SHTF and Survival guns (Semi Rant but good spirited)

[kid_couteau]

Hi All

Just wondering something.

Why is it most of the time whenever people talk about SHTF or Survival firearms it usually falls around zombies, fighting off gov forces or mutant biker gangs?

So often we here people talk about armor piercing bullets or fully automatic rifles.

The AK vs AR thing has been done to death (tho I still like reading the threads )

How often do we hear about sniping long distances with a 30-06?

BUT

Very little talk of hunting for food.

Yes I know the AK and AR can be used for hunting and quite well too.
But only on larger game for the most part unless you use special loads or are highly trained in "barking" all you are going to get from a squirrel or partridge or even a crow is chunks if you hit it with a 7.62x39 or 5.56 round.

Anyone here even considering carrying a shotgun or 22 rifle for food gathering?

Just kind of wondering if anyone else thinks we concentrate too much on zombies. Seems to me we will be running across the need for food more then the need to shoot zombies.

Just a thought.

Kid

 

[joab]

Why is it most of the time whenever people talk about SHTF or Survival firearms it usually falls around zombies, fighting off gov forces or mutant biker gangs

?Think of them as widgets

I completely agree with your points though

I made the mistake of saying that i didn't want an AR for SHTF
And that I was quite comfortable with my belief in a 12ga, handgun, or a ,22
In my mind Katrina proved my and your theories adequately enough

 

[azredhawk44]

Obviously you've never read "Lights Out" by Halffast.

You're just a sheeple until you've read it.

(And it's Mutant Zombie Bikers, not Mutant Biker Gangs.)

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I don't think hunting is a legitimate concern for SHTF. The number of humans in the USA far exceeds the natural carrying capacity of the land, and within just a few months, I believe all edible wildlife would be consumed.


How long can 300 million people live off 30 million deer?

 

[22LongRifle]

Kid

I know where you are coming from, but you have to realize that a GOTO weapon will mean different things to different folks in different AOs.

Like me, I feel good about having a mil-surplus or 30/30 as my GOTO rifle. I'm even looking into a modern bolt for me! I feel alright in any natural/manmade occurance like what happend in NO. I'm sitting tight breaking into my preps and playing Scrabble til the NG comes and "rescues" us.

Others are just biting at the bit til "the flag goes up" and they get to put on their BlackHawk Vest and tactical holsters! Maybe even have the whole getup on a store front dummy, like Batman, ready in a monments notice!

I think , and have, 22lr (see handle!) is THE caliber and weapon to have in any LONG TERM situation. But I don't think I would want to go hunting after SHTF, too many TACTICOOLIES. I'm holding on the farm eats beans and rice, maybe some SPAM and sardines, waiting for the die off of stupid folks. Then I should have some neat weapons, vest, and holsters!

22lr, with toungue in cheek

 

[RubenZ]

All these SHTF scenarios are so ridiculous your going to find all the people packing AK's etc are probably going to be the ones struggling the most.


We live in modern times here. SHTF means having Cash set aside, gas/diesel for your car and driving to another town where you can stay a few days while the "S" hits the "F" .

I mean seriously. Aliens aren't going to come and attack us, Zombies aren't going to bring out the dead.

People talk about ooooo Katrina this and Ooooo Katrina that. Please.

If you really needed food you would go fishing instead of hunting. Buy a casting net and catch catfish all day long. Why have to worry about hunting, dressing deer and crap LOL. Where would you store the meat LOL. It's almost hilarious.

 

[trueblue1776]

People talk about ooooo Katrina this and Ooooo Katrina that. Please.

That coming from a guy that probably didn't need an armed escort through Biloxi two years ago. I'm in Mobile, that was about 70 miles from me. When the welfare checks stop coming...

I didn't keep much ammo before Katrina, then I saw how nutty folks can get when they don't have power, water, or a house for two months. So to you I will return the: PUHLEAZZZZZZZZZE!

Where would you store the meat LOL

I own a bag of salt.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

If you really needed food you would go fishing instead of hunting. Buy a casting net and catch catfish all day long. Why have to worry about hunting, dressing deer and crap LOL. Where would you store the meat LOL. It's almost hilarious.

When the water level rose in New Orleans, its not like it was just a shallow ocean, it was all gross and filled with debris, something the fish would not like.

Sure SHTF scenarios are usually unrealistic, but like the saying goes;"I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it"

 

[SaMx]

an AR or AK makes sense or home and property defense against people, looters and such. Fishing would be easier to get a meal in some cases, but a .22 or shotgun can get small game too. I wouldn't turn down a deer either, if I couldn't store the food I would share with the neighbors. Sharing of food and supplies is something I could see happening in my neighborhood. there's some SHTF preparedness, get to know your neighbors. plus it's friendly .

 

[hrgrisso]

Well Thought Out

While I do not agree with the OP implication of "no use for an AR" (and I think I'm stretching his implications) I think that the follow up post stating to each person their own needs is dead on. We as gun owners should do self evaluations more often.

When the S hits the F I'm not going to be doing much big game hunting in Southern Arizona. Thats what a stockpile of food storage is for. Hence the AR or AK, it's for protection not hunting.

Not to mention hunting while others are freaking out and are afraid of looters and raiders, probably not a hot idea. Nothing worse than wandering/hunting for deer, or even calling for it, and getting shot by neighbor jim who thinks your a member of the "zombie mutant biker gang" coming for his daughters virginity...

 

[pcosmar]

How long can 300 million people live off 30 million deer?

They wont. Most of the 300 mil. won't last long.
As a kid I hunted with a 22. Birds, rabbit, frogs and I knew folks that hunted deer with them. It would be my first pick.
I would like to have something heavier, but at least a good .22.

 

[lee n. field]

zombies

Zombies are a placeholder that lets us talk about almost anything without seeming too much like dangerous whackos.

BTW, have you perused the Fuzzy Bunny Militia Group's zombie kit?

The AK vs AR thing has been done to death

I've been on THR from almost the beginning, and I've seen everything done to death, there being a constant supply of noobs coming on board.

 

[B.D. Turner]

Food should be bought and stored now. After a disaster is not the time to be worried about hunting or looking for food. The lore of living off the land is not a reality for 99% of the people who have become dependant on stores, electricity and public assistance. The smart people evacuated New Orleans before the storm and did not wait for mayor whats his name to tell them to leave. As for firearms I would have enough to make me feel comfortable. We each have a comfort level so giving advise on how much a person should have is a mute point. No you do not have to worry about roving biker gangs, zombies, or little green men.

 

[Justin]

Q: Why does your SHTF food-getter have to be any different than the one you use during hunting season?

A: It doesn't.