trickyasafox
Member
i've never seen this thread before its a good idea. . . . .
What is the bare minimum amount of ammo that you should have for each gun?
- Thread starter 50caliber123
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wmenorr67
Member
My Dad always told me to try and have at least one rifle and one pistol in the caliber that the military is currently using. That way if you were ever to run out in a SHTF situation you would be able to beg, borrow and/or steal what you need. That is why the Mini-14 I own will always be around and a .45 or 9mm.
chaim
Member
I have quite a few guns, I won't go through the entire list (don't need a grocery list for thieves or other miscreants) but I have the following calibers:
Shotgun:
-12ga
Handguns:
-.22lr, .380, 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP, .38spl, .357mag, and .41mag
Rifles:
-.22lr, .45LC, .223, 7.62x39, and 30-30
So, like you I have several options. My view is that it is better to pick a couple guns for your SHTF guns (with 2 or 3 possible scenarios in mind so you are prepared for all options) and stock up in those calibers. Otherwise, only stock a couple boxes to a couple hundred rounds (whatever you usually will use in one range session). It isn't cost or space efficient to do otherwise. Also, it is better to already know what to grab in a situation instead of having to think it out and plan then.
For SHTF scenarios, the most likely is a temporary loss of civil authority like a riot or a natural disaster. These situations call for what you normally would use for home defense anyway plus maybe a quick loading, medium range rifle (.223, 7.62x39, lever rifle in 30-30 or a magnum revolver caliber, etc.).
For the theoretical but not realistic possibilities like an invasion or complete breakdown of society it depends upon your mindset. I don't like the idea of going on the offensive against large groups of trained soldiers or mobs of people. I prefer the idea of bunkering down and using defensive armament, or maybe sniping at stray enemies from time to time. For the defensive armament your needs aren't much different from the more likely scenarios but with more ammo (since you may not be able to replenish), plus maybe a .22 for food getting. For sniping you'll want a .22lr (quiet) for short range and/or a good scoped bolt or semi-auto rifle for distances. IF you plan to go on the offensive you won't last long, but you'll probably want a mag fed "assault rifle" or battle rifle for while you are still alive.
In my case I have long stocked up on 9mm for my handgun "SHTF" caliber. However since for economy sake I stock FMJ for long-term storage (rarely more than 100 rounds of good JHP due to costs) I'm thinking I'm going to switch to .40S&W or .45ACP. With JHP 9mm is very capable, but with FMJ the larger calibers are much better. I also stock .22lr since it is cheap and I have both a rifle and handgun in that caliber and .38spl for my snubs. I also have components to reload about 500 .357mag, plus I usually have a box or two, in case I'm running to the woods (I use a hand press so if I have access to a car I can bring my reloading gear). I generally plan to take 2 guns (a service pistol and a snub) if I need to bug out, but I'll take my 6" S&W 586 if I'm bugging out to the mountains/woods in western MD, WV, western PA or western VA.
For rifles I stock 7.62x39 (it is cheap, good for short/medium range defense, and my SKS is very hardy), occasionally .223 (it is cheap, until I get another bolt rifle the closest I have to a "reach out and touch someone" gun is my AR, and it is great for short range/medium range defense), and occasionally 30-30 (a lever rifle is much more PC looking and thus more likely to be ignored by authorities yet still a good short/medium range defensive gun that can be loaded/topped off on the run). These three calibers give me a good deal of versatility in determining how to respond to a situation. Of course, I also have a few thousand rounds of .22lr around all the time so my Marlin 60 is an option as well.
That is in addition to what I usually have around for home/self defense (25 rounds of 12ga low recoil 00 buck, 20-40 rounds of 125gr 9mm JHP, 20-40 rounds of 165 or 180gr .40S&W JHP, 20 rounds of 230gr of .45ACP JHP, 20 rounds of 125gr .38+P JHP) and recreation (generally a box or two of FMJ minimum for each caliber I own).
Shotgun:
-12ga
Handguns:
-.22lr, .380, 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP, .38spl, .357mag, and .41mag
Rifles:
-.22lr, .45LC, .223, 7.62x39, and 30-30
So, like you I have several options. My view is that it is better to pick a couple guns for your SHTF guns (with 2 or 3 possible scenarios in mind so you are prepared for all options) and stock up in those calibers. Otherwise, only stock a couple boxes to a couple hundred rounds (whatever you usually will use in one range session). It isn't cost or space efficient to do otherwise. Also, it is better to already know what to grab in a situation instead of having to think it out and plan then.
For SHTF scenarios, the most likely is a temporary loss of civil authority like a riot or a natural disaster. These situations call for what you normally would use for home defense anyway plus maybe a quick loading, medium range rifle (.223, 7.62x39, lever rifle in 30-30 or a magnum revolver caliber, etc.).
For the theoretical but not realistic possibilities like an invasion or complete breakdown of society it depends upon your mindset. I don't like the idea of going on the offensive against large groups of trained soldiers or mobs of people. I prefer the idea of bunkering down and using defensive armament, or maybe sniping at stray enemies from time to time. For the defensive armament your needs aren't much different from the more likely scenarios but with more ammo (since you may not be able to replenish), plus maybe a .22 for food getting. For sniping you'll want a .22lr (quiet) for short range and/or a good scoped bolt or semi-auto rifle for distances. IF you plan to go on the offensive you won't last long, but you'll probably want a mag fed "assault rifle" or battle rifle for while you are still alive.
In my case I have long stocked up on 9mm for my handgun "SHTF" caliber. However since for economy sake I stock FMJ for long-term storage (rarely more than 100 rounds of good JHP due to costs) I'm thinking I'm going to switch to .40S&W or .45ACP. With JHP 9mm is very capable, but with FMJ the larger calibers are much better. I also stock .22lr since it is cheap and I have both a rifle and handgun in that caliber and .38spl for my snubs. I also have components to reload about 500 .357mag, plus I usually have a box or two, in case I'm running to the woods (I use a hand press so if I have access to a car I can bring my reloading gear). I generally plan to take 2 guns (a service pistol and a snub) if I need to bug out, but I'll take my 6" S&W 586 if I'm bugging out to the mountains/woods in western MD, WV, western PA or western VA.
For rifles I stock 7.62x39 (it is cheap, good for short/medium range defense, and my SKS is very hardy), occasionally .223 (it is cheap, until I get another bolt rifle the closest I have to a "reach out and touch someone" gun is my AR, and it is great for short range/medium range defense), and occasionally 30-30 (a lever rifle is much more PC looking and thus more likely to be ignored by authorities yet still a good short/medium range defensive gun that can be loaded/topped off on the run). These three calibers give me a good deal of versatility in determining how to respond to a situation. Of course, I also have a few thousand rounds of .22lr around all the time so my Marlin 60 is an option as well.
That is in addition to what I usually have around for home/self defense (25 rounds of 12ga low recoil 00 buck, 20-40 rounds of 125gr 9mm JHP, 20-40 rounds of 165 or 180gr .40S&W JHP, 20 rounds of 230gr of .45ACP JHP, 20 rounds of 125gr .38+P JHP) and recreation (generally a box or two of FMJ minimum for each caliber I own).
Yugo SKS/MAK-90 7.62x39 =Keep
Ruger 10/22 .22LR=Keep
Remington 870 Express Magnum 12 Gauge=Keep
Mosin-Nagant M1938 7.62x54R=Keep,only because ammo is soo cheap.
Sell the remainder and get a Savage .308 and put a Super Sniper scope on it to cover your long range needs.I'd keep a minimum of 500 rds per rifle,250 match rounds for the Savage 250 for the 12 gauge and 10,000 for the .22.If the SHTF the last thing you want to do is get into a protacted gun battle.You can't eat a closet full of ammo.Invest in a good blade.A good knife can feed you,clothe you,shelter you.DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR BLADE,it will do more to keep you alive than a gun could.
Marlin 1894 .44Mag
Enfield Jungle Carbine .303
Swiss K31 7.5x55
HiPoint 996 9mm
Mossberg 500 Persuader 12ga
Ruger 10/22 .22LR=Keep
Remington 870 Express Magnum 12 Gauge=Keep
Mosin-Nagant M1938 7.62x54R=Keep,only because ammo is soo cheap.
Sell the remainder and get a Savage .308 and put a Super Sniper scope on it to cover your long range needs.I'd keep a minimum of 500 rds per rifle,250 match rounds for the Savage 250 for the 12 gauge and 10,000 for the .22.If the SHTF the last thing you want to do is get into a protacted gun battle.You can't eat a closet full of ammo.Invest in a good blade.A good knife can feed you,clothe you,shelter you.DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR BLADE,it will do more to keep you alive than a gun could.
Marlin 1894 .44Mag
Enfield Jungle Carbine .303
Swiss K31 7.5x55
HiPoint 996 9mm
Mossberg 500 Persuader 12ga
Joe Mamma
Member
In a bug out situation, I would suggest taking 200 rds for each gun (not each caliber) that you would consider using. So, if you are taking 2 pistols, carry 400 rds. If you are taking 2 pistols and a rifle, 400 rds of pistol ammo and 200 rds of rifle ammo.
For a SHTF situation, I would suggest stockpiling 400 rds for each gun (not each caliber) that you would consider using.
Joe Mamma
For a SHTF situation, I would suggest stockpiling 400 rds for each gun (not each caliber) that you would consider using.
Joe Mamma
I'd get a good deal of birdshot for the 12 gauges. In a shtf food might be scarce and the ability to get birds is a good thing. They're also pretty cheap and still effective at close range against human enemies
1000 rounds for 'defensive' calibers.
10,000 .22 rounds for training purposes, and hunting rabbits and squirrels. Mostly training
500 hunting rounds, good for taking whatever game is in your area.
1000 rounds for 'defensive' calibers.
10,000 .22 rounds for training purposes, and hunting rabbits and squirrels. Mostly training
500 hunting rounds, good for taking whatever game is in your area.
chaim
Member
Since you asked for specific advice for yourself here is mine...
It seems you have four good short/medium range options- the SKS, the Marlin 1894, the HiPoint carbine and the Mossberg. My thoughts are that shotguns tend to be on the heavy side and the ammo is much heavier and bulkier than rifle and handgun ammo so for a bug-out situation it isn't the best option (unless in a car) so I'd only keep on hand what you want for general home defense and recreation. If you have a handgun in 9mm that you may bring with you that does make the HiPoint fairly attractive, otherwise I'd go with one of the other two for the extra power (though you could carry a lot more 9mm). I'd probably keep at least 1000 rounds on hand for each (maybe more of 7.62x39 due to its lower cost) to give you more flexibility. If you need the PC value, or if you may need to hunt large game for a while to get by, I'd go with the Marlin in .44mag (make sure some of your rounds, maybe 20%, are .44spl as well since it will add to the gun's versatility). For more of a large scale societal collapse or foreign invasion the SKS may be a better bet (ammo is cheap so it is easier to have more on hand, on stripper clips it is easy to carry a lot of ammo, and if you fire down to an empty mag it is quicker to fully reload).
As for the bolt rifles you have I'd probably forget about all of them. If you really find it necessary, load up for the Nagant, but the "reach out and touch someone" role is better served by a scoped bolt rifle with more precision than the average mil-surplus battle rifle. If you really think this scenario is likely and you want this capability, save for a nice heavy barreled bolt rifle (on a budget a nice heavy barreled single shot Handi-Rifle would work) along with a good scope.
Definately stock up on .22lr as well. It is cheap, it is lightweight, it doesn't take up that much space. It simply will expand your options quite a bit.
As for numbers, that depends upon your storage needs and financial resources. I'd try to have at least 1000 rounds of each centerfire caliber you stock, and 5000 rounds of .22lr. Double that would be better (but not always realistic). I try to be sure to buy more when I get down about 25-50%, if I didn't buy more earlier. Obviously, if you need to bug out on foot you can't carry it all, but take as much as you can (especially the .22 if you'll be leaving for a long time- it will feed you better than the rest).
It seems you have four good short/medium range options- the SKS, the Marlin 1894, the HiPoint carbine and the Mossberg. My thoughts are that shotguns tend to be on the heavy side and the ammo is much heavier and bulkier than rifle and handgun ammo so for a bug-out situation it isn't the best option (unless in a car) so I'd only keep on hand what you want for general home defense and recreation. If you have a handgun in 9mm that you may bring with you that does make the HiPoint fairly attractive, otherwise I'd go with one of the other two for the extra power (though you could carry a lot more 9mm). I'd probably keep at least 1000 rounds on hand for each (maybe more of 7.62x39 due to its lower cost) to give you more flexibility. If you need the PC value, or if you may need to hunt large game for a while to get by, I'd go with the Marlin in .44mag (make sure some of your rounds, maybe 20%, are .44spl as well since it will add to the gun's versatility). For more of a large scale societal collapse or foreign invasion the SKS may be a better bet (ammo is cheap so it is easier to have more on hand, on stripper clips it is easy to carry a lot of ammo, and if you fire down to an empty mag it is quicker to fully reload).
As for the bolt rifles you have I'd probably forget about all of them. If you really find it necessary, load up for the Nagant, but the "reach out and touch someone" role is better served by a scoped bolt rifle with more precision than the average mil-surplus battle rifle. If you really think this scenario is likely and you want this capability, save for a nice heavy barreled bolt rifle (on a budget a nice heavy barreled single shot Handi-Rifle would work) along with a good scope.
Definately stock up on .22lr as well. It is cheap, it is lightweight, it doesn't take up that much space. It simply will expand your options quite a bit.
As for numbers, that depends upon your storage needs and financial resources. I'd try to have at least 1000 rounds of each centerfire caliber you stock, and 5000 rounds of .22lr. Double that would be better (but not always realistic). I try to be sure to buy more when I get down about 25-50%, if I didn't buy more earlier. Obviously, if you need to bug out on foot you can't carry it all, but take as much as you can (especially the .22 if you'll be leaving for a long time- it will feed you better than the rest).
USMCRotrHed
Member
My plan
For a SHTF scenario,
I have 3 rifles and 2 handguns I stock for.
M1 Garand, AR-15 w/ 2 uppers, and an SKS
Colt 1911, and an S&W .40
For the rifles, I buy in 1000 round lots based on what I have been shooting lately. minimum of 250 rounds goes into "storeage" from each purchase.
Handguns, I keep 200 rounds on hand...probably not enough.
My thoughts on rifle selection are that I like the Garand and it shoots well. The AR and SKS shoot the most common rounds to be found from "raiding and pillaging", so you can hopefully find more ammo if you happen to form a "neighborhood watch" and share resources.
I hope to maintain a minimum of 3000+ rounds of each caliber.
For a SHTF scenario,
I have 3 rifles and 2 handguns I stock for.
M1 Garand, AR-15 w/ 2 uppers, and an SKS
Colt 1911, and an S&W .40
For the rifles, I buy in 1000 round lots based on what I have been shooting lately. minimum of 250 rounds goes into "storeage" from each purchase.
Handguns, I keep 200 rounds on hand...probably not enough.
My thoughts on rifle selection are that I like the Garand and it shoots well. The AR and SKS shoot the most common rounds to be found from "raiding and pillaging", so you can hopefully find more ammo if you happen to form a "neighborhood watch" and share resources.
I hope to maintain a minimum of 3000+ rounds of each caliber.
I guess my opinion on ammo will be somewhat contrarian.
I agree with the advice that you pick one, and keep ammo to feed it.
For home defense, 10 rounds is the minimum. (MINIMUM). If you are in a situation that requires more than 10 rounds, its a riot.
For SHTF, 200 rounds. That will get you through 2 years (at the rate of one round every 3-4 days), or 1-2 firefights. Although if you get in a firefight, and don't have a crew with you, you'll lose. 200 rounds is a reasonable amount to carry, too.
Of course, you can never have too much. As Tamara once said, no one ever got through a gunfight and said "Well, I have entirely too much ammo here."
I agree with the advice that you pick one, and keep ammo to feed it.
For home defense, 10 rounds is the minimum. (MINIMUM). If you are in a situation that requires more than 10 rounds, its a riot.
For SHTF, 200 rounds. That will get you through 2 years (at the rate of one round every 3-4 days), or 1-2 firefights. Although if you get in a firefight, and don't have a crew with you, you'll lose. 200 rounds is a reasonable amount to carry, too.
Of course, you can never have too much. As Tamara once said, no one ever got through a gunfight and said "Well, I have entirely too much ammo here."
Brother in Arms
Member
Joe
I would stock pile more than 200 per firearm, but have the ability to carry at least 200 per rifle. Carrying 200 rounds as a rifleman is a good ammount,particulary if you are honest about your cartridge expenditure. And plenty heavy for most people, especially if its in steel magazines and is. 100 rounds for a pistol is probably good and for most semi-autos that are hi-cap (15rnds) 100 rounds would be 7 magazines. I think 100 for a shotgun is decent but still take up alot of space. These are the minimum I would carry. I think that would be a decent combat load for most people.
210 rounds for AK= 7-30 round mags.
200 rounds for SKS= 20-10 round stripper clips
200 rounds for M/38=40-5 round stripper clips
you got to have something to carry this ammo in other than your pockets, you might be able to shove alot in there but not many rifle mags.
Brother in arms
I would stock pile more than 200 per firearm, but have the ability to carry at least 200 per rifle. Carrying 200 rounds as a rifleman is a good ammount,particulary if you are honest about your cartridge expenditure. And plenty heavy for most people, especially if its in steel magazines and is. 100 rounds for a pistol is probably good and for most semi-autos that are hi-cap (15rnds) 100 rounds would be 7 magazines. I think 100 for a shotgun is decent but still take up alot of space. These are the minimum I would carry. I think that would be a decent combat load for most people.
210 rounds for AK= 7-30 round mags.
200 rounds for SKS= 20-10 round stripper clips
200 rounds for M/38=40-5 round stripper clips
you got to have something to carry this ammo in other than your pockets, you might be able to shove alot in there but not many rifle mags.
Brother in arms
I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of letting my stockpile 'run low' now and again, mainly because I haven't reloaded in a awhile.
I probably have more .223 fmj than I'll ever need, and less .44 mag than I want on hand, and more handloaded .30-06 hunting loads than i need to hunt for the next 5 years. It happens.
But it's always a good idea to have some stuff 'ready to go" and I don't mean 50+ loaded magazines... I mean a simple emergency preparedness kit that contains/includes a firearm. The shotgun excels because it's quick to load, its versatile and intimidating and has the power to take large game or launch flares or whatever.
I probably have more .223 fmj than I'll ever need, and less .44 mag than I want on hand, and more handloaded .30-06 hunting loads than i need to hunt for the next 5 years. It happens.
But it's always a good idea to have some stuff 'ready to go" and I don't mean 50+ loaded magazines... I mean a simple emergency preparedness kit that contains/includes a firearm. The shotgun excels because it's quick to load, its versatile and intimidating and has the power to take large game or launch flares or whatever.
RaetherEnt
Member
I have done my best to keep the majority of my firearms in the same caliber to accomodate my ammo needs. I also try to keep them in a caliber that would be most easily obtained in a SHTF scenario. Saying that, I keep a lot of ammo on hand, and usually rotate it out when I buy new, depending on the packaging. My thought is that should a SHTF scenario ever pop up, money is going to be worth nothing, and guns and ammo will be the gold of the day. With that in mind...
7.62...3500-4000 rds
Romanian Wasr-10
Romanian Sar-1
Ruger Mini-30
.223...4000 rds (Mostly surplus, some BH Ammo for Bolt Rifle)
DPMS M4 Carbine
CMMG M4 Carbine
Savage Model 12 Bolt Action
FN FS2000 ON ORDER,CANT WAIT!!!
.308...3500 rds (Again, mostly surplus, but also lots of match ammo for LR)
Pacific Armament FAL
Springfield Armory SOCOM II
Remington 700 PSS
Savage Model 11 Bolt Action
12 Guage...500 rds (assorted shot size, 'bout 200 of it 00 Buck)
Pair of Mossy 500's
.45 ACP...1000 rds
HK USP 45
HK USP Compact 45 (Wifes )
Also, recently at a gun show I picked up a pair of M38 Mosins in the 54R, and two 880 round cases of ammo...all for $300. Sold my neighbor (through an FFL, all legal!) one of the Mosins and 500 rounds for $200...his first rifle and he loves it!
Also, lots of extra parts...bolts, firing pins, etc.
7.62...3500-4000 rds
Romanian Wasr-10
Romanian Sar-1
Ruger Mini-30
.223...4000 rds (Mostly surplus, some BH Ammo for Bolt Rifle)
DPMS M4 Carbine
CMMG M4 Carbine
Savage Model 12 Bolt Action
FN FS2000 ON ORDER,CANT WAIT!!!
.308...3500 rds (Again, mostly surplus, but also lots of match ammo for LR)
Pacific Armament FAL
Springfield Armory SOCOM II
Remington 700 PSS
Savage Model 11 Bolt Action
12 Guage...500 rds (assorted shot size, 'bout 200 of it 00 Buck)
Pair of Mossy 500's
.45 ACP...1000 rds
HK USP 45
HK USP Compact 45 (Wifes
)Also, recently at a gun show I picked up a pair of M38 Mosins in the 54R, and two 880 round cases of ammo...all for $300. Sold my neighbor (through an FFL, all legal!) one of the Mosins and 500 rounds for $200...his first rifle and he loves it!
Also, lots of extra parts...bolts, firing pins, etc.
Brother in Arms
Member
not to Hijack the thread but.
RaetherEnt wrote:
"Sold my neighbor (through an FFL, all legal!) one of the Mosins and 500 rounds for $200...his first rifle and he loves it!"
Is private sale illegal in your state? I have no problem with private sale, thats one thing government has no right to restrict.
By the way looks like you got a good setup Rae!
Brother in Arms
RaetherEnt wrote:
"Sold my neighbor (through an FFL, all legal!) one of the Mosins and 500 rounds for $200...his first rifle and he loves it!"
Is private sale illegal in your state? I have no problem with private sale, thats one thing government has no right to restrict.
By the way looks like you got a good setup Rae!
Brother in Arms
scout26
Member
More.....
50caliber123
Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2005
- Messages
- 640
I don't shoot matches, but try to get to the range every few weeks. I don't want to buy a new bolt-gun, because of the cost. Plus, I love my historic guns. WWII weapons should not be underestimated. I have decided from this advice to run a series of trials and eliminate 2 bolt guns so I only will have 1 to buy ammo for. I am a far better shot with open iron sights than with a scope, but I have a spare BSA 3-9x50mm scope thats not being used...maybe I'll mount it on the 1 bolt gun I decide on. I want a .44 mag revolver and am considering getting a hipoint 9mm for my 21st B-day in October.Share ammo and mags
This is what I am considering going with:
7.62x39 - 2000 rds minimum
9mm - 1000 rds minimum
.22LR - 1000 rds minimum
12 Gauge - 500 rds minimum
.44Mag - 250 rds minmum (good deer rifle, but not intended to be SHTF)
Bolt gun I decide on - 250-500rds minimum
This is what I am considering going with:
7.62x39 - 2000 rds minimum
9mm - 1000 rds minimum
.22LR - 1000 rds minimum
12 Gauge - 500 rds minimum
.44Mag - 250 rds minmum (good deer rifle, but not intended to be SHTF)
Bolt gun I decide on - 250-500rds minimum
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Bah...here's my $0.02...
Rule #1 - have some ammo, rather than no ammo. A gun without ammo is a blunt force clubbing weapon.
I see it as certain stages. Like..
1] Have at least 1 full loading. If a revolver, a full cylinder, if a pistol, a full mag. Same for rifles, shotguns etc..full tube, magazine, etc...
2] Have at least 1 full reload. For a revolver - a speed loader, for a pistol a 2nd mag, " " ". You shoot what the gun has, and you've got 1 more reload. Rifles can have magazines attached, shotguns can have shells attached...basically whatever ammo can be attached and carry with the gun without using anything special. Grab n' go.
3] Next step is "battle pack"...have at least 1 full battle pack load. For a pistol, this might be 4 magazines for example, for a rifle like and AK or AR, this might be 6 magazines for example. This requires a seperate ammunition carrying system. Bandolier, mag holders, pouches etc...this can be grab 'n go also, or w/e you choose. This at least allows you to bug out with plenty of ammo incase you cannot return to your storage.
4] Once you have a battle pack, then the next step is to keep at least 2x that amount of ammo in easy access storage. This can vary, go for 3x, or just one full replenishment - your choice. Whatever your battlepack holds, have at least another full loading. A good idea is to have this ammo in a state where it can be loaded quickly - like strippers etc...If your battlepack gets confiscated, lost, damaged, or spent...you can come back to wherever your replenishment is, and get another. This assumes you'll be local.
5] Beyond all this, now you're getting into SHTF style ammo stockpiling. There's no limit here. More = better. The primary goal here is to take care of the ammo so that it remains in good shape. Don't keep your eggs in one basket applies here. Now, storing thousands and thousands of rounds might not be for SHTF because some shooters shoot that type of volume and their "inventory" is always moving. Question here is - "minimums", that suggests what to keep around all the time.
Rule #1 - have some ammo, rather than no ammo. A gun without ammo is a blunt force clubbing weapon.
I see it as certain stages. Like..
1] Have at least 1 full loading. If a revolver, a full cylinder, if a pistol, a full mag. Same for rifles, shotguns etc..full tube, magazine, etc...
2] Have at least 1 full reload. For a revolver - a speed loader, for a pistol a 2nd mag, " " ". You shoot what the gun has, and you've got 1 more reload. Rifles can have magazines attached, shotguns can have shells attached...basically whatever ammo can be attached and carry with the gun without using anything special. Grab n' go.
3] Next step is "battle pack"...have at least 1 full battle pack load. For a pistol, this might be 4 magazines for example, for a rifle like and AK or AR, this might be 6 magazines for example. This requires a seperate ammunition carrying system. Bandolier, mag holders, pouches etc...this can be grab 'n go also, or w/e you choose. This at least allows you to bug out with plenty of ammo incase you cannot return to your storage.
4] Once you have a battle pack, then the next step is to keep at least 2x that amount of ammo in easy access storage. This can vary, go for 3x, or just one full replenishment - your choice. Whatever your battlepack holds, have at least another full loading. A good idea is to have this ammo in a state where it can be loaded quickly - like strippers etc...If your battlepack gets confiscated, lost, damaged, or spent...you can come back to wherever your replenishment is, and get another. This assumes you'll be local.
5] Beyond all this, now you're getting into SHTF style ammo stockpiling. There's no limit here. More = better. The primary goal here is to take care of the ammo so that it remains in good shape. Don't keep your eggs in one basket applies here. Now, storing thousands and thousands of rounds might not be for SHTF because some shooters shoot that type of volume and their "inventory" is always moving. Question here is - "minimums", that suggests what to keep around all the time.
RaetherEnt
Member
BrotherInArms wrote "Is private sale illegal in your state? I have no problem with private sale, thats one thing government has no right to restrict."
Hey Brother, thanks!
It is actually legal in Kansas to transfer rifles person to person, however...My neighbor for a long time (even though he claims to be conservative) hounded me about how easy it must be to buy guns, yadda, yadda, yadda. He's always trying to slap me in the face with the whole "we need more gun control" blah, blah,blah. So, part of the reason I basically rammed this gun down his throat and made him get it from me through a transfer was so he would have to fill out the Feds form and actually see what is required. After he did so, he admitted to me that is was tougher and a more restrictive process than he thought. Just trying to turn'em one at time...
Hey Brother, thanks!
It is actually legal in Kansas to transfer rifles person to person, however...My neighbor for a long time (even though he claims to be conservative) hounded me about how easy it must be to buy guns, yadda, yadda, yadda. He's always trying to slap me in the face with the whole "we need more gun control" blah, blah,blah. So, part of the reason I basically rammed this gun down his throat and made him get it from me through a transfer was so he would have to fill out the Feds form and actually see what is required. After he did so, he admitted to me that is was tougher and a more restrictive process than he thought. Just trying to turn'em one at time...
Kamicosmos
Member
I quote Chow Yun Fat's character, Jeffery, in The Killer:
"I always leave one bullet, either for myself or for the other guy."
And that movie has the tag line of : Two Men, Ten Thousand Bullets!
So...there ya go. The final answer to this annoying forum question.
"I always leave one bullet, either for myself or for the other guy."
And that movie has the tag line of : Two Men, Ten Thousand Bullets!
So...there ya go. The final answer to this annoying forum question.
I think you have enough for any SHTF situation. You might want to stock up on ammo for practice though. Thats a different situation and the amount will change depending on how much and often you shoot.
My current SHTF arsenal would include my Winchester 94 with 60 rounds of .32 win special;Mossberg 500 12g with 25 rounds of buck, 25 rounds of bird, and 10 slugs; S&W 638 with 50 rounds of .38 LRN; one fixed blade knife and two folding knives. SKS and 140rds of preloaded stripper clips gets passed off to my roomate to carry with his Glock 26 and whatever else he wants to take. After loading up with food, blankets, flashlights, map, and other necessities I would pack another bag of ammo.
By the end of the year I will also have a backpack with a Keltec Sub2000 in 9mm that shares mags with a Beretta 92FS that I will be getting soon. Add 100 rds of 9mm in mags. Last resort and/or no vehicle hiking bag.
Once I get to my parents house I should have enough to go around for everyone. This is of course a worse case scenario that forces me to drive the 5 hours(non disaster time) to my parents house. Anything where I am not worried about staying in the house or fear for the safety of my parents and I am sitting put with my Mossberg and sidearm.
My current SHTF arsenal would include my Winchester 94 with 60 rounds of .32 win special;Mossberg 500 12g with 25 rounds of buck, 25 rounds of bird, and 10 slugs; S&W 638 with 50 rounds of .38 LRN; one fixed blade knife and two folding knives. SKS and 140rds of preloaded stripper clips gets passed off to my roomate to carry with his Glock 26 and whatever else he wants to take. After loading up with food, blankets, flashlights, map, and other necessities I would pack another bag of ammo.
By the end of the year I will also have a backpack with a Keltec Sub2000 in 9mm that shares mags with a Beretta 92FS that I will be getting soon. Add 100 rds of 9mm in mags. Last resort and/or no vehicle hiking bag.
Once I get to my parents house I should have enough to go around for everyone. This is of course a worse case scenario that forces me to drive the 5 hours(non disaster time) to my parents house. Anything where I am not worried about staying in the house or fear for the safety of my parents and I am sitting put with my Mossberg and sidearm.
The-Fly
Member
here's the ammo i keep for SHTF (excludes range ammo)
Pistol
9mm - roughly 500 rounds of various 147gr and 127gr JHP's, a mix of WWB, Ranger T, and Federal HST
357 - not my primary handgun caliber, but i keep 50 rounds of Gold dots and GS for rainy days.
Rifle
.223 - 300 rounds of Black hills 68gr heavy match. Another 300 rounds of Q3131 and Black Hills 55gr fmj. All my 68gr .223 is in USGI mags ready to go. Keep another 6 mags of the quality 55gr fmj stuff. In extreme situations, I can dig into my range .223 (various manufacters) for another 500-1000 rounds (quantity varies on how much i've been shooting, but I try to keep it at 500 minimum).
7.62 x 39 - My AK isnt my primary defensive rifle, but since its the perfect loaner gun for a friend /family member, i keep 8 loaded mags for it (wolf HP), and another 500 rounds in a case. Once Wolf gets cheap again, i'd like to bump up my reserve to 1000 rounds.
Shotgun
00 buck - i only plan to use my 12 gauge for internal home defence. That being said, i keep about 30-40 rounds of 00B handy.
Slugs - Dont see myself needing many of these for defence usage, but have about 10 handy for unknown situations.
Pistol
9mm - roughly 500 rounds of various 147gr and 127gr JHP's, a mix of WWB, Ranger T, and Federal HST
357 - not my primary handgun caliber, but i keep 50 rounds of Gold dots and GS for rainy days.
Rifle
.223 - 300 rounds of Black hills 68gr heavy match. Another 300 rounds of Q3131 and Black Hills 55gr fmj. All my 68gr .223 is in USGI mags ready to go. Keep another 6 mags of the quality 55gr fmj stuff. In extreme situations, I can dig into my range .223 (various manufacters) for another 500-1000 rounds (quantity varies on how much i've been shooting, but I try to keep it at 500 minimum).
7.62 x 39 - My AK isnt my primary defensive rifle, but since its the perfect loaner gun for a friend /family member, i keep 8 loaded mags for it (wolf HP), and another 500 rounds in a case. Once Wolf gets cheap again, i'd like to bump up my reserve to 1000 rounds.
Shotgun
00 buck - i only plan to use my 12 gauge for internal home defence. That being said, i keep about 30-40 rounds of 00B handy.
Slugs - Dont see myself needing many of these for defence usage, but have about 10 handy for unknown situations.
Right; the "boxes" are not true fractals in that they will not be identical in content variety - only distinct in that the smaller units can be removed ready sorted and ready to go.Brian Williams said:
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