FIREARMS

There are a ton of threads out there about firearms. So I will make it simple.

1. TRAIN
2. SAFETY

Pistols - Primary defense weapon. If you have to defend yourself this is the firearm that you will likely use to do so. The most important thing is how comfortable it is in you hand. Can you grip it correctly, is it to heavy, to light? Caliber is not as important as people say. Granted I would rather have that .45 ACP than a .25 ACP, however that .25 ACP will do the job and i can hide it a lot easier if need be. Distance wise, if you have to use a pistol to protect yourself most likely it will be withing 25 yards. In most cases it will be in 10 - 15 feet. Stick to the common calibers: .22 LR, .380 ACP, .357 magnum, 9mm, .40 cal, .45 ACP

Shotguns - A good shot gun is worth it weight in gold. Next to a pistol this is my top choice. Main advantage is they are very versatile, main disadvantage is they are very versatile. Shotguns are usually geared to a certain task: Home defense or hunting. It is hard to hunt with a short barreled shot gun. Also a shotgun with a 24" barrel is hard to defend your home with. Stick with the common gauges: 12 ga (large bird, deer), 20 ga (small bird, coyote), .410 (small bird, rabbit). For defense, any work just fine, they are short range.

Rifles - Two primary types

Long gun - Used for hunting. Caliber is very important here. Stay to the main calibers: 30-06, 25-06, .308, 30-30, .223. DO NOT BE AN ARM CHAIR SNIPER! Not the weapon of choice unless you know what you are doing.

AR/SKS/AK - These weapons are great, if you know how to use them. Stay away from them unless you know what you are doing. In which case we would not be having this conversation. They are great weapons, but they make you stand out. Ammo is easy to get in a SHTF situation though. Military and police use them.

The cure most.

.22LR, get one! Best weapon out there for SHTF situations. They are light, quite, versatile, ammo is easy to fine (not right now though), cheap. Will handle most situations you find yourself in. Stay with the semi-auto kind though. Large ammo capacity and you can get multiple shots off quickly if needed.