Top Guns for Survival Scenarios

When it comes to a survival scenario, you will need a reliable firearm. A threatening situation will be a dangerous moment for you and your loved ones, so you must be ready to protect them. As such, you need the necessary tools to achieve this purpose, and the undeniable weapon of our time is a gun. However, selecting the right gun suitable for your situation can be overwhelming, given that there are several options in the market.

Arguably, there is no one best survival firearm because every disaster scenario is different. Some people may want a gun for home defense or hunting, while others will need it for target shooting. Whatever your situation is, check out our top gun choices for survival scenarios.

Glock 19

The Glock 19 pistol in 9mm is one of the greatest firepowers in the market, with a full-size G17 polymer frame and compact G19 slide for resistance to the elements. This handgun is more versatile than other models and allows for quick and accurate shooting. What is more, Glock 19 pistols are easy to operate, maintain, and highly effective. With the Glock 19 model, you don’t have to worry about finding magazines or spare as they are popular and found everywhere.

This firearm is about 5.94 inches long with a barrel length of 4 inches and a trigger pull of 5.8 pounds. It also comes with a 17/19 magazine capacity; one magazine loader, four interchangeable back-straps, a cleaning rod, and one bore brush, all packed in a coyote hard case.

Mossberg 500 FLEX JIC

The Mossberg 500 FLEX JIC (Just in Case) is the best modular shotgun ever made for self-defense. This pump-action machine is highly effective and reliable, providing outdoor enthusiasts and homeowners a way to tackle deadly situations. The Mossberg 500 FLEX JIC comes with a FLEX system to ensure versatility and high performance – you can swap barrels, fore-ends, and stocks to suit your requirements.

It is also considered one of the most comforting guns to be carried in a ‘just in case’ moment. Its full grip helps facilitate speed, accuracy, and maneuverability. The gun comes with a carrier bag for attacking accessories and helping users stay organized.

AR-15 Lowers

If you’re looking for the most effective, convenient, and reliable survival gun, you should consider an AR-15 lower model. The good thing is that you can find a model that suits your budget and function. AR-15 lower models are different in weight, manufacturing, and receiver materials, creating a huge price difference. Additionally, AR-15 lower receivers come in different configurations, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

AR HANDGUARDS

22 Semi-Automatic Rifle

The .22 Semi-Automatic Rifle, also known as SA-22 or Semi-Automatic 22, is one of the most versatile rifles today. They have a small cartridge design allowing for thousands of rounds of ammunition. It can be an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn how to shoot, target, plink, and honing fundamentals because of its low recoil.

The 22 Semi-Automatic Rifle’s other essential features include reduced penetration, low noise, and relatively low cost, making it the best rifle possible for pest control and small game hunting. The most popular Semi-Automatic 22 rifles include the Ruger 10/22, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, and the Marlin Model 60. All of these riffle models are reliable, accurate and can be optimized to meet your specific needs.

Smith & Wesson Model M&P R8

The Smith & Wesson Model M&P R8 is a modern service revolver that comes with rails for sight, lasers, and lights. Unlike conventional models, this center-fire handgun has a high capacity and stainless steel cylinder, maximizing its performance. Its design incorporates a scandium alloy frame for maintaining the gun’s weight down to about 36.4 ounces. Additionally, the M&P R8 comes with a two-piece barrel and a steel shroud held by a muzzle using a special nut to ensure barrel tension and increase accuracy.

Furthermore, the revolver utilizes all the modern features incorporated in the S&W revolver designs. Forget about the conventional pinned barrel, hammer-mounted firing pin, and pressed-in cylinder stop. Some modern changes include a cylinder stop, angular cuts, frame-mounted firing pin, and extractor star arms to keep the gun in position. The revolver also has a clean single-action pull and a smooth double-action pull, along with a smooth face measuring about 0.27 inches to help maintain high-performance.

A Survivalists Guide To Body Armor

Owning body armor these days makes a lot of sense for civilians as well as professionals in the security industry. With crime statistics through the roof in recent years, frequent terrorist attacks, violent protests and demonstrations – more and more people are viewing the purchase of a tactical vest as a sound investment.

It’s hard to put into words just how important body armor is, but let’s just say – it can be the difference between life and death in a number of scenarios. Still, many survivalists are quick to buy different type of guns and ammo, but overlook protective vests. However, it’s really this simple – if you own a gun or plan on owning a gun, you should also have a bulletproof vest in your house.

It’s a common trait of all survivalist to plan ahead, to be prepared. Equipping yourself with adequate protection helps you stay safe in specific circumstances. You need to understand how body armor works, what it can and cannot do for you against different threats, and how to select the best one for you.

Types and Styles of Body Armor

While there are 6 levels of protection in ballistic armor, there are three forms of armor platforms: covert,overt armor and tactical overt.

Covert armor is worn under the clothing and can be easily concealed. It is lightweight and flexible, making it idea for prolonged use. Recent advancements in the development of body armor have allowed the use of breathable materials that improve heat transfer, making it more comfortable for the wearer.

Overt armor’s main function is to protect the wearer and can also be used to intimidate the opposition. It comes in a variety of colors, styles and levels, although it is usually used when a high threat level exists. Overt armor is typically bulkier and heavier than covert and it conveys a sense of authority. Apart from offering more protection, its other main benefit is that it’s easy and quick to put on and take off.

Tactical armor is worn in a situation that is associated with a high degree of risks that prove too much for soft armor to handle. This means that it is likely for armor-piercing rounds to be used. This type of system relies on a combination of overt armor fitted with additional SAPI (hard ceramic) plates and panels that cover the neck, arms, thighs and groin area for maximum safety.

Levels of protection

Body Armor is rated at different levels based on the NIJ standards. Because the protection of the armor increases with the level, so does its weight and the cost. Ballistic body armor is rated by the Department of Justice against different round calibers. Basic soft body armor does not stop penetration from sharp objects and weapons, but it will stop thick-bladed stabs and offers protection against slashing attacks. These makes them suitable to wear in places, where there are large gatherings of people (protests, marches, during riots, etc.) as in close quarters – people often use concealable but deadly weapons, such as knives, broken bottles, screw drivers or other piercing objects to cause harm.

Survivalists who want to ensure they receive maximum protection can go for a combination of ballistic and stab proof systems that are available for purchase online but they are more expensive. In terms of bullets – pistol bullets are easier to stop than rifle bullets, because they are slower. This type of combined protection gives the best chances of surviving in risky situations, such as riots or a scenario, where you might need to travel from point A to point B while facing attacks and poor weather conditions.

Basic levels, such as Level IIA. (Level I is not in use anymore) through IIIA are considered soft body armor types and don’t always offer sufficient protection in high-tension situations, while Level IV provides the fullest protection against pistol and melee weapons but is bulkier and heavier on the wearer.

Do some research and compare the different options on body armor available online. Make sure you measure correctly and select a vest that fits well, is lightweight and comfortable apart from offering a high level of protection – these are just a few of the ground rules that every survivalist should stick to when shopping for body armor.

4 Reasons To Add a Pellet Air Gun To Your Survival Gun Arsenal

You read the heading correct – I said Pellet Gun. Yes, the kind powered by air – just 1 step above a BB gun. I own many guns of many calibers and styles for many different purposes. Among these is a good quality Pellet Air Gun and it’s not just because I still have it from when I was a kid. I INTENTIONALLY have added this gun to my survival rifle options for very specific reasons…which I have detailed below. If you’ve never considered a Pellet Gun as a survival rifle option, you might change your mind after reading this post.

Next to my 12 Gauge Mossberg and my Ruger 10-22 sits a very cool and collected Benjamin Sheridan 392 .22 caliber Multi-Pump Pellet Gun and I treat it with the same respect as it is a very specialized soldier in my arsenal.

Benjamin Sheridan 392 .22 Cal Multi-Pump Pellet Gun

As a student and instructor of survival living, I take my gun choices very seriously and only add one to my cabinet if it deserves to be there. Below are 4 reasons (in no particular order) why a Pellet Gun deserves to be including in your Survival Rifle selection:

Survival Reason # 1: Excellent Small Game Hunter

A pellet gun, especially .22 caliber, is an excellent weapon to take down small game. While people have taken larger game such as wild boars with air guns, they are best suited for small game. Hunting small game is perfect for any survivalist. Rabbit, squirrel, dove, quail, duck and the like are excellent food sources and are readily available in most of the country. With practice, hunting small game with a pellet gun is absolutely no problem.

Small Game Hunter

I have taken many small game animals with my .22 cal pellet gun. It requires better stalking skills, but that is a good skill to learn anyway. It requires better shooting skills, but that is also a good skill to hone in on. Hunting with a pellet gun will force you to be a BETTER hunter and it will also put dinner on the table.

Survival Reason # 2: The AMMO

The Pellet Gun’s AMMO is one of the more convincing reasons to have one on hand. Pellets, no matter the caliber, are very cheap.

.177 cal Pellets – 500 Count for $10

You can buy 100s of pellets for just a few bucks. Spend $50 and you’ve got enough to last a lifetime of small game hunting. If all hell breaks loose, traditional ammunition will become increasingly difficult to get your hands on. Not to mention that it will be ridiculously expensive. If the world we live in ever gets this way, why waste your traditional ammo on hunting squirrel or other small game? That would be wasteful and careless if there was a smarter way. There is – PELLETS.

1000s of Pellets Fit into Small Spaces

Not only are pellets DIRT CHEAP, they are very small. You can carry 1000s and not even know they are there. You can store 10s of 1000s in just 1 shoe box. To top it off, pellets have a shelf life of pretty much FOREVER! Traditional ammunition can go bad over time. Especially with the talks of giving ammunition an expiration date, stocking a few 1000 pellets isn’t a bad idea.

Worse case scenario you could use all these extra pellets to reload your shot-gun shells.

Reload Empty Shotgun Shells With Pellets

Survival Reason # 3: Silent Shooter

Forget the earplugs. These guns are silent. In many survival scenarios, a silent weapon is a good thing. Not only can you hunt without drawing attention to yourself or your family, but shooting a silent weapon often means you can get off more than 1 shot if there are multiple targets. Both of these are positive. People pay 1000s of $$$ to make their guns silent. No extra charge for the pellet gun.

Survival Reason # 4: Powered By Air

You don’t have to buy air. And, it’s never going to be out of stock. For this reason, I prefer either a MULTI-PUMP or BREAK-BARREL Pellet Air Gun. I have opted NOT to purchase a CO2 or pneumatic powered air gun. Needing to refill canisters or tanks doesn’t make any sense in a survival situation. You want to keep it as old fashioned as possible. It’s hand pump all the way for this survivalist.

Break-Barrel Survival Pellet Guns

There are tons of options when it comes to Hand Pump or Break Barrel guns. They both come in .177 and .22 calibers. The fps varies depending on the gun. My Multi-Pump Sheridan shoots 850 fps but there are models out there that shoot upwards of 1250 fps which rivals some rim-fire cartridges. Like anything, the details are personal choices. However, I definitely suggest a PUMP or BREAK-BARREL so that you can manually charge your air chamber rather than being dependent on other air supply products.

So there you have it, 4 solid reasons why I keep a Pellet Gun in my survival arsenal.

I hope this has been useful information and as always I would love you hear your thoughts and comments.

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About Willow Haven Outdoor & Creek Stewart

Creek Stewart is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Willow Haven Outdoor – a leading Survival and Preparedness Training Facility located on 21-acres in Central Indiana. For more information on Survival Courses and Clinics offered at WHO, click HERE.

5 Tips For Finding The Right Firearm For Your Situation

If you finally decide to own a personal firearm, there are several considerations that you must consider before purchase. It would be best if you had a clear intention for your gun use, as it could be for pleasure, personal defense, work, hunt, or any other purpose. It’s crucial to make the proper selection for your first firearm purchase to ensure that you’ll be happy and satisfied with it, as you would be using it for many years.

It could be overwhelming to go into a gun shop and find the best firearm from their wide range of choices. It’s imperative first to know what kind of gun you like to own. Perhaps you’re interested in a single stack 9mm handgun or some other pistol? Whatever brand you prefer, and whichever factors and features are essential for you, you must do your research and understand their differences.

Consider the following tips in finding the perfect firearm for your situation:

Know Its Purpose

Guns will have many different features depending on their purpose. This means that if you plan to purchase a firearm as a means for defense, you’ll end up having something completely different than when you find a gun for shooting competitions. You must determine your reason for wanting to purchase one first before looking for all the selections available.

If you’re looking for survival firearms, there is no one definite best firearm as scenarios are varied. Take advantage of learning about the different kinds of weapons instead.

Another thing is to decide is the frequency of use for your gun. Are you planning to use it regularly? If so, this factor should also influence your purchase decisions. You can ask for an expert’s advice as to which gun is best for regular use.

Choose Between New or Used Guns

If you have budget restrictions, it’s understandable to want to buy a used firearm instead. However, you must be careful of its condition, so make sure to find something that comes from a conscientious owner. As a second-hand buyer, you must inspect the pistol meticulously to avoid any problems and conflicts later.

On the other hand, if you have enough money to splurge for a brand-new gun, go for it because nothing will beat the quality and condition of being the first owner of a firearm. There are many perks for brand-new guns, like a factory-backed warranty, friendly support from authorized dealers, and you can inquire about many other accessories and firearm parts to give you practical gun knowledge.

Choose Between A Pistol or Revolver

Before coming up with the features and functions you want, you need to decide if you wish to have a revolver or a pistol.

Revolvers are no longer common for service use because they usually have limited bullet capacity on their cylinder. It also requires ample time for you to load up the bullets. If you want a semi-automatic function, then this type of gun is not for you.

Furthermore, revolvers are also larger and heavier, so it’s not convenient to bring them around, mainly because it’s challenging to conceal. On the brighter side, revolvers are exceptionally reliable as well as easy to control and maintain. These are some of its good sides, so think about their merits and demerits well before purchasing a revolver.

As for pistols, they have dominated the professional field of service and defense these days, primarily because of their semi-automatic function. The design is modern; they are highly reliable, functional, and safe to use for any circumstances. They also offer a wide range of use. With its high magazine capacity and fast reloading procedure, you won’t ever have to take time before you can start shooting again. Find 80 lowers here.

fn guns

Enroll in A Firearms Training Course

Before purchase, it’s highly recommended for you to take up a training course first. There are many benefits to tactical training for civilians as you learn more about the weapon’s safety and proper handling. You will also be educated about the different types of guns and which ones would be comfortable for you to use. Other than that, you’ll also have an opportunity to test out different firearms and seek advice from your instructors, who are gun experts.

Try Before You Buy

Feel free to finally go to a gun store if you have already finished the tips mentioned above. You can inquire about the specific gun you want and ask for further information and recommendations. Being able to touch and see the weapon personally can somehow help you decide, but make sure to handle the gun in a safe manner, as it could be dangerous.

If possible, it would be better for you to try the gun you want first at a shooting range, with the guidance and support of an experienced shooting instructor. It’s different when you can test and try out how the gun works in your own hands.

Conclusion

Besides the required skills for using a firearm and a steady hand when shooting, educate yourself further about the firearm aspects, products, models, and accessories. Don’t forget to practice your shooting skills, too, if you want to be a better handler of your gun. Use these tips, and you’ll be able to find the perfect firearm eventually.

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