Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

TheGunClinger · 08-21-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivebyrachko

So I want to buy a "just in case civilization collapses" weapon, not that I plan on it happening, I just want to be sure that I can protect myself. There's a gun show coming up in Portland OR and I'm wondering what people think I should buy. My criteria are that it be only $100-$300, reliable, accurate, and versatile. Right now I'm considering the Mosin Nagant 91/30 or some sort of AK47. Also, what should I look for at a gun show to know I'm getting a decent deal and not some frankenstein weapon?
Thanks.

If you are worrying about a national collapse, then you probably shouldnt be too concerned about the budget. You should be buying an assortment of weapons such as a 12 ga. with mucho ammo, handguns, a rifle for long range all with much ammo. Might want to consider the other needs such as salt, toilet paper, this and that and the list goes on. If there is a collapse, those with the mostest will survive. $300 will not provide you with the security you will want. Just my thoughts. I am never prepared no matter how much stuff I got.

The_Rifleman · 08-23-2010, 04:30 AM

I might add...

The actual gun I bought explicitly for "[when] civilization collapses" is the Pietta reproduction of a Remington 1858 New Model Army revolver. I also bought molds for making round balls.

I plan on getting a .50 cal muzzle-loading rifle sometime down the road; along with a mold for conical bullets.

I've also researched on making my own black powder.

Just a thought.

graehaven · 08-23-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivebyrachko

So I want to buy a "just in case civilization collapses" weapon, not that I plan on it happening, I just want to be sure that I can protect myself. There's a gun show coming up in Portland OR and I'm wondering what people think I should buy. My criteria are that it be only $100-$300, reliable, accurate, and versatile. Right now I'm considering the Mosin Nagant 91/30 or some sort of AK47. Also, what should I look for at a gun show to know I'm getting a decent deal and not some frankenstein weapon?
Thanks.

What do you have already that you can sell to raise $$$ to buy what you REALLY need? Cuz, your criteria is too limiting, and your $$$ limit is too LOW, for collapse preps.

You are correct in your assessment that a collapse is possible, except now, it's not just possible, it's likely. And it's likely soon.

Free up some more money and prepare properly, especially if you've got a family.

Food first (6-12 months worth) - you can rotate through this stuff - all stuff you regularly eat. Start buying canned goods (good for 2 years and more - check the dates) every time you shop - buy extra and shelve them. When you eat it, replace it.

Water next - get yourself a decent water filter - $200-$300. Katadyn or Berkey are both good names. Clean drinking water is essential. Buy extra filters.

Guns - get yourself a 12 ga shotgun - best all around weapon. You can get one for $250 or less, used. Then look at a rifle - maybe start with a good .22, but if you must have more of a battle rifle "on a budget" buy an SKS. Reliable, and ammo is plentiful and cheap. 500 rounds minimum for each gun. 1,000 would be better.

Silver - get yourself some 1 ounce silver rounds / coins. Trade some fiat dollars for some real wealth - do your own due diligence here, but, precious metals are INSURANCE against the dollar tanking. And it's tanking - and it can go to ZERO. Precious metals do NOT. They are NOT an investment, they are money, they are insurance.

These are the basics. You can probably do it all for $2,000 or less - but if you're serious, this is what you should do for BASIC preparation.

The truth is, you're never totally prepared. Good luck.

carver · 08-23-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivebyrachko

So I want to buy a "just in case civilization collapses" weapon, not that I plan on it happening, I just want to be sure that I can protect myself. There's a gun show coming up in Portland OR and I'm wondering what people think I should buy. My criteria are that it be only $100-$300, reliable, accurate, and versatile. Right now I'm considering the Mosin Nagant 91/30 or some sort of AK47. Also, what should I look for at a gun show to know I'm getting a decent deal and not some frankenstein weapon?
Thanks.

Forget the gun show. Go to a local dealer and buy a shotgun. Then buy a short barrel for it. You now have a short range weapon, as well as an intermediate weapon. The short barrel will work well as a SD weapon, and the long barrel will work well to put meat on the table. It will take birds, and other small game, as well as large game such as deer, and black bear. This set up is the best there is for your needs, and buy lots of ammo! Remember that if the economey does colapse we will be in a barter type situation for a while. We will be trading chickins for pigs, etc. Or maybe bullets for chickens!

johnlives4christ · 08-23-2010, 12:47 PM

id go 12 gauge. i've seen winchester remington and mossbergs all for 200 in good shooting shape.

gunshows gouge you, i'd check the lock gun/pawn shops.

carver · 08-24-2010, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

id go 12 gauge. i've seen winchester remington and mossbergs all for 200 in good shooting shape.

gunshows gouge you, i'd check the lock gun/pawn shops.

Plus you gotta pay $10 to get in the door!

johnlives4christ · 08-24-2010, 09:42 AM

mhmmm, last one i went to insisted i unload all of my guns and leave the ammo at the security booth... bullcrap! i bet she people selling were strapped.

whirley · 08-24-2010, 11:24 AM

National disaster?...You'll have to be able to eat using your firearm. A shotgun is most logical, 12 gauge peferred. Used shotguns are cheap, old used doubles in my area, good condition, less than $200. Ammo about 5.00 for a box of 25. For self defense, even your wife and kids can use it. Point and shoot. A rifle requires practice. Try shooting a duck or a rabbit with your AK-47, all you'll have is the head and tail. Like using a 16 inch naval rifle to take out a VW Bug. Self defense? Believe me, nothing is more intimidating than looking at the muzzle of a 12 gauge shotgun, held by a very nervous woman. Under that circumstance, you feel as if you can walk inside those barrels without stooping. Ammo available from slugs and 00 buckshot, good for deer or bear, down through various shot sizes from turkeys and geese to quail. I have taken deer with a rifled slug at about 100 yards. No tracking necessary. If I were limited to one gun, a 12 gauge, preferably a double for simplicity and a fast second shot would be my first choice.

Recon 173 · 09-12-2010, 04:54 PM

I'd suggest that you get some training on rifles, buy some dvds from different source on how to tactically use rifles and read some books. Then I would suggest that you possibly consider getting a decent AK rifle that shoots the 5.45 by 39 cartridge. Practice with that rifle and get to know it really well. Once you've got that rifle down with the iron or metal sights, then think about getting a scope for it. With the system I describe, you are NOT trying to turn an AK into a sniper rifle. What you're doing is enhancing the overall accuracy of your rifle and probably obtain a bit more usable distance from it. The 5.45 by 39 rifle and ammo is a good place to start for a new shooter. It has a mild recoil and the ammo is cheaper than it is for most other center fire rifles. You can by a little over 1K rounds for under $200.00 right now and, if you get it in the spam cans, you can store it for long amounts of time.

RunningOnMT · 09-12-2010, 07:23 PM

I just saw this thread rather late and didn't read through all the comments, but thought I'd give you a web site that has some pretty reasonable prices on a variety of surplus weapons.

I've never bought anything from them, but their prices seem as good as they get, and they sound like a pretty honest outfit. I wont offer any suggestions as I think most have given you enough ideas to chew on. I will say that I've heard many people say if they could only choose one weapon in a survival situation, it would be an AK.

http://www.classicarms.us/

Jeff Midguard · 09-16-2010, 12:00 PM

Another thought...If the intruders in your HD scenario are wearing vests, you'll probably want to reach for a rifle. Drug gang members are already showing up dressed this way in this part of the country (AZ).

08-23-2010, 04:30 AM	#27
The_Rifleman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 872	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? I might add... The actual gun I bought explicitly for "[when] civilization collapses" is the Pietta reproduction of a Remington 1858 New Model Army revolver. I also bought molds for making round balls. I plan on getting a .50 cal muzzle-loading rifle sometime down the road; along with a mold for conical bullets. I've also researched on making my own black powder. Just a thought. __________________ Debate isn't "uncivil" behavior. Pointing out illogical reasoning is a legitimate counter argument. That is the problem with internet forum mods, they rarely understand what constitutes legitimate, honest and civil debate. They reward the trolls and annoy the people genuinely trying communicate. I don't really like this place anyway, have fun with your power trip. ...nuff said.

08-23-2010, 12:47 PM	#30
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? id go 12 gauge. i've seen winchester remington and mossbergs all for 200 in good shooting shape. gunshows gouge you, i'd check the lock gun/pawn shops.

08-24-2010, 09:42 AM	#32
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? mhmmm, last one i went to insisted i unload all of my guns and leave the ammo at the security booth... bullcrap! i bet she people selling were strapped.

08-24-2010, 11:24 AM	#33
whirley V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Contributor Posts: 457	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? National disaster?...You'll have to be able to eat using your firearm. A shotgun is most logical, 12 gauge peferred. Used shotguns are cheap, old used doubles in my area, good condition, less than $200. Ammo about 5.00 for a box of 25. For self defense, even your wife and kids can use it. Point and shoot. A rifle requires practice. Try shooting a duck or a rabbit with your AK-47, all you'll have is the head and tail. Like using a 16 inch naval rifle to take out a VW Bug. Self defense? Believe me, nothing is more intimidating than looking at the muzzle of a 12 gauge shotgun, held by a very nervous woman. Under that circumstance, you feel as if you can walk inside those barrels without stooping. Ammo available from slugs and 00 buckshot, good for deer or bear, down through various shot sizes from turkeys and geese to quail. I have taken deer with a rifled slug at about 100 yards. No tracking necessary. If I were limited to one gun, a 12 gauge, preferably a double for simplicity and a fast second shot would be my first choice.

09-12-2010, 04:54 PM	#34
Recon 173 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 49	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? I'd suggest that you get some training on rifles, buy some dvds from different source on how to tactically use rifles and read some books. Then I would suggest that you possibly consider getting a decent AK rifle that shoots the 5.45 by 39 cartridge. Practice with that rifle and get to know it really well. Once you've got that rifle down with the iron or metal sights, then think about getting a scope for it. With the system I describe, you are NOT trying to turn an AK into a sniper rifle. What you're doing is enhancing the overall accuracy of your rifle and probably obtain a bit more usable distance from it. The 5.45 by 39 rifle and ammo is a good place to start for a new shooter. It has a mild recoil and the ammo is cheaper than it is for most other center fire rifles. You can by a little over 1K rounds for under $200.00 right now and, if you get it in the spam cans, you can store it for long amounts of time.

09-12-2010, 07:23 PM	#35
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? I just saw this thread rather late and didn't read through all the comments, but thought I'd give you a web site that has some pretty reasonable prices on a variety of surplus weapons. I've never bought anything from them, but their prices seem as good as they get, and they sound like a pretty honest outfit. I wont offer any suggestions as I think most have given you enough ideas to chew on. I will say that I've heard many people say if they could only choose one weapon in a survival situation, it would be an AK. http://www.classicarms.us/

09-16-2010, 12:00 PM	#36
Jeff Midguard V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Baja Arizona Posts: 233	Re: Best "National Disaster" Guns to get at a Gun Show? Another thought...If the intruders in your HD scenario are wearing vests, you'll probably want to reach for a rifle. Drug gang members are already showing up dressed this way in this part of the country (AZ).