Posted on 10/16/2023 6:56:56 AM PDT by circlecity
If you could choose just three types of firearms that are essential for a well armed citizen to own, which would you recommend?
The requirement stated was “essential for a well armed citizen”
So, a concealable handgun, a carbine, and a shotgun.
For me thats 1) a G19, but should be whatever the user feels most confident using, is accurate with, and fastest time to first hit on target. 2) a light carbine in 556 with the option to switch out a 1-8 LPVO (for reaching out to 500 yards) or a NODs compatible red dot (for CQB), both on pre-sighted in QD mounts. Preferably includes an IR designator for NODs use at night. 3) a 12 gauge pump or semi-auto tactical shotgun with ghost ring sights. Slug, buckshot, and breaching rounds.
Beyond essential, a long range platform in 308 or bigger, and a survival platform (.22 for small game).
Ruger 10/22
Remington 870 or Mossberg equivalent
AR 15 in .223 or .308
Great question. These are the best calibers for the typical shooter to go with.
22LR, 9mm, 357/38, 5.56/223, 308. They are plentiful and will always be the most available
.22LR is great for practice practice practice. Yes: if you're going to have only three guns, and one of them is a .22LR, there will be compromises elsewhere. Doesn't matter: the practice with the .22 will pay of when TSHTF.
I reload ammunition with bullets that I cast myself. I reload 7.62x39 brass all the time with cast bullets. AR-15s need .22 caliber jacketed bullets that I do not currently have the equipment to make but is available at http://www.corbins.com/index.htm
For true SHTF situation when you want things to go bang every time and have the least possibility to jam I would recommend:
30/30 Lever action
12 gauge pump
.357 Magnum revolver
I reload myself. I would love to learn to cast bullets. I probably have 50 pounds of old lead fishing weights I could use. Can you point me to a good site to learn how to cast bullets.
Every member of the family should have a dependable long gun and a pistol. The guns depend on the person. My wife prefers the Ruger 10-22, my boys and I prefer ARs. I prefer my .45,the other three prefer their 9mms. I had a tons of guns at one time. Then I got a buzz on and started asking stupid questions, like:
How many of these can I carry if we have to move quick? Would I really be able to 7mm mag or 6.5 if it came down to it? Stuff like that. I sold a lot of guns...
Slingshot, blowgun, catapult
AR-12 Semi Auto Shotgun w 15 shot magazine, alternate between slugs and 9 shot loads to clear behind doors. Definitely Rock Island VR80
9mm Semi, 4.5lb trigger, easy to conceal, carry, draw and fire on the run. Probably a S&W MP Shield 2.0, but I could choose several that meet the specs.
AR-15, Semi, good range, light, rapid fire, automatic. Probably an LWRCI-DI, but there are a lot of good ones.
4th choice, Truck gun like Ruger PC Charger w 50 round drum, folding brace and red dot. 9mm. Could also sub in CZ Scorpion with same setup.
5th choice, AR-10 in .308. A bit heavier, but better range and more punch than the AR-15. My choice would be the Savage MSR-10 Long Range.
So....
Long range. Closer range. Short range.
Covered.
“With any you need to ensure the ammo supply is readily available”
Yeah, always been a .45 ACP guy, but thinking hard about a 9mm for the resupply from my former targets.
To think I once had it down to .45, 12ga, and .308. Times change, now added .223 and .380. Why not 9mm and go full circle? Ar least no .44 mag, too expensive.
When it comes to 9mm pistols you need to shoot several to find what works for you. I have owned several expensive 9mm autos including an Sig 226 and a Kimber. My EDC is a Ruger SR9C. For some reason I can shoot a tomato at 25 yards with it. It just works for me.
Semi-automatic shotgun with 10-round mags.
Semi-automatic rife with 30 (27-rounds per) mags.
Semi-automatic pistol with 17 (15 round per) mags.
And keep a knife in your boot for Obama’s gun fights;)
Isn't that lever action rifle, double barrel shotgun, and single action revolver?
Bingo on the alternating slugs/buck shot. I’ve got a Black Aces Bullpup and 10 10-round mags. I don’t get the fascination with pump shotguns this day in age.
I have 3x Ruger Security 9’s with 6 mags each, 3x Glock 17 Gen 5s with 10 mags each... and I have about 15 30-round glock mags that work in the pistols as well. I also have a 50-round drum but its not dependable.
30/30 Lever action
12 gauge pump
.357 Magnum revolver
For SHTF, the 30/30 and .357 limit your options of using your allies' or your enemies' ammunition.
For SHTF, you might want 9mm, 5.56, 7.62 x 39, or 7.62 x 51 instead of .357/.38 and 30/30.
Gotta agree with you on the 30-30 lever. If a semi is not available it is a really awesome gun.
22 is a massive benefit in its own right far beyond squirrels and practice. It was one of the deadliest sniper rounds in the urban Balkan wars. It will effectively deal with any hunting need except for dangerous game. Professional assassins from Mossad, to CIA, to mafiosi, to sentry silencers in Vietnam all used it. And then there is the farm uses….
And 5000 rounds in an ammo can for peanuts. What’s not to love?
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