Over the past 10 years, more or less, the post-apocalyptic craze has taken the US by storm. A zombie novel, after a deadly viral movie, after a cheap zombie show, people are fascinated by the possibility of the world ending as we know it. Of course, we know that one day the world will face problems similar to those faced in the film or program, but on that day it will most likely be seen by our descendants.
Our world is full of survival enthusiasts who hope to be prepared if there was ever a time when survival was not safe. They selected weapons, shelters, supplies, and ideal plans to put into practice in the event of a disaster. Nor does it have to be on a post-apocalyptic level, it could be as simple as getting lost in the woods or sleeping in your car because it broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Being prepared can save your life and the lives of others. While every weapon on this survival list deals lethal damage to enemies, the Ruger 10/22 is the best survival weapon money can buy.
Barrett .50 BMG
First on the list is the Barrett .50 BMG sniper rifle. Even though the gun has so much noise and fuss, Barrett has solid protection. If you're starting to build an arsenal of survival weapons, I don't recommend buying the Barrett right away for two main reasons. Barrett is almost impossible to move quickly and is useless in close combat.
The Barrett is one of the top 10 survival tools on the market, but it won't be the most reliable or most doable. In fact, Barrett could kill you when you're alone because it pierces your ears, it's easy enough to spot, and there's not a ton of ammo to charge it with.
A huge advantage of the Barrett .50 BMG is the various types of cartridges such as armor perforation, incendiary, etc. desired.
AR-15
Most survivors would have placed the AR-15 nearby, if not at the top of the pack. The main reason for this is the sheer devastation these weapons can cause to anything in their path. This is not at the top of my survival list due to a few sensitive reasons. Perhaps the AR-15's biggest downfall as one of the top 10 survival gear is the AR-15's gas combustion system.
The gas system makes the AR-15 more difficult to clean than most rifles and therefore compromises the pistol's reliability. On the opposite side of that coin, the fast bullets, millimeter accuracy, and similarity in caliber and rifle parts make this AR-15 a great piece to keep in his arsenal for years to come.
Recent hostile domestic situations have limited the price and availability of this pistol for the average consumer, but if you find an AR-15, you'll be pleased with its price tags. $1,000 will get you this deadly weapon, which is a bargain considering it used to cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
Prepper's Illegal Firearms
We come to the most interesting part, the conversion of signal PMoids into rubber and firearms. 223 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. There are many PM-shaped pistols on the Internet, such as pneumatic, signal, and SHP.
The modification using the MP 371 as an example is carried out by knocking out the old barrel and purchasing a new barrel, since there are offers for barrels for 11 and 13 earrings. What is an earring in MP 371? Roughly speaking, this is the diameter of the mounting hole for the barrel (when the old barrel is knocked out, where the barrel is inserted - the diameter of the holder (earring) can be either 11 mm or 13 mm). All this is illegal and punishable by law.
The earring, this is the place where the barrel is installed on the MP 371, has a diameter of 11 mm. P411 has 13 mm. The latter, by the way, is considered the best option, because... its diameter is equal to the diameter of the real PM trunk.
The cartridges are taken by converting them from blanks - a self-tapping screw is screwed into the plug and pulled out of the cartridge case. Gunpowder is added and a new ball is inserted with a press. Both balls and blank cartridges are freely available. You can get confused and buy dies for loading rubber cartridges.
This is interesting: Types of folding knives
The result is a rubber spit (with a live cartridge, such a pistol will simply tear apart due to the weakness of the walls). Ammo misalignment and criminal cases are the reality of such pistols.
From three years in a penal colony, if you cooperate with the investigation, you can get off with a suspended sentence, but again, provided that no other crime was committed with this weapon.
Glock 19 (9mm)
Every survivor needs a firearm that can be quickly drawn with lethal force, and that is why the Glock 19 is one of the 10 best survival weapons. While the Glock 19 is not as lethal as the Caliber Barrett .50 or AR-15, it has a lot to offer when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. The Glock can be easily hidden below the waist or even in a well-positioned sleeve, making it ideal for attacking at short notice. Another big advantage of the Glock 19 is that it is 9mm.
9mm is used by gun enthusiasts and is one of the most common calibers. If you want a pistol that you can always find ammo and parts for, the Glock 19 is your best option. The Glock 19 is a necessary upgrade to your arsenal and can be purchased in the $500 to $700 range—a small price to pay for peace of mind.
The best long guns for survival according to skilledsurvival.com
The best long guns for survival according to skilledsurvival.com
Compiling such ratings is always a compromise, because the ideal rifle or shotgun for survival simply does not exist. Situations are different, and having as many as ten weapons at your disposal for every possible scenario is not very advisable.
In this rating, survival scenarios are divided into the following categories:
- Small Game Hunting
- Big Game Hunting
- Perimeter protection over 200 meters
- Self-defense at a distance of up to 200 meters
- Self-defense at close range
Small Game Hunting
In a situation where you have to survive in the wild, small game cannot be neglected. There are much more squirrels, rabbits and other small things than deer, and three or four rabbits a day will easily feed the whole family.
Ruger 10 22 Take-Down
There are many excellent rifles chambered in .22 LR for this task. This cartridge is extremely popular in the USA, and as soon as a new batch arrives at the store, it is immediately scattered. This is a very versatile cartridge, and it weighs little.
The best rifle in this category is the Ruger 10/22 Take-Down. Ruger is renowned for its durability and reliability. And this model can be easily disassembled and put into a backpack. Second place – Remington 597
Remington 597
Big Game Hunting
Are you tired of the rabbits, and then a deer appears in the distance? For such a task, you need something more powerful, capable of killing from 300 meters, and not just wounding. This is where a cartridge with a bullet weighing 170-220 grains, with an initial velocity of around 900 meters, comes in handy. The .30-06, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, or 7.62x54 mm R cartridge is exactly what you need.
Remington 700
The Remington 700 rifle is best suited for this task. It is extremely popular in the US Army, and paired with a quality optical sight is ideal for this task. Second place - Winchester Model 70
Winchester Model 70
Perimeter protection over 200 meters
Perimeter defense involves destroying the enemy from a long distance. Accuracy and lethality play a key role here. To hunt the most dangerous animal - humans - you will need something semi-automatic, with a high rate of fire.
AR-15
Here, without a doubt, the choice falls on the AR-15. The 5.56 NATO round has negligible recoil, which means follow-up shots are quick and accurate without the shooter having to re-aim. Second place – Ruger SR-762
Ruger SR-762
Self-defense up to 200 meters
Self-defense at this range requires a rifle that is reliable and accurate. It does not necessarily have to hit targets from 400 meters - hitting a target the size of a person from 100 meters is enough. But it is important to understand that the target will shoot back. Every shot counts, and it is better that the weapon does not jam. The AR-15, with its problem with cartridges biting, is no help here.
Kalashnikov assault rifle
In this situation, the favorite weapon of every dictator, despot and communist - the AK-47 - will come to the rescue. It is durable, reliable, accurate, and is unlikely to fail in a critical situation. Second place – Ruger Mini-30
Ruger Mini-30
Self-defense at close range
Imagine that the enemy is already in the house. The ideal choice would be a pistol, but there is no such category in this rating. In such a situation, you will have to shoot at anything and pray. If you have an AK or AR at hand, you will make a lot of holes in the walls and possibly kill everyone in your house.
Mossberg 500
Choose a gun - Mossberg 500, for example. A shot towards the enemy is guaranteed to injure him. The shot will cause a lot of damage to him, but depending on the opponent's physical form, he can still be dangerous to you. Note the 12 gauge bullet. After such a bullet hits any part of the body, he will no longer be able to fight back, because such a projectile causes enormous injuries. But at the same time accuracy suffers. So the choice is yours. Second place – Winchester SXP Extreme Defender Shotgun
Winchester SXP Extreme Defender Shotgun
You can also try and choose one and only survival rifle. According to the author, this is a Ruger Mini-14.
Sig Sauer P226
These days, most police departments use the Sig Sauer P226, which means it's another extremely common item that can be found almost anywhere. When it comes to survival, the Sig Sauer is perfect. A relatively small and easily concealed pistol, the Sig Sauer is devastating and surprisingly accurate. You would be surprised if this gun is not in your survival arsenal because it is one of the 10 most important survival tools in the world.
While the Sig Sauer is not the most reliable weapon on this list, it is well suited for use in life or death situations. As stated earlier, the Sig Sauer can be used by many police and military units, but the weapon is also sold to the public.
The P226 can be purchased from most gun dealers for around $1,000. This pistol is a little more expensive than the Glock 19, but if customization is important, the P226 is the one for you.
Marlene Papoose
Don't let the funny name fool you; Marlin Papoose is a tuned survival machine. Weighing only 4 pounds, the Papoose is one of the easiest weapons on this list. The gun takes just a few seconds to disassemble and has a sleek case to hold all the parts. Forged from stainless steel, the Papoose is unlikely to break or malfunction due to its rugged construction. What makes the Marlin Papoose one of the 10 best survival weapons is its deadly accuracy and the fact that it is a .22 caliber rifle.
The .22 caliber rifle has a much better chance of finding matching parts and ammo than most of the other weapons on this list, making it a must-have for survival arsenals. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the Marline Papoose is its price; Just $300 to have one of the best survival tools for your situation.
Henry Arms AR-7
If there was a rifle that was the face of survival, it would be the Henry Arms AR-7. Henry Gun was made specifically to be a survival weapon. This rifle was even used as the standard survival rifle for pilots around the world in the event of an emergency behind enemy lines. The rifle breaks down into small parts that fit into the stock, making the rifle as easy to carry as cake. The AR-7 is already waterproof as well as lightweight.
The most intriguing part of the Henry Arms AR-7 model is that it is a .22 caliber rifle that holds more ammunition than is typically found in the magazine. Instantly, you will make this piece the 10 most important survival weapon in your survival weapon family when you see that it only costs $300 to purchase.
Armalite Survival AR-7 Portable Rifle
Ordinary rifles are bulky and inconvenient; carrying them around is a dubious pleasure, especially if you are being pursued. But there are also unusual models. For example, the Survival AR–7 can be easily thrown into any backpack. The secret is simple - the rifle is folding, and its butt is a cover for all parts of the weapon. When folded, the length of the Survival AR-7 is only 42 cm, and the “gun” weighs 1.6 kg. You can assemble it in less than a minute without any additional tools. True, not everyone will like the stock made of ABS plastic, but we had to pay for the compactness. .22 LR cartridges .
If the fire is carried out at dusk, the favorite time of zombies, then you can also buy a reflective sight, like the front sight on the MP-153.
There are three versions of the rifle:
- US Survival AR-7 Black, $305
- US Survival AR-7 True Timber-Kanati Camo, $368
- US Survival AR-7 True Time-Viper Western Camo, $368
The AR-7 is not sold in Russia (sorry if I upset anyone).
Buy in USA
Ruger Redhawk
The Redhawk Ruger is a .44 Magnum revolver that can blow a vicious hole through anything that gets in its way. Redhawk is known for taking down bears and stopping them in their tracks. The Redhawk's presence in closed rooms shows why it is considered one of the top 10 survival tools in use today.
The Redhawk Ruger was specifically designed to withstand more stress than normal due to its stainless steel construction and longer cylinder. Although this revolver cannot be easily hidden, nothing will bother you once the Redhawk is in your hand. The Redhawk is highly reliable and can even be customized with a scope designed for the revolver.
The sphere probably isn't worth spending the money on, but there's no denying it would be fun to play with. For those concerned about price, the Ruger Redhawk can be found for around $1,000, which isn't a bad price when you realize you're getting a death machine in the process.
Remington 870 (12 gauge)
Now things get better with the first and only shotgun on the list. Without a doubt, when choosing a survival shotgun, the best choice is 12 gauge. Most of the damage will be dealt while maintaining the accuracy you would expect from a shotgun. Accuracy is not the reason why the Remington 870 is one of the 10 most important survival weapons a civilian can buy, other than outright destruction.
There are few animals or creatures that can overcome shotgun dew. No matter what you're trying to get, a well-placed warning shot will terrorize most intruders on the spot. And if that doesn't work, a devastating shot will stop any advance towards you. The main reason why the Remington 870 ranks so high on the list is because it is a shotgun.
Pump-action shotguns allow the shooter to have more than two rounds ready to go at any time, rather than having to disarm the shotgun to reload, losing valuable time in the process. The Remington 870 is pretty cheap considering how useful a shotgun is during survival. It retails for around $400 at most dealers, which is a coveted price compared to most of the other guns on the list.
Firearms for hunting, survival and self-defense
Any sane person understands perfectly well what a significant role civilian weapons play in modern life, especially firearms for hunting, survival and self-defense. Just a disclaimer - we are not discussing the issue of citizens using weapons to maintain law and order, it is a very specific topic... Moreover, in this article we discussed this issue in detail.
So, let's get back to our sheep... Let the narrow-minded hoplophobes and liberal-minded pacifists scream about the unreal horrors and terrible deaths that evil pistols, shotguns and rifles personally caused to them (while demanding that they themselves be protected by other people, and preferably armed ).
But a normal person will go and buy a firearm for hunting, survival or self-defense - you never know what will happen. As they say - “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!”
And here a logical question arises...
The content of the article
How to choose a firearm for hunting, survival and self-defense?
The problem is that hunting weapons are not always suitable for self-defense, and vice versa, but survival weapons are a different story altogether. Let's just say - there is no such option that all three tasks - hunting, survival and self-defense, can be completed 100%. Something will have to be sacrificed somewhere. But a suitable solution can always be found.
Before we move directly to the recommendations, let's look at the main weapon options.
Gun
There are traumatic pistols (as civilian weapons are allowed in Russia and some CIS countries), there are combat pistols (as civilian weapons - prohibited in Russia and the CIS, permitted in America, many European countries, the Baltic states, etc.).
Even as a weapon for self-defense, a traumatic pistol is downright bad. Especially considering the climatic conditions and the clothes that people wear in countries that are not the hottest. They generally try to talk about hunting and survival with injury in a whisper and when there is no one around.
Combat pistols, that is, normal short-barreled firearms, would be much preferable. You can even somehow hunt, especially if you use special modules to transform the pistol into something similar to a carbine.
But for now one can only drool over such pistols and slowly promote the idea of the need for civilian short-barreled firearms to the masses. So the next option is...
Smoothbore firearms
As is clear from the title, this is a weapon with a smooth barrel, designed to fire cartridges with shot, buckshot or bullets of 12, 20, .410, etc. caliber. It is also our favorite shotgun.
A smoothbore gun is a good help in home defense, and it is completely legal. However, shot or buckshot have terrible destructive power at close ranges and almost none at medium distances. Bullets - they gain a little in range, but only just a little. And at the same time, buckshot or shot does not have the advantage of a dispersion cone, or otherwise, scree.
As a firearm for hunting, shotguns have been used everywhere for a long time, due to their flexibility of use, destructive power and variety of ammunition. For survival - can be used for the same reasons.
The scattering of shot "forgives" the shooter's mistakes in aiming, but only at close distances. For example, shot is an ideal ammunition when shooting at flying birds.
But what the shotgun lacks is striking range, high accuracy and penetrating ability.
These shortcomings are free...
Rifled firearms
Clarification - we are talking about long-barreled weapons with a rifled barrel, since the barrel of a pistol also has grooves.
A rifled weapon fires a solid-state bullet with a characteristic “cone-shaped” nose. The rifling in the barrel of the weapon gives the bullet rotation around its longitudinal axis, due to which the bullet stabilizes in flight and flies along a ballistic trajectory, very accurately and far.
Another undeniable advantage of rifled weapons is the weight of the ammunition. While 50 12-gauge shotshells weigh about 2.5 kg, the same number of .223-gauge shells weighs just under 600 grams.
It would seem that a carbine with a rifled barrel is an ideal firearm for hunting, survival and self-defense, but there is one small point.
The fact is that the future shooter, hunter or survivalist, by law, will have to start with a smooth-bore weapon. It is believed that a shotgun is simpler, weaker and serves to “gain experience” (but we know what a shotgun really is - editor’s note). And only after the expiration of the 5-year period will it be possible to switch to rifled ones.
Therefore, just like a pistol, let’s leave rifled weapons out of sight for now. Let's assume that a shotgun is the optimal weapon for hunting, survival and self-defense.
Weapon selection criteria
However, even with smooth-bore weapons, everything is not so simple. You can, of course, choose anything, as long as you can shoot, train with him, and then, when the time comes, move on to something serious, but that’s not the point. It’s better to immediately choose a smooth-bore weapon for hunting, which you can, if anything, trust with your life. And when choosing such a tool, you need to pay special attention to the following factors.
Weapon weight
Ideally, a gun should weigh no more than 1/22 of the hunter's weight. If it is more, then it will be difficult to move with it and simply hold it in your hands for a long time.
If it is less, it is more difficult to cope with the recoil. Or the weapon will not be powerful enough.
Balance and comfort
The balance of a weapon and its ergonomics are purely individual qualities. And if one particular barrel doesn’t “fit into the hand” at all, then another will have the feeling that he was born with this weapon. Therefore, just at least hold the gun in your hands, invest yourself, try to aim.
There is another way to check your guesses - if after the shot the barrel returns to the aiming line with ease, then the gun is good. If you have to make additional adjustments, adjust the aiming line, invest and generally spend extra time on aiming, then think about it.
USM
The mainspring must be powerful and produce a clear and loud click after pressing the trigger when there is no cartridge in the chamber. The fuse should be convenient for you and work clearly, turn off and turn on without a hitch.
So, when we decided that we need a long-barreled smooth-bore weapon, we went through the main selection criteria, let’s move on to the main question...
Which firearm to choose for hunting, survival and self-defense?
Let's get three things clear right away. Firstly, we are not here for war, so we ask Vepr/Saiga fans with 24-round drum magazines to moderate their ardor a little.
Secondly, the task of our weapons is indecently simple - hunting birds and small animals, with the likelihood of using the weapon for survival/self-defense, that is, shooting with buckshot or a bullet at large “game”.
Third, and most importantly, such a weapon for hunting, survival and self-defense must be: a) simple, b) resistant to falling/dirt/clogging, etc., c) repairable, and e) cheap.
Therefore, based on these conditions, we will not conduct a large-scale analysis of everything at domestic and foreign weapons dives, but we will tell you about what has long proven itself.
TOZ-34
TOZ-34 is an extremely successful design, developed back in 1964.
Since then, it has remained virtually unchanged, except, of course, for some interesting modifications. The original gun was distinguished by a vertical barrel layout, the presence of two triggers and internal hammers, a rigidly fixed fore-end and a fairly comfortable butt. The most popular shotguns were 12 and 28 gauges. Subsequently, modifications were developed with a rubber butt pad (P), an ejector mechanism (E), chambered for different cartridges (upper - .22LR, lower - .20/70), as well as a single-barrel lightweight version chambered for .12/70
According to reports from the Tula Arms Plant, more than one million TOZ-34 of various modifications were produced. Not bad for a fairly simple hunting rifle.
MR-27
MR-27 , or IZH-27, was created at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
By the way, almost one and a half million guns were produced. The most common smoothbore gun among Russian hunters. The barrels are rigidly fixed in the coupling; there are no modifications with interchangeable barrels for different calibers. Currently available in calibers 12/70, 20/70, 32/70, 20/76. Among the most interesting modifications are models equipped with ejector mechanisms of various types. And also converted to one trigger instead of the usual two.
Hunters appreciate the MP-27 for its simplicity of design, excellent balance, lightness and accuracy.
So if you are planning to purchase a firearm for hunting, survival and self-defense, we recommend that you pay special attention to the two above-mentioned models. It’s a good idea to start with them, and if you fall in love with the weapon, then later you will say “thank you” to it more than once.
PS We are not an encyclopedia or know-it-alls, and we might have missed something. Therefore, if you have something to tell about, write below in the comments. Maybe this is some good trunk that we have undeservedly forgotten about. In short, as per tradition, we propose to discuss the issue.
AK-47
Perhaps the only recognizable weapon in the world, the AK-47 is one of the top 10 survival weapons available to the public. When the AK-47 comes to mind, most think of a country devastated by war in Africa, where the AK-47 is the only weapon used to protect the locals. Unknown to some enthusiasts, the AK-47 is a near-perfect survival weapon.
While accuracy is poor at best, the AK-47 more than makes up for its shortcomings in sheer damage and durability. The AK-47 contains a 30-round magazine that fires deadly projectiles at an alarmingly fast rate. If you add this AK's ability to be fired in any condition, you have a recipe for survival.
Some say that you can drag an AK through the mud and continue to shoot the same way afterwards. Because of this incredible durability, the AK should be in everyone's survival arsenal. Although the AK-47 is banned in some places, most people can find an AK for around $500 or more, which is the price for such a powerful weapon.
Ruger 10/22
Finally, the Ruger 10/22 tops the list of the 10 best survival guns to buy and is considered the best survival gun that exists. This .22 caliber rifle is on the list of weapons that anyone can have in a survival situation. Ruger's untouched accuracy does more damage in most small to mid-sized games. The most encouraging quality that Ruger has is how parts, accessories, and ammo are everywhere for this classic rifle.
No matter what the investment is, Ruger has a place to put it. There is even a 50 round magazine that can be used with the Ruger if needed. Another cheap and reliable rifle, the Ruger 10/22 can be taken off the shelves for $200. The Ruger 10/22 is the best survival weapon available in the world today.
After careful research and study, the Ruger 10/22 is without a doubt the best survival gun enthusiast can expect to save for a rainy day. While Ruger may be the best, the rest of the guns on this list are forces to be reckoned with. Each weapon contains a specific specialty for survival tactics and will be reliable enough to be used when in danger. Most of the guns found here are a fraction of the price compared to other "better" guns.
When it comes to survival, price doesn't influence consumers much as they want a simple, durable weapon rather than a complex firearm with accessories and useless features. Simple is the best way to go when building a survival arsenal. You may find that just because something is expensive doesn't mean you'll have your back when the time comes.
Prepper's melee weapon
Let's start with the cold one - in my humble opinion, it makes sense to purchase, in addition to our main one, several more serious knives, one of which has a long blade (daggers up to 50 cm). Good penetration is important here.
A bayonet from a Mauser K98 rifle is good for these purposes for a survivalist; Caucasian daggers with normal handles are also good. It costs about 6,000 rubles in various states of preservation. And yes, this is a bladed weapon. Where can I buy? There are a lot of offers and online auctions on the Internet, for example meshok. But we need to remember about scammers. Kidalovo accompanies the purchase of any more or less interesting product on the Internet and is found at every step.
This is interesting: Adjusting the optical sight
The second big knife is a machete. But not every machete will do. What you need is something heavy, with a lot of weight at the end of the tip and a thick blade for powerful chopping blows.
You've probably seen scary videos from Latin America, where drug dealers kill their victims with machetes. Powerful slashing blows of a heavy blade (the actual machete is wielded like a saber) chop off the legs, arms and head of the still living victim. These videos are, of course, vomiting, but there is so much you can watch for moral fortitude and to broaden your horizons. You can't be afraid of the sight of blood. Forewarned is forearmed.
A sapper shovel (a small infantry shovel) with sharpened edges causes serious injuries, but as Merzlikin’s character said in one film, it is an entrenching tool, a weapon of last chance. And I wouldn’t seriously consider it, although to create caches you must have it, and you need to be able to manage it.
Reasonable redundancy in survival is one of the foundations of survival.
