I think this post brings up a good discussion. Thanks Reaver. Especially for people just now starting to prep, young or old, who don't have much money due to the economy. You don't need to have the latest, greatest, high dollar weapon system out there, all tricked out with every kind of gadget in the catalog in order to protect yourself.
Spending the bank on your weapon isn't going to guarantee that you aren't one of the first to go if tshtf. Sorry, it doesn't work that way in real life. Honestly, even a shit load of paid training isn't going to help you much no matter how much "muscle training" you've developed if you've never been in a firefight and have some kind of idea of what it's actually like to have another person trying to line a bead on you. The fact is that your muscles aren't going to react the way you think they will because of all of your practiced muscle training. This doesn't mean not to practice or get paid training if you are flush with cash. But realize the priorities if you aren't flush.
Training has it's place and you absolutely have to learn your weapon. But don't train away all the cash you have. Take a big picture approach and spread some of the cash you have around to the other necessities that will keep you alive. Food, water, medicine, and a whole list of other things that are just as important as a weapon.
If that means you buy a used 22lr and a 1,000 rounds for under $250 so you can have some money left for supplies. Then that is the smart way to go. Use your head and make decisions that make sense for where you are at and the money you have.
Sure, if you are flush, buy the APC, the Barrett, and all the rest. Get the paid training and learn the techniques that can help you. But before you do, use the most important weapon you have. Your brain.
