .22 bolt action as their first rifle. Therefore, you might want to think hard about adopting the AK-47 as your SHTF rifle.
Visiting the thought another way. .22 and I can stay out of their way.
Eating, protection, ammo, moving out, finding ammo readily, carrying additional ammo. .22 will do it all.
In a combat situation, HIDE, I'm to old to get shot, I don't enjoy pain, I don't want to hurt, I just want ?them? to leave me alone
Those of us with family, know what our obligations are.
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Craig
Who refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
Visiting the thought another way. .22 and I can stay out of their way.
Eating, protection, ammo, moving out, finding ammo readily, carrying additional ammo. .22 will do it all.
In a combat situation, HIDE, I'm to old to get shot, I don't enjoy pain, I don't want to hurt, I just want ?them? to leave me alone
Those of us with family, know what our obligations are.
Eventually I'd like one of the AK 100 series rifles for a combat or SHTF gun.
But like I said, this is just for me. You get what you think is best for you.
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Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.
If SHTF, and you are at Home...you need several guns, not just one. Rifle for long, Carbine for Medium, pistols & shotguns for Close.
In a vehicle, pistols are usually the best bet...a fast-access safe welded under a seat is nice, or a Q-Box...CCW license helps. If you are blessed with a large trunk, you can put a trunk-lid SHTF rifle & shotgun lock-box...like the ones cops use for their AR-15's & extra SWAT weapons. But, um...have a Really Good explaination for the nice officers if they want to search your vehicle and you aren't a fuzzy yourself With a pickup use a hidden gun rack...behind the seat instead of on the rear window...preferably lockable. Vans have Multiple hidden hiding places available...
When I drove a cab we had cashboxes welded into the trunks so we could keep minimal cash on us, and the keys were kept at Dispatch...I always thought that a box of that nature could have Other Uses...Gun Safe, perhaps
AK's & SKS work well as carbines...few reasons for them NOT to fire...unlike AR-15's...
I said, just for me. If we're talking a bug out gun then it needs to cover as many different jobs as might be needed.
A caliber that's enough for taking game or defending myself.
Reliable.
Ammo has to be reasonably priced and available.
The gun has to be easily maintained.
Portable, a 20 lb rifle is likely not.
Nope, got no use for Ninjas.
I base what I post based on stuff I've done.
I've really shot people, spent many days living off the land.
Been in the woods and even have stayed on an island.
I worked many years as a Cop in rural areas.
I've hunted to feed my family.
I've borrowed but never begged.
I know that high price doesn't always mean quality.
I don't rely on stuff that might work because it usually doesn't.
I consider myself competent but know I ain't got a big 'S' on my chest.
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Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.
Each survivalist's weapon of choice may be different - as we have differing circumstances. But one truism exists - price has little bearing on the quality of a firearm.
I base my choices on what type gun I need to satisfy a particular need, the gun in that class I can afford NOW, and a proven record of reliability and performance.
I tend to avoid lots of gizmos and gadgets on my guns - too many more things to FAIL when needed. Keep it simple. Simple is GOOD when the bullets are flying - under stress you will not use those gadgets effectively.
I also agree with avoiding the conflict when poosible.
At my age and physical state - I cannot outrun the baddies, and have little 'tactical' experience' - if I survived a firefight, it would mean a lot of pure dumb luck!
A man just has to know his limitations.....
AK, any kind will do really, personally I love my AK47.
And I know this is a quote from a movie, but...
"It doesn't break, jam or overheat. It will shoot whether it's covered in mud or filled with sand."
I don't know a single person who has ever had problems with their AK47.
They're just reliable guns.
Also are capable of taking down lots of game, if you're accurate.
Just don't go trigger happy or else you'll shoot all around the target.
Also, a nice 9mm would be good for a car..as big shrek said a good hiding space is all that's needed. Somewhere to put the gun and ammo, loaded extra mags, first aid, etc.
With a pickup use a hidden gun rack...behind the seat instead of on the rear window...preferably lockable. Vans have Multiple hidden hiding places available...
