Have Gun, Will Travel used to be a TV show in the early 60's starring Richard Boone as a traveling gunfighter. I love the old TV westerns that I grew up on. Right was right, wrong was wrong and the good guys usually won.
But my topic for this week will be about firearms. If you go to any survivalist website the section about firearms is usually HUGE!!! While everyone knows that getting into a gunfight is an extraordinarily bad idea I kind of believe there is a part of survivalist that holds a romantic notion of fighting against the MZBHs (Mutant Biker Zombie Hordes) that will roam the countryside seeking to devour the flesh of the poor, unprepared, defenseless people in a post apocalyptic world. It will be the survivalist with his night vision equipped, laser-sighted, compact, lightwieght MZB blaster with a gazillion rounds of ammo that will make the world safe again for truth, justice and the American way. (cough, cough, wheeze)
So ok here is the short and skinny on this subject. Have a gun! Period. 99.99999% of the time you will not be fighting to defend your life against MZB's, looters, stray dogs or pesky children (well OK maybe pesky children could be a problem! but don't shoot them!). But should that situation arise that you need to defend you or your family, have a gun. It's like having a fire extinguisher. You don't want a fire to happen, but a quick response with a fire extinguisher or a firearm can save you and your family.
Your firearm has 2 and only 2 purposes in a survival situation. 1)That hopefully rare occasion where you may have to defend your life and your family. 2) Hunting, which would be the vast majority of your need for a firearm.
I have had numerous firearms in my life. I am to the point that while I am an admitted gun weeney I don't have a lot of them any more. I have what I feel I need and I am going to post what I have and why.
1.) A 22 caliber rifle. Ammo is relativly cheap, there is no recoil so it is easy to shoot. It will take small animals and non-flying birds. This one gun will satisfy 90% of what a person needs for hunting survival. Mine is a lever action. Some will say that you should have a semi auto for follow up shots. Bull! Pick your shot right the first ime and you won't need a follow up shot. With the 22 you can practise, practise, practise without breaking the bank (or robbing one).
2.) A 12 guage pump shotgun. This is the jack of all trades gun. You can hunt, and defend with a shotgun. I would get one that would allow you to change your barrels. Long for hunting birds and small game and a shorter one for deer hunting and self defense. but I have separate shotguns for each purpose because that is just how it worked out. Your can get slugs, OO buckshot, and #2-#6 shot to cover most all of your needs. Have a good quantity of each type of ammo.
3.) A handgun, semi or revolver, whatever you are comfortable with. Some people are caliber snobs, meaning that they will pooh pooh whatever selection you make if it does't agree with theirs. So what? I have a 357 magnum revolver, why? Because you can shoot 38 special ammo out of it. I also have a semi-auto 9mm because 9mm is cheaper to shoot and reload than 45 ACP. But remember the only purpose and advantage of the handgun is that you can keep it with you most of the time.
That's it! Would I like a whiz bang AR-15 with optics and multple 30 round magazines? Sure! If that is what you feel you need, go for it you might be right! But if you are just starting out prepping keep it simple. Above all practice safe handling of any firearm you may get.
Now if I had to pick just one of the above it would be a 357 magnum revolver paired with a 357 carbine (which I have). Why? The 357 magnum cartridge becomes a lot more effective out of a long barrel and it is an effective hunting round. They don't recoil a lot. 38 special and 357 magnum are common and plentiful, and they are easy to reload, which is a whole 'nother subject.
One other thing to remember about firearms, they are like tools in a box, and each one has a purpose they are better suited for.
Dennis
