Prepare: Getting Started Part Six Protection and Security Part One

Getting Started is a series of blog posts for those new to preparing for an uncertain future and possible scenarios. Subjects covered include food, water, security, storage, location and other supplies.

Protection and Security. If you have a problem with firearms and see no need for them in any scenario then this post is probably not for you. If not, read on.

Go google prison inmates. Take a look at some of the images of the types of people in our nations correctional facilities. Now imagine there are no bars between you and them. That is one very real and extreme scenario in the event of a societal breakdown and collapse. In several natural disasters, convicts have managed to use the confusion to escape into the general population.

Let's say a gang of six or seven convicts makes it to where you are right now. What are you going to do? These men or women may be convicted murderers or bad check writers. Regardless, they are desparate and want anything you have - clothing, food, liquor, cigarettes, even you.

Let's say it's not convicts, but a local street gang. You know, the kind that like to surround a lone enemy and "stomp" on his head and body until he is dead.

You are in your home, urban, suburban, or rural. What do you do? Call 911? That won't work. How about hope the bad guys go away? What if they don't? How about giving them some of your things and play nice? How's that going to work out?

You most likely may have to fight them. But these guys are hardened criminals and convicts. Fighting is second nature to them whereas you may be an accountant, secretary or mechanic.

There is an equalizer (and even then, it is a poor alternative to hiding and running away, but more on that in a bit). That is to have at least one firearm. If you have owned or own a gun, you are up on the person who has not. And if you do not own a firearm, but are shopping for one, then again, you have the jump on the individual who does not and does not want to own a gun.

My simple rules about guns -

1) A gun you know how to use is better than five you have never shot, loaded or learned to shoot.

2) The gun you have in your possession right now is worth the ten you are saving up for.

3)  The gun you have plenty of ammunition for is better than the "high dollar, black rifle, safe queen" you cannot afford to buy cartridges for.

4) The gun you can hit targets with when shooting is better than the gun with expensive optics and sites which promises long range, tight patterns but which you have never fired.

 Bearing this in mind, being able to go out right now and buying a quality pump action shotgun and one case of shells ($200 for the gun, 70.00 for the shells) is light years ahead of drooling over a Springfield M1A you might have enough money for in two years.

And having the ability to take the Rossi .38 you could afford to the range once every two weeks and putting 100 rounds through it is far better than playing video games in your head with the 1911A you "plan" on getting next year when your tax check comes in.

And consistently hiting targets with that Ruger 10/22 is far more worthy than imagining what it will be like hitting targets with a Barrett .50 you will buy when you hit the lottery.

I think you get my point.

When the bad guys come, having at least one firearm, that you are familiar with and have suitable ammunition for will be one of three deciding factors to your survival.

More to come...

Brought to you by Impact Guns

SHTF: Single Action | Single Shot - Gun of the Future

Guns. Things break down over time, guns included. The more complex the gun, the greater the chance it will cease to function (without replacement parts) over time.

I have been giving this a great deal of thought. Watch some of these doomer movies like "Book of Eli". Guys are pulling semi-auto .45's and nines, RPG's and machine guns and blazing away like there's no tomorrow. The movie takes place 30 years in the future. There's a real good chance the propellant on that RPB won't function and the explosive will be so unstable pulling the trigger will cause the whole thing to fizzle or blow up in the operator's face.

Same with semi autos and machine guns. The springs in the magazines and the firing pins would be the first to go out. Most semis have a maximum amount of ammo that can go through them before they have to have barrel replaced. The more rounds fired, the sooner that expiration date comes. And in a violent world, it's not going to last 30 years.

That's why I have been giving a great deal of thought to stockpiling the most simple firearms available. Things like single action shotguns, revolvers and bolt action rifles. 10 or 20 years from now, the only functioning weapons will be the ones with the fewest number of moving parts. Open the breech, put in a round, close breech, cock, aim, fire.

The slower rate of fire means the barrel and other parts will last longer. That includes the fasteners holding the barrel or trigger assembly to the stock or grip. I was once at the range where someone was using an original Thompson from WWII. With every magazine, he had to check every fastener as they had a habit of coming loose. Imagine the result if the stock slipped off the assembly while firing.

A bolt action 30.06 basically can fire even if the magazine spring is missing; just load one round at a time and fire. It's slow, but 20 years after, your attackers may be armed with wooden bows, spears and rocks. Who has the technological advantage then?

A single action revolver has one moving part - the trigger and hammer assembly. I guess if you slammed the hammer side down on a rock you could make the gun useless, but not much more would do it (Edit - the spring in the extractor might go out over time).

I think if I had to move up the food chain, a level action or slide action weapon may last a while, but sooner or later the springs would go out there as well.

Here's the other kicker: Cost. I was in a pawn shop recently and a buyer picked up a single action 12 guage shotgun, no name, for $85.00. That gun will literally last 100 years and can be left in the trunk for just in case. You could buy a dozen guns like that for the price of a single, stripped down M1A and still have some money left over for ammo.

I don't know about you, but guns like this are on my list for having on hand long after the AR is unusable and the .45 auto is nothing more than a fancy hammer.

Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food

Prepare: Top 10 SHTF Guns

There have been a number of posts like this elsewhere, but most have some high degree of technical bias which precludes them to choosing the best firearms for the post-shtf world.

Here is the real SHTF world..

- there are no Wally Worlds, gunshops or pawn shops open.
- your neighbor is not a gunsmith, Class 3 dealer or gunstore owner.
- you do not have unlimted funds to build the ultimate armory.
- you do not have access to an abandoned Army or National Guard base.
- you are not guaranteed to win every gun battle and discover caches of mouth watering hardware waiting to be plundered.

Nope, in the SHTF world its you, one or two firearms and a limited amount of ammo you must either resupply or reload.

That in mind, here are my choices for the ultimate SHTF guns, from best to worse.

Number one - Single barrel 12 gauge shotgun.

Simple, easy to operate, hard to break. Will shoot anything. Basically, a tube, stock (optional, but preferable), a hammer and trigger. You can load slugs, buckshot, bird shot, whatever. You can reload the shells and in a pinch, put anything in the hulls that will fit - glass, scrap metal, pebbles, etc. One moving part besides the hinge to break it open. Its the caveman club of the gun world.

Number two - The double barrel 12 gauge shotgun.

As above, times two.

Number three - The .22 single shot

Same concept as the shotgun, but available in the bolt action variety. With few moving parts and a cheap, low weight ammo, the .22 single shot is enough of a gun to keep one in squirrel meet and to keep busy bodies far enough away.

Number four - The bolt action center fire rifle

Best calibers, 30.06, .308. The .270 and .243 way down the list. Simple to operate, and reloading can be done with a simple press. Best range and stopping power. The only reason it is not ahead of the .22 is because the ammo and rifle cost more.

Number five - The single action revolver

Easy to operate and hard to break. The single action revolver makes up for slow firing with a simple mechanism which in adverse conditions, will leave the semi auto owners stuck in the mud. Only the most popular calibers need apply - .38, .357 and .45

"Do you really have enough food stocked when the SHTF?"

Number six - The 12 gauge pump

Whether it is the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500 or the even the Winchester Defender, the 12 gauge pump is versatile, hearty and respected. It can fire slugs, shot or bird and works where others don't. Plus the *rack* action is enough to send midnight callers the other direction pronto.

Number seven - the combo rifle

.22/410, 30-30/shotgun, what ever. The combo gun has two calibers on the same platform making it the perfect hunting/defense weapon in most situations. On the move and can't lug along an arsenal? Have two weapons in one with the combo rifle. SPR94, Savage24 and others are available in a variety of options.

Number eight - the lever action rifle

I would pick the .357 because it will work in my revolver, but 30-30 is popular. Why a lever gun? Fewer moving parts, no external magazine required, easy to load, decent range and accuracy.

Number nine - The standard double action revolver

.357 or .38 for me, but .45 is doable too. Few moving parts, good selection of brands available, low cost and high availability of ammunition. Less chance of jams over a semi auto as well.

Number ten - The .22 semi auto tube load only.

Why? There is no magazine, the tube is built into the rifle. As much as I hate to load these things (cannot be done quickly), they carry a decent amount of semi auto fire to pour rounds on a target. No, not much stopping power, but that is allowable because of the low weight and cost of ammunition. Plus can be used for hunting, short and distance.

OK. So why no AR, AK, Colt, etc?

First, the mechanisms can jam or break and most of us cannot fix one with basic tools or in low light.

Second, all require an extra piece of hardware - the spring fed magazine. Springs fail, magazine gets dented or lost and you have a single shot weapon which is a pain to load.

Third, too many of these semi rifles will not stand up to years or firing, dirt, wear and tear (well maybe an AK) that will come when carrying and shooting are the same as hammering, cutting and sawing in so far as tools go. I would no sooner depend upon a weedwacker, gas powered chain saw or skill saw after the SHTF than I would a firearm with multiple moving parts.

Well, what about the 30.06 M1 favored by so many other writers with the same, "less is more" philosophy? One word (or two) - en bloc, en bloc. That funky thing is not available at the hardware store or anywhere else. Same with stripper clips.

Sure, in a long, running gun battle, a single shot shotgun won't cut it. But in the real world of post-SHTF survival, it is going to be a place of keeping a low profile and avoiding large scale gun battles if one wants to stay alive.

Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food

Prepare: Guns SHTF Which Gun

The headlines scream about the numbers of AR this an AK that which are "flying" off the shelves at the gun stores nationwide. It's true, there have been a lot of semi's being sold in the past 9 months.

Next, the gun stores are reporting high sales in every other type of rifle and handgun as well. One could estimate that millions of weapons have been sold in the past year alone. All of those firearms are going home to first time buyers as well as several into the hands of savvy investors too.

Then comes the kicker: Ammo. There is none to be had say the arms merchants. Stories abound of Walmart stocks being bought out on the loading docks by greedy gun store owners. Of whole cases being auctioned off in secret sales before a single round makes it to the shelves.

True or not, ammo is indeed hard to get and only small amounts have been available when at all.

Since last year, I have been keeping tabs on the best locations, due to sheer number of stores and volume, in my area - Walmart. Walmart typically carries in the glass case any number of caliber desired and generally, the prices are good on most major manufacturers.

Starting last fall, the shelves started getting some holes in the stock. First went 5.56 (they kind fired by semi rifles like the AR15) and 7.62 x 39, the kind used by AK rifles.

Then the handgun calibers ran low. .380 and 9MM went first followed by .38, .357 and later .45. All this occured slowly, over a 6-8 month period by my calculations.

Over this past weekend, I stopped off at two Walmarts in my area. Let me temper this by saying, I live in one of the top gun-friendly states in the Union so firearm support i.e. retail availability has never been a problem.

At both Walmart locations, here was the scene. The glass ammunition case was stocked on each shelf, except for the top shelf and one of the middle shelves, with 12 gauge shells. Bird shot, slugs and buckshot.

There were three boxes each of 30-30, 30-06 and 270. There were about five boxes of 7MM. The top shelf had about ten boxes of 22 magnums. That was it. Everything else was 12 gauge.

Need a box of 9's? 38's? Forget it. Judging by the stocking, this was the case at most Walmarts and will probably remain this way for several months.

So what's the verdict? In all seriousness, if you have not purchased a firearm for preparedness, my advice is to pick up a pump action 12 gauge shotgun in short order. Not only is the shotty a versatile and handy firearm, there is plenty of ammo to feed it obviously.

Now, you can still purchase several types of handguns and other long guns, but there simply is not enough ammo to feed it beyond range time. Which means either your practice takes the hit or your stocks for post-SHTF. Not a fun place to be.

So consider getting a shotgun and take advantage of the plethora of ammo for that particular beast while it is available.

An interesting side note: There are more AR and AK available from the big online retailers once again. Before, places like Impact and Classic were reduced to only having Mosin Nagants, an odd Mauser and some knock off accessories. Not the case now. In fact, Classic has CETME's in stock again! Wow.

However, most of the ammo and nearly all the surplus ammo is gone and I hate to say it, it won't be back any time soon. Forget about South African and Lake City leftovers. It is not coming back.

So stock up on what you can get now and keep your eyes open for extras when it comes available. Ammo is definitely coming to be, as Col. Jeff Cooper calls it, ballistic wampum for the new world.

SHTF: AR or AK?

There are a bunch of holy war type conversations which all would do well to avoid..

Mac vs PC
Kirk vs Picard
Mary Ann or Ginger?

Topping that list in the preparedness and self defense world is the Holy Grail of decisions - AR (as in AR15) or AK (as in AK-47).

The AR-15 is the civilian version of the United States main battle rifle, the M-16. First introduced during the Vietnam War specifically in the 1960's, the AR has become one of the most popular sporter rifles available to the avid shooter.

The AR-15 uses a .223 (NATO 5.56) cartridge which has a muzzle velocity of 3,200 ft/s and an effective range of 600 yd.

The AK-47 (and other variants) was first introduced shortly after World War II. There AK fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge which has a muzzle velocity of 2,300 ft/s. There is not a civilian separate version of the AK-47 in the United States.

Both rifles can be equipped with larger capacity magazines in the 20 and 30 round range and larger.

So which one is best post-SHTF?

There are arguments from both sides.

The AR-15 is used by civilian police departments and fires the same cartridge as the military's M16. Between police and military stock, this means lots of ammunition for the AR is available.

In addition, the AR is manufactured in the U.S. by several manufacturers as are the magazines and ammunition. Which means a good chance for spare parts later in life.

The drawback is the durability and inherent technical problems associated with the AR. During combat, many of our military have complained about the effectiveness of the .223 cartridge, that it has a difficult time penetrating material other than people.

Further, dirt, dust and water can quickly jam the AR and make it a "thousand dollar club".

"Do you really have enough food stocked when the SHTF?"

The AK fires a larger round than the AR15. In addition, the AK has a reputation for being reliable to the point of extreme. Allegedly, it can be submerged in water, filled with mud and buried for a month, and still fire from the get go.

Finally, the AK is the standard throughout most of the developing world. Supposedly, there are more AK variant rifles in existence than any other firearm.

So which is best for post-SHTF?

My own opinion is that the AR if the better choice. The ammunition is available and manufactured here in the States. With a stroke of the pen, the Federal Government can ban the sale and importation of foreign firearms and ammunition.

AK owners depend upon low cost ammo and magazines from former Soviet countries to feed and maintain their weapons. If that lifeline is shut down, than those rifles will get hungry fast.

The AR is a U.S. standard which means to me, new ammunition supplies can be obtained at retail outlets "before" and from supply locations "afterwards". There is a good chance some ammo, magazines and even rifles may be in a prone position on the ground and available for salvage.

Yes, the AK has a high survivability rate due to its durability, but I worry about the supply line feeding it. Unless we are invaded by hordes of third world soldiers which will make me switch to the AK in a heartbeat.

You tell me.. comments welcome..

SHTF: One Gun

The topic of firearms and survival 'post-TEOTWAWKI' is a fine topic of conversation and a recurring theme. With the recent change of direction in political winds, it would be best that we all consider our options for firearms and their immediate procurement.

Whether our situation leaves us on foot, away from home, or simply travelling light, the question comes up frequently, "If you could have one gun which would you choose?".

Pistol? Rifle? Shotgun? Battle Rifle? Exotic? Common?

First up, I have some ground rules..

One gun means one gun.
No interchangeble barreled shooting irons..
Not "one handgun" AND "one long gun".

Just one gun. That's it.

Let's consider our options and variants. You can have your opinion on your blog or feel free to comment on mine.

Handgun -

There are some "pros" to choosing a handgun over a long gun.

A handgun can be concealed in clothing.
A concealed weapon is less likely to draw attention.
A conceald weapon is more likely to avoid exposure to elements.
In a close fight, a handgun can be as effective as a rifle or shotgun. Especially, if combat is hand to hand or if the assailent manages to "get the junp on you" up close.
A handgun weighs less - big factor if on foot and traveling light.
Less weight in gun means the potential of carrying more ammunition.
A handgun can be kept close while sleeping, can be fired with one hand while the other hand is used for eating, checking gear, etc.

If a handgun were my only choice, I would go with either...




A 9 MM semi auto, either of these two would work.
Why?

9MM is one of the most commone handgun rounds which means I stand a better chance of finding, obtaining, buying more ammunition down the road.
9's are favored by law enforcement, gangbangers and everyone (left) in between. Again, better chance of resupply.
A nine milimeter has a decent carrying capacity of ten or more rounds in a standard magazine. That means ammo ready to use in the gun.

If a revolver was my choice, there would only be one for me..

Ruger Blackhawk in .357



Why?

Reliable mechanics, will not jam or break down.
Can chamber .357 OR .38.
Simple to use and clean.
Makes a fine club if neccessary.
Single action wheel guns are cool! (not a great reason, but works for me).

OK, on to the long gun.. rifle in particular

My considerations for a long gun made this a tough choice. I want hardiness, but I also want something accurate, and something easy to feed. Nothing worse than having a filet minon demanding partner when the rest of the world is eating dog meat.

My choice for long gun in the rifle catergory goes to .... the AR15



Why?

The AR15 fires .223 - lightweight and accurate.
.223 is used by military and police, should be availble via purchase, looting or recovery.
The AR15 uses 10,20 and 30 round magazines. Means more ammo in the rifle ready to use.
The AR15 is widely deployed making spare parts easier to obtain.
If I was in some other part of the world, I might choose an AK variant for all these same reason. But I am in here in the US.

Long gun - Shotgun

My preferred weapon of choice. I will make it simple, there are two choices for me..




A shotgun can fire slugs, buckshot or smaller loads for hunting making it a true multiple gun.
12Ga ammunition can be found everywhere, even in most department and big box stores.
12Ga is used by military and police.
Most families who have a gun in the house will have a 12Ga (guess, but its a good one).
12Ga is simple to use, clean and rugged.
Even if the tube underneath breaks, single loads can still be manually loaded.

So for me, the 12Ga shotgun, in a Remington or Mossberg configuration, is my choice for One Gun in the post-SHTF world.

Your mileage may vary and of course, feel free to comment.. Please use your manners.

SHTF: Guns

Oregon - here

Chicago - here

Nationally - here

So what does it all mean and what are the effects not covered anywhere else but here?

1) More guns in the hands of more people. Sellers are reporting loads of first time buyers. It is estimated that there are some 300 million guns in private hands in the U.S. and those are owned by roughly 80 million Americans. That number has obviously grown. Those buyers will also be purchasing more ammo definitely. And a fair number will also sign up for concealed carry classes and licenses. And going to gun ranges to practice. There is an economic bubble to this nobody has noted yet. I think the effect will be in the billions of dollars.

2) Aftershock in the gun market. Supplies of many types of firearms are down to all time lows, some are two years out for restock to dealers. Ammunition, especially from overseas vendors, is nearly exhausted.

Here is a scary scenario to consider. Right now, firearms manufacturers cannot be sued if someone uses one of their products to commit a crime. Also, a lot of surplus ammunition and firearms come from overseas.

If the next Congress changes the laws and allows firearms manufacturers to be sued again AND bans the importation of foreign ammunition and firearms (both possibilities), then the guns and ammo which stock has been depleted by record sales may never return to the levels we have been used to. Ever. What you have now may be all you will ever have.




3) However, on the other hand, let's think what may happen with next years firearms market. With the economy taking the hits it has been this year, many of today's gun buyers will be tomorrow's desperate gun sellers. There is a real possibility of a fantastic buyers market for AR, AK, SKS and WASR as soon as next summer as cash strapped gun owners unload, at bargain basement prices, their recently purchased AR or AK rifle. Of course, these deals will only be available for buyers with cash and very likely under the table.

4) Gun dealers are reporting empty shelves and racks. For the past month, we have seen and expected the run on AR and AK type rifles, certain ammunition stocks like .223 and .308 and handguns. However, some gun shops are reporting low stocks on common shotguns, rifles and handguns including .22!



Turns out, buyer unable to purchase a AR15 are instead buying something, anything else to take its place. A 30.06 bolt gun, a .22 semi or a 12 gauge home defense pump for instance.

There may be time shortly after Christmas where any gun is hard to find.

Which brings us to my final points.

Remember the book Lucifers Hammer by Niven and Pournelle?

One of the central characters realizes almost too late that he has not stocked up for the big comet landing. When he went out to the gun store, the only thing left was a silly .22. bolt action target pistol.

Don't let this happen to you next spring.

Any gun is better than no gun the day after, but having the best and right gun is better.

And having enough ammunition, while a box of 50 is good, having 500, 1000 or 2000 rounds is better.

And getting your rifle, pistol or shotgun should be done responsibly in regards to your finances, having that purchase covered now is better.

Good luck,

SHTF: Firearms, guns, etc

Guns are a hot topic right now in the prepper and survival world. We have a new administration about to take office whose members and supporters, have a track record of gun control laws, support and proposals.

For those who own, shoot and like guns, this is no surprise. We knew this day could and would come.

The result has been a mini economic boom in sales of guns, ammunition and accessories like magazines. The media only reports the increase in sales, not the economic effect (which has obviously been in the billions of dollars of sales judging by what I have read).

The drawbacks are obvious; there is hardly any .223 or .308 ammunition available any where. Check out Impact for instance and look for ammo - there is none and won't be for months.

Magazines are near impossible to get and when available are as expensive as the gun they were designed for.

And the rifles themselves are hard to find and substantially more expensive than they were just 30 days ago.

Gun shows used to be a great place to scour for deals - not any more. All gun shows across the country are reporting record crowds and smaller inventories than ever before.

The problem is supply (limited) and demand (no urgency to buy after 8 years of a pro-gun ownership administration [see the expiration of the Assault Weapons Ban and Second Amendment rulings by the current Supreme Court and former Attorney General John Ashcroft]).

Now consumers, some who have never owned any sort of firearm, are worried they will not get their hands on a AR15 or AK and want one NOW.

And they want "bullets" to shoot out of their toy and want those NOW as well.

Oh, and some of those "high cap clips" as well. Yes, they want those NOW too.

Which brings us back to this blog and tips to survive the end of the world. What are the firearms options for you if you want to prepare but have neither the funds or patience to locate the proper tools for the job?

At this point, I am going to stray into a world heavy on opinion and most likely to offend some of my readers - not my goal, but it happens all the same.

Here's the deal, if you prep, you have to learn to adapt.

And if you prep, the goal which supersedes all others is to fly below the radar and out of sight of those who would take the supplies you obtained for your family and friends.

So here we go..

There are a lot of rifles and magazines being purchased right now. Don't suppose for a moment that some in the government (and those about to be) are making sure they have a careful eye open for WHO is making those purchases and WHAT they are purchaing. I am not a paranoid into NWO or black heliocopters - just a realist.

And if a law is passed in February or March regarding certain rifles and magazines and ammunition and their future private legal ownership again, don't be surprised.

Which if that does happen, where will it leave you?

Next, my first concern and the one I have nightmares about does not involve blue helmeted UN goons packing me and mine off to a camp somewhere.

No, my worries center around Katrina type situations on a national level (high possibility), terrorists activity which shuts down most of the U.S. (has happened already), and economic collapse also resulting in shutdown of most government functions i.e. law enforcement (highly likely these days).

And if any of these activities happen, having any type of firearm is going to become highly desired and advantageous.

And that being the case, I am going to suggest some easy to obtain (available and affordable) firearms solutions to those particular and possible situations.

Number one - The Shotgun

The Shotgun is the single most effective self defense weapon in the world. Nobody should buy a rifle of any sort until they own at least one shotgun.

For our purposes, you want a pump shotgun in either a 12 (mandatory) or 20 guage (distant second runner up).

There are three handy choices for purchase at any big box retailer:

Remington 870 (Home Defense Model)


Mossberg Persuader


Mossberg Maverick


The Maverick is the cheapest of them all priced under 200.00 at my Academy store whereas the Remington is the most expensive coming in at 325.00 and change.

Shells are cheap as well. On a trip to Walmart the day before Thanksgiving, Number One Son and I saw no .223 or .308 available (and none coming said the man) but lots of 12 guage shells available.

We want at least 250 each of buckshot, rifled slugs and 04 shot on hand at all times. I recommend picking up a box of each every time you step into WallyWorld, Academy, Big 5 or Dicks - like once a week.

Rifle -

Start with the basic most dependable and cheapest to own rifle in the universe. The .22. Kim du Toit said the .22 should be everyone's home, should be as common as a piece of furniture and makes a fine wedding gift for the young couple, or something like that.

There is only worth having in my opinion - the Ruger 10/22.



The price is under 200.00 for this fine rifle. High capacity magazines are available online but are going up in price and hard to get. You want 25 round mags if possible, but pick up 4 or 5 extra 10 round rotary mags. Why? because they are quick to change out and will not draw attention to your rifle like a long curved "evil" magazine will.

Rounds for the .22 will set you back next to nothing. A brick (550 rounds) runs about 15.00 anywhere. WallyWorld had closeouts at 10.00 for a brick of Remington last week. You are wrong to buy less than 2000 rounds and maintain such a stock from now on.

Center fire rifle -

You want a larger caliber rifle with range and stopping power. This rifle will be for hitting targets beyond 100-200 yards or hard to stop targets like vehicles.

My best bet would be a Remington 700, but they are pricey - The model number is the base price - around 700.00. Mossberg makes a lower priced rifle too. There is a Remington 700 SPS rifle just under 500.00 which makes it worth checking out.




As for caliber, there is only one real choice right now and that is 30-06. It is a powerful cartridge and widely available. Yes, a .308 would be nice, but the cartridges are simply not available.

Center fire rifle - multi/rapid fire

For reliability and since semi auto rifles are not available, consider a lever action rifle chambered in 30-30.



A 30-30 is easily accurate out to 125- 150 yards and can carry a decent capacity of ammunition. 30-30 ammunition is also readily available too. You are going to want at least a few hundred rounds each of 30-30 and 30-06 on hand at all times.

Others -

If hunting is on your plate, consider picking up a decent pellet gun. A pellet gun can pick off squirrels and birds and cost very little for the work. A good Crossman is available for less than 80.00 at the big boxes.

Handguns -

I have two differing opinions here which cause me a bit of consternation.

I have always been a wheel gun man. I like the simplicity and durability of a good revolver.

But I realize the need for quick rapid fire of a semi auto. Heck, a pistol is necessary to provide cover fire while I go for my rifle!

For pistols, I always recommend a .357 revolver (can also fire .38) which has stopping power and features ammo which is readily available anywhere.

For semi, I like 9mm over any other caliber. The rounds have little recoil which make the caliber ideal for almost anyone. And the ammo is everywhere.



Pricing on the semi is better than the revolver. Academy had a nice Taurus on sale for less than 230.00 Black Friday. It came with two spare magazines. Throw in 200 rounds and you have a good start which is better than nothing the day after.

In closing, I know I might have opened up the holy war of gun conversations, but there are a few things to take away.

1) Any gun is better than no gun the day after. Don't wait for an AR15 to fall into your lap if you do not have a good shotgun, .22 and pistol today.

2) All these guns flying off the shelves are either a great investment (post-ban) or will result in a glut next year when the economy tanks and no pending legislation regarding their ownership or purchase surfaces. If that happens, expect some great deals on some slightly used rifles next summer.

3) Low profile guns will be more desirable in the short term. Government officials and the media have already demonized these legal tools with extreme prejudice. It might be wise to not give them reason to pause when goons are prowling your neighborhood and there you are with a Colt or Bushmaster on the front porch.

4) Finally any rifle is worthless without ammo. There is very little .223, .308 or 7.62 x 39 around. Consider filling your firearms with readily available ammunition.

Be careful, be ready and good luck.