Disaster Blaster: What do You Want as a Primary?

[Outlander Systems]

Everyone's idea of a disaster is a variable one. For the sake of discussion, lets assume disaster will involve some or all of the following:

1) Prolonged lack of utilities (Power, Water, NG, etc.)
2) Limited LEO support
3) Nonfunctioning local, state, or national government (dependent upon the scope of the disaster)
4) Limited communications
5) Difficulty in resupply for food, batteries, clothes, meds, etc.

The above being "established", what, in the event of an emergency will you use as a primary, or "General Purpose" firearm? Is it something you currently have? Something you'd like to assemble or acquire? What do you see as your main source of threats? What's the intended purpose of said weapon? What accessories and modifications would you make to this weapon? Would you change your choices, if you knew it was intended to be an "emergency" weapon?

My perspective is as follows:

As a civilian, the bulk of my training, and the bulk of my efforts need to be applied to the Semi-Automatic pistol, due to it being the most likely to be deployed weapon system in my daily routine. That being said, I've always considered the M4/AR platform to be the weapon to go to in the event of some sort of rapid restructuring of civilised life.

I recently acquired a weapon that, to me, would be a much better system for my envisioned needs for when the glass gets broken, and the long-gun comes out.

Because I consider the likely deployment of a semi-auto, box-fed, shoulder-fired system to take place some sort of cataclysmic event, I'm trying to configure it to operate under the following:

1) No resupply for parts
2) Limited ability to clean frequently
3) STANAG magazine-compatibility - Within the M4/AR family
4) Batteryless optic
5) High-efficiency weaponlight (again, due to resupply issues)
6) Reliability
7) Reliability

What stock would you consider the most practical for a disaster situation? What grip? What upgrades/modifications to the operating system would you perform?

I'm working on this right now, but other than the bone-stock carbine and the optic, I'm lacking the rest.

In short, describe your ultimate "Disaster Blaster". Tell us the what, and tell us the why. It doesn't have to be an M4. It could be a 10/22, or a Breech-loader with an EOTech.

[geminidglocker]

This is gonna be a fun one. Popcorn anybody?

[Thomas M-4]

I am assuming when you say no resupply for parts includes no spare parts in hand.
First thought would be an AK but it does not take AR-Mags.
Second thought would be a Galil with an AR- mag adapter.
It would have to be an original imported Galil the ones being made by century arms are hit or miss and they do not have chrome lined barrels. If you could find a IMI chromelined Galil barrel and a good gunsmith that could build a good Galil.

Other choices KAC SR-15E3 , FN scar and Noveske N-4 .

[MIKE G]

.......

[RogerinTPA]

I'd have to say any of my AR platforms. Everyone is not equipped equally, so I shouldn't have to expect to be relived of my stash and be on a level playing field as my neighbors. I have enough spare parts, ammo and mags on hand, plus the commonality of the ARs to kit up others if required. Backed up by my AK of course.

[Outlander Systems]

I am assuming when you say no resupply for parts includes no spare parts in hand.
First thought would be an AK but it does not take AR-Mags.
Second thought would be a Galil with an AR- mag adapter.
It would have to be an original imported Galil the ones being made by century arms are hit or miss and they do not have chrome lined barrels. If you could find a IMI chromelined Galil barrel and a good gunsmith that could build a good Galil.

Other choices KAC SR-15E3 , FN scar and Noveske N-4 .

In terms of resupply for parts, I meant if something goes down, and you don't have spares on hand, forget it. Having spare parts on hand is an absolutely excellent idea. Not doing so would be foolish if readying for the worst. At the least I'd like to have a spare receiver extension spring and a LPK laying around.

I decided on going the piston route, at the advisement of some associates.

Originally I had scoffed at, mocked, and bemoaned the Ruger SR-556, but objectivity took over and through several factors, I have changed my tune.

I wanted an indirect impingement system that, was designed from the ground up within/around the system, not a drop-in.

From a buddy, whom I consider trustworthy, I have heard nothing but positive reports on his SR-556. This is what caused me to bypass my initial bias, and steered me towards "just doing it".

I started a thread elsewhere on what fixes/enhancements can be done to improve the functioning. Carrier tilt seems to have not been solved by any of the manufacturers, so one of Seth's buffers is absolutely necessary. Possibly some trigger-polishing by the 'Smith is in order.

A different endplate is necessary. I think, for a survival-smokewagon, or Disaster-Blaster, a two-point sling makes a lot more sense. Despite being more used to, and comfortable with a Single-Point, I foresee more walking/carrying than door-kicking/bad-guy-hosing, so the two-point route seems more prudent. Something I definitely need to look into (optimal placement of mounts, two-point sling options, etc.) I have never really been a user of two-point slings, so it's definitely an area I need to get down and dirty with, before just buying stuff.

A new grip (the Hogue is okay, but I've never used anything but MIADs and MOEs) is pretty much mandatory as well. I'm debating whether the MOE or the MIAD is a better call for a "survival" long-gun. The MOE's solid-piece construction is appealing, and being a non A2-style nub frontstrap/medium backstrap type of dude, it makes even more sense. I've been wanting to give the Tangodown grip a whirl, but having never laid hands on it, I don't know what to expect.

I'm considering the ACS stock for this setup, mostly for the onboard storage. I've had the UBR, CTR, and the MOE stocks, and haven't had issues with any. I don't really want to do a UBR for this setup.

A weaponlight is something that has been vexing me as well. I'm seriously not sure which route to go down on this issue, as of yet.

A big part of me wants to get the new M952V from SF, but it's not the most efficient option, and if I have to hump this thing, ounces are pounds. The other option I'm considering is the VTAC light. I've had the X300, and I don't fully trust the mount on a long-gun. On a pistol, I don't believe there's anything to worry about, but I don't have 100% faith in the mount itself. On a rifle, I envision too many situations that could create a prying "fulcrum effect" to snap the mount on the X300. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't want to take that chance. The one plus to the Millennium-Series lights is that I have nothing but faith in their robustness.

I'm still brainstorming on how I'd like to outfit this thing to weather any potential storm. As well, I'm still turning the wheels on potential system upgrades to improve reliability.

[6933]

I'm seriously considering putting an S&B scope on a 6920. There are several highly respected trainers that go this route; at least occasionally. The more I think about it, the more I see the practicality of an AR with a 1.5 or 2 base scope. Situational awareness shouldn't be affected. Easy transition from CQB to 100yds.

Got the spare parts under control. What I would like is to take an excellent armorer's course. I would also like to take a carbine course using the S&B just to make sure it works for me. Hell, this is just the tip of the iceberg. So much to consider. Got in from Savannah an hour ago so brain is not at peak. Fly to Maine early tomorrow. Will have to check back with complete list of specifics.

Good thread idea Landlord. Happy Labor Day everyone!

[zushwa]

Well, this might sound simplistic, but I would take any of my AR's, or any of my Glocks. I have 1 AK, but everything else is the latter. I only use quality parts and brands and I have plenty of ancillary items for support. I've also have plenty of 5.56 and 9mm. Most importantly, I've got a bunch of training on both platforms.

If I were to list the features of a platform it would be reasonable compactness, a white light, and for a long gun some kind of optic with magnification.

[Outlander Systems]

I like the way you guys are thinking. A powered optic would be an excellent choice for a survival smokewagon.

6933: Have you seen this? I have a raging case of GAS for this thing:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=21177

[ColdDeadHands]

I like the way you guys are thinking. A powered optic would be an excellent choice for a survival smokewagon.

6933: Have you seen this? I have a raging case of GAS for this thing:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=21177

My Buddy bought it but I'm not impressed...