For anyone who was paying attention, the recent lesson of Hurricane Katrina is that the most important thing is to have a gun, not a particular type of gun or add-on gizmos and gadgets. An SKS or Mosin, or even your .270, is probably all you’ll ever need. If you need more firepower, you also probably need the luck to go along with it. The most important thing is to learn how to use what you have.
SHTF questions
- Thread starter darkknight
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Those are excellent choices. SKSs don't take well to being modifed -- just buy it and use it as is. Be willing to put some time into practicing loading with the stripper clips and they are fast to load. They are accurate and reliable, and sturdy enopugh that if, God forbid, you had to beat someone down with it, it'll do so with aplomb.
While i wouldn't want a bolt gun to be my only gun, they are definitely worth having. Good for longer range, good for penetration (the 7.62x54R turns a lot of cover into concealment), and good for hunting. Mosins are supremely reliable, accurate enough and, like the SKS, can give a good beating if necessary. You're just as well off with an M44 as an M91/30. Yes, the barrels are shorter, but most riflemen won't notice an accuracy difference with the iron sights. I wouldn't bother scoping it since you have a .270.
Best part is with the SKS and Mosin, ammo is cheap so you can afford to put a case or two away and shoot a case or two in practice.
While a bolt action rifle wouldn't be my first choice for a CQB weapon, saying it's "useless" is ridiculous. Countless men have fallen at close range in battle against bolt action rifles, both to bullet and bayonet wounds. Put the 18" long bayonet on that M44 and BGs with knives or clubs will think twice before closing with you.
The SKS is was a good "Battle Carbine" for the Red Army and makes a dandy truck gun. Both the gun and the 7.62x39 ammo are cheap. They are reasonably accurate and, if maintained properly, (as ANY firearm should be) they are reliable.
The 91/30 Mosins are better classified as "Battle Rifles", which will give the shooter knock-down power at much farther distances than the SKS. Even in the carbine configuration (M38/M44) the 7.62x54R cartridge gives them an edge over the SKS round. As with the SKS, they and their ammo are cheap. However, unless the chamber is THOROUGHLY cleaned and deburred, they are prone to locking up - a "standard tool" is a 2x4 to get the bolt open. I've heard that lacquered ammo exacerbates the problem as well.
Good for SHTF? Depends on the particular situation, but I would guess they could handle the majority of SHTF demands.
The 91/30 Mosins are better classified as "Battle Rifles", which will give the shooter knock-down power at much farther distances than the SKS. Even in the carbine configuration (M38/M44) the 7.62x54R cartridge gives them an edge over the SKS round. As with the SKS, they and their ammo are cheap. However, unless the chamber is THOROUGHLY cleaned and deburred, they are prone to locking up - a "standard tool" is a 2x4 to get the bolt open. I've heard that lacquered ammo exacerbates the problem as well.
Good for SHTF? Depends on the particular situation, but I would guess they could handle the majority of SHTF demands.
Personally, if I lived in the people republic of Kali, I would own some lever action rifles in 30-30 / 357 / or 44. For the latter I would have a revolver in the same chamber. Lever actions can be fired quick and are usually affordable.
Those guns are likely to not get you convicted... An SKS on the other hand....
That is my $0.02.
Those guns are likely to not get you convicted... An SKS on the other hand....
That is my $0.02.
I agree that the SKS and Mosin are good, reliable long guns for SHTF. However, you may want to consider some of the others mentioned instead, or in addition.
1) The M1 Garand is even better than the MN, and could replace both of them. Semi-auto and powerful cartridge. Really one of the best all-around, proven combat rifles.
2) Lever action rifle. Most appealing is the low profile look in a politically correct state. Standing guard or traveling with a Marlin or winchester repeater is pretty low key, yet still capable. And in .357 the ammo is pretty cheap, should be able to get 1000 rounds for under $200.
But I agree with the earlier post, any firearm is 90% there. If you confront thugs they aren't going to think so much about what you are armed with, just that you are armed and their risk factor just escalated a lot!
1) The M1 Garand is even better than the MN, and could replace both of them. Semi-auto and powerful cartridge. Really one of the best all-around, proven combat rifles.
2) Lever action rifle. Most appealing is the low profile look in a politically correct state. Standing guard or traveling with a Marlin or winchester repeater is pretty low key, yet still capable. And in .357 the ammo is pretty cheap, should be able to get 1000 rounds for under $200.
But I agree with the earlier post, any firearm is 90% there. If you confront thugs they aren't going to think so much about what you are armed with, just that you are armed and their risk factor just escalated a lot!
B.D. Turner
Member
Your opinion of what TSHTF means to you will determine what weapons you feel you need. While we do not all live in the inner city or in the outback we all know our area better than someone who does not live there.
I would go with neither the SKS or the Mosin in my situation. My choice would be with a lever action rifle (Cowboy Assault Rifle) in .44 Magnum or 357/38 and a handgun in same caliber. Rifle and pistol in same caliber will cut down on your need to have so many calibers. The lever action is also 50 states legal. The major problem I have with the SKS is that it can only be loaded after it is empty. A lever gun can be loaded on the go with a round at the ready. Marlin .44 and .357's hold 11 rounds so capacity is not an issue. The .44 magnum can take anything that walks in 49 states. The lever action does not draw unwanted attention like military style rifles do. If your situation calls for a .30 military rifle I would take a serious look at an M1A.
I would go with neither the SKS or the Mosin in my situation. My choice would be with a lever action rifle (Cowboy Assault Rifle) in .44 Magnum or 357/38 and a handgun in same caliber. Rifle and pistol in same caliber will cut down on your need to have so many calibers. The lever action is also 50 states legal. The major problem I have with the SKS is that it can only be loaded after it is empty. A lever gun can be loaded on the go with a round at the ready. Marlin .44 and .357's hold 11 rounds so capacity is not an issue. The .44 magnum can take anything that walks in 49 states. The lever action does not draw unwanted attention like military style rifles do. If your situation calls for a .30 military rifle I would take a serious look at an M1A.
darkknight
Member
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B.d turner like i said in latter post i do plan on getting a lever action rifle most likely a 30-30 but 44 mag aint out of the quetsion. Most guns i buy have dual purposes and thats part of the reason i select them. a 30-30 would be better in that role butammo is more expensive. And a lever gun is one of my future plans.
The idea of a m1 is awesome just the funds to buy one is not available or for ammo. I wnat to buy one of these to and will eventually be bought. I dont think they will be taken of the market by the government (or at least i hope)
the reason for a 10/22 is for a variety of purposes - hunting and practice not actual defense but in such case i guess it could be a last resort as something is better than nothing.
I appreciate everyones respones and many of them are all helpful.
sidebar question in a shtf situation due people honestly believe the government is going to be investigating every shooting and base your actions on the type of rifle used? I have to admit i would rather be tried by 12 then carried by 6 in that kind of situation.
I would also rather bug out then stay in my current loca due to defense purposes and i have better places to go.
The idea of a m1 is awesome just the funds to buy one is not available or for ammo. I wnat to buy one of these to and will eventually be bought. I dont think they will be taken of the market by the government (or at least i hope)
the reason for a 10/22 is for a variety of purposes - hunting and practice not actual defense but in such case i guess it could be a last resort as something is better than nothing.
I appreciate everyones respones and many of them are all helpful.
sidebar question in a shtf situation due people honestly believe the government is going to be investigating every shooting and base your actions on the type of rifle used? I have to admit i would rather be tried by 12 then carried by 6 in that kind of situation.
I would also rather bug out then stay in my current loca due to defense purposes and i have better places to go.
Both the SKS and Mosin would be great. I like the M44 because of the integral bayo.
Sure it only take 5 rounds in the magazine and is slow to load and work the action, but I can take down 3 BG's with one round if they stand in a row
The SKS is also reliable, accurate and cheap to feed. I'd go with the SKS first and later get a Mosin.
Sure it only take 5 rounds in the magazine and is slow to load and work the action, but I can take down 3 BG's with one round if they stand in a row
The SKS is also reliable, accurate and cheap to feed. I'd go with the SKS first and later get a Mosin.
honestly, the only way I would use a Mosin in a SHTF situation is for long range purpose 100 yards and out. I havent been able to locate working stripper clips and fast reloading could be a SHTF issue. So the only use for me would be long range. SKS is different, there are various 30rd mags that work efficiently and even SKS strippers work flawless so yeah I could use and SKS as an all around SHTF rifle (personally I would use an AR).
TimboKhan
Member
I would feel comfortable in using either one, and in fact my SHTF gun actually is an SKS. Here is why:
1. Ammo is cheap and for the moment readily available in sufficient quantities to shoot and store.
2. Both guns are simple, rugged and reliable
3. Both guns are reasonably accurate, and both are chambered in relatively versatile calibers meaning that they are suitable for hunting and defense, although obviously neither is perfect.
4. The guns themselves are cheap. Inexpensive guns (but not crappy guns) and inexpensive ammo mean lots of practice without breaking the bank.
5. Both guns are customizable to a certain extent (triggers, stocks etc...
1. Ammo is cheap and for the moment readily available in sufficient quantities to shoot and store.
2. Both guns are simple, rugged and reliable
3. Both guns are reasonably accurate, and both are chambered in relatively versatile calibers meaning that they are suitable for hunting and defense, although obviously neither is perfect.
4. The guns themselves are cheap. Inexpensive guns (but not crappy guns) and inexpensive ammo mean lots of practice without breaking the bank.
5. Both guns are customizable to a certain extent (triggers, stocks etc...
Mauserguy
Member
The SKS is a good, battle proven rifle, having served in the final campaigns of the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam. If you go with an SKS, you are making a good decision.
I rather like the Marlin 30-30 lever action rifle, available at Big 5 on sale every few weeks. It's a good rifle, and is very handy, but it is not my first choice.
For me, I bought a beater truck gun a couple of years ago that I have just fallen in love with. It is ugly. It is dinged up. It is durable. It can hit a man at 500 yards. It will cut through sheet steal. I like my M44 Mosin Nagant. It has become my go-to gun. Yes, it is not a spray and pray gun, but it is fast to load with stripper clips and it's 100% reliable. I like the Mosins.
If you have the option, get both the SKS and the Mosin. You won't regret it. I would advise you though, practice with it. A man must know his gun.
Mauserguy
I rather like the Marlin 30-30 lever action rifle, available at Big 5 on sale every few weeks. It's a good rifle, and is very handy, but it is not my first choice.
For me, I bought a beater truck gun a couple of years ago that I have just fallen in love with. It is ugly. It is dinged up. It is durable. It can hit a man at 500 yards. It will cut through sheet steal. I like my M44 Mosin Nagant. It has become my go-to gun. Yes, it is not a spray and pray gun, but it is fast to load with stripper clips and it's 100% reliable. I like the Mosins.
If you have the option, get both the SKS and the Mosin. You won't regret it. I would advise you though, practice with it. A man must know his gun.
Mauserguy
Stripper Clips
I took the advice of a fellow THR member and bought some stripper clips for my M44 off of eBay. Look for a guy named 'uglycarfan'
He is selling 20 clips for 16.99, free shipping. They are brass and I tried most of the ones I got and had no problems getting them to load. I haven't even shot my M44 yet.
I took the advice of a fellow THR member and bought some stripper clips for my M44 off of eBay. Look for a guy named 'uglycarfan'
He is selling 20 clips for 16.99, free shipping. They are brass and I tried most of the ones I got and had no problems getting them to load. I haven't even shot my M44 yet.
I think that the M44 is a great gun to have in the arsenal...
I wonder how the "Reds" would feel knowing that most THR and SHTF folks have AK's, SKS's and M44's? If they ever did invade, they would have to seen the irony in having armed us...
Images of Red Dawn are flashing in my head here.
I wonder how the "Reds" would feel knowing that most THR and SHTF folks have AK's, SKS's and M44's? If they ever did invade, they would have to seen the irony in having armed us...
Images of Red Dawn are flashing in my head here.
md7
Member
i like the idea that BD and RUN&SHOOT had. A marlin lever action. plenty capable, 30-30 or .357 ammo is easy to obtain, and would probably not draw as much unwanted attention as an sks would. that said, sks is still an attractive option.
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