Survival Firearm Calibers

Since I have been deluged with questions about calibers of firearms that should be considered for an extended period of self sufficiency or civil unrest I will write this short piece about the subject.

First and foremost in both a rifle and a pistol (revolver) is the 22 rim fire. Why? I mean, after all, you can’t reload it, and it really is underpowered for defensive purposes. The reason is that ammunition is very inexpensive, and can be found almost everywhere. It can be used for just about any purpose that involves a firearm. Your skill with it is the limiting factor.

More importantly is the decision about make and model. There probably will not be too many shacks around with a “Gunsmith” sign on the front door. My recommendation would be Ruger, both rifle, pistol, and revolver. They rarely break. It is that simple. Still, you should have a few spare parts on hand just in case. Firing pins come to mind, as well as the tools that would be needed to make repairs. (Hopefully Stick and String can fill in the blanks here! )

Next we get to handguns. Go into any gun store, or sporting goods store, or even Wal Mart and, invariably, you will find two calibers. Why is that important? because you very well may be scavenging for ammo, or components with which to build ammunition. Those two calibers are the 357 Magnum, and the Colt 45 ACP. Both are proved man stoppers, plentiful, and can be reloaded. Here I need to interject something. Get a “Lee Loader.” Along with the dies etc. for your chosen calibers. Both can also be loaded safely with black powder and b/p substitutes. The 357 can also shoot 38 Special ammunition, which is also readily available. There are many well made hand guns produced in these calibers. There are also many that are fine if only used on occasion, but will not stand up to rigorous use. Stick with a brand name that is well known and you should do fine. Since we are talking about an extended period here, I would also advise fixed sights. They are not as accurate as adjustable sights, I know. They also don’t break very often. Think reliability here, not marketing.

Next, and probably the most controversial would be a center fire rifle. If you can only choose one, then choose a semi-auto that will serve for both defense, and hunting purposes. Again, stick with name brands that are known for reliability. Sure, get a well made scope for it, but also make sure that it has iron sights that are well made as a back up. Many of the best rifles made today do not come with them, and that will be an extra expense. The venerable 30:06 Springfield is the jack of all trades, and master of none. It can also be found anywhere that ammunition can be found, as well as be reloaded with black powder and b/p substitutes. Thirty caliber bullets are probably the most common cartridge component that can be found so bear that in mind. The problem is that it (06) is not readily available in a semi auto configuration other than the fine BAR. That brings us to the “Son of Ought6.” The 308 Winchester, or 7.62 Nato (Yes, I know that there are very slight differences. I also know that both can easily be interchanged for all but “match” purposes.) Though not quite as available as the ‘06 the 308 is pretty wide spread. Further, inserts for the ‘06 can easily convert it to the .308 Win. Your choice according to your pocketbook in other words. The .308 is offered in many different semi-auto models across a wide price range with the Springfield M1A being the gold standard in production rifles. The .308 is built by virtually all of the major manufacturers as a bolt gun and it will do anything that the ‘06 will do for all practical purposes. The key point here being your pocket book. It is possible to purchase a single shot rifle in both ‘06 and .308 quite inexpensively. I am not all that enthusiastic about the quality of some of those offerings though. Believe me, a set of Ruger Number Ones will set you back some serious money while being well worth every hard earned penny! If push came to shove I would get a Remington 700 in 30:06 along with a drop in insert, and an M1A basic. Both, with (yuk!) modern non-wood stocks. If your finances are like mine, then go with the Remington.

This brings us to shotguns. If you can only have a single weapon available for what ever reason make sure that it is a shotgun. The same considerations should be given that were addressed above in the rifle section above. Get a twelve gauge. It will do anything that any other size will do, and ammunition is cheap, and readily available. There is a reason that the Remington 870 is the all time best selling shotgun. It is tough, inexpensive, and fits nearly every person without a lot of reworking. Yes, there are better specific need shotguns made by several manufacturers. When we speak of one that can get the job done though without a lot of extraneous additions the 870 will lead the pack. Get one with a screw in choke barrel, and a slug barrel to cover all the bases. Get a large selection of shot sizes leaning more toward smaller shot. That will fill the table, and is more than effective at close range for defensive needs. If you live in an area where particularly dangerous animals, other than man are, buckshot is pretty high up on the list. Now, think about this; if there is a total breakdown in society? Do you live near a zoo? If so you might just come face to face with a tiger, lion, or elephant. Arm yourself accordingly.

This really is a primer, and certainly not the end all on this subject. It is meant to get you to thinking about these things so that you can properly, and effectively plan for those things that we all hope will never happen.

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