I would like to know what others think would be the ideal arsenal for a SHTF scenario.

There are many factors to consider such as availability of ammo and parts, weight, range engaging targets if necessary and probably many more that I'm not thinking about right at this time.

I personally wouldn't use a firearms to bring down game in a SHTF scenario (exception: silenced Ruger 10/22) as it would be a waste of a limited resource and would let others that I more then likely don't want to know that I'm around.

But here are my selections:

Pistol: 1911-A1 in .45acp. 

These are two that I have, one being a Springfield 1911-A1 and the other that I would use as a backup is a ATI FX45 GI1911 Commander.  Thought about carrying my Chiappa Rhino 200DS as a backup but that would mean adding more weight to carry which didn't make any sense.  

Rifle: AK47 SBR.

Right at this point all I have is a Mini Draco that due to Michigan law I can't convert to a SBR.  But currently there is legislation in the works for Michigan to adopt NFA rules which would.  I'm currently collecting the parts for when the do.  To me I don't think more then 150m would be the norm and probably a lot less.  As such the SBR AK should more then fit as far as size, weight and having a caliber capable of handling most situations within that range.

Shotgun: Reminton 11-87 Youth 20ga.

Not really sure if a shotgun fits a SHTF scenairo, but my choice is the 11-87 in 20ga. at this point.  It's small, light and I can carry alot more 20ga then 12ga.  While it's not as versatile I'm sure there will be more 20ga available then 12ga. after the inital shock wears off and stores are raided.  The 20ga. IMO is woefully under rated by most in its ability to serve many functions, including self-defense.  The great thing about the 1100 series is all the aftermarket accessories available as well as spare parts.

 

Well tell me what you think and what I might have miss

The only way to get something truly Silenced is with a locked bolt.
That cuts out all semis unless fitted with a bolt lock / stop.

Not that I've ever tried it

Clance,

You are on the right road!

In a situation full of Zombies, a rifle, pistol... and shotgun are good.

Typical theory is that a handgun is a backup until you reach a rifle. While I prefer a 1911, a nice wheel gun is good also. In a defensive scenario, a "bullet proof" revolver does the trick. Something like a 38spec or larger. Obviously stay with something that is easy to find... or NATO spec.

As to rifles... the choices/ theories are endless. AK... AR... Galil.... carbine... rifle... bolt action... SA... I would just pick something in a common caliber.

Now a shotgun is real good... especially if you have a long rifle as your choice, instead of a carbine.

I am a fan of the 20gauge, due to the recoil, and the lil lady can handle it.... whereas the 12 can be a handful. I prefer a pump, but a SA works... and keeps you from short stroking in an intense situation...

Excellent choices, although I'd prefer a standard barrel on the AK, makes it more useful around here. 

Love the look of that AK pictured, and your never going to go wrong with 1911's.

My selection is based on layered protection.

Jerichio 941 in 40 SW
1911 Backup

Rifle:   AR15 18 inch 6.5 Grendel this provides accurate engagement  from 100 yards out to 1,000

Mossy 500 12 Ga for the real closeup engagements

But for protection of property I have a number of options...
Semi MG34 8mm
Semi Browning 1919
Yugo RPK M72
L1A1 Custom LMG

Sniper rifle:  Custom built 6.5x47 Lapua Bolt Action

DMR:  Custom PSL 7.62x545r


Because I have built a lot of semi-auto's over the years, I have a good selection to choose from.


I also have a good amount of tactical gear to choose from, such as vests, packs, and even armor

whirlibird wrote: Excellent choices, although I'd prefer a standard barrel on the AK, makes it more useful around here.

I live in a urban area that borders rural, my thought is that it give me a compact hard hitting mid-range caliber capable to neutralize most threats. In addition the SBR is short enough to operate in a vehicle if necessary and with the reduce weight I can carry more ammo.  I like the AK for it simplistic reliability and availability of spare parts due to it's acceptance around the world and especially in the US. 

I've look at gas piston ARs but the price they want is rediculous (even for just an upper) for a caliber thats performance is at best mediocre.  I would go with a gas piston AR if the availability for the 300Blkout was better but it's to new a round to insure easy availability in a SHTF scenerio.  I do own a AR, a CAR-15 in 5.56 NATO as it only make sense to own one seeing how many of them are in the civilian market.  But I can't think dumping hot gas and burnt/unburn powder into the action is a good thing.

Clance,

Once again... the topic on the AR is filled with story's of failure and succes in jungle... urban.... sand... environment.... If you keep 'em clean, they do well. I will give the nod to AK's as far as maintenance level.... but the AR is still hard to beat.

I don't know about the merits of an SBR. I do like a longer barrel, so I would opt for a folding stock instead. I have my "Ak74 clone" setup like that. Once again... the debate can rage on... Only problem that I see with my "74" is the ammo in a SHTF scenario.. NATO or common American calibers are good to stick with... and with the interest in the "47"... there is plenty of ammo out there right now...

My only pearls of wisdom, is to get what you like, and train with it... Heck... a guy with a lever action 30-30 would be a potent adversary if well trained...

I actually have a Mossy 500 in 12gage... love it!!

The AK rocks!

I would have stashes of ammo hidden somewhere accessible if SHTF so that way you wouldn't have to worry about availability; forget the whole "commonality" stuff unless you are part of an organized group like a militia or neighborhood defense that uses a certain standardized caliber.

Just make sure you have a bug out destination in mind if you need to get out of town and that you can hoof it there with all 3 weapons and a combat load of ammo.

midmichigun wrote: Clance, Once again... the topic on the AR is filled with story's of failure and succes in jungle... urban.... sand... environment.... If you keep 'em clean, they do well. I will give the nod to AK's as far as maintenance level.... but the AR is still hard to beat. I don't know about the merits of an SBR. I do like a longer barrel, so I would opt for a folding stock instead. I have my "Ak74 clone" setup like that. Once again... the debate can rage on... Only problem that I see with my "74" is the ammo in a SHTF scenario.. NATO or common American calibers are good to stick with... and with the interest in the "47"... there is plenty of ammo out there right now... My only pearls of wisdom, is to get what you like, and train with it... Heck... a guy with a lever action 30-30 would be a potent adversary if well trained... I actually have a Mossy 500 in 12gage... love it!!

as for your comment on the Lever action.  I have a Henry Big Boy 44 Mag, with replaced rear sight, as well as a tang sight, and I can shoot it just as fast and as accurate as any of my AR's.  I have a video of me shooting targets at about 1 second per target, and that was without training.  the darn thing is a wonderful rifle and very hard to miss anything

Lever actions are good! They were the so called "assault weapons" of the wild West!!!

I have one in 32win spec, and one in 30-30. The 32win spec is rather HARD to find! Potent caliber however... good for deer.

midmichigun wrote: Lever actions are good! They were the so called "assault weapons" of the wild West!!! I have one in 32win spec, and one in 30-30. The 32win spec is rather HARD to find! Potent caliber however... good for deer.

My dad left me a 1892 Winchester rifle that was converted from 44-40 sometime in the 50s to 44mag along with a pre-29 S&W.  While I can relate to the versatility of having a rifle/handgun combo that uses the same ammo and that during a SHTF scenerio anything that can run a bullet down the tube is better then nothing at all. 

Is a levergun that uses a handgun cartridge really that practical in a age of rifle capable of high capacity, high velocity calibers and rates of fire?  Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the mighty .44mag and can relate to the one caliber theory, but is it really practical in this day and age? 

midmichigun wrote; Once again... the topic on the AR is filled with story's of failure and succes in jungle... urban.... sand... environment.... If you keep 'em clean, they do well. I will give the nod to AK's as far as maintenance level.... but the AR is still hard to beat.

I think i will stick with my L1A1 or the FAL. I feel it does beat the AK and the AR by miles as far as realiability and trouble free are concerned. And the fact that the .308 performs the same at the muzzle as it does at 800 yards. Yes .308 gets heavy fast. No, i don't need 1 million rounds. 1 shot= 1 kill. 1 or 2 of those and chances are, i can pick up whatever is laying around and use it should i run out.

In this day and age, who is friend? who is foe? with all the modern body armor around, chances are, you will need high power. Luckily the cars are thinner then paper theses days, but, even that don't matter to the .308. "Oh no, my gun has fired 2 thousand rounds without cleaning or oiling and it finaly is getting sticky! Now is not a good time to stop and clean cause these zombies are right up my kiester! What do i do?!!!!! Oh yeah, i turn up the gas and keep firing!" Gotta love the FAL!!!!!!!

Oh God... and then Mech brings up the FAL!

Personally, I like the M1A1 and the Galil....

The Poor mans "Battle Rifle" would be an M1 Garand (in .308 or 30-06). Very accurate... take a beating... and easily had ammo....

Speaking of the FAL, I remembered a thread that I seen on this forum which a guy was coverting a SKS to 6.5 Grendel or 264 LBC and the modifications look vaguely familar to that of a FAL ( http://www.weaponeer.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6458& amp;PN=1&TPN=2) 

Kind of a neat idea though for a SHTF weapon there is just to many issues.  But I would love to own one in .264 LBC if he ever got all the bugs out of the prototype design.

When TSHTF, everybody's paradigm seems to be carry what you can and run. Where are you going to go???

Best not be my way, I plan on arming 50 or more of my closest friends and setting up a compound that won't be breached by anything less than a well trained platoon strength unit. Not that we can't be breached, but enough to convince the gangs to pick on some one else.

As for the arms, i concentrated on .50, .308, 7.62x39, .223, and 9mm. lots of beltfeds and high capacity magazines. Piles of parts kits and reloading supplies.

Karl

 

Karl_T, I like the way you think brother! I had a very similar thought. Obviously i will need to venture outside the base from time to time for various reasons, but, if i have to come over to your place, you will know that i am coming!!!

The SHTF is one of the reasons I am leaving the United Kingdom.
It's the last place you want to be when it happens.

So this is whats on my shopping list.

FN FAL, for pretty much the same reasons as Mech Warrior. Failing that an SVT-40 or similar.

Mosin Nagant 91/30, accurised & modified for that long shot.

Either a Sterling or PPSh-41, for when they get close

Tokarev TT-33 or Sig P210, depending on which of the SMGs I end up with. So TT-33 + PPSh-41 or P210 + Sterling.

Shotgun of some kind if they get way too close.

Ooh and a Bren gun in 308 just to make em think twice about coming too close.

But as I currently live in a country which will lock you up for defending yourself, all of the above is typed in invisible ink and will self destruct 10 seconds after reading.

What I am looking to do, is multiple builds for some of my collection.. these include stens, suomi's, 1919's, FALS.... etc. Therefore I will have several guns... and parts that could be scavenged.... but I also have a common caliber for them (9mm, 45acp, etc). Ideally I am building semi auto "sub guns" for the kids and light member of the community or family.... or close in work. That way, if you are setting up a defensive line, or group.... they each could have 1 variety of weapon... instead of a mish mash of calibers and magazines.... and training.

I figure that many people to take up arms, will have never held a weapon before... if you discount Call of Duty video game...  So some rudimentary training will be in order... made difficult if they have to figure out a 1911 or glock... or FAL vs. AK...

If you have the time and money, I suppose you could get a few belt feds set up along a similar theme.

As one person postulated however... is that those who are laying down massive lead and noise... will be painting a target on themselves... He figured that slipping away, lightly loaded and armed, would be the best route. Don't draw attention, don't be obvious and disappear.

But I do agree about the "carry and run"... while it makes for a rather generic "end of world movie" with over paid movie stars.... I see no value to it... I have everything that I need to carry on... so why bug out?

midmichigun wrote: But I do agree about the "carry and run"... while it makes for a rather generic "end of world movie" with over paid movie stars.... I see no value to it... I have everything that I need to carry on... so why bug out?

Got to agree with that last bit.

If you have everything you need, food, water, shelter etc, staying put seems to make more sense, unless of course, what ever has just hit the fan has fallen on your house after going through the fan, then maybe...

Interesting article from Barnhardt, hard core view... but interesting scenarios.... thought you gentle folks would be interested.....

http://westernrifleshooters.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/bracken -when-the-music-stops-how-americas-cities-may-explode-in-vio lence/#comments

Just don't get caught up in Brackens comment about the AR folks...