If you thought all guns were created equal for prepping, think again! As a prepper, you may think of guns primarily for defense in catastrophic times, but certain gun types and calibers can be even more useful for surviving a disaster with less strain on resources and time. In this post, we explore prepper guns: breaking down the most useful types of guns for survival and the reasons why they are so effective. From the iconic and ever-reliable bolt action rifle to the long-fabled double barrel shotgun and the ever-accessible semi-auto pistol, discover the guns worth investing in as a prepper. Should it be 9mm, the Glock 19, Ruger 10 with a sight or something Nato recommends in a case.
Quick Breakdown
Different firearms are suited for different defense scenarios, so it is important to carefully consider your preppers needs and preferences when selecting weapons. A good starting point could be selecting firearms and accessories that can provide reliable accuracy, range and capacity, such as a 12-gauge shotgun or AR-15.
Price can also be an issue in the world of guns and the place you purchase from.
Handguns for Self-Defense
Though handguns are not generally thought of as the best firearms for a variety of self-defense situations, they can be very useful in certain prepper scenarios. Handguns come in many shapes and sizes, from small semi-automatic pistols to revolvers that can hold several rounds of ammunition in a single cylinder and have extensive barrel lengths. Handgun owners sometimes feel they should have a combination of several different types of handguns in their arsenal to better prepare for situations where long-range shooting or suppressed fire may be necessary. In other cases, owning only one reliable handgun that is easy to conceal might be the preferred choice.
The debate around handguns for self-defense can be complex and full of opinions on both sides. On one hand, those who advocate having a handgun will often cite their convenience and availability, since they are easier to store and transport than rifles or shotguns. They are also relatively lightweight compared to larger firearms and require less training to become proficient with. On the other hand, others caution against using a handgun due to its limited range and stopping power compared to other firearms. Additionally, some experts maintain that handguns are not an ideal choice for self defense because most assailants will typically still be too close for the user’s safety after firing multiple rounds from a handgun.
No matter which side you lean towards on this issue, it is clear that handguns still provide many benefits for prepper situations. In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the advantages that handguns offer when used for self-defense in prepper preparedness scenarios.
- According to a study from 2019, the most common type of gun used by preppers was a semi-automatic rifle. This firearm accounted for over 65% of all firearms owned by preppers.
- A study from 2018 found that shotguns were the second most popular type of gun owned by preppers, accounting for 15.7% of all firearms owned.
- According to a survey from 2020, 96.6% of respondents indicated that they thought having access to firearms would be essential for survival in an emergency situation.
Benefits of Handguns for Prepper Situations
Handguns can be a key component of any prepper’s gun collection and for their family. They have their advantages and disadvantages, but when used in the right scenarios, they can be very effective.
The most prominent benefit of a handgun is its size. A .45 caliber handgun can fit easily into a holster or backpack and be ready to deploy when necessary. This is especially important for preppers who are on-the-go and need quick access to a firearm. Handguns also boast a considerable range compared to other weapons, with some handguns able to accurately shoot targets up to 25 yards away.
On the other hand, many preppers may prefer rifles or shotguns because they are often more powerful than handguns and can cover longer ranges. Additionally, while there are some magnified handgun optics available on the market, it is still more difficult to shoot accurately and effectively at a further distance with a handgun than with a rifle or shotgun. This may be the determining factor for some preppers when deciding between different firearms for their arsenal.
Despite these drawbacks, handguns remain an invaluable tool for preppers due to their portability and ease of use. However, if you need better accuracy over long ranges, then it might make more sense to invest in other types of firearms such as long-range rifles. With that in mind, let’s now look at how long-range rifles can provide even more advantage in prepper situations.
Long-Range Rifles for Hunting
Long-range rifles can be a great asset for preppers, especially when it comes to hunting. While these specialized firearms can be pricey and require proficiency in order to use them effectively, they allow you to take down targets from long distances and bring in game quickly. Long-range rifles are also useful when it comes to self-defense and security against predators or other threats.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to long-range rifles. For one thing, they can be difficult to operate and maintain when compared to smaller arms like handguns or shotguns. Additionally, the larger size of these rifles makes them harder to carry and transport in an emergency situation.
Ultimately, preppers must decide whether the benefits of owning a long-range rifle is worth the effort that comes with maintenance and transportation costs. Considering the potential advantages that come with such a firearm in an emergency situation, having this kind of gun as part of a preparedness plan can certainly be beneficial.
Now that we’ve discussed why you might look into owning a long-range rifle as part of your prepping plan, let’s consider the types of long-range rifles that are available and what each has to offer.
Types of Long-Range Rifles to Consider
Long-range rifles are one of the most useful types of guns for survival because they allow you to engage targets at extended distances. While certain handguns, rifles, and shotguns may serve a variety of purposes ranging from sport to self-defense, long-range rifles provide an advantage on the battlefield or in hunting situations where distance can be the deciding factor between success and failure.
When choosing a long-range rifle for your prepping arsenal, consider your overall goals and environment. Though there are currently many types of firearms available that have been designed specifically for precision shooting at long ranges, most target shooters choose bolt action rifles for their accuracy and truly explore what the limit of accuracy means with various models by different manufacturers. It is also important to note that these types of rifles can be very expensive. For example, a well-made bolt action rifle could cost over $2,000 while a budget model would be around $400. Therefore, it’s important to take into consideration how often you plan on using the rifle and in what capacity before making a purchasing decision.
Though bolt action rifles offer exceptional accuracy when compared to other types of firearms, semi-automatic options have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to rapidly fire multiple shots in succession without having to manually cycle the action each time. They are ideal for most tactical operations since they allow you to quickly engage multiple threats without having to reload after each shot. Some potential downsides include recoil management and rapid overheating due to their higher rate of fire.
Ultimately, there are many factors that need to be considered when deciding which type of long-range rifle is right for your needs. However, regardless of your choice make sure you also invest in quality optics and other essential accessories that will ensure optimal performance and safety. With this in mind, let’s move onto discussing shotguns for home protection.
Shotguns for Home Protection
Shotguns are a popular choice for home defense due to their versatility, range and stopping power. Shotguns provide an excellent balance between power and accuracy and can be loaded with a variety of ammunition from buckshot to birdshot. Most shotguns are easy to fire, providing effective protection without the need for specialized training. The loud, concentrated blast of sound from a shotgun is often an effective deterrent, even without firing off a round.
When considering using a shotgun for home defense, it’s important to keep in mind the potential penetration of shotgun rounds through walls and into unintended targets such as neighbors or loved ones. Some experts argue that pump-action or break-action guns offer more control and safety than semi-auto models, but this is largely based on personal preference. Additionally, some newer semi-automatic firearms come with features like adjustable stocks, optics systems and muzzle brakes which could aid in accurate shooting without worrying about follow up shots.
Opponents of using shotguns for home defense argue that they are large and bulky weapons, requiring ample space for maneuvering and storage. Furthermore, most have limited magazine capacity compared to other firearms available for defensive use, with most only carrying four to five rounds in their tube magazines.
Overall, however, shotguns remain a popular choice for preppers looking for a powerful tool capable of providing defense against multiple targets and at greater distances than handguns. When used responsibly, they can be effective tools in ensuring the safety of everyone in the home.
Leading in to the next section: Choosing Ammunition for Shotguns is an important part of being sure that your shotgun is suitable for your needs.
Choosing Ammunition for Shotguns
When choosing ammunition for shotguns, it is important to remember that the shotgun itself is a very versatile weapon. Not only can it be used for hunting and home defense, but it can also fire a variety of ammo types. It is therefore essential to carefully consider which type of ammo is best suited for your needs as a prepper.
Standard buckshot ammunition is typically the most useful type of shotgun ammo for survival purposes. It provides a wide spread of projectiles that are effective against human attackers and unarmored vehicles. However, it has limited range and penetration, making it ill-suited for more distant targets or heavy barriers.
Alternatively, slugs offer greater accuracy, power, and range than buckshot. This makes them more suitable for long-range engagements and other specialized applications. However, their high penetration can create collateral damage if used carelessly in close quarters.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and the application at hand. Buckshot or slugs – or both – could be viable options depending on the situation.
Finally, semi-automatic firearms may be necessary in dangerous situations where long-range accuracy or rapid fire rates are required. In the following section we will take a look at some of the most popular semi-automatic guns among preppers today.
Most Important Summary Points
When choosing ammunition for shotguns for survival purposes, buckshot is the most common and useful type as it provides a wide spread of projectiles that are effective against human attackers and unarmored vehicles. However, slugs offer greater accuracy, power, and range than buckshot and can be used for more specialized applications. Depending on the situation, semi-automatic firearms may also be necessary for long-range accuracy or rapid fire rates.
Semi-Automatic Firearms for Dangerous Situations
When it comes to guns for survival, semi-automatic firearms are one of the most useful types. Semiautomatic firearms allow for fast followup shots in a given situation and are easy to fire accurately, reliably and safely. Semi-automatics often come with higher capacity magazines, allowing shooters to carry more rounds than with revolvers or single-shot firearms.
There is some debate as to whether semi-automatic firearms should be utilized by civilian preppers in dangerous situations. On the one hand, semiautos are designed with speed, accuracy and reliability in mind. They also offer larger capacity magazines that can be beneficial in certain scenarios where you might need lots of rounds on standby. On the other hand, some feel that semiautomatics are simply too powerful for civilians and that they should only be employed in military and law enforcement situations. It’s important for preppers to weigh both sides of this argument carefully before deciding which gun is best for their purposes.
Regardless of what side of the argument you find yourself on, getting the most from your firearms in prepper situations is important. In the next section we will look at how to do just that.
Getting the Most from Your Firearms in Prepper Situations
When it comes to prepper guns, having the right firearms can be the difference between life and death in a survival situation. Knowing how to get the most out of your firearms is essential if you are to achieve the desired outcome. Here are some tips for achieving maximum benefit from your firearms during a prepper event.
Research: Familiarizing yourself with all aspects of each firearm is key when using any type of gun for survival. Research each firearm that you plan on using so that you understand its features, limitations, and overall function in a prepper situation. Ensure that you know exactly how each firearm works and its optimal use before attempting to use one in an emergency.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential for any firearm. It ensures proper functioning and reliability when things get tough. To make sure that your firearms are working at full potential, ensure that they are kept clean and oiled regularly. Make sure all moving parts are free of any dust or debris and check them often to identify any irregularities or issues that might occur while in storage or use.
Practice: Just like with any skill, practice makes perfect. Firearms require frequent training sessions to ensure accuracy and competence in operation, especially during critical moments such as a prepper event. Learning how to rapidly load, fire, reload, aim accurately and identify targets quickly could be necessary in a battle situation and thus requires practice until mastery is achieved.
Debate:
The debate surrounding prepper guns centers around what types of firearms are best for survival situations. Some people believe military-style weapons such as assault rifles provide the best protection against multiple threats due to their range, accuracy and potential rate of fire, while others argue handguns provide the same level of protection with greater portability and easier concealment, which could prove invaluable in certain situations. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer and deciding which type of firearm to arm oneself with should take into account personal preferences as well as current laws concerning what types of weapons citizens may own in their respective jurisdictions.
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of using different types of guns for prepping?
The pros and cons of using different types of guns for prepping depend largely on what you plan to use the gun for. If you are stocking up in preparation for a potential SHTF scenario, then most people would agree that you should focus on military-style firearms with high capacity magazines such as AR-15s and AK variants, as they provide the most versatility in terms of the range of situations they can be used in. It is also easy to find replacement parts and magazines.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in hunting or sport shooting, then you should look into firearms specifically suited for those tasks, such as shotguns or bolt action rifles. Those types of firearms have lower magazine capacities and aren’t as well-suited for defending against multiple attackers, but they don’t require as much specialized ammunition and can be used safely by inexperienced shooters.
No matter which type of firearm you end up using, it is important to remember that safety must always come first when handling any type of gun. Make sure you educate yourself on the different types of firearms before purchasing one and always practice safe gun handling while out shooting or carrying it with you.
What factors should be considered when choosing guns for prepping?
When it comes to prepping and choosing guns for survival, several factors should be considered. First, you need to determine what the purpose of the gun is going to be – defensive, hunting, or both? Depending on your primary use, you will want to choose a model of gun that is best suited for that purpose.
How good is it in a crisis? Is it easy to hand when you need to bug-out fast are also questions a person should ask.
Next, consider the ammunition capacity of the gun. This will depend on how often you will be using the gun, but having higher capacity magazines can provide an edge in an emergency situation if the need arises.
Additionally, you should consider how easy the gun is to maintain. Guns require regular cleaning and lubrication in order to stay in working order, so make sure you choose a design that you are comfortable with and can manage with ease.
Finally, you should consider how easily accessible spare parts and accessories are for your chosen model. In some situations, sourcing replacement parts quickly may not always be possible, so having access to them from local stores or even online will ensure that your weapon remains in service should anything break or wear out over time.
All of these considerations will help ensure that whichever gun you choose is best suited to meet your needs as a prepper.
Are there any other weapons or tools that are useful in a prepper situation?
Yes, there are other useful weapons and tools in a prepper situation. For example, knives can be used for self-defense or to prepare food. There are also crossbows and slingshots, which offer greater range and power than knives but still require some skill to use effectively. Other tools such as shovels, axes, and machetes can be used to help build shelters or clear land for growing food. In addition, fire starters such as lighters or ferro rods can make starting up a campfire much easier. Finally, having a reliable w