Building up my survival arsenal

[CZ223]

It really doesn't matter

which guns you pick, someone will always have a problem with something you have chosen. All guns have their problems and their detractors, and still others are over-hyped. Here are my thoughts.

Taurus 1911: I have two and I love them. I have well over 3000 rounds through one without a hitch other than 3 of my reload induced problems. The other has around 1000 rounds through it and has been just as reliable. I also have two Kimbers that sell for nearly double what the Taurus sells for and I had problems with one of them that required gunsmithing. Since you had one and trust it , buy another if you want, but like any other gun, put it through it's paces to make sure it is reliable.

Other choices in handguns:
While I do love my 1911's and would have no problem trusting my life to them, they would not be my first choice for a SHTF gun. Revolvers, sure they are reliable, but they only hold 5-8 rounds. They are also very heavy and bulky. There are several good choices when it comes to "Wunderguns". What I mean by Wundergun is a high capacity polymer pistol. The Springfield XD, S&W M&P and, of course, Glocks. There are several other good choices as well. I choose the Glock 23 in 40 S&W. The gun holds 14 rounds with one in the chamber and weighs a full pound less than a standard government model with 9 rounds of 45. It is also quite concealable. Mine never fails. I think the 40 S&W offers more stopping power than the 9mm with a significant increase in capacity over the 45, a pretty good compromise in my humble opinion. Also, the 40 ammo is significantly cheaper than 45.

Rifles: I have been looking at WASR 10's lately and the EAA Zastava from Serbia looks like a really solid choice. The Saiga is also a very good choice. I have one and it is rock solid.

22 Rifle: A good lever action like the Marlin 39/97, Henry or, Winchester 9422 would all be good reliable choices. The Henry being the best bang for the buck and short barreled takedown Marlin being the handiest.

With all of that said about the lever guns, I think my coice in 22 would come down to a couple of Rugers. The 10/22 is hard to beat when it comes to all around rifles. Who said it had to be a rifle, a good accurate hanggun like the Ruger MarK II/III is plenty capable of taking small game especially when equipped with a scope. The Ruger charger would also have to get some consideration in this area due to its compactness. I would probaly opt for a used Mark II in stainless.

My Choices are: Glock 23 w/night sights. Used $365- $450 New $600
Saiga or Zastava New $350
Ruger Mark II/II Used $350 New $500
If it has to be a rifle Ruger 10/22 New $250 Folding stock $100
4 extra new mags for the Glock $100
2-3 extra mags for the Ruger $60
4-5 mags for the rifle ?
Use any leftover money t o stock up on ammo

 

[mattdylan]

#49 on my list of gun discussion 100 FAQs.
Since you may have to plan on having no more than what you can carry, a long barrel target grade 22 pistol may be even better. Sure, we’d LIKE to have a fighting rifle; a hunting rife; a shotgun; a couple of handguns; not to mention thousands of rounds of ammunition, but can you carry all this stuff? What makes you think you will be able to transport and store this much equipment?

While it is fun to think about what SHTF guns you'd want, thats not what i'm looking at, primarily. I would like for my guns to be good guns when things fall apart, but I'm looking at practical weapons for right now. I live on 5 acres, dear, rabbits and squirrel come around. Its also not a spot where i can see my neighboors and there have been break ins and thefts in the area. I also go backpacking in wilderness areas where it'd be nice to have something small and light to take some small game with. I like the Idea of a target pistol, I'm looking hard at the Ruger Charger

 

[bannockburn]

If I were going that route, I would consider a Ruger 10/22 with a Butler Creek folding stock and a 2.5 or 1X4 power scope. I think you've got the shotguns well covered. For the rifle, I think either an AR-15 or AK variant would serve you well; maybe one which features a folding or collapsible stock. In a pistol, a semi-auto in 9mm. or .45 (Glock, SIG, CZ, Browning, or M1911), which also has a .22 conversion kit available for it. In a revolver, I would probably opt for DA .357; S&W or Ruger would be my choices here.

 

[BHP FAN]

The 10/22 is on sale at big five right this minute for $ 229.They are dependable, accurate, inexpensive, and mine will eat any ammo I feed it. Sure you can spend hundreds on ''upgrades'', but none are nessesary...the only ''fripery'' on mine is a $39.00 red dot scope, but that's only on there for fun. In a survival scenario, once the batteries wear out, the red dot scope could be pitched and replaced with a conventional cross hair scope,or the iron sights.

 

[BHP FAN]

The Charger is an excellent idea, by the way. A compromise between a carbine and a pistol, and they carry very well. Much more accurate than my AR7, and almost on a par with my full sise 10/22.I'd add one to my collection in a heart beat if they were legal in California.I shot a buddy of mine's Charger up in Oregon, and I gotta say, if I could only own ONE .22 [and I didn't live where I do] that would be it.What ever you decide,buy spare magazines, at least one, preferably many.

 

[BHP FAN]

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-22Charger.htm

 

[merlinfire]

If you're going to be on the move, the key is to get something light. Remember, you won't be carrying ONLY firearms, also ammunition, food/water, and other survival gear. Could get pretty heavy.

Personally, I'd go for a .22 revolver for small game and a light rifle in at least .223 for bigger game and defense. With the right choices, you could have your firearms total weight around 10 lbs. For me? Ruger Single-Six .22LR w/ cylinder for .22 Mag and a Howa or Remington .223 or .308. .22LR is the most common cartridge in the world, and in the US, .223 and .308 are not only common civilian fired cartridges, but there are of course vast military holdings of these calibers as well.

If you're buttoning down and not moving around much, well, my only preference would be that more is better. Make sure you have reloading equipment and plenty of components.

 

[mbt2001]

CZ-82 (9x18) can be had for $200+shipping
Moisin Nagant (7.62x54r) can be had for $80.00 plus shipping
Pawn shop .22 rifles can be had for $60 - $120
There are cheap shotguns out there as well, ranging from single shots, to home defense type pumps or modest hunting guns ($100 - $280)


Seriously, while it is nice to have all kinds of guns, what more do you really need? If you hit some financial straights, as you say, and are about to inherit some cash, then do yourself a favor and plow the cash into getting a bit ahead on bills, and buy some of the cheap guns I just mentioned.

There is no sense in spending thousands that you don't have to prepare for a SHTF event that may never come.


EDIT:

Heritage rough rider, a great single action .22 sixgun that can be had for $180 or so... Usually comes with a spare cylinder to shoot mags.

 

[goon]

I have also heard bad things about the Taurus guns though - a friend who manages a gun department tells me that he literally sends half the Taurus guns he sells back for repairs. He tries to talk people out of buying them, they don't listen, then they are surprised when they don't work right. Last I heard he was trying to convince the owner to just stop selling them.
And, if you're going to go with the Papoose, why not just go to a handgun? I'd imagine that the extra practice a .22 can give should make you just about surgical with a handgun and it packs even easier than any rifle. A .22 handgun is a hole in my collection right now and I really do notice it.
But I wouldn't be without a .22 rifle. If your budget is what you say, you can afford both.
My personal favorite is the CZ-452.

 

[KodiakBeer]

For a real survival "SHTF" situation, I'd think a good reloading set up would be primary - large stocks of powder, lead, moulds, primers, etc.

Ammo would be the new gold and he who has the ammo is going to be in a very good situation not only for himself, but for trading to get other necessities.

Weapons - none of them are going to be stamped Rossi or Taurus or any other doubtful manufacturer.

The primary weapon - pump shotgun. Game of all sizes, defense, etc.
Secondary weapon - .22 (until you run out of ammo). Ruger 10/22.
Third - mid bore bolt rifle in a common caliber, .308 or 30.06 would be my choice.
Fourth - large bore handgun. I'd go with a .45 auto, but would be just as happy with a .357, .44, .45 wheelgun.
Fifth - an AK or AR and a large stock of ammo. This would remain hidden (but readily accessible) and unknown to even my closest acquaintances. It's my hole card for when things get very dark.

 

[PH/CIB]

If I was living out of a backpack in a survival situation, I would carry a 22 pistol for close range shooting of small game for the pot, birds, rabbits, squirrels.etc. I would prefer a silencer for it if survival means not just surviving in the wilderness but also eluding men. I would carry a scoped rifle, the scope would be a 1x4 power and the rifle would also have iron sights, a bolt action 375 H&H would take care of most critters although I would not be too unhappy with a bolt action 3006 or 308.

If tactical where besides surviving I might have to defend against armed men, a FAL in 308 or Vepr AK in 308 or M1A in 308 would be my first choice,,, if carrying a lot of ammo is the primary concern,,, an AR in 556 would be good except against big bears and moose etc. An AK would be a compromise that I could live with between the powerful 308 and the light to carry 556. If self defense against men is a concern a suppressor for this rifle would be desired also. Anything battery operated would be avoided or used very sparingly since resupply would be an issue.

 

[DustyVermonter]

These may spark an interest: Thompson/center G2 contender available in about 17 calibers, Browning BuckMark Sporter .22lr, Smith and Wesson 22s,22a in 22lr, Mossberg JIC cruiser 12ga w/compact airtight travel case and the Thompson TA5 .45acp (compact tommy gun) by Kahr arms. I think you're on to something with the 10/22 and the 10/22 charger, I have the 10/22 and my buddy has the charger. The 10/22 was the second gun I ever bought and I bought it used, if I could go back I would have just bought one new but it still hasn't let me down, I can drive nails with it at 50yrds with iron sights offhand.

 

[Guncollector1982]

I grew up shooting my dads marlin i believe that it was called a model 70 and i think the papoose kinda sorta replaced it maybe not sure on that???? It was basically a carbine model 60 and id never experienced problems of any nature with it that i can recall once, it had 7 shot mags and it was accurate. I dont remember what all ammo i had put threw it pretty much whatever i could find back then, i know i had remingtons, and winchesters in it and most likely federals. I have a ruger 10/22 now i have no complaints with it either but i havent put more then a 100 rounds threw it since i owned it either. Personally i liked the old "carbine" model but i dont really have much flair for the papooses looks but thats just personal taste is all not meant to be offensive to anyone at all.

 

[Kentucky]

If I only had 2K to spend on a survival armory, this is how I would start, assuming that mags and ammo are paid for separately.

AK74 in 5.45 - Since your entire armory has to be purchased for 2 grand I am gonna assume that funds for are going to be really tight too. No better bang for your buck than the 5.45. Rifle and first two mags are 329.99 from Centerfire Systems. Figure 370 to get it to your door. I started with the most important weapon first, because the gun you use to fight with takes priority over everything else. The AK does a lot better job of hunting than the 22 does at fighting. Matter of fact, it is so important that even with this limited budget I am going to buy two of them. That way you have a replacement should something go horribly wrong with the first, or one to hand to your wife or whoever might be fighting with you. Get 12 or so more mags and a few thousand rounds of ammo as soon as possible. 740 total for the rifles.

Glock 17 in 9mm - Probably the most durable, reliable semi-auto handgun in the world, or pretty close. Factor in the availability of mags and parts and it is an unbeatable combo. If you are really talking about bad times you are going to appreciate the fact that the G17 has twice the capacity of a 1911, and since ammo costs about 1/2 as much you can buy twice as much. Figure 500 to your door.

Ruger 10-22 w/folding stock. Small, compact, portable, much more reliable and accurate than the little "survival" gimick 22's. And course, parts and mags are plentiful, and the ability to customize it is almost unlimited. Figure 300 dollars.

Ruger MKIII - A nice accurate little 22 pistol. There are a lot of uses for something like this in a survival situation. 300 dollars.

MN M44 - We have been a little light in the power department, so for 100 bucks we will get something that you can shoot the grizzlies off your front porch with. Good round for taking deer, or other big game hunting. Again, ammo is the cheapest in this class.

All of the above have been selected for reliability, value, availability, and the fact that ammo is very reasonable in these calibers. None of them are as sexy as a nice 1911, or as unique as a Papoose, but they will all work and get the job done more efficiently and economically. With my last 60 dollars from the 2 grand I am gonna go to Walmart and buy a pellet/bb gun. Will be great for pest elimination, and quiet hunting of small game.

Ammo would be the new gold and he who has the ammo is going to be in a very good situation not only for himself, but for trading to get other necessities.

Can't be emphasized enough. Gotta have ammo or they are all just funny shaped clubs. You sure are going to need to start socking money into ammo and mags fast.

I dont think you could have a better survival armory for 2 thousand dollars. I might tweak it a little depending on location. For instance, if I lived in Alaska I might drop the MKIII and get a 44 revolver, but otherwise I have a hard time seeing how you could beat this collection on a limited budget, especially when you take into consideration ammo and accessories.

 

[mattdylan]

sweet, thanks for al the help. i appreciate the mag capacity with the glock, I'd just rather go with the stopping power of .45 hollow tips. Right now i'm thinking wasr-10, taurus 1911, ruger charger

 

[BHP FAN]

Seem like good, solid choices.

 

[DustyVermonter]

I smell a caliber war... 9mm Vs. .45acp

 

[DustyVermonter]

I don't want to sound like an Anti-1911-ist but you could get a Glock21 .45acp and you'd have one helluva reliable .45 with little to no maintainence required to function, with a mag capacity of 13rds. Don't get me wrong the 1911 is one badass platform I'm just hung up on the survival aspect of your thread. But hey, with your budget if you get the charger, 1911, wasr-10 you still have money left for a Glock or a saiga. I have nothing to gain whatsoever regarding your choice of weaponry so you'll believe me when I tell you I'm only asking out of pure curiosity, But why would you choose a Wasr-10 over a Saiga 7.62x39? BTW if you do go for a CAI wasr-10 you may want to make sure you get a Wasr-10/63 GP75. The Wasr-10/63 GP75 has newer unused parts, Tapco G2 trigger(no horrible trigger slap), and some other minor upgrades. They use newer produced parts so your gun isn't assembled with stockpiled military rejected parts and you are less likely to get one with a canted barrel. I got the wasr-10/63 GP75 and it was assembled in 2008 as opposed to late 70's early 80's. I would only advocate a Saiga because its cheaper but is also 'completely' new and has no chance of having used,rejected,stockpiled,surplus,defective parts with canted barrels and whatnot. Tapco intrafuse makes a lot of custom aftermarket parts for the saiga as well. Just trying to be as informative as possible and give you the information I have so you are able to make an informed decision. Just remember if you go with the wasr-10 take a look at the trigger, if it says tapco g2, get it, provided it doesn't have any other issues. Mine was $460

 

[mbt2001]

.45 is expensive to shoot. That is a fact. Great to have, but if you are tight on money, there is no sense in looking at it, unless you are inheriting one or have an option to buy it at a steal.

 

[Legionnaire]

You already have the shotgun(s) covered. My choices, given your criteria, would be:

4" stainless Ruger GP100 .357 mag for defense, and hunting in a pinch.
Ruger 10/22 or other reliable accurate rifle/carbine in .22LR.
Scoped bolt-action rifle in .308 (or .30-06).

My whole philosophy in a survival situation would be to avoid situations that might lead to a pitched battle. If I'm alone against a group of any size, I'm going to lose regardless of what I'm armed with unless I can disengage and disappear. So I favor hunting rifles, with a sturdy revolver thrown in "just in case." The above could easily be achieved well within your budget buying good, used guns. Rest would go into ammo and/or reloading supplies.