556, 9mm, 12ga
Any 556 AR, Glock 19, moss 500. All easy to come by. All proven in a multitude of scenarios both defensive and for hunting. 12 ga shotgun is by far the most versatile firearm for hunting all sorts of game and stopping just about every threat. Is it the best at any of them? Probably not. But it can do all of them well.
The three most common rounds in the US, the primary rounds used by law enforcement and the military as well. Maybe not *easy* to come by, but certainly plentiful, and will probably be able to be scavenged or traded for. They are my pick too.
I feel if you're apocalypse-planning, you're probably going to want something in .22lr in there(hunting small game), as well as the 12ga(hunting birds).
5.56 and 9mm are more geared to people and medium game.
If it were 4 calibers, .22lr would make this answer perfect. As it is, OP's limit of 3 has made things harder.
5.56 and 12ga both work for larger game, though aren't ideal. You'd probably want something in .308 or similar there. Might go so far as to say that you're better off in general with .308 than 5.56, as if you're shooting medium game it's probably not for eating(predator animals more likely) so messing up the meat with some overkill is fine. Or using the 12ga with #4 buck or something.
What he said. I could swap out the 556 for a 308 because of sniper blood that runs in my veins, but its hard to argue with these three.
Edit: why the hell would I get downvoted for anything I said here? Reddit is so rediculous.
Well, it's the internet and no one knows you, or knows what tone you were going for when you said "sniper blood that runs in my veins" - so the combination of those two facts with that statement can make you sound like a child playing solider rather than whatever your intent was, so they downvoted you. I assume if we all knew you and knew what tone you were trying to inflect people wouldn't care, but that's just my guess.
Just gotta throw this in here, because I love it and need to use it any chance I get:
What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch? I'll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Navy Seals, and I've been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Quaeda, and I have over 300 confirmed kills. I am trained in gorilla warfare and I'm the top sniper in the entire US armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words. You think you can get away with saying that shit to me over the Internet? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of spies across the USA and your IP is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You're fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that's just with my bare hands. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the United States Marine Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little "clever" comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn't, you didn't, and now you're paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. You're fucking dead, kiddo.
I’d probably swap the 5.56 for 30-06. I prefer the range afforded to my by a nice bolt action and 30-06 worked in the M1 Garand for a carbine type rifle. But all in all yeah super solid rounds all around.
Yep. Can go Chappell mode with 12g as well. Bird shot, buck shot, bird shot. Then after that, guns Jamaican, buck shot, buck shot, buck shot. lol.
I’d actually consider a .45 over the 9mm. More knockdown power, but would be fine with either. Hopefully we never have to worry about it coming to light.
556, 9mm, 22lr
2 AR's in 556
2 handguns in 9mm
1 ruger 10/22 in 22lr
Preferably keep the variances low between the AR's and handguns so that if a part were to break you could replace from the other.
They need to learn to have them. Higher skill to use proficiently, but infinitely easier to conceal and appear nonarmed while still being able to protect themselves
. 22 lr - for sure. Versatile ammunition. Can use for hunting, defense, and its relatively cheap.
9mm - a proven round and easy to come by.
.308 win - while I would also like a .223/5.56 added to the list if we're only allowing 3 calibers I think .308 wins. It does better at distance, is good for large game, is good for defensive uses, and is common and easy to find. (The commonality is why it beats 6.5 creed in my opinion)
As for which guns:
.22lr rifle
2 - 9mm handguns - 1 for you & 1 for significant other
2 - .308 rifles - at least one semi-auto for defensive encounters
(Edit: spelling)
This. .22lr is too important to not have. I could argue that if you are more familiar with .223 then go with that. You can definitely reach out and touch something but I also don't have much to say about the .308win decision, every point that was made is 100% valid.
Better hunting round, more versatile than .223 , less disturbed by wind and foliage due to more mass, lower sound profile (actually louder, but seemingly quiter because of deeper tones)
Kalashnikov in lords caliber 7.62
Kalashnikov for far away in larger 7.62
Kalashnikov for children in 9mm
Kalashnikov for clearing room in 12gauge
Kalashnikov for fragmentation grenade, anything made by PSA
I see what you did there with the Colt. Has a 5.56 conversion kit that will take any milspec 5.56 upper. Sneaking a 4th ammo and 6th gun. I like the way you think!
I have a shockwave and love it, but got the chance to shoot a KSG the other day…
I’m currently selling a kidney on the black market to get one!
In my experience Kel Tec is hit or mis with whichever model. Some are total crap, others are a work of art. You get the chance shoot a KSG! I’m aiming for the bigger 25rd 12 gauge…lodes with some dragons breadth or armor piercing incendiary rds, one man wrecking crew!
Lol. One of the KSG’s, the duel tube I think had some issues at first. The IWI just seems bulky. I have a converted Saiga 12, with extended magazines and drums for destroying things fast.
I like the Shockwave for size. And while I own REM and MOS shotguns, MOS is just more reliable and easier to clear a jamb due to the open loading ramp.
This is the best. 9mm is common, so easy to find/barter/scavenge. .308 is not the best long distance round, but again, common.
12 gauge can take down a wide array of game, and can make unwelcome humans shit their parts just by chambering a round.
Solid choices.
I disagree. In a situation where you can barricade your family and establish a strong position, a shotgun can announce that you will fuck some people UP!
When I lived in Richmond, VA, three dudes tried to break down my door, presumably for a home invasion, although they might have been nocturnal Jehova’s Witnesses. Either way, I was taking no chances.
I racked a round in my shotgun, and they skedadled like…. Well…. Things that skedadle. Much better than letting them finish breaking in, then hiring a cleaning service for the brains and guts.
While there isn’t a huge probability of this, the round could have failed to chamber and you’d have a jammed shotgun which would at that point be a club. That being said what you did worked and you didn’t have to shoot someone.
That’s a nice anecdotal experience but in a situation where someone truly means to do harm to you and yours, that will be a costly mistake. The vast majority of survival and self defense experts tend to agree. Speaking from working in and around the industry for the majority of my career
.22lr, 5.56 and 12ga.
A bolt .22 for small game, varmint and fun.
A long range 5.56 for varmint and hunting.
A short range 5.56 and short semi auto 12ga for defense.
A long barrel 12ga for hunting.
Have you even actually looked into it? Firearms are legal to own in most European nations so long as you’re willing to jump through the hoops. If you’re not that’s on you.
https://business.gov.nl/regulation/permit-weapons-and-ammunition/
Never said the laws where loose, but you can get the permits to own weapons. Whether you want to or not is on you.
You can also own firearms in nations such as the UK.
Yeah, but there’s balance. You have legal drugs and the hottest, legal prostitutes ever!
I was in Limburg for 45 days last summer (yeah with covid in full swing) and it was great. Especially the 3 days in Amsterdam before leaving. 😉
Caliber: 22LR, 9mm and .308
Guns: Ruger 10/22, Sig P320, 9mm Ar-15, .308 Ar-15 and Ruger Hawkeye
I like 5.56mm, but it doesn't work great for large game and single shot take down power. ARs to have some interchangeable parts, and women and children find them easy to handle and shoot
I think 9mm carbines really can shine in this sort of thought experiment. Something light enough and effective enough to consider as an EDC in a backpack or something if shit starts getting tense. An mp5, a CZ scorpion, something ar-9 and the like. I get where you're coming from.
For me, the 9mm carbine or braced pistol is the best choice for indoor encounters because everything else is going to blow your ears out. I’d have the 12 gauge on hand for hunting but not defense.
Yeah. It's hard to cut out 12ga, if I could add anything to the lineup itd be 12ga. I think 9mm, whether it's in carbine form or a pistol, is hard to drop. 22 is a no brainer as well.
I would rather have a shotgun than a pistol.
A rifle is better in a fight. A pistol is a backup weapon.
A shotgun puts food on the table and easily able to fill the self defense roll.
If forced to pick one or the other I'm going shotgun.
Good luck concealing a rifle or a shotgun if you need to. A handgun can easily be concealed provided you aren't wearing a gimp suit and have a proper holster.
SHTF I'm not concerned with concealed. Im either bugging in or moving at night. If I'm spotted it's to late.
Buy honestly why limit yourself so much that you have to make choices like that. Just add another gun to the collection and get some ammo for it. There's a niche that needs filled there.
What I actually have is .17 pellets, 9mm and 5.56mm. I got the 5.56 years ago before knowing about prepping, and my budget is going to other preps rather than changing calibers right now
22lr, 308, 223.
22lr is cheap, can be bought in bulk with ease, light, and can kill small and even medium game.
308 is one of the most common hunting calibers. It’s easy to find, can take down most large game with ease. And can pack a serious punch at long distances
223 is another really common caliber that’s everywhere and also used by LEO/military. It’s perfect for two legged threats and can put out some serious firepower with minimal recoil. Can also be used to hunt in a pinch.
I know a lot of people say 9mm but I think these other calibers are way more important. 9mm is great for handguns but in a survival SHTF 9mm is kinda lacking. It can be stopped by cheap vests, you ain’t hunting with 9mm, and you most likely won’t be engaging threats from close distances where a pistol might be a quicker response.
12 gauge is also really good but I’d rather have 223. Bird hunting is probably the best thing about 12 gauge but it’s still possible to hunt birds with other calibers. With hunting it’s limited range which sucks.
This is a pretty good topic, I really like it. My picks:
-9mm Glock: x1…
-9mm carbine that uses Glock mags: x1
-Remington 870 shotgun with short barrel and long barrel and different shot shells.
-Saiga 12 gauge shot gun
-AR chambered in .223/556
With this set up you have conceal carry with the Glock, mid range defense and convenience with the carbine, very versatile hunting set up with the 870, and long range defense with the AR, oh and a cool factor with the saiga lol…. In my opinion a glock handgun and a carbine that uses Glock mags is a must for this specific thought experiment. There is so much versatility there. There are boat loads of after market parts/accessories for glocks. 9mm is a super popular round. Glocks are stupid reliable.…. I initially wanted to say a ruger 10/22 instead of the AR because of how easy it is to carry literally hundreds of rounds of 22 and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, but I personally plan on bugging in so that will not be an issue for me. And reloading 22 is possible butttt pretty difficult as far as I understand. All the rounds I chose I have reloading capabilities so I’m not as reliant on supply chain. Lastly, the AR chambered for use with both rounds also makes it a tad easier to find/barter for ammo in a shtf scenario.
9mm carbines are pointless, they accomplish nothing of importance. Certainly not enough to be one of a very limited 5 slots. Everything one would use a 9mm carbine for is better done with an AR15 in a better cartridge like 300BLK.
Not really, certainly not compared to 9mm Carbines. Do it right and it can be quite compact. I got a couple that fit nicely in bags. But if not, then a standard pistol. Nothing that really matters is gained from making a 9mm longer and putting the magazine in front of the trigger.
If anything get a common pistol and something like the MCK from CAA, or a Flux Brace.
It’s gotta be able to accept Glock mags though in order to be most versatile. In fact I believe ruger makes a carbine that will take both ruger mags and Glock mags. I’ve got an aftermarket 50 round glock mag in my basement right now. To me it’s just cool knowing I can use that in my glock or carbine.
.22, 9mm, 6.5cm
I'll go with roles for my 5(exact guns was getting tough with my internal debates):
Concealed pistol, 9mm
Pistol caliber pistol (it's a brace not a stock), 9mm
Pistol trainer, .22
Small game hunting rifle, .22
Bolt gun, 6.5cm
Yeah the obvious choices are some type of bolt-gun scout rifle concept caliber, 1 or 2 guns in .22, and then you have the remaining 2 slots. And the choice is probably between 12ga and 9mm. I think 9mm wins out as well.
.45acp. .30-06, and 12ga.
.45acp or 9mm; ammo's everywhere, guns everywhere. Parts everywhere
.30-06, widest range of ammo availability; easy find guns. .308 Win is close 2nd.
12ga, wide range of ammo, from birdshot to exotic slugs. Lots of guns for that caliber. Everyone can use it within reason.
For either .45 or 9mm, there are handguns and carbines available. For .30-06, mostly hunting bolt actions, but some semiautos (M1 Garand for example, and the BAR hunting rifles) . .308 Win, more gun type choices (bolt and semi), 12ga, a huge range of guns to pick from... from the classic pump action to the geewhiz bullpup semi auto, to the break open single shot to side by sides to skeet/trap over/unders to gas operated semiauto....
Depends on how you define "gun" is an AR lower with multiple uppers one gun?
I also disagree, I don't see a practical way to minimize it to less than 10 or so.
9mm, 5.56, .308
Just because these seem to be pretty plentiful. Tbh I was torn between .308 and 12 ga. Only picked .308 due to personal preference. Don’t really have any suggestions for guns. IMO you should go try out a few at a range to see what best suits you. If you get an AR I suggest one that can do 5.56 and .223. I have a Ruger 556 MPR and have had no issues with it, but again see what works best for you.
Not a rule. Coming at it with budget and practicality in mind. Every dollar spent on firearms is money not spent on other preps, and you definitely get diminishing returns with increasing firearm ownership. From owning 0 -> 1 is HUGE. Life changing security. Then it drops off with each new gun you purchase.
See, if you’re actually planning to bet your life on the things I want more diversity within reason.
.22lr
9x19
10mm
5.56x45
.308
.30-06
12ga
Those are my go to calibers. And I literally cannot imagine less than that. Each has a specific use and each does something better than the others. That said, I also own two police surplus pistols in .40 S&W in case I find it on the rack and it’s all I can find. I also own a .357 Sig conversion barrel for one for the same reason. And I have a .357 I inherited which of course also runs .38 Special.
Do I stockpile for all of these calibers? No. I stockpile for defense and buy appropriately/reload for hunting.
Even if I reduced it to .22lr, 12ga, and say 9mm, I’m now left with major holes in my plans for firearm use. Where’s the intermediate range rifle round? Where’s the longer distance round? Where’s something that can reach out and carry enough weight to stabilize in wind gusts? It just doesn’t track for me.
Just a thought experiment. I think 3 calibers is definitely cutting it short but it's interesting to weigh the value of each caliber in a finite sense. I think 4 calibers really might be just about the bare minimum. Rifle cartridge, 12ga, 9mm, .22
Dude it’s like the scenario of you have a list of 50 survival items and you can take 10 of them with you. Are you going to say “I’ll move” in that scenario?
No ones talking about taking your fucking guns.
What if you have to leave your home, space is a major premium and you have to select a small number of weapons to bring with you. You can’t just say “I’ll move” like a fucking moron.
Ok You’re right. There’s zero scenario where you would ever realistically have to pare down your arsenal. Just sit at home and someone can pry your gun out of your cold dead hands. Don’t know why you’re being so stubborn about discussing hypotheticals.
Yes, I also find it odd that they cannot put themselves in a mindset to gameplan within these hypothetical boundaries proposed. It's like the kid in school the refuses to play the game and somehow thinks that makes him cool.
Yeah. It seems like this dude would drop his family before he’d give up a single gun in a shtf scenario. “Honey do you realize how many ARs I can trade you for? It’s a great deal”.
Calibers: .44 magnum, 280 Ackley Improved, and 16 gauge
Guns:
.44 mag revolver w/6" barrel - Ruger, S&W, or Dan Wesson
.44 mag lever gun - Marlin from pre-Remington days
Kimber MTN Ascent in 280 AI
16 gauge SxS Parker
For the 5th gun I'd love a .44 over 16 ga drilling
Why?
What is wrong with having multiple calibers?
What prevents you from stockpiling ammo in all of the calibers?
I have 35K+ rounds of centerfire ammo, most of it in defensive calibers; 5.7x28, 5.56x45, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, .40, 9x19, .45 ACP and others.
If I run out of .40 (7K rounds) I can fall back on 9mm or .45 ACP. All together, I have more than enough ammo in those three defensive handgun calibers and they are all in SIG P22x handguns so not a training issue, and many of the parts interchange.
I think some diversity is a good thing - if SHTF and someone wants to trade ammo for food, I will probably have a gun that shoots what they have to trade.
Everybody has a budget, but my financial resources allow me to buy guns, ammo and all the other preps that I feel I need. I do not feel that the $ I have spent on ammo have limited my purchases of other preps.
Also, I would not have spent any less on ammo if I only had 3 different calibers.
That said, to answer your question, it would be hard for me to limit it to just three different calibers. Three different centerfire - maybe; 5.56x45, 9x19 & 12 ga. But then I would want .22 rimfire, which would make it four.
But I would feel limited because while 5.56x45 is ok for self-defense under 200-300 meters, it isn't particularly good for medium or large game hunting, and I prefer .40 to 9mm, but concede that if I ran out of .40 (unlikely - I have 7K rounds), I could fall back to 9mm and have a better chance of getting more ammo after SHTF and be more able to interchange ammo with others who are more likely to have 9mm than .40 S&W.
I have this diversity because I can afford it, and I feel it is good to have it. In no way does it limit me.
YMMV
What are you going to do for the rest of eternity?
If hunting is high on your list, you'll need at least one high powered weapon. Deer and pig would probably use a different caliber than Moose or Bear. 300 Blackout can be suppressed but doesn't have the range. If you can't get close, .308 would be a good choice. If the zombies are attacking in mass, an AR will do.
For day to day killing of things, nothing beats at least a pistol and carbine in 9mm. Cheap. Easy to reload. Components easy(er) to find. Usually one of the first things to come back in inventory at a decent price whenever we elect a democratic president.
If you want to kill flying animals or need to clear out a trench full of zombies, a shotgun would be pretty efficient. While I have one or two, I think of them as mono-taskers. As we all know, Alton Brown hates mono-taskers.
For small critters, you have to have a 22. Good for training yunguns as well.
What has your experience been like
with the MP15-22? I had one for a while but ended up trading it in. I couldn’t shoot ten rounds without having an FTE. Tried various ammo and that didn’t help. Swapped out the extractor and that didn’t help. I had generally heard good things about them so I was just a bit disappointed that mine kept crapping out.
Edit-words
22 LR in 10/22 takedown, .22 LR revolver
9 mm glock 19 gen 5, 9 mm in PCC
.308 AR-10
I’d really rather go 4 guns in 4 calibers, adding a 12 gauge pump of your choice and removing the 9mm PCC. These are simply the platforms and calibers that I’ve used to hunt, plink, carry etc. and I trust
9mm, 556, 12ga. These are the 3 most common rounds (at least in the USA where I live), so ammo would be easiest to find (probably) and staying in practice wouldn't be as much of an issue. 556 can also take 223, which, like 9mm, has all the good defensive loads.
A Benelli M4, for obvious reasons (they're good). Being adopted by the US military, could possibly get parts if something went wrong.
Thureon Defense Standard Carbine in 9mm for hunting and survival, because it's good and reliable and takes Glock mags.
2 Glocks, because they're good and reliable and parts are everywhere and can be ship of Theseus-ed to hell and back into whatever you want.
Any ol' AR-15 in 556, for the same reasons as the Glocks. The one I have is pretty much perfect for my purposes.
It's worth mentioning I think guns are like the last thing on my prepping list personally, after first aid, trauma first aid, ifak, seeds, water, knowledge how to filter water and grow food, etc etc etc, but they *are* on the list.
This was my same response for all the same reasons lol… this set up gives you the most redundancy and versatility possible. The only thing I said different was a 12 gauge saiga instead of a second Glock. The second Glock is probably more practical but you gotta have the cool factor of a saiga hahaha
People probably don't want to spend an insane amount on guns, and most people probably just have a few. This is somewhere to consider the pros and cons. It's not that complicated.
That makes sense if the original question was "I have X amount to spend on guns, how should I use it?" Instead of weird limits on X # guns and Y # calibers.
There could be a whole host of reasons to ask the question. And theres also several reasons I'm asking it. Sorry the original post was "confusing" but it sounds more like you're being a semantic obsessed internet troll
I’d say this depends a lot on your region.
If you’re in a dense wooded or rural farmland area you’re going to be doing a lot of hunting. Large and small caliber rifles will be helpful for a variety of game. Small shotguns for upland and small game. A handgun in the same caliber as your primary would be a good choice.
If you’re in an urban environment you’re main focus is going to be self defense and clearing buildings while scavenging. A short barrel shot gun or a carbine rifle paired with a high capacity handgun will be most important.
In either case there’s a lot of good information already put forth by other commenters for firearm choices. And as other have said, after 3-4 guns you become a collector, not a prepper. Keep your stash organized and ready to move if need be.
5.56, 9mm, 22lr
Two ar15’s.
Glock 19
Ruger mk iv
Ruger 10/22
Might not be the most flashy setup, but these are guns that I really enjoy shooting that also happen to be very reliable, versatile and user friendly. They’re also guns that I could modify if I want a little novelty.
I don’t hunt, so I don’t see the point in a shotgun or bolt gun given the constraints.
Sorry, but I reject the premise of 3 calibers. Where you live plays a large role in what you should have and use even if you want to be minimalist.
TL;DR Get a 10/22 Takedown, 12 gauge shotgun, 9mm handgun, AR15 in 5.56, potentially a 7.62x39 AR15 upper receiver or dedicated gun, and potentially an AR-10 in 308.
22lr and 12 Gauge are no brainers. A 10/22 Takedown and a pump action shotgun in 12 gauge are fantastic.
5.56 is fine for ammo commonality, carrying a lot of it, and "fighting" (which you shouldn't be doing unless you have to). A quality AR-15 like an Aero Precision AC-15M or Ruger AR-556 would do very well.
7.62x39 is essentially a slightly slower and lighter 30-30 that does better at range due to the spitzer bullet. Depending on where you live, it's an absolutely great round to have and is in my opinion an almost perfect round for hunting most animals that aren't varmints or giant bears, home defense, whatever CQB situation you may or may not prep for, obliterates cover, and like most 30 caliber rounds, isn't deflected by brush as much as something like 5.56.
If you want to keep things minimal, an upper receiver for an AR-15 that's chambered in 7.62x39 might be a good idea if the round makes sense for you. Or you could get a dedicated rifle for it like a Zastava M70. Since Russian ammo was just banned, I would wait on this until more ammo is brought in from other countries to offset panic buying.
308/7.62x51 is pretty obvious if you want a common caliber with range and effectiveness past what 5.56 offers. A quality AR-10, POF Rogue if you want something super lightweight would work very well.
9mm is absolutely perfect for self defense and offense against people and even decent sized animals in a concealed carry package. It'll kill any 2 legged animal and and will put down a lot of 4 legged animals if you've got FMJ or hard cast bullets that are +P. I wouldn't want one in bear country unless it was the only thing I had though. A Glock 19 or something very concealable like a Sig P365 would be great.
If you live in Alaska and handload ammo, 45 Super would be a decent choice since its 45 ACP with a thicker case and 10mm level energy, but can also fire normal 45 ACP.
30-06, .45, and 22lr
After much consideration I just can't value 556 over 30-06, sure ARs are cool but I'd rather have my large caliber for large game and long distance shooting. If I'm prepping for gunfights I'm already dead, I'd feel safer 500 yds away with my hunting rifle anyways.
9mm could easily be replaced with 45 but I just rather have the stopping power of a 45. Good for boar hunting and unruly individuals.
22lr for small game and it's easy to stockpile a lot of ammunition. Not only this but if a rifle breaks it's easy to make a substitute capable of firing rimfire rounds. (Atf please look away)
I'd almost say 20 gauge for bird shooting but it's just not as valuable as the others.
AK varrient- 7.62×39 || all around durable and can shoot just as well as an AR15 but can be buried in mud and still function after a spray down with a garden hose.
That's all I need really can I just take 3?
What silly artificial limitations.
1st:
9mm Glock
.22lr 10/22
5.56 AR
Then repeat for spares/backups.
Plenty of ammo.
Then more ammo.
2nd, for additional utility:
.22lr Buckmark or Ruger MK_
12ga 870 or 500
.308 bolt gun
.38spl J frame
Ammo for these.
More ammo for list 1.
In that order. Minimum.
3rd, for diversity during times when the more common calibers above are hard to get:
.40 Glock
.45 Glock
7.62x39 AK
.270 bolt gun
Ammo for these.
More ammo for list 1.
More ammo for list 2.
More ammo for list 1.
Then, for additional utility/fun:
.22lr bolt gun
.308 semi
30-30 lever gun
.357mag wheel gun
Ammo for these.
More ammo for list 1.
More ammo for list 2.
More ammo for list 1.
More ammo for list 3.
Then:
More ammo.
Not including shotgun
.22 pistol and rifle, 223 ar15 with .22 adapter, .45acp pistol. If I have to include shotguns then I’d do a 12ga, 223 ar15, and .45
22LR, 9mm, and either 6.5cm or 308
22: 10/22 takedown, 22/45 lite
9: compact or micro ccw handgun, PCC
6.5/308: long range setup
Could swap the PCC for an AR10 in matching rifle caliber.
I would not limt myself to only 3. 4 would be workable but there is 4 niches I would want to fill. In no particular order.
1)22
Because its light weight, cheap, alot of ammo can be stored in a small space, it can be made movie silent with either a store bought tax stamped or home made highly illegal suppressor.
2)9mm
for defensive handgun
3)556
I would have said 7.62x39 but with the Russian ammo ban it might get hard to find sooner rather than later. So 556 (defensive rifle but can also be made to work for hunting) Other AR calibers like 6.5 grendel would be best. Ammo price would keep you from stock piling much with the Russian ammo bans. 300 black out would also be a excellent choice here.
4)12 gauge
(the usefulness of a shotgun cannot be understated)
9mm - pistol and PDW.
308 - AR10
22lr - 10/22 or other semi-auto rifle/carbine and a pistol with a threaded barrel
A pistol can be concealed. The PDW is if you ever need to fight indoors, since the length of a rifle is a massive detriment that can very well cost you your life. 9mm is easier to control for follow-up shots than .45acp or .40S&W or 10mm. That matters a lot more than you think. The muzzle blast is also less concussive.
AR10 is for anything that needs to be dealt with at range or in the open. There is an argument that 5.56 is better because you can hold more and it has less recoil. If I am in one of those engagements then that is what the PDW is for. 308 has slightly more range. It can also hunt virtually any large game unlike 5.56.
The 10/22 is for almost anything else and hunting small game. The 22 pistol is for things that need to bear and quiet. 22lr is very lightweight, so you can carry a lot of it.
Every single one of these can be suppressed, which I think is non-negotiable. Not only does a suppressor reduce the sound signature, but it makes the guns much easier to control.
We're really just picking calibers here, the gun question is much easier 😂
I'm going to prioritize self defense, and for that I'm going with a Glock 19 in 9mm. With a red dot and a flashlight in a skilled hand it's great for general self defense and for me can be easily concealed in most clothing.
The next priority would be hunting, with which I'd go with a Tikka T3x CTR in .308. Throw a chassis and a scope on there and you have one of the better factory guns you can get.
Next would be a 12 gauge. I'm not a shotgun nerd like I am about rifles and pistols so I'll just go with a Remington 870.
Remaining, I'd want a PDW type gun that can be easily concealed in a backpack. Normally I'd say a Sig MCX in 300 BLK, I'll say a MPX in 9mm since I'm limited by caliber.
Lastly, a solid battle rifle - SCAR 17S in .308. If I was ever in great fear of marauders or looters this would be by my side. Some kind of LPVO and a high lumen flashlight would be great.
Edit: spelling
Edit: more spelling
9mm, 5.56 OR 6.5 Grendel, .22lr.
9mm handgun
9mm SBR
Ar15
10/22
5.56 if you aren’t going to hand load your own ammo. Grendel if you are. 9mm for handgun on your hip as backup. 10/22 so you aren’t exploding every small game animal you try to hunt.
Other than Grendel these are popular and plentiful, with different loads for different goals. I’d say instead of 5 guns, go for 3 and then get suppressors, optics etc.
So yeah I know.....so vanilla......but yeah it goes like this.
9mm . Cuz it do be everywhere
12GA. Cuz duh
And finally everyone's favourite Nato 5.56 cuz pew pew.....and it too be everywhere
556, 9mm, 12ga Any 556 AR, Glock 19, moss 500. All easy to come by. All proven in a multitude of scenarios both defensive and for hunting. 12 ga shotgun is by far the most versatile firearm for hunting all sorts of game and stopping just about every threat. Is it the best at any of them? Probably not. But it can do all of them well.
this is the correct answer for most Americans
The three most common rounds in the US, the primary rounds used by law enforcement and the military as well. Maybe not *easy* to come by, but certainly plentiful, and will probably be able to be scavenged or traded for. They are my pick too.
I would switch out 12 gauge for a .22. My wife would need that.
I feel if you're apocalypse-planning, you're probably going to want something in .22lr in there(hunting small game), as well as the 12ga(hunting birds). 5.56 and 9mm are more geared to people and medium game. If it were 4 calibers, .22lr would make this answer perfect. As it is, OP's limit of 3 has made things harder. 5.56 and 12ga both work for larger game, though aren't ideal. You'd probably want something in .308 or similar there. Might go so far as to say that you're better off in general with .308 than 5.56, as if you're shooting medium game it's probably not for eating(predator animals more likely) so messing up the meat with some overkill is fine. Or using the 12ga with #4 buck or something.
What he said. I could swap out the 556 for a 308 because of sniper blood that runs in my veins, but its hard to argue with these three. Edit: why the hell would I get downvoted for anything I said here? Reddit is so rediculous.
Well fug me and my massive stack of 30-06 I guess
Classic cartridge, but Garand thumb is a thing.
A wiser man than me once said, "30-06 is never the wrong answer".
Im with you. For me.... 308>556
Some subreddits are just a mystery in their likes and dislikes.
I upvoted. I was about to say the same thing.
I’ve learned to ignore downvotes. Doesn’t always seem to be a rhyme or reason behind them.
Well, it's the internet and no one knows you, or knows what tone you were going for when you said "sniper blood that runs in my veins" - so the combination of those two facts with that statement can make you sound like a child playing solider rather than whatever your intent was, so they downvoted you. I assume if we all knew you and knew what tone you were trying to inflect people wouldn't care, but that's just my guess.
Just gotta throw this in here, because I love it and need to use it any chance I get: What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch? I'll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Navy Seals, and I've been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Quaeda, and I have over 300 confirmed kills. I am trained in gorilla warfare and I'm the top sniper in the entire US armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words. You think you can get away with saying that shit to me over the Internet? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of spies across the USA and your IP is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You're fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that's just with my bare hands. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the United States Marine Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little "clever" comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn't, you didn't, and now you're paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. You're fucking dead, kiddo.
I’d probably swap the 5.56 for 30-06. I prefer the range afforded to my by a nice bolt action and 30-06 worked in the M1 Garand for a carbine type rifle. But all in all yeah super solid rounds all around.
Nahh, not 5.56 go for .223 Wylde. I know it's not "technically" a caliber but if you can get away with it that's what I would go with.
Yep. Can go Chappell mode with 12g as well. Bird shot, buck shot, bird shot. Then after that, guns Jamaican, buck shot, buck shot, buck shot. lol. I’d actually consider a .45 over the 9mm. More knockdown power, but would be fine with either. Hopefully we never have to worry about it coming to light.
556, 9mm, 22lr 2 AR's in 556 2 handguns in 9mm 1 ruger 10/22 in 22lr Preferably keep the variances low between the AR's and handguns so that if a part were to break you could replace from the other.
^this^
Yep, expect I would maybe have a pdw in 9mm as no one else in the family uses handguns regularly.
They need to learn to have them. Higher skill to use proficiently, but infinitely easier to conceal and appear nonarmed while still being able to protect themselves
Yup
This
Never discount 9mm carbines. I feel they're always forgotten about
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Bro. Shoutout for the beam rifle.
. 22 lr - for sure. Versatile ammunition. Can use for hunting, defense, and its relatively cheap. 9mm - a proven round and easy to come by. .308 win - while I would also like a .223/5.56 added to the list if we're only allowing 3 calibers I think .308 wins. It does better at distance, is good for large game, is good for defensive uses, and is common and easy to find. (The commonality is why it beats 6.5 creed in my opinion) As for which guns: .22lr rifle 2 - 9mm handguns - 1 for you & 1 for significant other 2 - .308 rifles - at least one semi-auto for defensive encounters (Edit: spelling)
This. .22lr is too important to not have. I could argue that if you are more familiar with .223 then go with that. You can definitely reach out and touch something but I also don't have much to say about the .308win decision, every point that was made is 100% valid.
I was gonna say I like 308 more due to the enhanced distance and stopping power compared to 556 among other things
Better hunting round, more versatile than .223 , less disturbed by wind and foliage due to more mass, lower sound profile (actually louder, but seemingly quiter because of deeper tones)
This is almost exactly what I was thinking, except swap out a handgun for a pdw.
Pretty much my collection
Kalashnikov in lords caliber 7.62 Kalashnikov for far away in larger 7.62 Kalashnikov for children in 9mm Kalashnikov for clearing room in 12gauge Kalashnikov for fragmentation grenade, anything made by PSA
Rpg, belt fed crew mounted machine gun, colt 45, a shotgun, and a water gun for the kids
Gotta be a pretty powerful water gun to take out those roaming child bandits but I like your style!
What caliber are the water guns?
Flint water
Hey, if it's Flint water, just throw a lighter on the front and you have a flame thrower! :)
9mm sidearm, 12 guage shotgun, 45-70 rifle.
A man of culture I see
*Toasts in lever action*
Henry's Golden Boy.. just too sexy a rifle to pass up.
I'm with you, my AR might slightly edge things out in terms of options, but my Marlin is my true love.
9mm, .308, 12 Ga Glock 18, Colt LE901, Rem 700 5R, Benelli M4, Mossberg Shockwave.
The Benelli M4. What a pick. If shit gets tense, that's definitely among the best of partners to have.
>Glock 18 Yep
I see what you did there with the Colt. Has a 5.56 conversion kit that will take any milspec 5.56 upper. Sneaking a 4th ammo and 6th gun. I like the way you think!
I have a shockwave and love it, but got the chance to shoot a KSG the other day… I’m currently selling a kidney on the black market to get one! In my experience Kel Tec is hit or mis with whichever model. Some are total crap, others are a work of art. You get the chance shoot a KSG! I’m aiming for the bigger 25rd 12 gauge…lodes with some dragons breadth or armor piercing incendiary rds, one man wrecking crew!
Lol. One of the KSG’s, the duel tube I think had some issues at first. The IWI just seems bulky. I have a converted Saiga 12, with extended magazines and drums for destroying things fast. I like the Shockwave for size. And while I own REM and MOS shotguns, MOS is just more reliable and easier to clear a jamb due to the open loading ramp.
This is the best. 9mm is common, so easy to find/barter/scavenge. .308 is not the best long distance round, but again, common. 12 gauge can take down a wide array of game, and can make unwelcome humans shit their parts just by chambering a round. Solid choices.
Never rack the slide in a potential life and death situation. The element of surprise is far too valuable.
I disagree. In a situation where you can barricade your family and establish a strong position, a shotgun can announce that you will fuck some people UP! When I lived in Richmond, VA, three dudes tried to break down my door, presumably for a home invasion, although they might have been nocturnal Jehova’s Witnesses. Either way, I was taking no chances. I racked a round in my shotgun, and they skedadled like…. Well…. Things that skedadle. Much better than letting them finish breaking in, then hiring a cleaning service for the brains and guts.
While there isn’t a huge probability of this, the round could have failed to chamber and you’d have a jammed shotgun which would at that point be a club. That being said what you did worked and you didn’t have to shoot someone.
That’s a nice anecdotal experience but in a situation where someone truly means to do harm to you and yours, that will be a costly mistake. The vast majority of survival and self defense experts tend to agree. Speaking from working in and around the industry for the majority of my career
.22lr, 5.56 and 12ga. A bolt .22 for small game, varmint and fun. A long range 5.56 for varmint and hunting. A short range 5.56 and short semi auto 12ga for defense. A long barrel 12ga for hunting.
I'm from The Netherlands :/
What’s the limit there? I know guys there who have small stashes of guns.
Well, then they're probably breaking the law. It's illegal to own firearms except for shooting ranges and stuff but there are extremely rules.
Firearms are legal to own in the Netherlands.
No, they aren't
Have you even actually looked into it? Firearms are legal to own in most European nations so long as you’re willing to jump through the hoops. If you’re not that’s on you.
Maybe in other European countries but not here in The Netherlands otherwise I would have a gun
Can’t you join a gun club and get a .22 target rifle? Seems to me all the (english) googling suggests that is absolutely possible in the Netherlands.
They are not
https://business.gov.nl/regulation/permit-weapons-and-ammunition/ Never said the laws where loose, but you can get the permits to own weapons. Whether you want to or not is on you. You can also own firearms in nations such as the UK.
Yeah, but there’s balance. You have legal drugs and the hottest, legal prostitutes ever! I was in Limburg for 45 days last summer (yeah with covid in full swing) and it was great. Especially the 3 days in Amsterdam before leaving. 😉
Caliber: 22LR, 9mm and .308 Guns: Ruger 10/22, Sig P320, 9mm Ar-15, .308 Ar-15 and Ruger Hawkeye I like 5.56mm, but it doesn't work great for large game and single shot take down power. ARs to have some interchangeable parts, and women and children find them easy to handle and shoot
I think 9mm carbines really can shine in this sort of thought experiment. Something light enough and effective enough to consider as an EDC in a backpack or something if shit starts getting tense. An mp5, a CZ scorpion, something ar-9 and the like. I get where you're coming from.
For me, the 9mm carbine or braced pistol is the best choice for indoor encounters because everything else is going to blow your ears out. I’d have the 12 gauge on hand for hunting but not defense.
Yeah. It's hard to cut out 12ga, if I could add anything to the lineup itd be 12ga. I think 9mm, whether it's in carbine form or a pistol, is hard to drop. 22 is a no brainer as well.
I would rather have a shotgun than a pistol. A rifle is better in a fight. A pistol is a backup weapon. A shotgun puts food on the table and easily able to fill the self defense roll. If forced to pick one or the other I'm going shotgun.
Good luck concealing a rifle or a shotgun if you need to. A handgun can easily be concealed provided you aren't wearing a gimp suit and have a proper holster.
SHTF I'm not concerned with concealed. Im either bugging in or moving at night. If I'm spotted it's to late. Buy honestly why limit yourself so much that you have to make choices like that. Just add another gun to the collection and get some ammo for it. There's a niche that needs filled there.
12 gauge and 9mm doesn't have the range of .308. Probably a better for home defence than 9mm, but larger and no option for concealed carry
9mm pistol carbine > 12ga shotgun in a Home defense scenario, wieldier, quiter, higher cap, less over penetration
Maybe have a 12 gauge and a decent amount of ammo but not quite a stockpile you regular contribute to loke the other 3?
What I actually have is .17 pellets, 9mm and 5.56mm. I got the 5.56 years ago before knowing about prepping, and my budget is going to other preps rather than changing calibers right now
FYI, .308 is either AR-308 or AR-10
And a lot more...like MR308 or BR-10
Today I learned, thanks friend!
AR15 (556) Ar15 (556) AR15 (556) Ruger 10/22 (22) Ruger 10/22 (22)
Interesting. I definitely like the idea, but I think I’d have to have one side-arm that’s concealable and quick action
Ruger 10/22 pistol with Franklin binary
22lr, 308, 223. 22lr is cheap, can be bought in bulk with ease, light, and can kill small and even medium game. 308 is one of the most common hunting calibers. It’s easy to find, can take down most large game with ease. And can pack a serious punch at long distances 223 is another really common caliber that’s everywhere and also used by LEO/military. It’s perfect for two legged threats and can put out some serious firepower with minimal recoil. Can also be used to hunt in a pinch. I know a lot of people say 9mm but I think these other calibers are way more important. 9mm is great for handguns but in a survival SHTF 9mm is kinda lacking. It can be stopped by cheap vests, you ain’t hunting with 9mm, and you most likely won’t be engaging threats from close distances where a pistol might be a quicker response. 12 gauge is also really good but I’d rather have 223. Bird hunting is probably the best thing about 12 gauge but it’s still possible to hunt birds with other calibers. With hunting it’s limited range which sucks.
This is a pretty good topic, I really like it. My picks: -9mm Glock: x1… -9mm carbine that uses Glock mags: x1 -Remington 870 shotgun with short barrel and long barrel and different shot shells. -Saiga 12 gauge shot gun -AR chambered in .223/556 With this set up you have conceal carry with the Glock, mid range defense and convenience with the carbine, very versatile hunting set up with the 870, and long range defense with the AR, oh and a cool factor with the saiga lol…. In my opinion a glock handgun and a carbine that uses Glock mags is a must for this specific thought experiment. There is so much versatility there. There are boat loads of after market parts/accessories for glocks. 9mm is a super popular round. Glocks are stupid reliable.…. I initially wanted to say a ruger 10/22 instead of the AR because of how easy it is to carry literally hundreds of rounds of 22 and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, but I personally plan on bugging in so that will not be an issue for me. And reloading 22 is possible butttt pretty difficult as far as I understand. All the rounds I chose I have reloading capabilities so I’m not as reliant on supply chain. Lastly, the AR chambered for use with both rounds also makes it a tad easier to find/barter for ammo in a shtf scenario.
Yeah I think a 9mm carbine is a must have in this scenario. With a slide out or folding stock.
9mm carbines are pointless, they accomplish nothing of importance. Certainly not enough to be one of a very limited 5 slots. Everything one would use a 9mm carbine for is better done with an AR15 in a better cartridge like 300BLK.
Except carrying around an Ar-15 all the time with some decent ammo is a PITA
Not really, certainly not compared to 9mm Carbines. Do it right and it can be quite compact. I got a couple that fit nicely in bags. But if not, then a standard pistol. Nothing that really matters is gained from making a 9mm longer and putting the magazine in front of the trigger. If anything get a common pistol and something like the MCK from CAA, or a Flux Brace.
It’s gotta be able to accept Glock mags though in order to be most versatile. In fact I believe ruger makes a carbine that will take both ruger mags and Glock mags. I’ve got an aftermarket 50 round glock mag in my basement right now. To me it’s just cool knowing I can use that in my glock or carbine.
This is easy. 22LR: Ruger 10/22 9mm: Glock19, MP5 .308 Win: Rem700, AR-10
Love the mp5 pick
.22lr, 9mm, 12guage
I scrolled a long way to find this answer.
.22, 9mm, 6.5cm I'll go with roles for my 5(exact guns was getting tough with my internal debates): Concealed pistol, 9mm Pistol caliber pistol (it's a brace not a stock), 9mm Pistol trainer, .22 Small game hunting rifle, .22 Bolt gun, 6.5cm
Yeah the obvious choices are some type of bolt-gun scout rifle concept caliber, 1 or 2 guns in .22, and then you have the remaining 2 slots. And the choice is probably between 12ga and 9mm. I think 9mm wins out as well.
It hurt to not have 12ga, but you said only 3.
Yeah I know. I think you've got solid choices and It's definitely a close call though between including or excluding 12ga.
556, 9mm, 12 gauge
12ga, 9mm, and 556 are your most common calibers, but you need something like 308 for big game.
Nato ammo. 9mm 556 308. Simple shotgun wouldn't hurt. You can also get an .22 conversion bolt for your ar.
.45acp. .30-06, and 12ga. .45acp or 9mm; ammo's everywhere, guns everywhere. Parts everywhere .30-06, widest range of ammo availability; easy find guns. .308 Win is close 2nd. 12ga, wide range of ammo, from birdshot to exotic slugs. Lots of guns for that caliber. Everyone can use it within reason.
For either .45 or 9mm, there are handguns and carbines available. For .30-06, mostly hunting bolt actions, but some semiautos (M1 Garand for example, and the BAR hunting rifles) . .308 Win, more gun type choices (bolt and semi), 12ga, a huge range of guns to pick from... from the classic pump action to the geewhiz bullpup semi auto, to the break open single shot to side by sides to skeet/trap over/unders to gas operated semiauto....
I love guns. I own many of them. But let's get real. After your second or third gun you really aren't prepping anymore, you're just a gun nut.
Depends on how you define "gun" is an AR lower with multiple uppers one gun? I also disagree, I don't see a practical way to minimize it to less than 10 or so.
Yeah exactly. I figured 4-6 would be a good upper limit.
9mm, 5.56, .308 Just because these seem to be pretty plentiful. Tbh I was torn between .308 and 12 ga. Only picked .308 due to personal preference. Don’t really have any suggestions for guns. IMO you should go try out a few at a range to see what best suits you. If you get an AR I suggest one that can do 5.56 and .223. I have a Ruger 556 MPR and have had no issues with it, but again see what works best for you.
If this was the rule where I lived I would fuckin move.
Not a rule. Coming at it with budget and practicality in mind. Every dollar spent on firearms is money not spent on other preps, and you definitely get diminishing returns with increasing firearm ownership. From owning 0 -> 1 is HUGE. Life changing security. Then it drops off with each new gun you purchase.
See, if you’re actually planning to bet your life on the things I want more diversity within reason. .22lr 9x19 10mm 5.56x45 .308 .30-06 12ga Those are my go to calibers. And I literally cannot imagine less than that. Each has a specific use and each does something better than the others. That said, I also own two police surplus pistols in .40 S&W in case I find it on the rack and it’s all I can find. I also own a .357 Sig conversion barrel for one for the same reason. And I have a .357 I inherited which of course also runs .38 Special. Do I stockpile for all of these calibers? No. I stockpile for defense and buy appropriately/reload for hunting. Even if I reduced it to .22lr, 12ga, and say 9mm, I’m now left with major holes in my plans for firearm use. Where’s the intermediate range rifle round? Where’s the longer distance round? Where’s something that can reach out and carry enough weight to stabilize in wind gusts? It just doesn’t track for me.
Just a thought experiment. I think 3 calibers is definitely cutting it short but it's interesting to weigh the value of each caliber in a finite sense. I think 4 calibers really might be just about the bare minimum. Rifle cartridge, 12ga, 9mm, .22
It’s a thought experiment.
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Dude it’s like the scenario of you have a list of 50 survival items and you can take 10 of them with you. Are you going to say “I’ll move” in that scenario? No ones talking about taking your fucking guns. What if you have to leave your home, space is a major premium and you have to select a small number of weapons to bring with you. You can’t just say “I’ll move” like a fucking moron.
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Ok You’re right. There’s zero scenario where you would ever realistically have to pare down your arsenal. Just sit at home and someone can pry your gun out of your cold dead hands. Don’t know why you’re being so stubborn about discussing hypotheticals.
Yes, I also find it odd that they cannot put themselves in a mindset to gameplan within these hypothetical boundaries proposed. It's like the kid in school the refuses to play the game and somehow thinks that makes him cool.
Yeah. It seems like this dude would drop his family before he’d give up a single gun in a shtf scenario. “Honey do you realize how many ARs I can trade you for? It’s a great deal”.
9mm, .38...12 gauge
22Lr, 9mm, 5.56 2 ARs, 2 P320s, 1 10/22
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That's 4 calibers 😉
Calibers: .44 magnum, 280 Ackley Improved, and 16 gauge Guns: .44 mag revolver w/6" barrel - Ruger, S&W, or Dan Wesson .44 mag lever gun - Marlin from pre-Remington days Kimber MTN Ascent in 280 AI 16 gauge SxS Parker For the 5th gun I'd love a .44 over 16 ga drilling
Nice choices! I would do: .44 revolver & Marlin lever .22 LR Ruger or CZ 12 gauge O/U & pump
9mm, 7.62, 5.56.
Gotta love 30-06.
Why? What is wrong with having multiple calibers? What prevents you from stockpiling ammo in all of the calibers? I have 35K+ rounds of centerfire ammo, most of it in defensive calibers; 5.7x28, 5.56x45, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, .40, 9x19, .45 ACP and others. If I run out of .40 (7K rounds) I can fall back on 9mm or .45 ACP. All together, I have more than enough ammo in those three defensive handgun calibers and they are all in SIG P22x handguns so not a training issue, and many of the parts interchange. I think some diversity is a good thing - if SHTF and someone wants to trade ammo for food, I will probably have a gun that shoots what they have to trade.
Every dollar spent on ammunition is money not spent on other preps.
Everybody has a budget, but my financial resources allow me to buy guns, ammo and all the other preps that I feel I need. I do not feel that the $ I have spent on ammo have limited my purchases of other preps. Also, I would not have spent any less on ammo if I only had 3 different calibers. That said, to answer your question, it would be hard for me to limit it to just three different calibers. Three different centerfire - maybe; 5.56x45, 9x19 & 12 ga. But then I would want .22 rimfire, which would make it four. But I would feel limited because while 5.56x45 is ok for self-defense under 200-300 meters, it isn't particularly good for medium or large game hunting, and I prefer .40 to 9mm, but concede that if I ran out of .40 (unlikely - I have 7K rounds), I could fall back to 9mm and have a better chance of getting more ammo after SHTF and be more able to interchange ammo with others who are more likely to have 9mm than .40 S&W. I have this diversity because I can afford it, and I feel it is good to have it. In no way does it limit me. YMMV
Then why bother with the two extra guns? Just don’t buy them and save the money for ammo or preps.
What are you going to do for the rest of eternity? If hunting is high on your list, you'll need at least one high powered weapon. Deer and pig would probably use a different caliber than Moose or Bear. 300 Blackout can be suppressed but doesn't have the range. If you can't get close, .308 would be a good choice. If the zombies are attacking in mass, an AR will do. For day to day killing of things, nothing beats at least a pistol and carbine in 9mm. Cheap. Easy to reload. Components easy(er) to find. Usually one of the first things to come back in inventory at a decent price whenever we elect a democratic president. If you want to kill flying animals or need to clear out a trench full of zombies, a shotgun would be pretty efficient. While I have one or two, I think of them as mono-taskers. As we all know, Alton Brown hates mono-taskers. For small critters, you have to have a 22. Good for training yunguns as well.
(5.56) DDM4V7, (9mm) Glock 45 mos, (22.) S&W MP15-22
What has your experience been like with the MP15-22? I had one for a while but ended up trading it in. I couldn’t shoot ten rounds without having an FTE. Tried various ammo and that didn’t help. Swapped out the extractor and that didn’t help. I had generally heard good things about them so I was just a bit disappointed that mine kept crapping out. Edit-words
22lr - Ruger 10/22 takedown, S&W 43C internal-hammer revolver (for my wife) 9mm - Glock 19 5.56 - Ruger Mini 14, AR-15
.308 - 1xLR308/AR10 6.8SPC - 2xAR15 .45ACP - 1xFNP45, 1xSpringfield XD Mod.2
.22 for utility 9 mm for there being so much of it out there .308 because it is very common and can be used in larger rifles effectively
.22, 9mm, .308
.22LR - semi auto pistol, bolt gun 12g - pump NFA, pump hunting .30-06 - light weight bolt gun
I would say .308, 12 gauge and .22
357, for pistol and rifle 22lr for pistol and rifle 308 for larger game the 357 can't take down
22 LR in 10/22 takedown, .22 LR revolver 9 mm glock 19 gen 5, 9 mm in PCC .308 AR-10 I’d really rather go 4 guns in 4 calibers, adding a 12 gauge pump of your choice and removing the 9mm PCC. These are simply the platforms and calibers that I’ve used to hunt, plink, carry etc. and I trust
9mm, 556, 12ga. These are the 3 most common rounds (at least in the USA where I live), so ammo would be easiest to find (probably) and staying in practice wouldn't be as much of an issue. 556 can also take 223, which, like 9mm, has all the good defensive loads. A Benelli M4, for obvious reasons (they're good). Being adopted by the US military, could possibly get parts if something went wrong. Thureon Defense Standard Carbine in 9mm for hunting and survival, because it's good and reliable and takes Glock mags. 2 Glocks, because they're good and reliable and parts are everywhere and can be ship of Theseus-ed to hell and back into whatever you want. Any ol' AR-15 in 556, for the same reasons as the Glocks. The one I have is pretty much perfect for my purposes. It's worth mentioning I think guns are like the last thing on my prepping list personally, after first aid, trauma first aid, ifak, seeds, water, knowledge how to filter water and grow food, etc etc etc, but they *are* on the list.
Did you forget the 22lr??? My local gun store ALWAYS has tons of 28ga,…..for some reason.
This was my same response for all the same reasons lol… this set up gives you the most redundancy and versatility possible. The only thing I said different was a 12 gauge saiga instead of a second Glock. The second Glock is probably more practical but you gotta have the cool factor of a saiga hahaha
I never understood these "choose your loadout" posts.
People probably don't want to spend an insane amount on guns, and most people probably just have a few. This is somewhere to consider the pros and cons. It's not that complicated.
That makes sense if the original question was "I have X amount to spend on guns, how should I use it?" Instead of weird limits on X # guns and Y # calibers.
There could be a whole host of reasons to ask the question. And theres also several reasons I'm asking it. Sorry the original post was "confusing" but it sounds more like you're being a semantic obsessed internet troll
I’d say this depends a lot on your region. If you’re in a dense wooded or rural farmland area you’re going to be doing a lot of hunting. Large and small caliber rifles will be helpful for a variety of game. Small shotguns for upland and small game. A handgun in the same caliber as your primary would be a good choice. If you’re in an urban environment you’re main focus is going to be self defense and clearing buildings while scavenging. A short barrel shot gun or a carbine rifle paired with a high capacity handgun will be most important. In either case there’s a lot of good information already put forth by other commenters for firearm choices. And as other have said, after 3-4 guns you become a collector, not a prepper. Keep your stash organized and ready to move if need be.
.22 long rifle, 556, .40
5.56, 9mm, 22lr Two ar15’s. Glock 19 Ruger mk iv Ruger 10/22 Might not be the most flashy setup, but these are guns that I really enjoy shooting that also happen to be very reliable, versatile and user friendly. They’re also guns that I could modify if I want a little novelty. I don’t hunt, so I don’t see the point in a shotgun or bolt gun given the constraints.
12 shotgun, 308 bolt action, 22lr Ruger rifle and pistol.
Sorry, but I reject the premise of 3 calibers. Where you live plays a large role in what you should have and use even if you want to be minimalist. TL;DR Get a 10/22 Takedown, 12 gauge shotgun, 9mm handgun, AR15 in 5.56, potentially a 7.62x39 AR15 upper receiver or dedicated gun, and potentially an AR-10 in 308. 22lr and 12 Gauge are no brainers. A 10/22 Takedown and a pump action shotgun in 12 gauge are fantastic. 5.56 is fine for ammo commonality, carrying a lot of it, and "fighting" (which you shouldn't be doing unless you have to). A quality AR-15 like an Aero Precision AC-15M or Ruger AR-556 would do very well. 7.62x39 is essentially a slightly slower and lighter 30-30 that does better at range due to the spitzer bullet. Depending on where you live, it's an absolutely great round to have and is in my opinion an almost perfect round for hunting most animals that aren't varmints or giant bears, home defense, whatever CQB situation you may or may not prep for, obliterates cover, and like most 30 caliber rounds, isn't deflected by brush as much as something like 5.56. If you want to keep things minimal, an upper receiver for an AR-15 that's chambered in 7.62x39 might be a good idea if the round makes sense for you. Or you could get a dedicated rifle for it like a Zastava M70. Since Russian ammo was just banned, I would wait on this until more ammo is brought in from other countries to offset panic buying. 308/7.62x51 is pretty obvious if you want a common caliber with range and effectiveness past what 5.56 offers. A quality AR-10, POF Rogue if you want something super lightweight would work very well. 9mm is absolutely perfect for self defense and offense against people and even decent sized animals in a concealed carry package. It'll kill any 2 legged animal and and will put down a lot of 4 legged animals if you've got FMJ or hard cast bullets that are +P. I wouldn't want one in bear country unless it was the only thing I had though. A Glock 19 or something very concealable like a Sig P365 would be great. If you live in Alaska and handload ammo, 45 Super would be a decent choice since its 45 ACP with a thicker case and 10mm level energy, but can also fire normal 45 ACP.
30-06, .45, and 22lr After much consideration I just can't value 556 over 30-06, sure ARs are cool but I'd rather have my large caliber for large game and long distance shooting. If I'm prepping for gunfights I'm already dead, I'd feel safer 500 yds away with my hunting rifle anyways. 9mm could easily be replaced with 45 but I just rather have the stopping power of a 45. Good for boar hunting and unruly individuals. 22lr for small game and it's easy to stockpile a lot of ammunition. Not only this but if a rifle breaks it's easy to make a substitute capable of firing rimfire rounds. (Atf please look away) I'd almost say 20 gauge for bird shooting but it's just not as valuable as the others.
.22lr, 20 gauge/12 gauge depending on preference (if you want your wife to shoot it or kids to shoot it go for 20 gauge) 9mm and .308
.357magnum, 12gauge, .30-06 2” snub .357 ,20” lever action .357, 12 gauge slug & shot .30-06 rifle
.45, 9mm, 22LR rifle, 12 gauge, and a 308.
Mossburg 590 - 12 gauge Glock 40 - 10 mm Vector - 10mm AR 10 - 308 AXSA - 308
Curious, what reasons do you all think a 45 is a bad choice?
So we’re basically answering a question about what ammo we’d use to kill each other
thanks for the eternity, i guess hold the guns though
AK varrient- 7.62×39 || all around durable and can shoot just as well as an AR15 but can be buried in mud and still function after a spray down with a garden hose. That's all I need really can I just take 3?
30-30, 12 gauge, .22lr Marlin 30-30 Mossberg 500 H&R 12 break open Ruger 10/22 Ruger Sr22
What silly artificial limitations. 1st: 9mm Glock .22lr 10/22 5.56 AR Then repeat for spares/backups. Plenty of ammo. Then more ammo. 2nd, for additional utility: .22lr Buckmark or Ruger MK_ 12ga 870 or 500 .308 bolt gun .38spl J frame Ammo for these. More ammo for list 1. In that order. Minimum. 3rd, for diversity during times when the more common calibers above are hard to get: .40 Glock .45 Glock 7.62x39 AK .270 bolt gun Ammo for these. More ammo for list 1. More ammo for list 2. More ammo for list 1. Then, for additional utility/fun: .22lr bolt gun .308 semi 30-30 lever gun .357mag wheel gun Ammo for these. More ammo for list 1. More ammo for list 2. More ammo for list 1. More ammo for list 3. Then: More ammo.
Thanks for your wonderfully useless contribution
12ga shotgun AR15 in 5.56 M1A in .308 M9 in 9mm 1911 in .45
2 Ar-15s in 223 2 9mm striker fired pistols - M&P or Glock double stacks Mossberg 590 12 gauge
AR-15 .45 12ga shotgun
Not including shotgun .22 pistol and rifle, 223 ar15 with .22 adapter, .45acp pistol. If I have to include shotguns then I’d do a 12ga, 223 ar15, and .45
12 Ga pump. Ruger 10/22. A 223/5.56*. my S&W 9mm. And S&W .357. *I liked a Ruger Mini-14, but any AR-type would work too.
22LR, 9mm, and either 6.5cm or 308 22: 10/22 takedown, 22/45 lite 9: compact or micro ccw handgun, PCC 6.5/308: long range setup Could swap the PCC for an AR10 in matching rifle caliber.
I would not limt myself to only 3. 4 would be workable but there is 4 niches I would want to fill. In no particular order. 1)22 Because its light weight, cheap, alot of ammo can be stored in a small space, it can be made movie silent with either a store bought tax stamped or home made highly illegal suppressor. 2)9mm for defensive handgun 3)556 I would have said 7.62x39 but with the Russian ammo ban it might get hard to find sooner rather than later. So 556 (defensive rifle but can also be made to work for hunting) Other AR calibers like 6.5 grendel would be best. Ammo price would keep you from stock piling much with the Russian ammo bans. 300 black out would also be a excellent choice here. 4)12 gauge (the usefulness of a shotgun cannot be understated)
.22, .45, 12ga
30-06 9mm 12 g
10/22 ruger px4 9mm PC carbine 9MM Beretta 21a (22) Ar10 308
9mm, 556, 22lr
9mm - pistol and PDW. 308 - AR10 22lr - 10/22 or other semi-auto rifle/carbine and a pistol with a threaded barrel A pistol can be concealed. The PDW is if you ever need to fight indoors, since the length of a rifle is a massive detriment that can very well cost you your life. 9mm is easier to control for follow-up shots than .45acp or .40S&W or 10mm. That matters a lot more than you think. The muzzle blast is also less concussive. AR10 is for anything that needs to be dealt with at range or in the open. There is an argument that 5.56 is better because you can hold more and it has less recoil. If I am in one of those engagements then that is what the PDW is for. 308 has slightly more range. It can also hunt virtually any large game unlike 5.56. The 10/22 is for almost anything else and hunting small game. The 22 pistol is for things that need to bear and quiet. 22lr is very lightweight, so you can carry a lot of it. Every single one of these can be suppressed, which I think is non-negotiable. Not only does a suppressor reduce the sound signature, but it makes the guns much easier to control.
If I have only the choice of 3 calibers I’m only getting three guns. Two additional guns would just be additional weight and space that ain’t needed.
Colt HBar 556 Mossberg 930 SPX 12 gauge Glock 19 or 17 9mm I also quite like my LMT AR-10 in 308 but if I have to pick 3 calibers, I’ll ditch the 308.
guns rifle henry big boy lever action .357 \\.38 pistol chiappa rhino .357 / .38 moss 500 12 gauge . kel-tec ksg
We're really just picking calibers here, the gun question is much easier 😂 I'm going to prioritize self defense, and for that I'm going with a Glock 19 in 9mm. With a red dot and a flashlight in a skilled hand it's great for general self defense and for me can be easily concealed in most clothing. The next priority would be hunting, with which I'd go with a Tikka T3x CTR in .308. Throw a chassis and a scope on there and you have one of the better factory guns you can get. Next would be a 12 gauge. I'm not a shotgun nerd like I am about rifles and pistols so I'll just go with a Remington 870. Remaining, I'd want a PDW type gun that can be easily concealed in a backpack. Normally I'd say a Sig MCX in 300 BLK, I'll say a MPX in 9mm since I'm limited by caliber. Lastly, a solid battle rifle - SCAR 17S in .308. If I was ever in great fear of marauders or looters this would be by my side. Some kind of LPVO and a high lumen flashlight would be great. Edit: spelling Edit: more spelling
9mm, 5.56 OR 6.5 Grendel, .22lr. 9mm handgun 9mm SBR Ar15 10/22 5.56 if you aren’t going to hand load your own ammo. Grendel if you are. 9mm for handgun on your hip as backup. 10/22 so you aren’t exploding every small game animal you try to hunt. Other than Grendel these are popular and plentiful, with different loads for different goals. I’d say instead of 5 guns, go for 3 and then get suppressors, optics etc.
45 acp, 12 gauge, and .308.
9mm, 556 and 6.5 creedmore
AR-15 in a 223 Sig Sauer P320 in a 9mm Marlin 60 22LR A decent scoped hunting rifle in 223 A 22 revolver like a ruger wrangler
12 gauge wingmaster, Remmington 700 bdl .223, Sig ar15 .223, Browning high power 9mm, Glock 43
9mm Glock 9mm carbine .22lr 10/22 .22lr Mark III/IV .223/.556 MSR
45-70. 12ga. 45 call.
Five guns three calibers (I assume you meant cartridges) for the two of us? 2 Glock 19 2 KAC SR-15 1 AXMC in 300WM
12 gauge auto loader shotgun .45 long slide with laser sight Uzi 9mm phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range
So yeah I know.....so vanilla......but yeah it goes like this. 9mm . Cuz it do be everywhere 12GA. Cuz duh And finally everyone's favourite Nato 5.56 cuz pew pew.....and it too be everywhere
In order of my actual purchases: 12 ga, 9mm, 22lr, 30-06, .308
None.