Firearms and Survival Part 1

Font Size » Large | Small

Firearms are one of those topics that most survival-minded people have a strong opinion about. I know not everyone will agree with what I have, as well as what I might recommend. So if your opinion differs – please leave a comment and keep the discussion going. Here are my thoughts:

When I think about survival and firearms I am always considering a long term TSHTF event. If anything less than that occurs – then great. However – when thinking what firearms to have, how much ammunition, and what accessories to stock……long term independence and a high level of civil unrest is considered in my plans.

My Survival Battery needs to be flexible and capable of dealing with a variety of situations. From dealing with putting small game on the dinner table to dealing with “rabid zombies” at 200 yards – what I have is all that I will have – so it needs to be able to work and work well. An example of such a situation may be conditions after an EMP attack- no power, no transportation, no communication. Over time – people will become desperate and begin to commit crimes to stay alive and provide for their family when their food, water, and medical supplies run out. They very well may come to your door……..to your home and plan to take what they need. You, and I must be able to defend our families and those supplies – or else. I do plan to assist others with charity – however that is very risky as once you give – they may come back later for more.

So – what guns do I have and plan to get to complete my survival battery?

1. Combat Rifle/Carbine: To deal with short to medium range situations – I look to a semi-automatic centerfire rifle or carbine to fill that role.

This weapon must be:

accurate

reliable

effective range out to 150+ yards

high capacity (20+ rounds)

quick handling

lightweight

Stag AR

My Choice: Stag M4 Variant – 5.56mm

2. Pistol: To deal with short range situations (house/building searching-clearing) , as well as a backup in case of long gun failure - I look to a semi-automatic centerfire pistol to fill that role.

This weapon must be:

accurate

reliable

high capacity (10+ rounds)

quick handling

lightweight

comfortable to shoot

My Choice: S&W M&P9 9mm Semi-Automatic 17-rd Pistol

3. Shotgun: To deal with short range situations – I look to pump action 12 gauge shotgun to fill that role.

Pretty simple and straight forward – shotgun must:

Capacity of 5 shells or more
Manuvable, easy to carry
Secure and comfortable grip
Pump action or semi-auto
Rugged & Reliable

Escort combat shotgun

My Choice: Hatsan Escort 12 gauge shotgun

4. Bolt Action/Long Range Rifle: Situations from out to 300 yards or so – I look to a high powered bolt action rifle to fill that role.

Rifle must be:

accurate
decently rugged
large caliber

My Choice: Remington 700 SPS Tactical- I do not own this yet. Depending upon budget, I may end up selecting a lower priced Savage or Marlin polymer stocked bolt action.

5. Utility Firearm: Small game, potential use for self-defense, training, weapon for smaller inexperienced shooters.

My Choice: Ruger 10/22 .22LR Semi-Auto Carbine- A legend – the Ruger 10/22 is an excellent utility firearm. In a pinch – it could fill the role as a self-defense firearm, getting small game, as well as train newer shooters.

I consider the above a basic survival battery. Everyone has their opinions as well as different circumstances – so my choices may not work for everyone.

When I correspond with others and discuss recommended firearms for long-term survival situations up to and including TEOTWAWKI – I often provide the following as a minimum carry for each member of the persons group:

1 Long gun
1 Pistol

Not real complicated I know. Depending upon the size of the group – the long guns within the group should be a combination of types to be used in different situations. Each member should have some form of pistol as a backup.

Budget-Minded Survivalists: Those on a severe budget may not be able to purchase a top of the line AR, the latest polymer framed high capacity ultra-reliable pistol, or a Phased plasma rifle in the 40-megawatt range. There are so many options out there for firearms to build your survival battery.

Lets look at a few firearms for those on a budget:

Self-Defense Rifle: Kel-Tec SU-16-A Sport Utility Rifle 223 19″ – around $550.00

There are several awesome video’s covering the Kel-Tec SU-16 at the Weapons Video Download page. Just right click on them and save to your hard drive. The Kel-Tec SU-16 appears to be a very viable alternative to a more expensive AR, Mini-14 and other expensive semi-auto centerfires.

Self-Defense Shotgun: Mossberg Maverick 88 Home Defense – around $250.00

Honestly my Hatsan cost me $200.00 and for me was well worth it. I would like to have a couple additional shell capacity, but for the money I had to get it. Mossberg makes a great weapon.

Self-Defense Pistol: Smith & Wesson Sigma 9mm- around $300…..give or take

This Smith & Wesson Sigma is a bargain at around $300.00. One of the largest criticisms and I can confirm this is that it has a heavy trigger pull. From what I understand Glock trigger/sear springs will work in the Sigma so you can lighten it.

Now – on a budget and you can only afford one gun – even as the zombie’s are heading your way………….my pick…..

Marlin 336 Lever Action .30-30 Winchester – quick handling, good power, versatile

I love lever action rifles. I have an old Winchester 94. Marlin also makes a lever action in .357 Magnum which gives you 9 rounds in the tube. That longer barrel will certainly put some zip in that .357 round.

The important thing when it comes to building your Survival Battery is it is better to have firearms that you can afford…..and are comfortable with – than to have nothing at all.

In PART 2 I will throw in my .02 cents worth on accessories, ammo supplies, etc for the Survival Battery.

Rourke

Tags: firearms

Defense, firearms, Weapons | Rourke July 7, 2010

12 Comments to “Firearms and Survival Part 1”

By ryan, July 7, 2010 @ 4:15 pm

Guns are an intensely personal thing. However as a general rule and in practice I have come to believe in common caliber firearms, in popular/ common models from major manufacturers manufacturers. Not saying that there aren’t some other great guns but common calibers, models and popular manufacturers are such for a very good reason. If nothing else it is just a sure way to get a good gun which will serve you well. Also logistics are greatly simplified.

For the pistol (do they take the old model 59/ 5906 mags?) I would be a bit concerned about parts and logistics. However if those are stashed and you like it then go for it. On the shotgun. Was it really cheap or does it have some sort of really cool features. Why not stick with a major/ proven brand?
By Rourke, July 7, 2010 @ 6:26 pm

Thanks for the info. You are correct – guns are very personal.

I like the idea of sticking very popular everyday calibers. 9mm, 45ACP, .308, .22LR, .223 – these will be plentiful for years to come and after TSHTF – will be good barter items. Try to find a box of .303 British in the backwoods of Georgia when you need ‘em – good luck.

I believe the Sigma magazines are propriatory – although they are plentiful – but not like a Glock 17 mag. There are a lot of inxpensive defensive pistols out there for the Budget Survivalist. From some newer revolvers to used semi-auto’s – I like the Sigma and thought it represented a good example of a high quality, high capacity defensive pistol.

The Hatsan Escort shotgun I have was $200 flat. It has a good fit and finish – polymer stocks. It does have quite violent recoil with heavier loads due to its lightweight. The foregrip is very comfortable and has a sure grip. I bought it a couple of years ago – they may not make the exact same model. Honestly – I bought it due to the price and it looks like a poor man’s Benelli.

Thanks – Rourke
By Drew Johnson, July 7, 2010 @ 6:59 pm

Hey Rourke,

Great article! I too like the M4 in 5.56. Mine shoots awesome out of the box. I think they may be a bit easier to find now. Keep it clean though. The AR platform likes to be clean, and well oiled to perform properly. My backup is an SKS in 7.62 x 39mm. ANYONE can buy one of these, as they’re a third of the cost of an AR. Ammo is plentiful and common, even here.

I do believe that if I could buy only one firearm, it would be the 12 gauge shotgun (pick whatever brand), I happen to have a Mossberg 500 (8+1 capacity) pump. It also has a side saddle (5 rounds) and the stock holds an additional 6 rounds, so, on the gun – 20 rounds.

I sold my Sigma .40 and bought a Glock instead. That Sigma has been back to the manufacturer now TWICE in 3 months. I’m glad I sold it (broken firing pin/spring first, then, a broken extractor – cracked right through). The gun had less than 700 rounds through it ever.

I think a person might be better off buying a used gun that’s been checked out by a smith instead of a new Sigma. Just my opinion.

No matter what, people should own a number of firearms – it’s fun, and it’s exercising your rights.
By Patrick, July 8, 2010 @ 1:21 am

A good basic battery, and I agree that any list of survival guns will be personal and subjective. It always makes for a good, robust debate, and as they said back in school there are no wrong answers. What it really comes down to is what you’ve got at your disposal and your ability to use it.

For budget guns you can go even lower and get a Kalashnikov variant for your hi-cap semi auto, and a Mosin for your long range. Bullets are cheap and plentiful–at least they are now (may not be in a long-term survival situation) so go ahead and stock up. For calibers like 7.63×39, 7.62×54, and 5.45 I’d buy ammo by the CRATE.
By Rourke, July 8, 2010 @ 2:10 am

Good comment and advice.

I have been meaning to look into getting a Mosin. Thanks for the reminder.

Take care –
Rourke
By Suburban Survivalist, July 8, 2010 @ 2:27 am

For a .22 LR rifle also consider the Marlin Model 60. Half the price of a 10/22 with better accuracy out of the box, or so is the general consensus of hundreds of posts I’ve read (thought the 10/22 can achieve better accuracy with mods – which are expensive).

On the SU-16, consider the “C” model, which can be fired in the folded position and has a thicker barrel (see the Nutnfancy review).

For a 5.56mm rifle, also consider newer (S/N starting in 580 and up) Mini-14s, which were redesigned. AK reliability (no “when lubed” AR caveats) and AR accuracy, for less (also see the Nutnfancy review).

Long range rifle – Mosin Nagant, 7.62x54R. Ballistics in between .308 (x51) and 30.06 (x63). Cheap, reliable, accurate (search for vids of guys hitting 1,000 yard targets with surplus ammo and $60 scopes), plenty of cheap ammo available now in sealed tins.
By Rourke, July 8, 2010 @ 3:16 am

Suburban –

You’ve really got me thinking about that Mosin Nagant.

I have been thinking of getting my 11 year old son his first .22LR. Orginally I was going to get him a S&W M&P15-22 – but money is an issue. I figured I could use the excuse that I was getting it for him – but in reality it would be my new toy in my gun safe. He can shoot it when we go to the range. Maybe I will take a look at the Marlin.

Thanks-
Rourke
By TJ Jackson, July 8, 2010 @ 3:47 am

Your article makes some good points. I might add that you would want to coordinate guns and ammo with the other members of your group, assuming that you have some type of group. The other point is having enough ammo to go with the weapons. You would be better off having fewer weapons and assuring at least 1000 rounds of ammo for each weapon. Another point, it would be quite wise to take all precautions and make sure that the weapons are not in your name and address. Obama’s plans for destroying the first amendent can only succeed if he destroys the second amendment first. They are just waiting for an excuse to begin rounding up the weapons. The BP disaster in the gulf was their excuse to cripple the domestic oil suppliers by their six month moratorium on drilling. When they get the chance, they will try something to stop the private possession of weapons.
When I was building my home (retreat) and we had it all framed in and were getting ready for insulation, I told my son to gather up all of the left over rebar. When he had it all gathered I had him take it and a hammer and some 16p nails and nail the rebar up in the studs and framing throughout the house. He was curious about the task and I told him that #1 it got rid of the rebar and #2 when the government came for our weapons, they would do it with metal detectors and we were going to drive them crazy with the rebar. That was 16 years ago. We have been anticipating these problems for many years and are in an unique position to weather the coming storm. Remember, “The future belongs to the prepared”..
By Suburban Survivalist, July 9, 2010 @ 12:53 am

Rourke,

Mosin Nagants are well worth it. A word of caution; surplus ammo is corrosive, so clean the rifle the same day as shooting! Buy a Marlin Model 60 used and if you don’t like it, just sell it. Shouldn’t lose anything on such a transaction. Same with the Mosin Nagant – always someone willing to buy those.

If I’m thinking of the same rifle, the S&W M&P15-22 allows any upper to be placed on the lower, so you’d have the main part of an M-4 for him, if that’s in your plans for later.

V/R,
SS
By Rourke, July 9, 2010 @ 1:01 am

The S&W M&P15-22 looks like a typical AR – but it has a dedicated lower and upper that cannot be placed on any other platform.

From what I have heard – it is pretty cool.

I WANT ONE!!!!!

Rourke
By Suburban Survivalist, July 9, 2010 @ 1:18 am

This is the one I saw;

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/06/28/new-22-ar-15-ati-varmint-killer-vk-22/

“American Tactical Imports are bringing in a new .22 chambered AR-15. The Varmint Killer VK-22 is made by Chiappa Firearms and features an AR-15 lower receiver and a dedicated .22 LR A3-style upper. The lower can be used with any AR-15 upper.”

MSRP $499!
By Rourke, July 9, 2010 @ 1:25 am

Awesome – I hadn’t seen that one.

Rourke