"Maybe Joe B can advise us all on the best choice for a societal breakdown self defense weapon."
Well, I certainly have my point of view, but there are many here on FR more knowledgeable than I. This subject would make an interesting thread here on FR, that's for sure, and has certainly been discussed here before.
I don't know how the rabid left will react if their "dear leaders" don't get elected; if the past is any indication, particularly when inner-city blacks don't get their way (Watts riots, Rodney King riots, etc.), they will go berserk en mass, attacking, looting, burning everything within their range. The best option iin that case is to leave the area and let the "authorities" handle it.
Whatever you get for a SHTF scenario should be rugged, reliable, and patterned after what can be readily found in abundance as far as parts and ammo. For rifles that means 5.56 or 7.62 mm, and sidearms 9mm, .40S&W or .45acp. A good, inexpensive AR-15 pattern rifle can be had for under a grand now, and that weapon system guarantees you a wide availability of parts and ammo from a variety of sources, if you know what I mean. Same goes for 1911-pattern .45acp pistols.
I prefer rifles over anything else because overall they have the most utility -- shotguns are good at close range, and sidearms are readily carried (concealed or not), but a rifle is good at all ranges and AR-15s are light enough to be carried all day with little strain.
Just my opinions, of course. And don't assume that these goblins will be unarmed, either, or not know how to use them. Underestimating one's adversary will see you quickly defeated. By the way, B-Chan, it is good to hear that you will pull the trigger if you must, becuase that is essential -- a proper mindset will ensure your success more than anything, because ultimately the mind is the weapon -- all else are accessories. The best gear in the world is worthless if you don't have the stones to use it when deemed necessary, God forbid.
But if the balloon does goes up, let us not forget who will be the agressors here -- the maniacal left will start the fight; the right will finish it.
