as the title says im stuck at a crossroads,i cant decide between a crossbow or regular(for stealth and quite)..or a fire arm for more power and all around defense..a bow or crossbow i think would be a logical answer due to its quite fire and an abundance of ammo(make you own arrows)but you'd better not miss that first shot and it takes more practice then a fire arm..on the other hand a gun is well a gun and we all know the perks and faults they carry..and if i do take a gun..what caliber would be best suited for a survival situation on a budget?
gun or no gun when bugging out?
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I guess it just depends on the situation. If driving I'd take both. If on foot and trying to blend in I'd go with a nice 9 or 40. My reason behind this is it's easily concealed. I have a full size M&P 9mm I carry holds 17, the 40 holds 15 and the 45 holds 10(I think). I like the couple extra rounds of the 9 and 40 vs the 45, but this is just me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. You could also bring the bow if your walking to I guess, but it might raise more suspension as to what else you have. To piggy back on the firearm deal. I'd also look at taking an AR, you can shrink them down or even take them apart in seconds and slide it into almost any medium sized back pack. Hope this helps.
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938 Posts
Gun, for certain. A handgun at a minimum.
Caliber - I prefer .45 ACP myself, but with the right ammo 9mm is just as effective. I plan to carry both so I have ammo pickup options.
The crossbow would not be a necessity in my view; more of a nice to have item than a must have.
For all around use, a .223 carbine is hard to beat. But not budget friendly these days....
On a budget, I would go with a 12 gauge pump shotgun first.
Caliber - I prefer .45 ACP myself, but with the right ammo 9mm is just as effective. I plan to carry both so I have ammo pickup options.
The crossbow would not be a necessity in my view; more of a nice to have item than a must have.
For all around use, a .223 carbine is hard to beat. But not budget friendly these days....
On a budget, I would go with a 12 gauge pump shotgun first.
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I'll send you the money for some 22LR. I haven't seen it in my area for months, and the best price was $60 for a brick of no name. Just let me know how much.
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I really don't want to sound tacky, but IMHO I don't really think you really have a crossroads to navigate. Doing the bow and arrow thing will get you killed when facing those who have guns. Let's face it, our Native American brothers threw down the bow for a rifle when they had the chance. If you're into bugging out and having a separate "BO" location, keep one stored at that location. Keep with you what you can transport and use when the pressure is own.
Haven't been shopping for .22lr ammo lately have you? It'll come back eventually but for now you're going to be S.O.L. for ammo if you don't already have it. I would leave the bow at home. Whether it's a crossbow or compound a rifle is going to be the better choice due to range and rate of fire. I would say a rifle and a handgun would be your best choice, in a rifle most guys are going either .223 or 7.62x39 for general purpose. In a handgun I'm going to suggest 9mm due to it's lower price point for ammo which will allow you to stock up and also train more with your chosen weapon. The added thump of the .40 S&W or .45 ACP are great but a lot of people cant afford to shoot them regularly enough to get proficient with them. A .22 is great for small game to fill the pot but I wouldn't want to bet my life on it.
-Infidel
I went to 2 PFZ's in a row today. Our church for a Mass Card and the Post Office to mail it timely. I felt nekkid without me gun(s)
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177 Posts
My answer will be a little different compared to that of others here but similar as well. First off I would take a look at the situation. As you may know there are people all across the country that prepp for many different reasons. Some believe that a natural disaster like the yellow stone super volcano will blow its top or civil unrest and anarchy, there are many many things to take into consideration... Lets run through a couple examples.
Lets just say that the U.S. finally gets invaded and or the government itself plans a civil take over of everything and we find ourselves in a government state. In a situation like that the popping off of a firearm could lead to your cover being blown. In that situation a bow will be best for concealment you can down an animal and with little to no sound at all. Taking on people with a bow will be a tricky task and one that should only be done to a trained and highly confident bowman, as you only get one chance to make a killing shot.
Far enough away under enough concealment one could take the chance with lets say a 30.06 or a .308 and never be found. It is hard to say
Now lets just say a natural disaster hits like a flood or tornado and or stock market crashes then that will be a panic situation where gun fire could signify another poor soul sent to hell for trying to steal into a hunkered down families home... in that situation a gun could work...
To me I would do both. I currently own a hornet .17 and a couple bigger rifles. I have made a sling holster to accommodate both said weapons, I also own a Barnett Ghost 400 cross bow. The thing is a giant of a crossbow but can shoot effectively out to 60 yards.... I carry that and when not carried as a main it can easily be slung onto the outside of my pack and be carried with me.
In my personal situation it is a fly on the wall situation for any prepper for any event. You dont want people to know you are a prepper as you will be raided in a serious situation. You dont want to be seen in the event that law and order are gone and or are implemented to an extreme standard.
If I were you I would pick up a handgun even something as simple as a 1911 .22lr like mine for a couple hundred bucks or something bigger with stopping power like a 40 or 45... 9mm is always a good sidearm to have as it has multiple rounds which makes up for the lack of stopping power.
anyway listen to whatever you believe but follow it and you should be fine. Take care and best to you and yours.
Lets just say that the U.S. finally gets invaded and or the government itself plans a civil take over of everything and we find ourselves in a government state. In a situation like that the popping off of a firearm could lead to your cover being blown. In that situation a bow will be best for concealment you can down an animal and with little to no sound at all. Taking on people with a bow will be a tricky task and one that should only be done to a trained and highly confident bowman, as you only get one chance to make a killing shot.
Far enough away under enough concealment one could take the chance with lets say a 30.06 or a .308 and never be found. It is hard to say
Now lets just say a natural disaster hits like a flood or tornado and or stock market crashes then that will be a panic situation where gun fire could signify another poor soul sent to hell for trying to steal into a hunkered down families home... in that situation a gun could work...
To me I would do both. I currently own a hornet .17 and a couple bigger rifles. I have made a sling holster to accommodate both said weapons, I also own a Barnett Ghost 400 cross bow. The thing is a giant of a crossbow but can shoot effectively out to 60 yards.... I carry that and when not carried as a main it can easily be slung onto the outside of my pack and be carried with me.
In my personal situation it is a fly on the wall situation for any prepper for any event. You dont want people to know you are a prepper as you will be raided in a serious situation. You dont want to be seen in the event that law and order are gone and or are implemented to an extreme standard.
If I were you I would pick up a handgun even something as simple as a 1911 .22lr like mine for a couple hundred bucks or something bigger with stopping power like a 40 or 45... 9mm is always a good sidearm to have as it has multiple rounds which makes up for the lack of stopping power.
anyway listen to whatever you believe but follow it and you should be fine. Take care and best to you and yours.
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Minor side line point here, you state, make your own ammo.
It is important for people to know that modern hunting bows and cross bows, fire at such a high velocity that a wood "bolt" will explode in your face if fired.
If you are truly purchasing a cross bow for defense, you do not need a 1000 dollar compound high velocity unit.
A standard recurve cross bow is likely a better bet, more cost effective, and yes you could make your own bolts.
Trust me when I tell you a wood arrow will split and throw parts every where when fired through a compound bow.
It is important for people to know that modern hunting bows and cross bows, fire at such a high velocity that a wood "bolt" will explode in your face if fired.
If you are truly purchasing a cross bow for defense, you do not need a 1000 dollar compound high velocity unit.
A standard recurve cross bow is likely a better bet, more cost effective, and yes you could make your own bolts.
Trust me when I tell you a wood arrow will split and throw parts every where when fired through a compound bow.
multiple guns baby. yes. and ill have my mules loaded down too i have three back packs. 2 for people that i will make my bitch and they will thank me as they carry my stuff a round that i prepped for three and they have a running chance.
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904 Posts
I can't envision a situation in which I would "bug out" without multiple firearms, let alone just a crossbow. Yes, a crossbow is perfectly capable of killing someone. A firearm is much more capable though. Why bring a bow to a gunfight? If stealth is an issue I would suggest to disengage and evacuate without contact. Attack only when certain of victory or out of necessity.
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Check his out
How to Build Military Grade Suppressors;by Keith Anderson,combat-quality suppressors for military firearms
I have a basic welding shop on the ranch, with my mediocre skills this works.
Theroetically speaking of course.
How to Build Military Grade Suppressors;by Keith Anderson,combat-quality suppressors for military firearms
I have a basic welding shop on the ranch, with my mediocre skills this works.
Theroetically speaking of course.
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1,308 Posts
I would say crossbow and 12 gauge. 12 gauge for many situations crossbow for stealth. That being said I don't plan on bugging out my wife is handicapped and I am not going to tell her "Play nice with the looters while I'm gone." Worst case I'm face down on a pile of empties.
Gun or no gun when bugging out?
Since I never leave home, or my bedroom for that matter, without a firearm, the question answers itself.
As to what I would add to my EDC in a bugout situation, it would depend on why I was leaving, and how much warning I had.
Since I never leave home, or my bedroom for that matter, without a firearm, the question answers itself.
As to what I would add to my EDC in a bugout situation, it would depend on why I was leaving, and how much warning I had.
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103 Posts
I don't have much to add that hasn't already been added. I'm still waiting on my concealed permit to arrive so I can purchase a hand gun but it seems that having a gun of some sorts is a no brainer. When I think of Bugging Out I think of getting from Point A to Point B. What you bring will help you get between points. I can't imagine the scenario where having a gun would be a bad thing even if not used. If you can bring a gun you can put a holster on or put a gun in a side pocket. My situation is different because I am building and going to live on my BO location but for those that have to travel to theirs then yes, a gun would be a must in my opinion. But I do like the idea of having a bow for hunting and if you need to pull off a silent shot before needing to go to the gun. But a gun, just seems like a must in any situation that requires you to quickly get from one point to another.
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