The 3 TEOTWAWKI Firearms

[Nemo]

New list.  I agree with #3.  No so much 1 or 2.

Nemo

https://gunsandgadgetsdaily.com/3-guns-to-get-you-through-armageddon

3 Guns To Get You Through Armageddon
April 2, 2019 By Trace Munson




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3 Guns To Get You Through Armageddon

April 2, 2019 By Trace Munson
Looks like my college neighborhood is gentrifying!
It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine…

Here’s a thought experiment. Whether it’s a zombie pandemic, the pouring out of God’s wrath a la Revelation, or my ex-wife’s Spanx developed a rip right as she bent over, but it’s happened–the world is coming to an end. In the Spanxpocalypse, you only get to pick out three guns to take with you as you head for the proverbial hills. You know that moving on foot is your best bet, so you’ll have to carry all three of them on your person. Since the SHTF and you might have to forage for ammunition and rely on your own gunsmithing skills, they need to be reliable, easy to feed with commonly available ammunition, and reasonably compact. So what three guns do you pick? Here are my choices:

1) Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor Steyr Scout

Made to Col. Jeff Cooper (of Gunsite fame)’s exacting standards, the Steyr Scout rifle has been around for 21 years. Part of Cooper’s vision was that the Scout needed to be extremely accurate, highly dependable, and chambered in a cartridge capable of taking down any size North American game. Recently, Steyr updated the line with a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, one of the hottest and flattest-shooting calibers out there. Because the 6.5 Creedmoor has become so popular among hunters and target shooters, it’ll be easy to raid the smoking husks of sporting-goods stores for ammo. (Although I’ll probably still disdain Dick’s.) It’s got three attachment points for a Ching sling, so I’d be able to carry it hands-free until such a time as I need to hunt down my dinner. Since the 6.5 can take me from rabbits to moose, I’ll be eating good for a long time. Plus, as a bolt gun, there’s just a lot less that could potentially go wrong with it that I know my sorry-ass gunsmithing skills couldn’t fix. $1787 and it’s yours!

2) Shotgun: Mossberg 590M Shockwave Mag-Fed Pump Action

The same principles apply here: The 590M Shockwave is a pump-action, so it’ll be hard for me to accidentally break it while I’m fighting my way out of the encircling ring of Spanx-mad zombies. Additionally, because it’s mag-fed, I’ll have 10 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber, which is a pretty fair number of zombies to take on without having to reload. Since it’s a 12-gauge, shells will be easy to find (but not at Dick’s). The Shockwave is a relatively new release, but Mossberg is, like Steyr, an old name with a sterling reputation for reliability. It’s only 27.5 inches long in total, and weighs only 6.5 pounds unloaded, so I feel pretty confident that even my desk-jockey physique could handle carrying it through the shattered, burning shells that remain of civilization. $721 and you’re apocalypse-ready!

3) Handgun: Colt King Cobra Revolver

This is another relatively new offering from a storied company, but I still feel good about it for a number of reasons. First, it’s a Colt (duh). Second, it’s a revolver…although it’s of course possible for a cylinder to jam, it’s just not as likely to happen as it might with a semi-auto. It’s a bit of a tradeoff in that I’ll only have six shots to work with before I’ll have to reload, but in my opinion it’s worth it. Thirdly, it’s chambered in .357 Magnum, so I’ll have the choice of loading it with 38 Spl. or .357…thus doubling my ammo-scavenging opportunities. With a heavy-duty frame and stainless-steel barrel, it’s guaranteed to withstand me dropping it in terror the first time I see a Spanxzombie up close. At 28 ounces it’s no lightweight (just like my ex–heyo!), but the extra weight will offset the gun’s recoil. For $899 you can be ready for SHTF Time!

What three guns would you choose for when the Earth goes pear-shaped? Tell us in the comments!

[mechmedic]

Stick with NATO and Warsaw calibers. Look how empty store shelves are right now and the grid is very much still up.

[JoJo]

Stick with NATO and Warsaw calibers. Look how empty store shelves are right now and the grid is very much still up.

 I agree with you.
 There's no way I could go anywhere so my choices are different.
 Scoped AR 15
 Mossberg  930 Tactical ( fiscally unable to use a pump)
 S&W 586 revolver (blued version)

[pkveazey]

I'm a common caliber freak. Tons of 22 LR's and 9mm's. Also an abundance of 357's for the wheel gun. I bought 'em a little at a time until I had a plenty. There will be no running around looking for ammo at the last minute when there isn't any available.

[CJS06]

Was this article written by someone that thought they were writing for the next season of Walking Dead? 

Im not against the wheelgun, but that is a very specific choice that I might question.

Chris

[Jarine88]

Three weapons?

When I first really got into survival and prepping many years ago, I made the decision to stick with NATO calibers plus .22LR. The reason for the selection is, of course, that your can scavenge ammo left behind by others. I stuck with NATO because A) I am a Marine and B) it would be US troops and law enforcement who would be leaving behind said ammo for scavenging. So, after selling my wheel guns (i.e., .357/.38 spec), all of my firearms fit within 12 ga., 5.56x45, 7.62x51, 9mm and .45 ACP calibers along with plenty of .22LR. I was also of the mindset that "two is one and one is none," so I worked on setting up at least two weapons per caliber (e.g., two .22LR rifles, two 9mm pistols and two 12 ga. shotguns). I also worked on stocking up on said ammunition to have a set amount of ammo per weapon. But after 20 years of sticking to that NATO mantra, this past Christmas I built a 6.5 CM upper to interchange with my AR-10 (DPMS LR-308). It shoots great and I do have some ammo for it (i.e., nowhere near enough for my standards, but probably an arsenal or hoard by media standards). I am also considering adding .40 S&W to my handgun selection because apparently, in my head, having six pistols is not enough.

Now here is some food for thought. When I deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990, I carried seven loaded 30-round magazines for my M-16A2. No prepper in his right mind would only have 210 rounds for any firearm they own. I say this knowing that I only have 220 rounds in 6.5 CM, but that is only half a rifle  . Everyone knows that you need to stock up on ammo for training, hunting and defensive purposes in the event that there is no resupply. Now, this sounds great on paper or electronic media as the case may be, but the reality gets a bit daunting. The issue becomes weight and space. I do not have caches of ammo buried in the woods somewhere and I do not own a BOL. As long as we are in a "bug-in" situation, we have the tools to defend the homestead. If things really go south and we had to bug out, I realize that the extra firearms and ammo will take up precious space that could be used for food and water and other survival gear. If we have to abandon the vehicles, even less will be carried.

Remember the survival "rules of three".

[Erick]

Ok, I'll bite:

-One Tactical rifle in 5.56mm.
Right now an AR/M4 is what I am trained on and quite competent with, if I do say so myself.
This will be what I carry on "a mission".

I only buy quality ARs because when I use them the chips will really be down and high volumes of fire w/o any malfunction a must

This may be defending the homestead from attack, patrolling in or around the homestead, QRFing to a neighbor i like and trust and the like.
I stock multiple copies of quality AR15s a generous supply of spare parts , a generous supply of spare mags (i lost count years ago) some tools and a very healthy supply of ammo for this weapons system.

-After this everything else is kinda an afterthought.. but I do have a couple 9mms. Nothing crazy or expensive...One of open carry a full size Smith & Wesson M&P 9 (gen 1).
This is for carrying indoors or in a low threat area on the homestead but when i am in SHTF and should never be unarmed.
(And a smaller gun for conceal carry (Taurus PT111G2)... both are backed up by a moderate supply of mags and 9mm ammo.)

- A .357 Magnum. 4 inch GP100 stainless.. As a pre SHTF trail gun. Can double to take most game and also double as a self defense weapon. Also 38 spc and .357 mag are easy to reload as the revolver in general is very tolerant of rounds that function too soft or too hard. Also there are enough old school dudes close to my BOL that I may luck into a trade or finding a healthy stash even long after phase 2 of SHTF has started. I store a moderate supply of hot .357 mag (for game and SD) and 38 SPC (for training teenage noobs post SHTF)

[240Geezer]

 Using common sense and logic would suggest that 3 weapons times 2 would equal 6 goal.
So how come I have like 17?
Well it goes like this.....someone somewhere posted that his goal was to equip 10 patriots should the need arise. (Looking more like that every day sadly) I thought that a fine idea so that’s what I e been working towards. Currently 4 AR carbines in 5.56/2 AR pistols 5.56/1 AR pistol 300BLK/ 2 AR pistols 9mm/ 1 AR carbine in 7.62x39 (there’s an AK as well)
I have parts for more but feeding them will be an issue at a buck a bullet.
(Local note: the plinking in my immediate AO has ceased. There would be 3or4 people within earshot
banging away every weekend. Now, nothing. Confirmed at the local pay to play range last week. Only new shooters being taught on the line or buying at the counter.)

[Erick]

I laid in ammo when it was cheap and ruthlessly standardized on 2 calibers 223/556 for Carbine and 9mm.

The revolver and its ammo are not really a tactical asset but a Pre-balloon-is-up asset so to speak..

Even 9mm I am not all that deep in (though deeper than most I'd wager)..

I really really focused on ensuring 223/556 will always be available to feed my tactical rifles even when the grid is down.. so even in current conditions I think nothing (well ok maybe a little) of going through 500+ rounds in an afternoon when I have the opportunity to train.

[Erick]

Well it goes like this.....someone somewhere posted that his goal was to equip 10 patriots should the need arise.

I get that... I am not quite set up to fully equip 10.. but a certain number yes.. and this includes rigs and mags and ammo as well.

[Jarine88]

I’m not sure I ever completely agreed with 3 guns. Let’s start:

Shotgun (12 ga)
Hunting/Battle rifle
.22LR rifle for small game
Pistol

That gives us 4-5 (depending if the hunting/battle rifle are the same or not), and if you follow 2=1/1=0, then you have at least 2 of each giving you 8-10.

Now, I’m struggling to figure out where the others came from.

[Nemo]

Stick with NATO and Warsaw calibers. Look how empty store shelves are right now and the grid is very much still up.

And still.

Nemo

[Jackalope]

   I've standardized on NATO calibers.  I've gone heavy on 9mm, as I prefer PDW's in my AO, due to terrain and vegetation.  I've got quite a bit of 5.56, and I'm still using it, and 9mm for practicing, as shooting is a perishable skill.  I've gone heavy on 12 gauge and .22LR.  I don't have much .50BMG, mostly due to the cost, though I've started accumulating reloading components.

I guess I would end up settling for 4-5 firearms.
Definitely a .22LR long gun with an appropriate suppressor, probably a Ruger Precision Rimfire or a Savage MKII.
9mm PDW, either an Uzi, Ruger Charger 9mm pistol, or a PAK pistol in 9mm, because my wife can easily handle them, again with a suppressor
Handgun probably a H&K VP9, because of ammo availability, though a H&K .45 USP could be a possibility
Sniper/anti personnel weapon Barrett model 99 in .50 BMG
CQC firearm, a Keltec KSG 12 gauge shotgun, which gives the user the option of loading a tube of buckshot, and a tube of slugs, or a tube of birdshot, lots of versatility.

In any case, I've got numerous .22lr firearms and AR's, because 2 is 1 and 1 is none.  I don't like the AR platform, as I've mentioned before, I prefer the Steyr AUG and H&K platforms. 

In my AO folks are still shooting, in fact, I heard shots earlier this afternoon.  I'll be practicing again later this week.  As I tell my wife, those shots are the sound of freedom.

[Felix]

favorites out of my safe are:
.22   rifle and pistol, relatively cheap ammo, low weight/bulk.  Good for small game.
5.56/.300 Blackout both with super and sub sonic ammo, quality/zero-holding quick release multiple, co-sighted aiming, suppressed.  Magazines color coded.
20 and 12 gauge shotties , gotta have both with various loads
.44 magnum wheel gun, Ruger Blackhawk 7" barrel - 220gr JHPs are DEADLY accurate with plenty of wallop even to 100 yards (in my hands, the gun itself is better, much better) lots of meat on the table with that one.  Gate/speed loaders versus multiple huge magazines...hmmmm. 
.357 GP100 stainless - an excellent cc on ankle, yes it requires correct holster to handle the weight (but you forget its there when fitted properly)
30-30 and 30.06 will have their uses, very common.
And ammo for all is fungible. 
 Point is, "3 for TEOTWAWKI" is a good starting point.   But if you're only buying guns starting now, practice, practice, practice with what you can snag and feed.   "Beware the man who owns  only one rifle".

"Battle Field Pickup" was an IRA tactic.  Let's take advantage if it can "be arranged".   But not depend on it.

[grizz]

I keep it simple, At least 2 guns in every caliber and configuration I can afford, that way I know my butt is covered