What Guns to Buy for New Survivalists

I wish this was my set-up!

Setting out to purchase guns for your survival plan can be daunting. The list seems to be exponential and constantly growing, but I am here to give you some basic quick guidance. Before we look at my list, please understand guns have their place in a survivalist's plan, but I recommend you focus your initial purchases on clean water, shelter, and food. The list below is based on price, usability and necessity. This means guns with a higher possibility of use and lower price tag rank higher on my list.

1.  22 Gauge Rifle 

 A rifle like the Ruger 10/22 can be had for under $200 and ammo comes extremely cheap. The gun is versatile in that it can be used for self defense and hunting small game. Don't let anyone fool you, you can also snag yourself large game like deer and use it for self defense.

2. Handgun

The caliber of handgun you choose is your preference. The .40 and .45 tend to be popular choices but don't rule out a 9mm. I only rank a handgun above a shotgun if you live in a State with Concealed Carry laws. Shotguns are great, but you can't wander very far around town with one in your pants. If you can get a CCW permit in your State, get it.   

3. 12 Gauge Shotgun

Purchasing a shotgun accomplishes home security and hunting in one purchase. Ammo again is fairly affordable and the sound of a shotgun is a universal "you better get out of here" sound. Buy different shots (bird, small game, buck, slug) when storing ammo so you have multiple uses for this weapon.

4. High-powered Hunting Rifle

.270, 30-06, .338, etc. The beauty of hunting rifles for larger game is they can also be used for self defense WTSHTF. I have these ranked next to last because I am assuming you aren't an avid hunter and this gun will see very little use. Otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this post. However, if you plan on hunting then move it on up the priority list and get out there. Don't forget to send me some jerky.

5. Tactical Rifle

This list can include an AR-Variant, AK-Variant, SKS, etc. I list tactical rifles last because I believe they are more for show and fun. Yes, I would prefer to have one if SHTF, but the cost (>$1000) is a little too high when you factor other necessary gear you could buy with this money. Tactical rifles have tons of optional gear (sights, optics, lasers, lights) which can run you another $500+, and this is before you even began buying ammo. Unless you're one of the few swimming in money, I suggest you hold off on this purchase until your other survival supplies are overflowing. - By the way, I guarantee I am the only author suggesting this.


This list is only a recommendation based on price and necessity. Everyone has a differing opinion when it comes to guns and I look forward to hearing yours in the comments below. In the end, don't let anyone tell you what gun to buy, it is your final decision.

Keep on prepping!


Image source - http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Guns_1000.jpg

   

My New Dehydrator

A special thanks to one of my readers for sending me a dehydrator. I have already put it to good use and made almost two pounds of jerky! Jerky is a great way to store cooked meat because it can last up to a year in the fridge, depending on the fat content.

Yummy Beef Jerky

I have to highly recommend this dehydrator because it came with a jerky gun, spices, and did not take very long to cook. Nesco American Harvest FD-61WHC Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator All-In-One Kit with Jerky Gun Free xml sitemap generator

5 Reasons You Won't Survive

1. You don't have enough clean water stored.

We all know water is extremely important to our survival, yet over 95% of Americans don't even have 3 days worth of water stored as recommended by FEMA. To those that have heeded the warnings of our government, what happens after 3 days? Do you have access to water by your shelter? Do you have a water filter? Do you have back-up containers to store rain or water you've filtered?

Solution  - Start filling empty plastic containers with clean water, invest in a good water filter, and look into installing rain barrels around your property. If you have a well, having a back-up power source for pumping the water out is helpful.

2. You don't have enough food stored.

We store food for the time when fresh food is no longer available.  I commend you if you have been to the store and bought extra canned food, but is it enough? Canned food can take up a lot of room quickly and can be difficult to rotate through when we have access to fresh food. I have heard people state they will just turn to hunting if we face a food shortage. How long will the animal population survive if each of your neighbors turn to hunting? The goal when storing food is to have more than you believe you will ever need. 

Solution - Decide how many months of food you would like to have on hand and add 25% for unknown circumstances. Chickens and rabbits are easy to raise on small lots and can supply additional sources of food. Growing your own garden is also a skill every prepper should be practicing.

 3. Winter.

Cold weather sucks, especially when you don't have an escape from it. Preppers tend to focus on water, food, and guns and believe they are set. Clothing and shelter is a forgotten supply because it isn't as fun to buy and takes up storage room.

Solution - Each one of your family members needs gear which will keep their body temperature up during cold spells. This means wool clothes, heavy hunting jackets, sleeping bags for 0 degrees and under, and shelter options like tents and tarps. Many of these can be bought much cheaper during the off season as stores try to make room for next season's inventory.

4. You don't have others you can trust.

Safety in numbers, folks. It's amazing how a couple of burly men with rifles draped over their shoulders can make even the bravest attacker reconsider. It can also become more affordable when buying supplies if you divide up responsibilities.

Solution - There are many ways to find others concerned about the future state of our living situations. The art is finding who it is because preppers don't want others to know their plans. You also need to be able to trust the people. Prepper groups can be a good start. I recommend only inviting those who bring necessary skills; hunting, medical, cooking, engineer, soldier, blacksmith, leathersmith, etc. 

5. You aren't as mentally prepared as you thought.

You can buy all of the canned food, water filters, and guns you can afford, but it is worthless if you aren't mentally strong enough to survive. Post-disaster is going to be the most stressful and dangerous time you have ever experienced. Paranoia will set in within a week and you will think everyone is out to get your supplies. Your sleep will be immediately effected unless you have a group you can trust with your protection.

 Solution - Go out camping away from everyone else. Take only the supplies you plan on relying on and see how you do. I believe camping with minimal supplies is the closest we can come to experiencing a post-disaster America. Military veterans who have experienced war should be better at handling the stress of potential combat so it is a good idea to incorporate some into your group. Dogs are another form of protection you can't overlook.

Camo Everything is a Bad Idea

Everywhere I look I see preppers and survivalists wearing camo. Camo is great when you're out hunting game or playing paintball in the woods with friends. But after a disaster, camo is the last thing you want to be wearing around others.

When the general public sees a person in camo, they immediately assume they're a hunter or soldier. The common denominator between these two types of people is both are armed. During a disaster situation you do not want to bring attention to yourself as being armed because you will quickly become a target of those who do not have a firearm.

Camo also tells others that you are most likely better prepared, both physically and mentally. Now you have to worry about others following you and looking for help. I am all for helping others but not at a risk to my own safety.

Don't get me wrong, camo has it's place in the survivalist's bug out bag, but when in an urban environment, jeans and a t-shirt will do more to conceal your preparedness than camo. Blending in shortly after a disaster is your best chance at early survival because others will believe you are just as hungry and thirsty as them. Don't give them a reason to think otherwise. If you are the lucky few who live in a rural setting, then feel free to wear all the camo you want.

Keep on prepping!

Starting a Fire With a AA Battery

I had no idea a fire could be started with a AA battery and a gum wrapper. But this video has shown me not only is it possible but also very cool!

Bug Out Bag

Here is another great poster I found describing the gear you should have in your bug out bag. Don't forget a small reusable LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

 

I did not create this image and could not find where this one originated from in order to give credit. 

Some of my other popular posts:  

What are you prepping for?

Guide to water filters 

Survival Stats

I found this survival poster at http://visual.ly/doomsday-would-you-survive and felt it was informative enough to share.

by NowSourcing.
Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.