Ok, we all cannot afford multiples of every type of weapon....
So.. What do you reckon is your prefered weapons mix?

I'll start:
Essential:
1) Pump 12 gauge Shotgun
2) AR type in 5.56/.223 (scoped/red dot)
3) .40 large frame Pistol (high cap)
4) .22 LR semi-auto (scoped)

Optional:
1) 9mm pistol
2) .308 or 30.06 scoped bolt action
3) .45 Pistol
4) AK semi auto
5) .30-30 lever 

LOL.. Many times I am asked how many guns do you need? My pat answer to that is how many do they make?

I NEED ONE OF EACH!!! LOL 

For home defense I'd have to go with the shot gun...hopefully the sound of chambering that baby would be enough to send any intruders scurrying!

I've grown rather attached to my Kel Tec P3AT and Rugar LCP 380s. Both are small and compact. Cute little guys that carry a pretty serious punch! 

I NEED ONE OF EACH

Ya...

But in the view of being prepared for unknown calamity... what mix of weapons will afford you the maximum ability to adapt and survive? 

Take a look at this one.







http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-survival-ar7.cfm 

Rugar LCP 380s

Really in a survival situation?

I need to pack a bit more punch than a .380 even if a +P ammo. 

Rugar LCP 380s

Really in a survival situation?

I need to pack a bit more punch than a .380 even if a +P ammo.

Agreed...I recently went through the CCL class. Need to send off for my license. I guess I'm just thinking about what I can carry in my purse or pocket. (or bra holster...those are COOL!) 

Really in a survival situation?

I need to pack a bit more punch than a .380 even if a +P ammo.


Worked for Perry on that mean ole coyote.. 

I have standardized on 9mm +p+ 

I agree completely except I do NOT like the 5.56. I prefer a 7.62x39 or a 6.8.

Right now my must haves in a messy situation are:

Remington 870 12ga pump

Century Arms WASR-10

Smith & Wesson M&P .40 Pro Series pistol

Ruger 10/22 .22lr with mounted scope 

I agree completely except I do NOT like the 5.56. I prefer a 7.62x39 or a 6.8.

What about ammo availability for this?
5.56 is standard US military and the AR platform is the most prevelant in the US civilian market....

Century Arms WASR-10

Can you seriously buy one of these for $500... wow.. nice, I may have to just get one for that price, but again, although the 7.62 cartridge is a but more powerful than the 5.56, I just think ammo in the long run will be scarce (except in the event of Chinese invasion/ occupation)

Smith & Wesson M&P .40 Pro Series pistol
Nice weapon, but I went with the Springfield XD (feels better in my hand)

Ruger 10/22 .22lr with mounted scope
Got the same with dragunov stock

Remington 870 12ga pump
Nice weapon.. Solid.
I went for the Mossburg 500 (recently updated to Tactical with 7+ tube) 

Larue AR-15 (upper and lower) my 10'th amendment weapon. Made in the great state of TEXAS!!

Mossberg 500 with pistol grip

SKS with Tapco collapsible synthetic stock

Marlin lever-evolution .308 lever action

Winchester mod. 70 .243

Ruger 10/22

Remington Rand 1911 .45

keltec p3at .380

Ruger LCP .380

Taurus 92af 9mm 

I have a 9mm as well as it is the standard sidearm of the US military.....

Unless you stockpile massive amounts of ammo, I think that we need to focus our arms on those where wwe can get ammo in the longer term (barter or otherwise obtain)..

Now common stockpiles of 500 to 1000 rounds are great, most folks do not keep that much (excepting the .22LR).
A weapon is just a hunk of metal without ammo....
Having our standard loadout with common calibers is the best practice. 

Can you seriously buy one of these for $500

I paid about $430 all said and done at Sportsmans Outlet.

First I bought a black underfolder...

Then sold it to my little brother and got this one:

 

Then sold it to my little brother and got this one:

You like the wood stock better?
These take standard AK mags?
Do they have the loose tolerances like the AK? 

Buds Gun Shop - Black Rifles 

I actually like the underfolder better.

But the wood stock is better for actually shooting...the underfolder just simply LOOKS nastier.

Standard AK magazines.

Loose tolerances? What exactly do you mean? In my underfolder the mags would wiggle a bit, if thats what you mean. 

Loose tolerances?

It AK ia famous for loose fitting bolts. This allows for some play and the ability to fire even when dirty...

I worry that a US made (I assume) might have changed that... 

Ahh I gotcha. Well man mine has seen some rough days of being dragged through woods and covered in mud and I've never had a problem with it! 

Okay...I went to my FIRST gun show today!!!! Oh my gosh!!! Now mind you, I have never even been around guns or people in the gun world. Actually, I did go to a gun range with a friend so they could pick up something. (I had to go sit in the car because I got very sick to my stomach) Anyway, I am determined to get over my FEAR of guns. Sooooo...I bought a Taurus 38 Special!!! Watch out world, this chick is getting enthused! I'll keep you updated ;) Off to the range for some practice time.... 

Be careful and have fun! You ever need any help don't hesitate to ask!! :D

ENJOY!! 

I bought a Taurus 38 Special

Excellent start... You'll be frining a .45 soon!! 

On the way home from the gun show I stopped off at some friend’s house to show them my new 38 Special – they are the people encouraging me in this endeavor. They were excited for me and brought out a new scope and a semi-something they had just purchased for me to see. When I made the comment, “What in the world was I spending a weekend night discussing/looking at guns for?!?!” They said, “Having Fun!” What???? I thought…never in my life have I spent weekend nights having this kind of “fun”. The next morning I was sitting having my coffee and started flipping through the catalog “Cheaper Than Dirt” they had given me – I found myself looking for ammo for my new gun – what??? – oh my gosh – I was having fun!!!

Yes, I will be very careful. I am planning a trip to the country next month to visit relatives (gun people) in order to practice. When I get back I’ll let you know how it went and I may have a few questions.

Know what? I am looking forward to it. :) 

Know what? I am looking forward to it. :)

Good for you.. it is fun...but always serious.... 

For home defense I'd have to go with the shot gun...


When talking “home defense”, as in using a gun to search the interior of your house, a shotgun has its advantages. Having a rapid access to an easy to store handgun is another advantage. Another consideration is the Taurus Judge, the .410 revolver carries quite a punch, and its stopping power is impressive. Comparing the soft tissue caused by a 12 gauge and .410 bore at close range is very similar.
The advantage the Judge loaded with .410 shells over a regular shotgun comes into play when you are inside your house.
Having the .410 bore (or loaded with .45 Colt) and having a free hand has its advantages in the close confines inside your house. With a free hand one can have a flash light, turn on light switches, move guide children, and most importantly you can open doors without lowering the weapon. The handgun allows one to hold it close so that you can turn out of corners or doorways without the fear of someone grabbing the long barrel that exits the doorway before you do.
Sometimes a Police Officer may knock on your door at 3:00 in the morning, and it is nice to be able to slip a small handgun into your waistband rather and open the door safely rather than answering the door with both hands committed to a shotgun, which could lead to an uncomfortable misunderstanding.
With training and practice clearing a house with a long gun can be done with proper weapon retention and other issues mentioned above, but I sometimes give my nod to the Judge as a blanket answer when people ask me about protecting their house from what goes “bump in the night”. 

Another consideration is the Taurus Judge,

I have actually been looking at the S&W Governor, it has 6 shots instead of 5 (Taurus) and it takes .45 acp also. It is only chambered for the 2.5" .410 shells though. The Taurus has a version of the judge chambered for the 3" .410 shells.

 

All good points regarding the Judge... I think that an additional point is that many women may find the Judge much easier to handle....

I know my wife, although competent with the shotgun, would prefer something smaller and easier to operate/control. 

I think I just found my next pistol!! LOL




 

Id have to say as far as rifles go if I'm thinking long term its gotta be a .308 bolt action u pick the manufacturer becuase I can give it to my children and they can pass it on I have an ar while I have nothing bad to say about it there's to many parts to where out in my opinion ... Pistol of course is a 1911 I know the rounds are heavier and harder to come by than say a 9 or a 40 but by far the best bang for your buck again buy a cheap one get the army 1911 manual and upgrade it how you like .... Lastly I have a coach gun db dt 12 Guage for the same reason as my .308 it will last longer than a pump action .... And all three are military and police cal so they are easy to stockpile and the 1911 is the most widely used firearm in the us so parts are easy to come by but after saying all that .... The best firearm is the one you are comfortable with 

OK friends. I broke down and bought a M1A... finally.

I am revising my original post on the "essential" loadout:

Essential:
1) Pump 12 gauge Shotgun
2) M1A (scoped)
3) 9mm large frame Pistol (high cap)
4) .22 LR semi-auto (scoped)

I replaced the 5.56 AR with the M1A for several reasons. First, the M1A round (7.62x51 or .308) is more powerful and can "reach-out" to greater distances. Thus, the M1A (with a 20 round mag) can be used as both a battle rifle and a sniper rifle. Also, the M1A will be a more effective hunting rifle, being able to shoot further and bring down larger game.

It is more versatile than the AR and completely effective in it's ability to obtain an AR for me if I need one later...

Also, changed .40 pistol with 9mm.... 6 of one half dozen of another......