SHTF Rifke Scenario?

[MP-44]

What do you consider a likely U.S scenario where the rifle would be a better weapon than a shotgun or handgun.

To me the two likely scenarios that come to my mind are riots/mob violence and or protection after a natural or man made disaster. Both of these to me would be better handled with a shotgun. Being in the U.S there isn't any scenarios short of full nuclear exchange that would disrupt local law enforcment for any length of time and shooting people at a distance will definitely have the DA throwing the book at you when its over. And at close range it seems most agree that the SG is better.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Art Eatman]

Urban residential area or business district, I imagine it would mostly be short range. Shotgun and handgun would probably be most useful, by and large.

Rural areas, there's a bit looser notion of self-protection. If it's a family unit or one guy or so against some sort of roving group, rifles might well be a much better weapon.

Art

 

[gun-fucious]

attack by roving hoards of rabid weiner dogs

ya need a pintle mount, an AR15, and multiple beta c mags

 

[MP-44]

Good point. I have never been off the east coast so my idea of rural is probably much different than someone from TX, OK, MT.....

 

[Art Eatman]

Aw, gun-fucious, if it's just rabid weiner dogs, just whip up the horses and throw out the occasional MMMer. Those lil critters can't run all that fast...

Art

 

[CWL]

If, given the chance, a long gun is preferable to a handgun in a self defense situation. It just usually isn't as accessable as a handgun.

A carbine sized weapon, is useable for SD, and certainly is more lethal than any standard handgun round. They are also more accurate.

This is why SWAT, HRT, etc. type units use these weapons over handguns and shotguns for CQB environments.

Just be aware of your backstop, just the same as you would a handgun or shotgun.

 

[gun-fucious]

please do not blow my cover story with Mrs. G-F.
i really need more Beta C Mags

 

[cheygriz]

Unless you're in a saituation where concealment is a requirement, a long gun is always preferable to a handgun.

While a shotgun is certainly quite effective at short range, it does have it's limitations. In tests that I participated in, my department shot at targets covered by a down vest and heavy overcoat with 12 guage 870 shotguns.

Using 00 buckshot, penetration was reliable at 15 yards, but very unreliable at 25 yards. However, and here's the kicker, we didn't have any way to measure penetration into the target.

Using slugs, penetration was reliable at 100 yards. However, basic level one body armor stopped them every time, even at point blank.

Gangbangers have been known to wear body armor, especially level one, which is light and cool, but will stop most common handgun rounds and virtually all shotgun rounds.

I think that even in an urban situation, I would prefer a short, light, quick handling rifle such as an AR-15, AK-74, or even an AK-47.