bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Your right Joe, the cranky old man's only pupose is to give the younguns time to get out of dodge and organize.
For civil unrest and riots, I got a feeling it is 50/50. I hope we never find out.
If the 'S' never 'HTF' and you are much older.
- Thread starter Ignition Override
- Start date
- Status
For civil unrest and riots, I got a feeling it is 50/50. I hope we never find out.
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
There's a lot more to SHTF than civil unrest, econimic collapse, or repelling the zombie hordes.
If you suffer a home invasion, that's a SHTF event for YOU. IF you lose your job the S has hit the fan for YOU. If a tree falls on your car, and you are living paycheck to paycheck, the S has HTF. If you suddenly can't cover your mortgage, the S has HTF. If the government decides that the only way to make the balance budget is to SS benefits by 30%, the S has hit the fan for a lot of old codgers out there. You are the only arbiter of when the S hits YOUR fan, and these events don't have to be things that make the national news.
That said, do you have some food, water and money put away? Those three things are going to protect you from more crises than a stockpile of guns. If you have a huge stash, big enough that your kids are eyeballing it, and you have some debt, sell of some stuff, and pay down the debt. Guns and ammo are a store of buying power, but they can be illiquid and difficult to convert into buying power on short notice.
An old supervisor had a slogan on his door "Fix the Roof While the Sun is Shining."
If you suffer a home invasion, that's a SHTF event for YOU. IF you lose your job the S has hit the fan for YOU. If a tree falls on your car, and you are living paycheck to paycheck, the S has HTF. If you suddenly can't cover your mortgage, the S has HTF. If the government decides that the only way to make the balance budget is to SS benefits by 30%, the S has hit the fan for a lot of old codgers out there. You are the only arbiter of when the S hits YOUR fan, and these events don't have to be things that make the national news.
That said, do you have some food, water and money put away? Those three things are going to protect you from more crises than a stockpile of guns. If you have a huge stash, big enough that your kids are eyeballing it, and you have some debt, sell of some stuff, and pay down the debt. Guns and ammo are a store of buying power, but they can be illiquid and difficult to convert into buying power on short notice.
An old supervisor had a slogan on his door "Fix the Roof While the Sun is Shining."
marv
Member
I'm 77 yo and still buying guns. It's hard to pass up a good deal. Or even a bad one if it looks good.
Ignition Override
Member
Well-spoken.
owen described it in a way that few ever express.
I'm always baffled when I see a SHTF topic almost every day on several websites. People must expect a Road Warrior scenario. When I state that heaps of ammo and several rifles won't procure any extra insulin for my wife if things go to hell for a long time, guys mostly ignore this.
The reason I bought 3,400 rds. of surplus 8mm months ago was not being able to guess what prices will do.
A year ago the Lee-Enfields became my favorite surplus rifles and affordable surplus .303 began to quickly disappear. That's why I horde 3,000 rds. of it and reload, to avoid using 'contingency fuel'.
So many people who enjoy guns are maybe the only ones in their families with any real interest, and possibly because most only have access to a range which allows paper targets (not seen as much fun). Most city people (i.e. Memphis) have no easy access to an outdoor club, and they don't understand the fun being at 'very select' river banks by, or near bridges, where nobody will be bothered (even with houses one half mile away) due to shooting being a tradition there.
owen described it in a way that few ever express.
I'm always baffled when I see a SHTF topic almost every day on several websites. People must expect a Road Warrior scenario. When I state that heaps of ammo and several rifles won't procure any extra insulin for my wife if things go to hell for a long time, guys mostly ignore this.
The reason I bought 3,400 rds. of surplus 8mm months ago was not being able to guess what prices will do.
A year ago the Lee-Enfields became my favorite surplus rifles and affordable surplus .303 began to quickly disappear. That's why I horde 3,000 rds. of it and reload, to avoid using 'contingency fuel'.
So many people who enjoy guns are maybe the only ones in their families with any real interest, and possibly because most only have access to a range which allows paper targets (not seen as much fun). Most city people (i.e. Memphis) have no easy access to an outdoor club, and they don't understand the fun being at 'very select' river banks by, or near bridges, where nobody will be bothered (even with houses one half mile away) due to shooting being a tradition there.
Last edited:
DeepSouth
Random Guy
hammerklavier
I thought it was much more widely distributed than that. I need to go brush up on my history I guess.
I thought it was much more widely distributed than that. I need to go brush up on my history I guess.
Lonestar49
Member
...
For your viewing pleasure:
Ls
For your viewing pleasure:
Ls
NoAlibi
Member
This thread has had some poignant remarks which have left me with regrets about my fleeting younger years, but it has more than made up for it with some sobering thoughts about what is soon to become.
I have taken to heart what many of you have said and now I have to come to terms as to what course of action those words and thoughts will bring me to.
Many thanks to Ignition Override for starting this thread and even more for the posters that made it so significant for me.
Heartfelt thanks.....Doc
I have taken to heart what many of you have said and now I have to come to terms as to what course of action those words and thoughts will bring me to.
Many thanks to Ignition Override for starting this thread and even more for the posters that made it so significant for me.
Heartfelt thanks.....Doc
lawandorder
Member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2003
- Messages
- 45
A Great Paragraph.............
from the article All American Deer Rifles by Jim Carmichael,
" Whether by hunting for food or profit, Americans became a nation of marksmen-an armed society of the deadliest riflemen the world had ever known. A society of civilians who owned guns-unheard of in the Old World-and used them well and willingly for just causes. This fact reverberated even into the British Parliament after a scruffy band of farmers and long hunters gathered in a remote river valley in a land now known as Tennessee and marched into history at a place called King's Mountain. The Tennesseans killed 225 of King George's troops, suffering only 28 losses, and the Battle of King's Mountain became a turning point in the fight for independence and forever established America as a nation of riflemen. The ragtag band patriots that routed the redcoats on that October day in 1780 were not ordinary soldiers; they were deer hunters. "
from the article All American Deer Rifles by Jim Carmichael,
" Whether by hunting for food or profit, Americans became a nation of marksmen-an armed society of the deadliest riflemen the world had ever known. A society of civilians who owned guns-unheard of in the Old World-and used them well and willingly for just causes. This fact reverberated even into the British Parliament after a scruffy band of farmers and long hunters gathered in a remote river valley in a land now known as Tennessee and marched into history at a place called King's Mountain. The Tennesseans killed 225 of King George's troops, suffering only 28 losses, and the Battle of King's Mountain became a turning point in the fight for independence and forever established America as a nation of riflemen. The ragtag band patriots that routed the redcoats on that October day in 1780 were not ordinary soldiers; they were deer hunters. "
The happiest day of my Life will be at my Funeral,,,when all my Friends and Family will be chuckling about Dave who prepared for the Disaster that never came.
I am 63 and can still do everything I could do at 20, it just takes me longer, physically I am not as tough, mentally I am tougher.
I collect guns and ammo, because I enjoy shooting them with Friends and Family and hunting and the outdoors, it's fun!
As far as SHTF, I think we are in for some hard times economically in the future and someday I think they will try to take our firearms away and destroy the 2nd Amendment, but until that day or an epidemic or natural disaster or a war, I have no idea how far in the future an event like that might occur, probably not in my lifetime. So my firearms and ammo are inventoried and cataloged for my heirs to keep or sell at their discretion.
However, I think everyone should have a plan in place just like life insurance or car insuranse or household insurance. Living off the land by hunting and fishing is a tough lifestyle, especially if you are in competition with everyone else. Living out of a backpack is just plain brutal most would probably not survive winter. I have friends and family who farm, on one farm we have a pump well that runs off a windmill or can be hand pumped to provide water although the same property has a stream and a pond which also provides water. The land provides food crops for people and livestock, timber for hunting and firewood and building supplies,and everyone realizes that to defend and work such a property will take many people pooling their resources and skills together, power and hand tools and equipment, freeze dried foods and other food supplies, seed, fishing equipment, firearms and ammo, medical supplies, etc. While not perfect at least it is a plan for something that I hope never happens.
Actually when the US implodes and there are no jobs here, we will all be crossing the border into Mexico as illegal immigrants! Good old Jimmy Buffet, sunshine and beaches and bikinis, and margaritas, no more shovelling snow for me!
I am 63 and can still do everything I could do at 20, it just takes me longer, physically I am not as tough, mentally I am tougher.
I collect guns and ammo, because I enjoy shooting them with Friends and Family and hunting and the outdoors, it's fun!
As far as SHTF, I think we are in for some hard times economically in the future and someday I think they will try to take our firearms away and destroy the 2nd Amendment, but until that day or an epidemic or natural disaster or a war, I have no idea how far in the future an event like that might occur, probably not in my lifetime. So my firearms and ammo are inventoried and cataloged for my heirs to keep or sell at their discretion.
However, I think everyone should have a plan in place just like life insurance or car insuranse or household insurance. Living off the land by hunting and fishing is a tough lifestyle, especially if you are in competition with everyone else. Living out of a backpack is just plain brutal most would probably not survive winter. I have friends and family who farm, on one farm we have a pump well that runs off a windmill or can be hand pumped to provide water although the same property has a stream and a pond which also provides water. The land provides food crops for people and livestock, timber for hunting and firewood and building supplies,and everyone realizes that to defend and work such a property will take many people pooling their resources and skills together, power and hand tools and equipment, freeze dried foods and other food supplies, seed, fishing equipment, firearms and ammo, medical supplies, etc. While not perfect at least it is a plan for something that I hope never happens.
Actually when the US implodes and there are no jobs here, we will all be crossing the border into Mexico as illegal immigrants! Good old Jimmy Buffet, sunshine and beaches and bikinis, and margaritas, no more shovelling snow for me!
Last edited:
huntsman
Member
I'll probably forget I own guns or the ammo so I'll end up leaving it to the kids.
Who knows maybe by then .380acp will be a grand a box and the kid can pay off his house with my stash
I plan on shooting every gun and every round of ammo i have before I kick the bucket.In my will, i have made a provision for my brother, my nephew, and my shooting buddy to pick one gun from my safe. Every thing else will be sold and all money will go to my wife. If my wife goes before me, every thing will be sold at auction and the procedes will be split between my grand kids. I'm 56 so I'm too old to play Rambo. I know that because I'm too old and fat to jump off the deck and play Power Rangers with my grandson. If you can't keep up with a 9 y.o. and a 7 y.o; you're too old to fight in a revolution. If the s ever htf, I have 3 cases of toilet paper in the storage building.
inSight-NEO
Member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2008
- Messages
- 842
The ammo I would fire off. No sense in letting good [practice] ammo sit around for too long. Recreational shooting/capability with a firearm, I imagine, is just as pertinent later on in life as it is now.
The only real thing I would be concerned with, given this scenario, would be to whom do I leave my weapons with once I am gone. The ammo...well, let them worry about that.
The only real thing I would be concerned with, given this scenario, would be to whom do I leave my weapons with once I am gone. The ammo...well, let them worry about that.
Last edited:
Palehorseman
Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2009
- Messages
- 736
I am 71, the wife is 69, married for 50 years and we still shoot, a lot. Wife reloads her own ammo, we have given many guns to kids and grandkids, but still retained more than enough to keep us occupied. I cast for all the CF we have, so cost is no issue and is a very enjoyable hobby.
My fear about SHTF, is I may soon be too old to ambulate afield, detest the idea of becoming a stationary target.
My fear about SHTF, is I may soon be too old to ambulate afield, detest the idea of becoming a stationary target.
Ignition Override
Member
NoAlibi: You are welcome. It is a struggle for me to create questions which inspire people to describe their 'big picture' views.
The goal is to learn from the perspectives of experienced gun owners, because I seldom used a gun until age 51, but am really making up for it now (just a slow learner).
The goal is to learn from the perspectives of experienced gun owners, because I seldom used a gun until age 51, but am really making up for it now (just a slow learner).
Last edited:
I'm 58 and starting to gun down some. Gave my son in law one of my AR15s, daughter a shotgun, sold two revolvers, am sorting out duplicates for sale, and consolidating ammo for the ones I'll keep for my kids. I'm going to focus on the guns I hunt with and shoot and ease some of the dust collectors on down the line. I really don't need four ARs a Galil, two FALs, a M1A and a CETME ect ect when I put up all the venison we eat for the year with four shots from a 30-30. I don't need five shotguns when I shoot all the squirrels and rabbits we can eat with a 75 year old double barrel and a .22 bolt action. I don't need 25 pistols in calibers from .22 to .44 mag when all I carry is a .32. As far a producing food my deadliest implement is a 30 year old roto tiller. SHTF will be best challenged by a large garden and chest freezer than dozens of guns and thousands of rounds of ammo.
I will be 78 next Thursday if I make it that far. I do have some serious health problems but still shoot competitively and help out with a junior rifle program. I have two sons who shoot and two grandsons who will undoubtedly shoot so what I don't use will be put to good use. I reload for 4 SG gauges and apx. 30 rifle and pistol calibers. Age is only in the mind. You should never give up. I have vertigo and stumble around but you could not get your white butt far enough away from me to be safe if I had the right rifle in hand.
Thumper5
Member
Giving them away
At 69 and on a bunch of prescriptions, I wouldn't last long.
So I am happily giving them (and most other stuff that I own) to my three sons and one granddaughter.
Besides, it's a lot more fun that way.
At 69 and on a bunch of prescriptions, I wouldn't last long.
So I am happily giving them (and most other stuff that I own) to my three sons and one granddaughter.
Besides, it's a lot more fun that way.
What happens, happens. I'm not going anywhere. I'm better prepared than most and not easy to get to. I don't have anyone I can depend on but I never really did except when I was in the military. My health is decent and I still enjoy a little hunting, fishing, shooting and hiking. I love a beautiful sunrise and a good night's sleep.
wvshooter
Member
Large ammo cashes have always been a false security.
The only way to survive extended social chaos is to be WAY OUT of town when it happens and have extensive stocks of non perishable food and drinkable water in addition to suitable shelter. Otherwise you're just kidding yourself.
The only way to survive extended social chaos is to be WAY OUT of town when it happens and have extensive stocks of non perishable food and drinkable water in addition to suitable shelter. Otherwise you're just kidding yourself.
Joe Demko
Member
From an insurgency viewpoint, old men sitting on huge private caches of ammo are less effective than smaller quantities spread among many people. Even if our hypothetical old guy ends up in an poxie clipit gunfight with The Forces of Bad Government, he'll get crushed sooner or later. Probably sooner, as our own history of fringe political/religious individuals and small groups shooting it out with the gummint shows. When they're done killing him, all his huge cache of ammo is forfeit...and he'll have likely expended only a few rounds and inflicted few or no casualties. I'd rather see 200 guys with 500 rounds each (and organization and commitment and a plan) than one grumpy old fart hoarding 100,000 rounds the government will easily sieze and destroy.
BeerSleeper
Member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2010
- Messages
- 688
Why so many posts assuming so many old men unwilling to share ammo?
If I were of the mindset that I should hoard up a large cache of guns and ammo, it would be so that if/when SHTF, I could distribute the guns/ammo to friends/family/other trusted persons. Nothing is gained saving for a rainy day, if you won't have the will to spend when that rainy day comes.
If I were of the mindset that I should hoard up a large cache of guns and ammo, it would be so that if/when SHTF, I could distribute the guns/ammo to friends/family/other trusted persons. Nothing is gained saving for a rainy day, if you won't have the will to spend when that rainy day comes.
That's right. Someone has to have it for all the ones who did not prepare.
There was a great "Arm your neighbor" thread not long ago.
As I posted earlier, if riots happen here, I am ready. I can help protect the neighborhood by arming others. Rioters will be much more intimidated by a large meagerly armed group than one old guy with more ammo and guns than he can shoot.
If it never happens in my lifetime, my stuff will go to others so they can be prepared.
I prepare for many things non gun related that may never happen as well.
As an old Boy Scout, I like to "be prepared".
Joe Demko
Member
Go search up some of the threads dealing with hoarding and you'll see why I have little confidence hoards do anything but keep supply low, keep prices high, discourage noobs, and make it convenient for a rogue government. There's a pervasive "I got mine, eff you!" attitude at work. I can easily see even the ones who believe they will distribute guns and ammo foot-dragging if the time should come. Collectors and their kin, hoarders, are by nature possessive people for whom having things is important.
If you really want insight, peruse gun boards and survival boards that don't have THR-style rules and moderation. [Removed by Jorg due to possible malware on site], if they are still around, gives a good window into the mindset of the type people I'm describing.
If you really want insight, peruse gun boards and survival boards that don't have THR-style rules and moderation. [Removed by Jorg due to possible malware on site], if they are still around, gives a good window into the mindset of the type people I'm describing.
Last edited by a moderator:
Well said!
If this type of situation ever did occur in the U.S. the most well prepared person has a 50/50 chance. Those odds go down the closer you live to highly populated areas where grocery stores and warehouses will be depleted at a much faster rate, along with medical supplies.
Your gun and ammo stockpiles will not provide you with drinkable water, gasoline/diesel for generators and vehicles or medicine for you or your loved ones. Keeping stocks of all these things would be more beneficial than tens of thousands of rounds of ammo. Guns and ammo will be good things to have to facilitate survival for defense and taking game, but they will not be what keeps you alive for sustained periods.
Most people do not have the necessary knowledge, will power, or self-discipline to survive on sparse supplies and small rations, especially for extended periods of time. It will take people joining together and working as small communities to sustain any kind of long term survival.
All the Red Dawn, Mad Max, WW3 post-apocalyptic fantasies are exaclty that.
- Status
