Your SHTF mandatory gun list.

[Julie]

If it all went to hell and a handbasket, what guns are MANDATORY for you? For me, it would be:
.22LR
.45 ACP
9mm
12 GA
5.56/223
.308
Even during the ammo/parts shortages of recent years and the pandemic, I could still find what I needed. And let's face it, these are found almost everywhere. Keep in mind the problems/events of the day.

What about you guys?

It depends on if I'm planning on staying in one place, or moving around. If stationary, I want calibers that will be easy to feed. A SCAR heavy, M1 Garand, AR 15 and a good long range bolt gun (300 Wby and .338 Norma are what I have) and a 10-22 with some after market accessories. Add to that, a solid 9 (I have a STI and several Walthers), a good 1911 45 and a S&W TRR8. For shotguns, you can't beat an older manufactured 870 with short barrel and scope with extended magazine tube. If I was on the move, I'd take the M-4 with can, 10-22, 870 and Walther PDP. If I was on the move on foot, I'd take the M4 with can and 9mm pistol.

 

[C-130 Dude]

It depends on if I'm planning on staying in one place, or moving around. If stationary, I want calibers that will be easy to feed. A SCAR heavy, M1 Garand, AR 15 and a good long range bolt gun (300 Wby and .338 Norma are what I have) and a 10-22 with some after market accessories. Add to that, a solid 9 (I have a STI and several Walthers), a good 1911 45 and a S&W TRR8. For shotguns, you can't beat an older manufactured 870 with short barrel and scope with extended magazine tube. If I was on the move, I'd take the M-4 with can, 10-22, 870 and Walther PDP. If I was on the move on foot, I'd take the M4 with can and 9mm pistol.

Concur. Being able to move is more than likely necessary. Taking with you what you feel you need is always a compromise. But what you've stated will work for you, hopefully. Looks workable though. Stay safe and have fun.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Yeah and a bunch of goats, beef, ham, chickens, veggies, and toilet paper. You've never lived until you have to wipe with a leaf or a handful of straw. Ha!

dry grass is the best!!

 

[C-130 Dude]

dry grass is the best!!

Ouch! It's the dirt and bugs that itch. I'll settle for TP. I want it, I pack it.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

North Dakota was the world's 3rd most powerful nuclear power

If you had to guess at the world's strongest nuclear power, you would probably get the top two right. America and Russia are top dogs and have been so since Russia became an official country again. Before that, you guessed it, the Soviet Union was …

www.wearethemighty.com

If the crap really hits the fan there's a good possibility I'll be vapor or glowing in the dark.
Assuming it's not that situation, I have enough toys to play ball for quite a spell. Everything from bows to fishing poles to knives and guns.
I've got my grandfather's ww2 navy knife (Pal =USN mk1) (with hash marks on the sheath already). I've also got a Buckmaster and a few decent combat and survival blades.
An interesting 1 rifle option I have is my lightweight 375 h@h. You don't need to carry a lot of ammo when you hit them with a 300gr. copper pill to start with. I probably would NOT carry an ar as they really don't offer much that a bolt or lever can't do as well or better unless the ar is an auto or burst fire.
I'm not entirely sure on pistols, but I know my srh 44 loaded with mid level cast pills is accurate enough to hassle clay pigeons at 200 meters quite well. I might think on a 357 or a g17...
Knowing where you can get food you don't have to shoot is a near necessity also. Stores wouldn't have much, if anything., Hearing shots draws others in. Basic 1st aid kits are good too. A simple sliver can ruin your day without a way to deal with it if it infects.

 

[C-130 Dude]

North Dakota was the world's 3rd most powerful nuclear power

If you had to guess at the world's strongest nuclear power, you would probably get the top two right. America and Russia are top dogs and have been so since Russia became an official country again. Before that, you guessed it, the Soviet Union was …

www.wearethemighty.com

If the crap really hits the fan there's a good possibility I'll be vapor or glowing in the dark.
Assuming it's not that situation, I have enough toys to play ball for quite a spell. Everything from bows to fishing poles to knives and guns.
I've got my grandfather's ww2 navy knife (Pal =USN mk1) (with hash marks on the sheath already). I've also got a Buckmaster and a few decent combat and survival blades.
An interesting 1 rifle option I have is my lightweight 375 h@h. You don't need to carry a lot of ammo when you hit them with a 300gr. copper pill to start with. I probably would NOT carry an ar as they really don't offer much that a bolt or lever can't do as well or better unless the ar is an auto or burst fire.
I'm not entirely sure on pistols, but I know my srh 44 loaded with mid level cast pills is accurate enough to hassle clay pigeons at 200 meters quite well. I might think on a 357 or a g17...
Knowing where you can get food you don't have to shoot is a near necessity also. Stores wouldn't have much, if anything., Hearing shots draws others in. Basic 1st aid kits are good too. A simple sliver can ruin your day without a way to deal with it if it infects.

I lived at Grand Forks AFB for quite a while in the early 70's. Know what ya mean. Got a 375HH around '73 or so. Wouldn't want to pack that much. Too much shoulder punch. If you need to lay down lots of pills in a short/medium range confrontation, an AR is what will save the day. Lightweight and easy to pack. It's the availability of ammo and components that makes this a good idea. But maybe not for you. Some sort of pistol caliber is always a good thing. Those pistol calibers that have a bad kick can be real challenging to control in a life or death fight. But again, it's all up to you. Whatever you decide ammo availability, components, and sustainability is what will save the day. And your bacon. Stay safe and have fun.

 

[JimboAZ]

If it all went to hell and a handbasket, what guns are MANDATORY for you? For me, it would be:
.22LR
.45 ACP
9mm
12 GA
5.56/223
.308
Even during the ammo/parts shortages of recent years and the pandemic, I could still find what I needed. And let's face it, these are found almost everywhere. Keep in mind the problems/events of the day.

What about you guys?

Remove the 45 ACP and that's my list also

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I lived at Grand Forks AFB for quite a while in the early 70's. Know what ya mean. Got a 375HH around '73 or so. Wouldn't want to pack that much. Too much shoulder punch. If you need to lay down lots of pills in a short/medium range confrontation, an AR is what will save the day. Lightweight and easy to pack. It's the availability of ammo and components that makes this a good idea. But maybe not for you. Some sort of pistol caliber is always a good thing. Those pistol calibers that have a bad kick can be real challenging to control in a life or death fight. But again, it's all up to you. Whatever you decide ammo availability, components, and sustainability is what will save the day. And your bacon. Stay safe and have fun.

Something like a d.a. 10mm would probably be a handier choice than the average ar for close quarters.. My s&w 10 is actually rather light recoiling for the power it creates. 15 in the stack doesn't hurt either.
I do really like the 44 with milder stuff. It's kinda like the 45 colt in steroids. Not too much for a second shot if needed.
I like the 375 because it's light and will pack a serious punch. Anything from rabbits to rhinos, engine blocks, etc.. Don't get me wrong, if I could I'd have a 7stw or 300 mag with also, but a 1 gun battery would be a 375 with expanding solids.

 

[xring10x]

interesting question.. if it's just me on the move I would take 3
300 WM - safety in distance and precision
short barreled A/R - M4
survival lightweight mini 22LR rifle for wild game harvesting - quiet = security
all suppressed

if working from a base camp - 12 GA, 9MM, 45ACP would be must have additions to the ones above.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Something like a d.a. 10mm would probably be a handier choice than the average ar for close quarters.. My s&w 10 is actually rather light recoiling for the power it creates. 15 in the stack doesn't hurt either.
I do really like the 44 with milder stuff. It's kinda like the 45 colt in steroids. Not too much for a second shot if needed.
I like the 375 because it's light and will pack a serious punch. Anything from rabbits to rhinos, engine blocks, etc.. Don't get me wrong, if I could I'd have a 7stw or 300 mag with also, but a 1 gun battery would be a 375 with expanding solids.

Remember that with any caliber a follow up shot, if needed, will depend on whether or not you can control your weapon. You mentioned 10mm and 44. Both are hard hitting and recoiling. I am kinda fond of my 375HH though.

 

[C-130 Dude]

interesting question.. if it's just me on the move I would take 3
300 WM - safety in distance and precision
short barreled A/R - M4
survival lightweight mini 22LR rifle for wild game harvesting - quiet = security
all suppressed

if working from a base camp - 12 GA, 9MM, 45ACP would be must have additions to the ones above.

You wouldn't take a side arm while moving? Good list. I like it.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Remove the 45 ACP and that's my list also

Curious, why not a 45acp? I only mention it because I have ammo and components. You may have your own reasons, I'm sure.

 

[hunter0528]

Remember that with any caliber a follow up shot, if needed, will depend on whether or not you can control your weapon. You mentioned 10mm and 44. Both are hard hitting and recoiling. I am kinda fond of my 375HH though.

The 375H&H would also definitely put a hurt on anyone in body armor!

 

[Rosebud]

Curious, why not a 45acp? I only mention it because I have ammo and components. You may have your own reasons, I'm sure.

Pick up a1000 rounds of 45 ACP