Need help choosing guns.

[BlueShark]

Hello everyone. I'm looking for a SHTF weapon or weapons. I have several questions so I'll number them to make things easier.

1. What are the most popular ammo rounds found in the US? In other words what's going to be easy to find if SHTF?

2. I've been tossing around getting either a 22LR rifle or 22LR pistol or 9mm pistol or an 5.56 AR-15. Ideally I'm thinking about getting a 5.56 AR-15 and a 22LR conversion kit and a 9mm pistol. I'm curious what you all think about these choices?

3. If you like the above choices or have other suggestions please point me in the right direction. Cost is an issue and I still have to buy ammo and accessories.

4. A local FFL dealer I spoke with yesterday seemed to like Del-ton AR-15s. Thoughts?

5. What are your thoughts on pistol length AR-15s?

6. If this question is permitted which stores have the best prices? Do they have coupon codes?

 

[Trey Veston]

SHTF means different things to different people.

Urban or rural? Planning on staying place or bugging out? Will the weapon be used for self-defense or hunting? If hunting, what kind of wild game is there in your area?

What is your level of proficiency with weapons? What is your budget.

Too many variables to offer any meaningful advice.

 

[troy fairweather]

This thread probably won't last long, I'd get a ruger ar-15 if you don't know much about the ar. Some spare parts and at least5 mags. Get a ruger 10-22 same deal parts and mags. All the ammo you can afford.

 

[bannockburn]

If I was in the market for a general multi-purpose collection of small arms I would go with a 9mm. like a CZ P07 with a Kadet .22 conversion, an AR in .223 with a .22 conversion, and a 12 gauge pump action shotgun, like a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500, with a couple of barrels. All of these should serve you well in any number of different applications.

 

[Coyote3855]

1. I do not have statistics to back this up. I believe the most popular calibers are probably 9mm in handguns and 5.56 in long guns. Note that this not necessarily translate to easy to find SHTF. Most sources were sold out of these calibers in the early days of the pandemic. I had no problem finding .38 Super and .30-30.
2. 5.56 AR with .22 conversion kit and a 9mm handgun would be good choices depending on your needs and preferences.
3. For me, a quality .22 rifle, a 9mm handgun, a 5.56 AR, and a 12 gauge shotgun comprise a basic arsenal.
4. I've never heard of Del-ton but I don't get out much.
5. For what purpose? I have a pistol length AK47, but prefer the full size rifle.
6. Google is your friend for online dealers. I'm not aware of coupon codes.

Trey Veston is right on. More about your intended use, your proficiency and experience with various firearms, and your budget would result in better advice.

Tread softly because THR doesn't do SHIF scenarios.

 

[buddyd157]

Hello everyone. I'm looking for a SHTF weapon or weapons. I have several questions so I'll number them to make things easier.

1. What are the most popular ammo rounds found in the US? In other words what's going to be easy to find if SHTF?

2. I've been tossing around getting either a 22LR rifle or 22LR pistol or 9mm pistol or an 5.56 AR-15. Ideally I'm thinking about getting a 5.56 AR-15 and a 22LR conversion kit and a 9mm pistol. I'm curious what you all think about these choices?

3. If you like the above choices or have other suggestions please point me in the right direction. Cost is an issue and I still have to buy ammo and accessories.

4. A local FFL dealer I spoke with yesterday seemed to like Del-ton AR-15s. Thoughts?

5. What are your thoughts on pistol length AR-15s?

6. If this question is permitted which stores have the best prices? Do they have coupon codes?

regarding #4

he liked that particular weapon, and he'll like another, and another.

have you rented out the types of guns you might want to even think about buying?

that's what i did, several times.

i like the 9MM myself, have 3 of them.

i really am thinking of getting a .22 as well, just for fun plinking, so i can save on the costs of the 9MM ammo.

but right now, the range and the gun store i buy from? thier suppliers are all out of handguns.

so i have to wait, and this could be a great time for you to just rent, till the factories start up again.

 

[readyeddy]

Back in the 90's my state legislature proposed a bill that would ban all semi-auto firearms and handguns but have a grandfather clause. So I bought as many different guns as I could afford. The guns were chambered for about a dozen different cartridges. Since then there have been several ammo shortages, usually different cartridges would be unavailable. But because I had an eclectic inventory of guns, I could usually find something on the shelf to shoot.

So like investing, you can diversify your gun inventory so that you will have a greater chance of finding ammo you can shoot.

As an aside, I believe it's the policy here to not discuss widespread societal crisis planning. But what if it's actually happening?

 

[Obturation]

A Mossberg 500 & a 4" gp100. Under $1000 and will do anything you need. Done.

 

[jmr40]

In no particular order you need 4 to cover all bases. Buy what you can afford in the order that makes the most sense to your.

#`1 Ruger 10/22 with multiple magazines. The 25 rounders are good to have.

# 2 AR 15. Which brand and configuration is up to you, but I'd like a 16" barrel with telescoping stock. Ruger is hard to go wrong with for the money, but there are other brands.

#3 Reliable pump shotgun. But not necessarily a short barreled defensive gun. Something with a 22-26" barrel that will take interchangeable tubes for hunting. Gives a lot of versatility and can still be used for defense. I like Remington 870, but Mossberg 500 is a good choice too.

#4 9mm Pistol. Get what you like and can afford. Glock, Ruger, S&W, Sig, and others make good guns. Buy spare magazines.

And probably most importantly stock up on ammo.

I'd probably go 9mm pistol and 10-22 1st and add others when I can. But others may feel differently.

 

[BlueShark]

SHTF means different things to different people.

Urban or rural? Planning on staying place or bugging out? Will the weapon be used for self-defense or hunting? If hunting, what kind of wild game is there in your area?

What is your level of proficiency with weapons? What is your budget.

Too many variables to offer any meaningful advice.

Thanks. I just want to make it out of town and into the wild where I would rather take my chances trying to hunt, fish and forage.

I live in small town WV surrounded by mountains. I plan on bugging out. The weapons will be used for both self-defense and hunting. We have black bear, deer, a few mountain lions, bobcat, coyote, turkey and smaller game.

I've only owned a couple guns but I have shot many different types in the distant past. I've also been hunting a dozen or so times. I would like to keep total costs under $1000. For the time being I was thinking of getting a bunch of 22LR ammo and picking up 9mm and 5.56 ammo as deals come up but I still want some on hand. If I'm bugging out I can't carry a bunch of it with me anyway.

 

[Trey Veston]

Thanks. I just want to make it out of town and into the wild where I would rather take my chances trying to hunt, fish and forage.

I live in small town WV surrounded by mountains. I plan on bugging out. The weapons will be used for both self-defense and hunting. We have black bear, deer, a few mountain lions, bobcat, coyote, turkey and smaller game.

I've only owned a couple guns but I have shot many different types in the distant past. I've also been hunting a dozen or so times. I would like to keep total costs under $1000. For the time being I was thinking of getting a bunch of 22LR ammo and picking up 9mm and 5.56 ammo as deals come up but I still want some on hand. If I'm bugging out I can't carry a bunch of it with me anyway.

A Ruger 10/22, a Taurus G2c, and a Ruger AR556 will cover everything for $1000. The AR will be a bit on the light side for deer, and definitely for bear. A better choice given the limited funds is a pump 12ga shotgun. With slugs, it can take deer and bear, cost less than the AR, and be able to take turkey and small game. But, ammo for it will be heavier and bulkier and you would have less capacity.

 

[CopperFouling]

...

 

[BlueShark]

Thanks for your help and suggestions. I'm going to break these replies into 2 posts to keep it neater. Pardon the double or triple post though.

This thread probably won't last long, I'd get a ruger ar-15 if you don't know much about the ar. Some spare parts and at least5 mags. Get a ruger 10-22 same deal parts and mags. All the ammo you can afford.

Sorry. I didn't know about the scenario issue. People seems to like Ruger. I also had a few people on a tech related forum suggest the Ruger 10-22.

If I was in the market for a general multi-purpose collection of small arms I would go with a 9mm. like a CZ P07 with a Kadet .22 conversion, an AR in .223 with a .22 conversion, and a 12 gauge pump action shotgun, like a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500, with a couple of barrels. These all should serve you well in any number of different applications.

I like the way you think. I here CZ makes nice weapons. I also see there are clones out there like Canik but I don't know about their reliability or shoot-ability. I'm curious why you would suggest the .223 over the 5.56?

1. I do not have statistics to back this up. I believe the most popular calibers are probably 9mm in handguns and 5.56 in long guns. Note that this not necessarily translate to easy to find SHTF. Most sources were sold out of these calibers in the early days of the pandemic. I had no problem finding .38 Super and .30-30.
2. 5.56 AR with .22 conversion kit and a 9mm handgun would be good choices depending on your needs and preferences.
3. For me, a quality .22 rifle, a 9mm handgun, a 5.56 AR, and a 12 gauge shotgun comprise a basic arsenal.
4. I've never heard of Del-ton but I don't get out much.
5. For what purpose? I have a pistol length AK47, but prefer the full size rifle.
6. Google is your friend for online dealers. I'm not aware of coupon codes.

Trey Veston is right on. More about your intended use, your proficiency and experience with various firearms, and your budget would result in better advice.

Tread softly because THR doesn't do SHIF scenarios.

5. Just as a do everything gun. The guy I spoke with yesterday suggested but he may have done that because some rifles are hard to come by right now. Good to know you like the rifle length. I'm definitely leaning that way.

regarding #4

he liked that particular weapon, and he'll like another, and another.

have you rented out the types of guns you might want to even think about buying?

that's what i did, several times.

i like the 9MM myself, have 3 of them.

i really am thinking of getting a .22 as well, just for fun plinking, so i can save on the costs of the 9MM ammo.

but right now, the range and the gun store i buy from? thier suppliers are all out of handguns.

so i have to wait, and this could be a great time for you to just rent, till the factories start up again.

I live in a smaller town so I'm not sure about being able to rent a gun. I'm having a difficult time just getting waited on so I can hold them in my hands.

A .22 is a lot of fun. Another reason I was wanting that conversion kit is just to get accustomed to the AR platform.

 

[reddog81]

IMO conversion kits are a waste of money. You can buy a conversion kit or just spend your money on an actual .22 lr firearm like the Ruger 10-22.

If you want a .22 that mimics a AR-15 get a S&W 15-22. If you want one for cheap you’ll have to wait until a S&W 15-22 goes on sale. Unfortunately everything is full price right now as there are 1,000’s of others out there making or considering their first gun purchase.

 

[MistWolf]

1. What are the most popular ammo rounds found in the US?

5.56/223, 9mm, 12 GA & 22 rimfire

In other words what's going to be easy to find if SHTF?

What you have stashed in your basement. Remember how easy it was to find toilet paper when the Chinese Flung Poo into our Fan?

2. I've been tossing around getting either a 22LR rifle or 22LR pistol or 9mm pistol or an 5.56 AR-15. Ideally I'm thinking about getting a 5.56 AR-15 and a 22LR conversion kit and a 9mm pistol. I'm curious what you all think about these choices?

5.56 AR, 9mm handgun, .22LR rifle & pistol- Yes
AR .22LR conversion kit- No. Get a dedicated .22LR rifle instead. .22LR adaptors for the AR lead up and groups grow from inches to feet. Mine did.

3. If you like the above choices or have other suggestions please point me in the right direction. Cost is an issue and I still have to buy ammo and accessories.

Easy buttons-
AR- Sionics or BCM
Handgun- Glock 19x
.22LR Rifle- 10/22
.22LR Pistol- Ruger Mk IV

4. A local FFL dealer I spoke with yesterday seemed to like Del-ton AR-15s. Thoughts?

Do you know how to troubleshoot problems in an AR? Do you know how to repair one? Are mechanically inclined? If not, get a complete Sionics or BCM AR.

5. What are your thoughts on pistol length AR-15s?

I love mine. My favorite configuration is a suppressed 11.5" with A5 RE assembly, SBA3 brace (with a Split Fix added for extra support) and an Aimpoint T2. (Shorties have a lot of blast & concussion. Get a Black River Tactical Covert Comp until you can swing a suppressor.)

I've given you quite a few fish. Use them to search out my recommendations and see if they're good for you, or if there's something else that suits your needs better. Before buying any accessories (sights, magazines, slings, holsters & lights are necessities) or making any modifications, get a pile of ammo and a bunch of magazines and shoot until you cover your sneakers in empty brass.

 

[army_eod]

AK 47 and lots of varios types of ammo.

 

[BlueShark]

Back in the 90's my state legislature proposed a bill that would ban all semi-auto firearms and handguns but have a grandfather clause. So I bought as many different guns as I could afford. The guns were chambered for about a dozen different cartridges. Since then there have been several ammo shortages, usually different cartridges would be unavailable. But because I had an eclectic inventory of guns, I could usually find something on the shelf to shoot.

So like investing, you can diversify your gun inventory so that you will have a greater chance of finding ammo you can shoot.

As an aside, I believe it's the policy here to not discuss widespread societal crisis planning. But what if it's actually happening?

That's an interesting and valid point you make. I guess a kind of stumbled into diversifying with the guns I was considering.

A Mossberg 500 & a 4" gp100. Under $1000 and will do anything you need. Done.

A shotgun and revolver. Interesting choice. You guys are going to end up talking me into coinsidring a shotgun.

In no particular order you need 4 to cover all bases. Buy what you can afford in the order that makes the most sense to your.

#`1 Ruger 10/22 with multiple magazines. The 25 rounders are good to have.

# 2 AR 15. Which brand and configuration is up to you, but I'd like a 16" barrel with telescoping stock. Ruger is hard to go wrong with for the money, but there are other brands.

#3 Reliable pump shotgun. But not necessarily a short barreled defensive gun. Something with a 22-26" barrel that will take interchangeable tubes for hunting. Gives a lot of versatility and can still be used for defense. I like Remington 870, but Mossberg 500 is a good choice too.

#4 9mm Pistol. Get what you like and can afford. Glock, Ruger, S&W, Sig, and others make good guns. Buy spare magazines.

And probably most importantly stock up on ammo.

I'd probably go 9mm pistol and 10-22 1st and add others when I can. But others may feel differently.

I was going to go the same way as you and start with a 10/22. I really like their takedown model which would pair up nicely with a backpacker stock. You could almost get a cheap AR-15 for that price though.

A Ruger 10/22, a Taurus G2c, and a Ruger AR556 will cover everything for $1000. The AR will be a bit on the light side for deer, and definitely for bear. A better choice given the limited funds is a pump 12ga shotgun. With slugs, it can take deer and bear, cost less than the AR, and be able to take turkey and small game. But, ammo for it will be heavier and bulkier and you would have less capacity.

I've watched video on the Taurus G2c and G3 and they look decent for their price. The only thing I worry about with a 12ga. is the recoil. I've shot them before but I'm not a very big person. I'm 5'5" at 125lbs so recoil is something I'm taking into consideration. I think the last shotgun I shot was years ago. It was a sawed off 10ga. with double ought buckshot and I thought it was a 12ga. with normal shot. My shoulder was black and blue the next morning.

 

[bannockburn]

BlueShark

I'm curious why you would suggest the .223 over the 5.56?

Mainly because I have a boatload of .223 ammo and it was much more available and less expensive than 5.56mm. at the time when I bought it.

As for shooting shotguns maybe consider getting a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad for less felt recoil or else something like a P.A.S.T. recoil shield shoulder pad. You also might want to check out a 20 gauge shotgun instead of a 12 gauge.

Maverick Model 88 12 gauge with a Limbsaver on it:

Winchester Model 1300 20 gauge:

 

[MistWolf]

Thanks. I just want to make it out of town and into the wild where I would rather take my chances trying to hunt, fish and forage.

I live in small town WV surrounded by mountains. I plan on bugging out. The weapons will be used for both self-defense and hunting. We have black bear, deer, a few mountain lions, bobcat, coyote, turkey and smaller game.

I've only owned a couple guns but I have shot many different types in the distant past. I've also been hunting a dozen or so times. I would like to keep total costs under $1000. For the time being I was thinking of getting a bunch of 22LR ammo and picking up 9mm and 5.56 ammo as deals come up but I still want some on hand. If I'm bugging out I can't carry a bunch of it with me anyway.

I know a police office in Houston that was working when the last hurricane hit that area. If people had tried to evacuate from Houston, many more lives would have been lost. The last time they evacuated Houston for a hurricane, the roads for hundreds of miles came to a stop. People were stranded on the roads for days. No shelter. No food. No water. No medicine. If you try to bug out because of some emergency, you'll be one of those stuck on the road. Stay home where your shelter, food, water, medicine, ammo and neighbors are.

The disaster preparedness plan of our church isn't to bug out, it's to reach out. A plan that's helped save lives and give comfort around the world in response to the worst disasters for almost two hundred years.

 

[Walkalong]

We don't do SHTF here.