After Armegeddon on History Channel

[greyeyezz]

If you have to bug out a powerful handgun, lots of mags and 1K rounds is your best bet. Preferably a 9mm or .45, a caliber thats prevalent.

If you think you'll be parading around with AR's, AK's and shotguns you won't last long. Stealth is the key word here.

 

[huntsman]

If you think you'll be parading around with AR's, AK's and shotguns you won't last long. Stealth is the key word here.

I agree with stealth and a concealed pistol, but having a long gun that can be broken down into 2 pieces less than 30" long can be very handy.

 

[cornman]

Bill, don't you think that is a bit much on the ammo? If you would ever have to use 5% of that you would be finished.

 

[skoro]

I saw most of that show.

I think they were wildly optimistic, to be honest. Our society depends utterly on three things: production, transportation, and information. In the scenario they presented, all three of these pillars would totally collapse and do so rather quickly. Survivors would be reduced to a near stone-age existence. In some areas, primitive agriculture could take hold, but it would be extremely labor-intensive and produce little beyond subsitence levels for those working the fields. The rest of us would be hunter-gatherers, along with all that implies.

The Dark Ages would probably look good in comparison.

 

[greyeyezz]

I agree with stealth and a concealed pistol, but having a long gun that can be broken down into 2 pieces less than 30" long can be very handy.

AK underfolder is on my shortlist.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

With my folding stock on my mini 14 it can fold up to about 2 feet. This is short enough to fit into a hiking backpack.

 

[orrwdd]

Humans are social animals...they don't usually fare well when alone.

This is why humans have always created gangs, tribes, clans, nations, etc...




Humans don't usually like to stray too far from their social center.

This is why we have villages, towns, cities, etc...




In an "every man for himself" world, a lone man or a single small family will not survive for very long.
And their life will be nothing but misery.

A better way would be for a community to band together and create a new clan or tribe (so to speak).
Pool the community resources, create a basic structure of order, and create a common defense.
This is what the earliest humans did, and this is what our pioneer forefathers did as well.

The old saying is true...

United we stand, divided we fall.




As for the guns...

I would probably carry my Glock 22.

The TV series Jericho showed a pretty accurate depiction of this in their early shows. Then later the writers got in to the normal Hollywood wild scenerios when they relalized that that life would be boring and drudgery.

Bill

 

[trol79]

If I would hunker down; all guns I could grab. For travelling; 9mm pistol and MAYBE I would cut my doublebarreld shotgun's barrels down to 10 or 12 inches for better concilment & packing. But that would depend on the kind of scenario, & it's level of worseness.

 

[trol79]

OH I forgot. a survival-knife (like djingelking-2) would be very importent, as also a swiss pocketknife.the last one is often useful, even in non-desaster situations.

 

[sarduy]

Me:

Glock 17
remington 30-06
Mossberg 590 9 shots

My girlfriend's:

Glock 17
AR-15
Mossberg 500 6 shots

 

[TexasBill]

Based on an 80% mortality rate and the estimated world population, the global pandemic would leave 1.29 billion people, roughly the same as that in about 1870 or so. Straight comparison leaves a North American population of about 66 million, which is the same as the population between 1890 and 1900. We know those numbers are sufficient to operate a technical society because they were sufficient to run a technical society then.

It seems to me that there would be a comparatively brief interregnum during which time banding together will neighbors would be a better choice than going it alone. Hunting or raiding parties could help provide a food supply and water source. These would need hunting rifles as well as combat arms.

On an individual level, a weapon for each family member capable of using it. A handgun would be a necessity for a variety of reasons. A handgun in a shoulder holster would be good insurance that you could defend yourself in even awkward situations (the collapse of civilization doesn't mean you don't have to relieve yourself from time to time and a gun in a shoulder holster is still readily available even if you're literally caught with your pants down).

I would probably go with my PX4/CX4 combination in 9mm. I have four 17-round and two 2-round magazines that can be used in either gun for a total of 110 rounds. I would add my S&W Model 60 with a couple of speed loaders in a shoulder rig. I have other automatics that my wife and kids could use. I do need to add a good centerfire rifle, but I don't think I would select either an AR-15 or an AK. I would probably get something in .308 that had decent accuracy. A shotgun of the Wingmaster 870 persuasion would be handy.

 

[bozar]

Numbers alone do not a technical society make... how many people in these surviving group are actually going to be competent in 1900s technology, and useful IMMEDIATELY after a disaster? Familiar with the apprenticeship processes of these old technologies? It wasn't stuff that could be learned in a book.

Seems to me there is gonna be alot of computer nerds, sales jerks, mid-level managers and yoga instructors consuming the groups resources but initially contributing not much at all to a post-apocalyptic recovery.

Everyone with a smidgeon of survivalist skills is going to have to work their butts off to keep these flocks of previous "geniuses" alive and contributing in some meager way. Remember the old "herding cats" references?

 

[Meeteetse]

We can only hope that most of the lawyers, psychologist and behavioral scientists are gone or the post-Armageddon society will do nothing but sit around and wonder what went wrong and who to blame.

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

One important question... what kind of rub would you recommend for the "computer nerds, sales jerks, mid-level managers and yoga instructors"? Once they began "contributing" that is?

 

[GEM]

Some psychologists have the gear also. So WE get to sit around and talk - with our ARs!

 

[bad_aim_billy]

I thought it was an interesting show.

For me, even out here where big game is prevalent, it'll be gone quickly; it's all about the .22, which gets the small game and varmints/scavengers, can be used for defense, and above all, they're quiet--touch off a .30/06 and see how long you stay anonymous...

 

[TexasBill]

Numbers alone do not a technical society make... how many people in these surviving group are actually going to be competent in 1900s technology, and useful IMMEDIATELY after a disaster? Familiar with the apprenticeship processes of these old technologies? It wasn't stuff that could be learned in a book...

Actually, I have a hunch there would be a fair number of "competent" survivors. It would have to be a very unusual bug that only left clueless dweebs like the family in the show. A global pandemic would most likely do its greatest damage in areas of dense population and it's likely key personnel would be isolated early on. And these "old" technologies include a lot we still use today (Edison invented the light bulb in 1879, the electrification of London began in the early 1880s, the first modern car with a four-stroke engine was patented in 1886 - Henry Ford was inspired to continue with work on his Quadricycle by a Mercedes-Benz car he saw on the streets of Detroit in 1893). With all that in mind, it's quite likely there would be areas where the impact of the pandemic still leaves an intact and functioning infrastructure. There would also be localized systems like generators, solar power panels and such that could be used to supply current for things like communications so that skills could be shared and assets coordinated.

 

[Boberama]

I think a GP100 would fit the bill. One could load it with 180s, 158s, 125s etc to fill a number of different roles. Besides, it's as solid and reliable as it gets.

Take one Sherman tank, compress slightly, and chamber for .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum.

By the way, for all you fellow Canucks out there, Ruger changed the barrel length on the 4.00" GP100 to 4.20", making this version version legal to own. The same goes for the Redhawk.
For a rifle, I'm looking at buying an Ishapore 2A1, then I'll fit some aperture sights on it. Ammo for the Jungle Carbine could get scarce.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // 3 top picks I from hand guns I own.

1) S&W Model 586 Distingushed Combat Magnum, .357/.38, 6", 6 round.(been my do all gun for years)
2) CZ 2075RAMI .40s&w, 8 round mags x 2 for concealment, 12 round mags. x 2 for firepower. (I recommend everyone trys one of these)
3) S&W Model 617, .22lr, 6", 10 round (heavy but reliable)

You can find rifles in all three calibers also, I do not have a rifle in .40 cal but the other two are covered.
P.S. a close second for the number 2(concealed) spot was my 442 1 7/8"

 

[surplusfan]

... to answer whether a society can cease to exist is very real, and it happened to the Olmecs and the Mayans and even to Rome.

Another issue, which no one has yet addressed, is whether handguns will be more important than long guns? As you move through vast areas, a long gun will stick out and draw attention to those carrying them. Handguns are discreet, concealable.

Once one is established in a new location, long guns rule. But on the move, long guns can turn one into a threat or a target, especially if any roving criminals or LEOs are trying to round up guns.

+1

My choices, assuming they can be transported, are:

1. Handgun of established reliability and familiarity of use, revolver or pistol, in 38sp or better. I think the 9mm is the best option for the kind of situation under discussion, and I selected a Glock.
2. .223 carbine, Mini 14 in my case. With red dot for defense and variable power scope for hunting.
3. SKS or AK of confirmed reliability.
4. .22 rifle or handgun, 10-22 for me.
5. Bolt action rifle with good scope. Am leaning towards K-31 with St Marie mount. In a societal breakdown I'd have no qualms about permanently modifying my Finn M39 with a scope mount; it may be more reliable over time than the K31, and more ammo may be available for it (though I agree with those who keep enough ammo on hand, rather than hope to acquire it).

If I had to start selecting among these (on the move with no vehicle), I'd probably keep those higher in the list. #2 and #3 are backups for each other, and I'd really want one of those and a handgun. I don't list a shotgun because I don't have one. I do realize a shotgun may be the most versatile and pragmatic choice of all.

That the family portrayed in the program were woefully unprepared was probably intended to be a lesson to viewers. It was clear enough that those who were surviving were not afraid to wield firearms. The traveling salesmen were well armed and portrayed in a very positive light. The lawmen in the town where the kid was caught looting and shot? Neither unrealistic nor entirely condemnable, and though no one knows how they'd react in such situations, I hope I'd be able to muster up the necessary mercy to let the kid work off his crime.

If something like that ever does happen, the sheer volume and variety of toxics, including radiation, in the environment are going to make survival a lot more a matter of chance than preparation. Preparation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for surviving a total societal breakdown. I do think those who know how to grow food would be among the most valued of community members after the first year, a point made in the program I do agree with.

 

[surplusfan]

The Dark Ages would probably look good in comparison.

Little doubt of that. The vast majority of the population during the Dark Ages was capable of foraging, some form of agriculture, and used to hard living. Even the tiny proportion of society who are engaged in most agriculture today are still dependent on fertilizer, parts, electricity and fuel. They will be able to adapt but their output will pale in comparison to what is produced now. Small scale organic farming is probably the best real prep there is. Based on what is known of human nature, savages with guns will pillage them and ruin things for everyone, though. Some of them already post their intentions to do it, may the devil take them.

 

[skoro]

Small scale organic farming is probably the best real prep there is. Based on what is known of human nature, savages with guns will pillage them and ruin things for everyone, though. Some of them already post their intentions to do it, may the devil take them.

And such farming would be very labor intensive and produce low yields. Not much surplus for bartering/sharing. Like you mentioned, many might have trouble holding on to what they do manage to harvest. Roving bandits would be out there in practically all areas, at least initially.

 

[skoro]

With all that in mind, it's quite likely there would be areas where the impact of the pandemic still leaves an intact and functioning infrastructure. There would also be localized systems like generators, solar power panels and such that could be used to supply current for things like communications so that skills could be shared and assets coordinated.

While the infrastructure may be in place and operable, the fuel supplies (mostly dependent upon rail transport) would be quickly exhausted and unlikely to be replenished soon, if at all. Railroads themselves are dependent on refined petroleum, which would run dry as well. And how will the crude reach the refinery in the first place? Who will be operatiing the refineries and the transport system they depend on? Will those surviving individuals continue to report to work?

I think it's extremely doubtful that they would. I think they'd devote their waking hours to trying to protect their families rather than performing tasks for which they would no longer be compensated.

 

[shenandoah]

Bugging in, got what I need, and the circuit court judge across the street and I have an understanding...he's a retired Marine, so he gives the orders. Provisions won't be a problem, either, considering I've been basically stocked since '93....the first WTC bombing. Virginia has strict laws concerning appearing on the street armed during an emergency, but if the emergency is bad enough, discretion in all things. I agree the poor guy in the HX thing was a putz...shouldv'e taken the warehouse from those thugs, without compunction.

 

[Brian Williams]

FORK, FORK, FORK, This one is done.