What do we really need? Firepower? Magnum power? Conceal-ability? Range?
Much debate over what we would need if everything went kaflooey (like folks threatened to riot at the election, or in the weather disasters...?) In a protracted conflict with organized forces the needs are real different than a family staying safe or getting to safety.
I propose that firepower and military like rifles have an attraction but a limited value for a family scenario. The family must think about defending the homestead on one hand and immediate mobility on the other. The black utility rifles may be top gun for armies and protracted events, but the homestead and mobility change the tactical needs a bit. Any repeating shotgun, rifle, etc. is helpful around the home. Availability and weight is less of a problem. Remember that a family scenario is not a strike scenario nor is it one that pits the family against an organized force. That would be unlikely and a losing scenario. By the time an organized force gets to your neighborhood, you should have been long gone. Indeed. Leave the possession and save the people. A homestead event would usually mean an invasion by only a few who are "harvesting" the neighborhood or looking for something particular. Not unlike any home invasion scenario, aggressors are likely to flee when they know the family is capable of self defense. At that time is would be time to consider bugging out to a destination where a more organized defense is possible.
So... the big shoot out scenario may only mean that the end, for you, is near. Avoid that with diligence.
The family must be ready to leave without delay. Arms must be light and useable. Massive firepower is not likely to be needed when on the go. The main tactical concern should be 1. a destination and 2. stealth. Yep: run and hide. Look non-threatening (looking like an assassin or sniper is not good) and keep moving. Get to a destination, preplanned and stocked.
Suggestions: 1) Handguns you know how to use. Revolvers are great. If you know, in great detail and experience, an auto loader -- good.
Take the biggest caliber you can manage. 2) Rifles for the run: light and durable. I am not too interested in the sniper or decked out rail-gun with all the electronics. Guys are always messing with these things at the range while we get there and shoot and leave. 3) Decide how much ammo you need to carry. Too many varieties can be problematic. I like the revolver/rifle combo that use the same ammo. Do not carry too much. Stock it at your destination (covertly). Anecdote: a soldier who landed at Normandy and fought until the Battle of the Bulge said he was amazed at how little ammo he and the average soldier actually used. He was glad to have it, but did not need much of it and when they did they often used the stockpiled and delivered ammo rather than the "stash" in the bag. 4) Do not underestimate the value of camo blankets and jackets. Prepare to bed down with very little visibility. 5) Pack a first aid bag with common stuff and don't forget aspirin and Tylenol, and "joint wraps" (somebody always turns an ankle...)
The whole goal is NOT to shoot, NOT to be seen, NOT to panic and get to where you're going safely and in one piece.
This is VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE RED DAWN MOVIE. Do not let the movies get you and your family killed. If a movie is absolutely essential to your mind, think of the Von Trapps in Sound of Music. They hiked out to Switzerland without a fight.
Don't get others killed either by thinking you have to restore order. Get to the destination. Listen to your radio and gather data from your folks who join you. Hunker down until you know what is happening. Stay alive to re-establish freedom, faith and family.
God help the country if things go nuts.
Much debate over what we would need if everything went kaflooey (like folks threatened to riot at the election, or in the weather disasters...?) In a protracted conflict with organized forces the needs are real different than a family staying safe or getting to safety.
I propose that firepower and military like rifles have an attraction but a limited value for a family scenario. The family must think about defending the homestead on one hand and immediate mobility on the other. The black utility rifles may be top gun for armies and protracted events, but the homestead and mobility change the tactical needs a bit. Any repeating shotgun, rifle, etc. is helpful around the home. Availability and weight is less of a problem. Remember that a family scenario is not a strike scenario nor is it one that pits the family against an organized force. That would be unlikely and a losing scenario. By the time an organized force gets to your neighborhood, you should have been long gone. Indeed. Leave the possession and save the people. A homestead event would usually mean an invasion by only a few who are "harvesting" the neighborhood or looking for something particular. Not unlike any home invasion scenario, aggressors are likely to flee when they know the family is capable of self defense. At that time is would be time to consider bugging out to a destination where a more organized defense is possible.
So... the big shoot out scenario may only mean that the end, for you, is near. Avoid that with diligence.
The family must be ready to leave without delay. Arms must be light and useable. Massive firepower is not likely to be needed when on the go. The main tactical concern should be 1. a destination and 2. stealth. Yep: run and hide. Look non-threatening (looking like an assassin or sniper is not good) and keep moving. Get to a destination, preplanned and stocked.
Suggestions: 1) Handguns you know how to use. Revolvers are great. If you know, in great detail and experience, an auto loader -- good.
Take the biggest caliber you can manage. 2) Rifles for the run: light and durable. I am not too interested in the sniper or decked out rail-gun with all the electronics. Guys are always messing with these things at the range while we get there and shoot and leave. 3) Decide how much ammo you need to carry. Too many varieties can be problematic. I like the revolver/rifle combo that use the same ammo. Do not carry too much. Stock it at your destination (covertly). Anecdote: a soldier who landed at Normandy and fought until the Battle of the Bulge said he was amazed at how little ammo he and the average soldier actually used. He was glad to have it, but did not need much of it and when they did they often used the stockpiled and delivered ammo rather than the "stash" in the bag. 4) Do not underestimate the value of camo blankets and jackets. Prepare to bed down with very little visibility. 5) Pack a first aid bag with common stuff and don't forget aspirin and Tylenol, and "joint wraps" (somebody always turns an ankle...)
The whole goal is NOT to shoot, NOT to be seen, NOT to panic and get to where you're going safely and in one piece.
This is VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE RED DAWN MOVIE. Do not let the movies get you and your family killed. If a movie is absolutely essential to your mind, think of the Von Trapps in Sound of Music. They hiked out to Switzerland without a fight.
Don't get others killed either by thinking you have to restore order. Get to the destination. Listen to your radio and gather data from your folks who join you. Hunker down until you know what is happening. Stay alive to re-establish freedom, faith and family.
God help the country if things go nuts.
