What type of handgun would be best for a SHTF situation?

One gun for a SHTF situation?
Not for conceal carry, but SHTF, period.

It's been said in this post several times, but, really, there is no other realistic consideration than the 12 ga.

Period.

I could go on and on with the reasons, but a 12 ga. is the way to go for your first weapon, with civil mischeif afoot

Personally, I suggest a Mossberg 550 or 500.



Others may disagree with the Mossberg, and may have valid reasoning, but, IMHO, considering price and performance in a 12ga., Mossberg is the way to go.

I wouldn't get a glock unless it was in something other than 9mm.

I live in ND and most people who've purchased a 9mm hate it. But your average shooter won't care one bit, they just go with what others buy.

But for your first I would suggest a revolver like others have said. Get a nice .357 magnum, keep it simple which revolvers are good for. I guarantee anything hit with that .357 mag will drop like a bag of rocks and won't get back up.

On the shotgun side I would recommend a remington 870 for a first shotgun. Cheap but dependable. They don't make them like they used to, but that is the case for most firearms nowdays unless you pay a premium price. I havn't looked into how Winchester is lately, but my Dad used to have a nice Wingmaster from the early 1900s which was built like a tank. Long story on how that disappeared.

Anything else you want to know? Someone mentioned Taurus for a revolver, they make good ones.

Like I said, stay away from semi auto for now, you want something simple and I prefer revolvers anyway. That's my opinion though.

Originally posted by Oaktree

One gun for a SHTF situation?
Not for conceal carry, but SHTF, period.

It's been said in this post several times, but, really, there is no other realistic consideration than the 12 ga.

Period.

I could go on and on with the reasons, but a 12 ga. is the way to go for your first weapon, with civil mischeif afoot

Personally, I suggest a Mossberg 550 or 500.



Others may disagree with the Mossberg, and may have valid reasoning, but, IMHO, considering price and performance in a 12ga., Mossberg is the way to go.

Nothing wrong with Mossberg imo. I'm not too fond of their cheaper shotguns, however my dad has been using the same Mossberg for years and it just feels good. But instead of paying a premium for a combat ready shotgun one could get like an 870 and buy a riot tube and a better stock and switch it out. But if he doesn't want to do that he can go for the ready to go model.

Upto him, I'd say definately make sure it's a pump though. Atleast for now.

reply to post by Judohawk


I paid around $300 for my Mossberg 550, granted, that was 15 years ago.
I think they are around $350 nowadays.

The first collapsable stock I bought sucked, paid about $80 for it.
The 2nd collapsable I bought, paid under $100, rocks!

I believe it's a ramline, not positive, but since I've had well over a six pack tonight, I have no need to head to the safes to find out.

In a SHTF situation it won't matter what type of firearm you have as long as it can penetrate the skull and kill the brain.

If suicide is your thing...then even a .22 will do the job.

Originally posted by TheFinalTruth14
I can't add much information in this initial post, so I'll just ask the question. I'm planning on purchasing a gun soon for personal protection and admittingly I've noticed things in the world that make me nervous. Hopefully I am just a paranoid conspiracy theorist, but having protection in these types of situations is probably #1 on everyone's list.

I have no experience with guns, I've never shot one despite living in the good ol' boy southeast. I'm a pacifist but I do completely understand the need for one in today's world and in any martial law situations. Would anyone be willing to recommend a good gun to get? I know money shouldn't be an issue when we're talking about personal safety, but it is. I would like something that is reasonably priced, easy enough to use, lightweight, and something that would work well in any of the scenarios that are discussed on this board.

I only ask this on this board because I was reading some other threads and saw someone mention that they see bad advice being given by gunshop owners. Mind you I have no idea what I would purchase, so I'd like to hear what yall think would work well in a SHTF situation. I apologize if this thread is misplaced on this board, but I don't really know where else to ask.

I respect your question and every responce, but I feel like you have answers all over the place.

Can I respectfully suggest that you restate your question and specifically state the purpose for the weapon. I don't agree with 95% of the information supplied to you by the posters...
Let's be totally clear on the purpose for the gun. (carry defense, home defense, hunting (small or large game), concealed????)
Just want you to get what you need.

reply to post by jeh2324



Yea, the question of self defense, hunting or what have you.

Personally a firearm to me is to be used for hunting first. So on the same token I can take the same shotgun and use it for self defense. You don't need something fancy for the task, just something simple. A nice cheap pump 870 and a good revolver are good all purpose firearms. Just get to know them and you can use them for any situation.

I wouldn't even be considering carry if I were him. It's just not feasible for someone as inexperienced as him to be even considering it. Right now anyway.


[edit on 12-6-2010 by Judohawk]

I paid around $200 for my .22, that was 4 years ago.
I think they are around $35 these times.


I believe it's not positive, but since I've had well over a 1/5th tonight, I don't want to go to the garage tonite.

I wouldn't suggest a .22. They are fun for plinking around, but he wants something for self defense and they just don't have the stopping power. Not even close.

We're talking the good ole .22 though, not like .223, .22-250 or anything.

reply to post by jeh2324


I guess the first use would be home protection, but I'd also like something that would be usable in a situation where I would be forced out of my home. I don't know if purchasing a gun specifically for a martial law/revolution/post-apocalyptic scenario is the best reason, but I want to be able to protect myself if that situation does come up.

As of right now, today, no I wouldn't carry it around with me for protection since I don't really feel the need for it. I would be leaving it at home. But I do think having that option would be important in the types of scenarios that are discussed on this board. Then you add in, as someone else pointed out, that hunting and killing small game would be a necessity in these types of situations, and hell, I feel like I want an all-purpose gun.

Perhaps I would have been better to ask for one that can be concealed and another for home safety? Sorry if that is still too vague, let me know and I'll try, but as I said I have zero experience with guns. I appreciate the help.

reply to post by Judohawk




Honestly...I know many are just being dramatic about TSHTF...but the fact of the matter is many of you won't need anything greater than a .22 to put in your own head.

Most cannot survive in the wilderness and its not external threats that you'll be after...it'll be your own misery you'll be trying to end.

A .22 is cheap and light...when you can't handle the world anymore just end it. If you think that you can handle the 'real world', then you'll realize that purchasing a weapon is a waste of money...better spent on matches or something.

get it?

reply to post by jeh2324


I'm pretty sure he answered those questions, for the most part.

I can't add much information in this initial post, so I'll just ask the question. I'm planning on purchasing a gun soon for personal protection

Personal protection.
Not hunting, not concealed carry.
Personal protection= 12 ga.

As far as personal protection and.22 go, they are not in the same realm, period.



[edit on 12-6-2010 by Oaktree]

Why do people always ask gun questions on ATS?

To see how many obsessive compulsive, my-gun-is-the-sh!t responses you can get?

Who said sig p226 cause those are expensive when you can buy a used p6 german police trade in for around $300.

reply to post by Oaktree


You won't need anything for personal protection.

The people that you think will pose a threat to your own survival will do one of these things.

1. Kill themselves long before they encounter you.
2. Offer to be your slave...along with sex privaleges.

Don't take the collapse of society so lightly...it will be emotionally catastrophic for everyone. If you need a gun to flash around...a musket will probably do the trick.

WOW! WHAT ABSOLUTE RUBBISH!

You are all on the wrong track.

If the SHTF, you DO NOT want a gun, you need... a Long Bow.

Why?

- A long bow needs no licence, so the PTB can't track you if they want to and you will not be one of those who is systematically disarmed.
- A long bow can be dissembled and hidden, even in a car, such as a primative fishing rod if you need to sneak it and yourself past checkpoints.
- As the wire can easily be replace, by dummping it, you are left with something that can't be traced by a metal detactor.
- If civilization and/or communications collapse, rearming is no problem, you don't need to find bullets. You can make your own arrows in the woods.
- You can buy a great one on Ebay for peanuts with no complications.
- If the solids don't hit the air conditioning, then at least you have an interesting hobby that won't be scarey to others and is a great conversation piece.
- A full English Long Bow is way more powerful than people think. At ranges of under 6', it packs the same punch as a Point 44 Magnum. If you miss your target's head by an inch or two, he will still die as his head will explode with the pressure wave. Laboratory tests in the 1980's showed that an English Long Bow arrow will go through 2 inches of mild steel at a range of 100 feet. In short, you can stop a truck with it - just put an arrow straight through the engine block.
- You can leave a long bow around with the kids about, knowing that if your 5 year old gets hold of it, it is perfectly safe.
- Your Long Bow can "go off by accident" when you clean it and will not jam.
- Carry a long bow over your shoulder and no-one will bother you, believe me, yet does not have that macho edge that will attract some clown with a bigger gun itching to confront you.
- If you wife or kid gets hold of it in a rage, they can't "go postal" and wipe out half the neighbourhood .

To know about what it is like to have a Long Bow instead of a gun as a life style, try watching the most excellent gilm "Weatherman" with Nicholas Cage.

LONG BOW IS BEST, PARTICULARLY AN ENGLISH LONG BOW.


[edit on 12-6-2010 by airvicemarshal]

Originally posted by bruxfinn
reply to post by Judohawk

 

Honestly...I know many are just being dramatic about TSHTF...but the fact of the matter is many of you won't need anything greater than a .22 to put in your own head.

Most cannot survive in the wilderness and its not external threats that you'll be after...it'll be your own misery you'll be trying to end.

A .22 is cheap and light...when you can't handle the world anymore just end it. If you think that you can handle the 'real world', then you'll realize that purchasing a weapon is a waste of money...better spent on matches or something.

get it?

Maybe for you, city slicker.

I would make it just fine in the wilderness. All firearms I have around here are not for a future "SHTF doomsday scenario" They have been used to get meat, everything from rabbit to upland game, waterfowl and then upto big game.

Originally posted by bruxfinn
reply to post by Judohawk

 

Honestly...I know many are just being dramatic about TSHTF...but the fact of the matter is many of you won't need anything greater than a .22 to put in your own head.

Most cannot survive in the wilderness and its not external threats that you'll be after...it'll be your own misery you'll be trying to end.

A .22 is cheap and light...when you can't handle the world anymore just end it. If you think that you can handle the 'real world', then you'll realize that purchasing a weapon is a waste of money...better spent on matches or something.

get it?

Yes, you are correct.
As a forty year old vet, who considers the life of his 5 year old son, and two year old daughter, as well as the rest of his aging family, with little regard,
I have let dramatics get in the way of reality.

Grow up, and grow beyond the .22 that grandpa gave you.
A .22 is great for hunting, and can it kill?
Absolutely.

Walk through someones door, scrounging for a bite to eat, and be met with a 12 ga.
Then tell me how dry you are.

Pull up any video, from any site.
Watch Marines, cops, or SWAT kickin' in doors.

What gun goes in first?

Not the .22
Not the Glock (of which I have many, and LOVE!)

Not even the M4 or M16.

The 12ga. goes first.

Think that's just a coincidence?

Op. This is the most asked question on all survival boards. The bottom line of all is the one that you are most comfortable with. Go to a gunshop with a range and test fire a few.
Smaller caliber weapons have less recoil but will not cause as much damage. You will be able to squeeze off more shots accurately than a gun with high recoil.

If you are a good shot big caliber one shot / target can do the job.

Training is strongly suggested. I have a few basics. 22 cal rifle. 12gau shotgun. 9mm Glock. 357 S&W.
Rifle is good for low noise shots. Wife gets the glock with 4 mags.
I'm a very good shot so I get the 357.
Am shopping for a 22 handgun. I disagree with earlier posters that state that small caliber just piss off my target. My target won't have a headache at all with a round in the forehead and 2 in the chest.

Don't forget as well...If you must use your weapons shoot to kill. Scavenge all weapons and rounds and protective equipment...food as well. They wont need it.

That reminds me of my first ever shotgun I received when I was young kid.

A new england firearms 20 gauge single shot with a 22 inch barrel. It was lightweight, but I killed quite a few birds with it. It was a BB spreader though, woulda made the perfect grab and shoot incase of an intruder. However you better hope it's a single person and you don't miss.

Originally posted by airvicemarshal
WOW! WHAT ABSOLUTE RUBBISH!
You are all on the wrong track.
If the SHTF, you DO NOT want a gun, you need... a Long Bow.
Why?
[edit on 12-6-2010 by airvicemarshal]

Nice if you have years to practice and become adequate. 1 hour with a handgun and you will hit what you aim at. Can you say the same with a bow?

If you do, then you haven't even shot a bow!