The Best Guns & Calibers to Own on Doomsday
Whenever global or national emergencies happen, guns and ammo sales always spike, and for good reason.
Guns are a legitimate tool for survival.
But is everyone buying the guns that will be most useful after the world as we know it has ended, or are they wasting their money on paperweights?
After reading this guide, you’ll have a clear direction on which guns, calibers, and other tools you should own before SHTF, so you’ll be prepared for the worst.
Handguns
Because I’m a self-admitting “firearms-aholic,” it would surprise my wife that I believe there are only two handguns you’ll need when doomsday takes place.
One is a revolver, preferably chambered in a prevalent round, like 9mm (yes, 9mm revolvers exist) or 45 ACP.
I want it in a common caliber because ammo will be much easier to come by (remember, ammunition is no longer getting produced at factories). If you have a handloading press and supplies, you can reload your casings for a while.
As much as I love the Taurus Judge, I don’t think .410 shotshells or .45 Colt ammo will be nearly as abundant as 9mm or 45 ACP, but it still ranks up towards the top of the charts as one of the handguns I’ll have strapped to me.
The reason for a revolver is simply because they work in the worst of conditions, and they’re much easier to fix than a semi-automatic pistol.
But I also want a semi-auto, chambered in the same caliber as my revolver, 9mm or 45 ACP. This allows me to carry more ammo and not be concerned with which round I’m loading into my gun when things get a little hairy.
The semi-auto will be the first handgun I grab and discard when it breaks or malfunctions, then it’s time to bring out the revolver.
Long Guns
I would love access to several long guns, but realistically, I’ll primarily rely on two or three.
An AK-47 is at the top of my list because it reliably performs in good and poor conditions, such as in the mud, desert, or cold weather. It’s also chambered in 7.62x39, which is commonly found around the world.
Don’t worry, I won’t leave out America’s rifle, the AR-15. While it’s not as reliable as the AK-47, it’s still a solid choice, especially if you plan to spend your time in urban areas. My top caliber for the AR platform is 6.5 Creedmoor because it’s a standard caliber and shoots flatter and further than a 5.56 NATO, yet you can still carry the same amount of ammo.
If 6.5 Creedmoor isn’t an option, stick with the 5.56 NATO because you can shoot both 5.56 NATO and 223 rounds out of the same gun, but the same can’t be said for an AR chambered in 223.
Lastly, I want a 12 gauge pump shotgun. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to shooting a 12 gauge for waterfowl hunting, but I think it’s because a shotgun is hard to beat in close quarters, and 12 gauge shotshells are readily available and easily reloadable.
All three long guns mentioned above can be used for protection and hunting, so stocking up on these calibers should be your primary focus over handgun ammo.
Non-Firearm Protection Tools
I’m also a huge proponent of learning to make and shoot a bow and arrow. Eventually, all the ammo will get used (faster than most think), and then how will you protect and provide for your loved ones and yourself?
A bow and arrow will be the next best option. I wouldn’t choose a compound bow because it has too many moving parts that will break. A recurve or long bow will be your best bet.
Parting Shots
I don’t think it’s wise to have various firearms in various calibers if you’re preparing for the worst-case scenario. Owning three to four guns in the most common calibers will be ideal because you’ll be more likely to come across extra ammo.
First, focus on stocking up on rifle ammo, then handgun ammo, since the rifle should be your primary weapon.
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