SHTF Fighting Gun(s): Getting Thoughts on Paper - Feedback Welcome

[usmcvet]

IMO for a situation like any of the myriad of SHTF scenarios, a sidearm is nothing more than a backup or a tool to help you get to your rifle. Once your rifle is in hand, it should always be the primary.

I agree. The pistol is just easier to carry and you could use it to fight to your long gun. If you were truly in a combat situation you would not want your rifle more than arms length away.

[bradb55]

Son of Vlad Tepes

I'm with on the mid gas vs. carbine gas. There would be more parts available for carbine in my area due to the fact the LEOs carry them for duty rifles. Sad fact is most of them have DPMS and Bushmasters sitting in their crusiers.

I'm not sure what the odds of having to replace the gas tube are, but sure as hell it would happen to me. I might order some now. lol

[Beat Trash]

I agree. The pistol is just easier to carry and you could use it to fight to your long gun. If you were truly in a combat situation you would not want your rifle more than arms length away.

I agree that in a combat situation the rifle is the way to go.

But I also would argue for the importance of a handgun for a SHTF incident, in addition to a rifle/carbine.

During many types of SHTF incidents within CONUS, a handgun that can be carried at all times and also concealed can be vital. Being armed while being able to attend to non-combat related tasks and the ability to maintain a "low profile" has it's advantages. Especially during incidents such as natural disasters. Situations in which the "fighting" hasn't started yet, but local Law Enforcement is overwhelmed handling the incident. This is where the handgun plays more of a primary role than the secondary role it would play during a combat type environment.

I am not arguing that the handgun replace the rifle/carbine, but that one should have both at their disposal during such an incident.

[Stoner_guy]

...others would bring up the AK-particularly the Arsenal, Inc. ones made in Nevada. They shoot tighter groups than regular Kalashnikovs yet keep all the attributes. Like your Glock, its more likely to continue functioning in the worst conditions imagineable. Ammo for it is plentiful and cheap-even here in the States. Talk about a SHTF or zombie gun, this is it!

[pilotguyo540]

If you are worried about gas tube failure as a reason to go with carbine gas system, you are looking way too hard for a flaw. If you would have to cannabilize another rifle for its gas tube, why not just swap uppers??? If you are going to swap uppers, why not run the better one (middy) in the beginning???

I own both stoner and kalashnikov rifles. I would rather have my AR. Just a personal preference. Ergonomics second to none. I would never be without a rifle in a SHTF world.

[usmcvet]

If you are worried about gas tube failure as a reason to go with carbine gas system, you are looking way too hard for a flaw. If you would have to cannabilize another rifle for its gas tube, why not just swap uppers??? If you are going to swap uppers, why not run the better one (middy) in the beginning???

I own both stoner and kalashnikov rifles. I would rather have my AR. Just a personal preference. Ergonomics second to none. I would never be without a rifle in a SHTF world.

There is always the battle field pick up. Use what ever you can to keep in the fight.

[a1fabweld]

My current standings are:
Primary: Noveske 16" middy AR with Aimpoint
Secondary: Springfield 1911 Mil-spec with Wilson mags
Third: Sar-8 in 308 (HK91 contract rifle made in Greece)
Wildcard: 10/22 with bull barrel & 3-9 scope

This covers everything in my book from taking small game for food to taking large "varmints" that present a threat.

[chevy1981ehfield1943]

rifle, first, last, and always

damn right, a pistol ain't good for nothing but fighting your way to a rifle

.

[13MPG]

Primary: Right now it would be my 16 Daniel Defense middy with an ACOG.

Secondary: I would have to say my G19. I have a M&P Pro in 9mm that is new. Once I have enough rounds through it to where I am comfortable with the gun it might take the G19s place.

Third: I have a M1A but it is in a JAE stock with a 6.5-20 Mark 4 scope so I am not going to carry that thing anywhere, lol. I would pick one of my .22 rifles for this.

Wildcard: I really don’t have one for this. If I was staying near the house and not on the go I would pick one of my bows. It’s a nice and silent way to harvest game.

[ASH556]

damn right, a pistol ain't good for nothing but fighting your way to a rifle

.

To clarify my position here: If stuff is already bad (i.e. a war) the obviously the rifle takes the primary role, but anything short of that, the pistol is concealable, and maintaining a low profile is very important. Thus, for everyday life, and until war ensues, the pistol is the primary.