Gun Control – how far will we go as a nation to further limit the 2nd amendment? Will it stop at full automatics, or will it continue against semi-autos, large-capacity mags, and other accessories? Whatever you believe, one thing is certain – the upcoming election will be the most important one in the last century as it relates to gun control.
The recent tragedy in Orlando and other mass shootings in the U.S. and abroad has even some Congressional Republicans wavering on their previous reluctance in allowing any gun control legislation to pass. In my opinion, some form of additional gun control is inevitable. While the current Congress favors gun rights, this could all change in November. If you haven’t noticed, Americans have a very low opinion of Congress in general.
They could vote out incumbents, mostly Republicans, just because they are mad at the current legislative stagnation. However, the main reason why this election is so important is that the next President will likely have the ability to not only tilt but actually create a decidedly conservative or liberal Supreme Court, which would be in power for the next few decades at the least.
With Antonin Scalia’s death, three of the remaining eight Justices are older than 77. With the average age of Supreme Court Justice retirement at 78.7, you can do the math. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was installed by Bill Clinton, is 83. Stephen Breyer also from Clinton, is almost 78. Anthony Kennedy, who was a Reagan nominee, is almost 80. The remaining Supreme Court Justices are between 55 and 68. Let’s top it off with some recent reports that indicate Justice Clarence Thomas, 68, is said to be mulling retirement. As we know, he is the most staunchly conservative of the remaining Justices.
If you are a pro gun rights advocate, you should be very concerned. Don’t fool yourself into complacency. If you are a pro gun control advocate, you are probably salivating like a vulture circling a dying animal. Based on the above information, it is quite conceivable the next President would have the pleasure of nominating up to five Supreme Court Justices – one because of Scalia’s death, three because of retirement due to age, and one from a reported Clarence Thomas retirement.
If you buy into this line of thought, a pro guns right advocate might want to plan for the worst. For some, that might mean mortgaging the house and buying up as many ARs as possible, assuming they will be grandfathered post ban. It is hard to believe they would be not grandfathered since one might argue that an outright confiscation would cause too much of a civil unrest.
So for this article, I am assuming that every gun or accessory I mention will be grandfathered. Additionally, I am not even accounting for any state law changes like the recent Federal Appeals court ruling from California, which removes the 2nd amendment right to carry a concealed weapon. That ruling alone is enough to push any gun rights advocate over the edge since it paves the way for other states to do something similar until an inevitable Supreme Court hearing – so here we are again. Everything points back to the Supreme Court.
Planning for the worst with gun control
So what can you do to plan, or insure, against a worst case scenario resulting from extreme liberal gun control legislation? While I am only half-joking about mortgaging your house, I will outline some hardware and accessories to buy while you can, assuming you don’t live in some of the already prohibitive states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Be sure to check your state laws on what you can buy, carry or conceal before trying to buy or use the equipment below in the manner described.
When investing in a firearm for defense, you have to first ask yourself, “What am I defending against”? Would it be for close quarter battle (CQB), home defense, a Car Trunk Backpack, need for extreme stopping power during CQB, protecting a small perimeter, or to keep intruders at bay from a long-range?
In this article, I pick some of my favorites for each purpose. Some guns and accessories I mention will be specific, and others will be generalized in categories. One thing to remember, semi-automatic weapons are inherently more expensive. So some of these guns, especially the long-range selections mentioned, are not for those with limited budget. Also as a disclaimer, I own at least some of the items below.
Each of the guns I recommend below are semi automatics. Keep in mind that I am recommending them based on a premise of a ban, so I realize there are obviously other cheaper alternatives that are not semis, particularly in the home defense and long-range categories. Additionally, for most, with the exception of the 458 SOCOM and a few others, the ammo is readily available.
Close Quarter Battle – up to 100 yards
Sig Sauer MCX – Chambered in .300 AAC Blackout – This carbine received a lot of bad press recently due to the fact that it was the same one used by the terrorist in Orlando. Mistakenly referred to by the press as an AR (furthered by the ignorance that they believe AR stands for “assault rifle” instead of “Armalite”), the MCX in blackout is very effective and light, designed for CQB.
The blackout ammo is very hard-hitting and the subsonic 220 grain is very quiet when coupled with a silencer. The MCX barrel can also be changed out quickly in favor of other calibers such as 5.56×45 NATO. Recent news articles have indicated that some British counter-terror units are using the MCX. Add a Vortex 3x magnifier to your red dot of choice for a very high accuracy within 100 yards. The MCX costs roughly $1700, but the quality is worth the extra coin.
Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 CQB w/Vortex Venom Red Dot (.308/7.62 NATO) – this gun is nasty, from its looks, down to its hard-hitting 7.62×51 ammo. A child of the M1A, Springfield has a winner by shortening the barrel of the original M1A1 to 16”, installing a collapsible stock, and adding a vortex venom red dot as an option.
This rifle will destroy anything in its sights. Wear ear protection though. 20 or 25 round mags are prevalent, but if you want to really equip this gun, Beta Mag makes a 100 round twin drum mag for it that will set you back $450 (and it would significantly increase the weight of an already heavy gun – but you can’t erase the fun factor of having one). The SOCOM 16 with Venom could top out over $2000, so it is hard on the budget, but worth it if you can afford it.
Century Arms AK-47 – while not Russian made, this AK is one of the most recognized and vilified guns in the US because it is the one people see on the news when ISIS or some other terrorist footage is shown. Additionally, all of the Hollywood movie bad guys use them. They are on the list not so much for their accuracy, but more for their high-profile, which equates to the probability of being banned.
These AKs are affordable, having a price point under $800. The 7.62×39 ammo is hard-hitting and relatively cheap, especially if you target practice with bullets that have steel casing such as TulAmmo. I would not, however, use TulAmmo in a life threatening situation as I have experience in its failure to feed on occasion.
CMMG Mutant AKM2 – This gun is appropriately named. The Mutant is an AK/AR-15 hybrid. A regular AK style rifle is extremely reliable, but it is not inherently designed for aftermarket sights or other attachments. The Mutant fires the omnipresent 7.62×39 AK ammo through a 16” barrel, but, as CMMG’s site says, “it offers the modularity of an AR-15”.
With the ability to add aftermarket sights, combined with the fact that every rifle comes equipped with a MOE pistol grip, SV muzzle brake, Geissele SSA trigger, 30rd AK PMAG, and CMMG’s lifetime quality guarantee, the Mutant offers the best of both worlds. The $1700 cost is more on the high-end AR price point, but it would be nice to have one of these at your disposal if budget permits.
SIG Sauer 516 Patrol – chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16” barrel, a quad rail, collapsible Magpul stock, and a four-position gas regulator (which has a silencer position), this gun, in my opinion is among the most versatile and reliable ARs in the market. Sig Sauer’s reliability is legendary, and the 516 does not disappoint. The standard 516 can be acquired for about $1600.
There are also different versions that come with a fixed carbon fiber stock and/or an extended carbon fiber fore-end, but it will add $4-500 to the price. Personally, I like the standard version for long-term reliability. Maybe I am old school, but I can’t see the carbon fiber holding up to many sustained battles and abuse. You trade marginal weight savings for reliability. I may be wrong, but I guess time will tell. I would become a believer if I see the military adopt the carbon fiber version.
Car Trunk Backpack
Keltec Sub 2000 chambered in 40 S&W; paired with Glock 22 (also 40 S&W); the Keltec is an extremely accurate carbine that uses Glock mags. It also folds up nicely to fit in a small backpack. Add a TruGlo green laser/light combo to the bottom Picatinny rail to make it even more effective. It also has a threaded barrel waiting for a silencer. The Keltec can be bought for less than $400 as of this writing – one of the single best values for a carbine in the market. You can also equip your backpack with a Glock 22 and use the same mags between the two.
Glock has a high-capacity 22 round 40 S&W factory mag. Alternatively, Magpul is coming out with the PMAG27, a 27 round mag for 40 S&W. The Korean company KCI also has 40 S&W high-capacity mags, but I would only use them at the range. I have seen both good and bad reviews of KCI, so I wouldn’t trust them with your life until I see a better track record. Load up your factory mags with Critical Duty bullets, and you have a very effective defense while on the road. As a footnote, the Keltec also comes chambered in 9mm if you prefer that caliber.
There are some who believe 9mm and 40 S&W will have very similar stopping power over short distances. As always, check your state laws before concealing firearms in your car or on your person.
Extreme Stopping Power, CQB
458 SOCOM – The 458 SOCOM caliber was a result of our Special Ops soldiers’ experience in Somalia during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu (immortalized in the movie Blackhawk Down). Some soldiers noted that it took multiple hits of 5.56 to bring down the enemy since many of them were flyin high on “Khat”, an herbal stimulant from evergreen leaves that can cause hallucinations and manic behavior.
They needed a bullet that would do the job in one hit, resulting in the 458 SOCOM. A SOCOM upper can be mounted to any standard AR15 lower, or you can buy a full factory rifle from Rock River ($1300) or Wilson Combat ($2500). You need to use 30 rd Lancer mags, which are a cross between a PMAG and steel mag. A PMAG will split open if you use it for this ammo. This bullet needs the steel support offered by Lancers.
Additionally, the bullet size only allows for loading about 7-9 rounds in a 30 rd Lancer mag, which is probably why it never fully caught on with the military, and is reserved for special circumstances. The factory ammo is sometimes hard to get and expensive (up to $3 per round), but if you are a reloader, you can save quite a bit and the individual casings and bullets are more readily available. In any event, it is a great caliber to have when you need that extra stopping power.
Home Defense Shotgun
Fostech Origin 12 with 30 round Drum – this 12 gauge shotgun is down right wicked. Billed as the fastest semi auto shotgun in the world, the Origin 12 is Fostech’s answer to the Russian made Saiga 12. It looks like an AK on steroids, having an 18” barrel and collapsible stock. It comes with a 5 round mag, but when you add the optional 30 round drum mag ($400), you won’t have to shoot because the bad guy home invaders will run at the mere sight of it.
There are numerous jaw-dropping YouTube videos dedicated to this shotgun. Look it up. I guarantee you will be impressed, but you would need to part with $2500 to own it, not including the drum mag. If I was a liberal gun control proponent, this type of hardware would be on my radar.
Benelli Super Eagle with XRail – the Benelli 12 gauge semi auto shotgun is already used by many law enforcement officers. If you add a $800 XRail attachment, it ups the number of shots to 23 with a 26” barrel. If you get an integrated XRail, it comes with a 21” barrel and 26 shot capability, which would make the Benelli even more effective in a tactical environment. The integrated version, including the shotgun, runs about $3300. In my view, the XRail would clearly be in the sights of the gun control advocates.
Woodsman and Mountain Man Activities (whatever they might do)
Rock River Arms Lightweight Mountain Rifle – chambered in .223/5.56, this gun is light to carry in the mountains or woods, accurate, and most of all, cool looking. It not for a sustained battle though as the rail gets very hot to the touch, but it is fun to shoot. Use gloves.
Midrange 100 – 500 yards
SIG 716 DMR Gen 1 (.308/7.62) – buy the Gen 1 while still available. The pending Gen 2 version is more like a patrol style (16 inch barrel, collapsible stock, key mod instead of quad rail, two pounds lighter than Gen 1). If you haven’t noticed I am not a weight weenie. I always have felt that you should keep physically fit, and either lose weight yourself or pump iron, especially if preparing for battle. Don’t skimp on the hardware. The heavier Gen 1 serves a purpose. I would not use the Gen 2 for midrange because of the 16 inch barrel. Some may disagree, but that’s ok.
The Gen 1 comes with an 18 inch barrel, quad rail, Harris Bipod, and Magpul Precision Rifle stock – much more for the money, and definitely more accurate at the midrange. The 716 accepts standard PMAGS. In a pinch, while the gun will top out at 10-11 pounds, you could theoretically pick it up and use for CQB, but that is obviously not the main purpose. My dream sight for this gun would be the Trijicon ACOG 6×48 with the RMR red dot on top. Alternatively, any mid range scope would work for the budget conscious. The DMR costs around $2500 without the sights.
Wilson Combat Urban Super Sniper – barrel chambered with a .223 Wylde – this barrel is designed to be extremely accurate using either .223 or 5.56 ammo. It will run about $2500, but it will be hard pressed to find one as accurate for mid-range using a 5.56. That said keep in mind the Ballistics of a 5.56 bullet. This barrel is meant for tighter urban environments as the gun’s title suggests. It becomes significantly less effective past the mid-range, so you would not want to use this to hold off zombies past 300 yards unless you can get head-shots. Might work for slow movers, not the World War Z type though.
FNH M249S Saw – this gun got a lot of press at the NRA 2015 meeting in Nashville. Chambered in 5.56, the M249S is the semi-auto version of the military’s full auto version (originally introduced in 1988). It has the ability to accept belt fed or mag-loaded ammo, giving it an ability to fire a large quantity of ammo before needing to reload. It actually comes with an attached plastic ammo box to hold the belt fed ammo.
With a 20.5 inch barrel, some would consider it capable of defending mid range. While I don’t doubt the firepower, I have some questions on 5.56 ballistics that give me pause to use this gun to defend against targets further than 300 yards. That said, the sheer volume of bullets that you can fire without reloading would put this gun on the chopping block. The Saw’s cost is approximately $8000, give or take a few hundred.
Long Range – over 500 yards (my definition of long-range – which is up for debate)
Barrett M107A1 – while cost prohibitive for many, I would be remiss to leave it out as the most effective semi auto long-range gun available on the market. With its 50 bmg bullet, this gun will stop most Mad Max style vehicles. Already prohibited in California via the .50 Caliber BMG Regulation Act of 2004, which prohibits the sale of guns chambered in the caliber, this weapon would certainly be on the chopping block of a liberal Supreme Court.
If you go all out with the Barrett Optical Ranging System (BORS), which is an integrated ballistics computer, you can automate your ballistics calculations. This weapon can be yours for 12-15k, or you can wait for the SHTF and pick one up off an abandoned military vehicle. Keep in mind that the M107A1 is not only expensive to buy but also expensive to shoot. That said, I would say anyone who owns one can’t help but smile every time the trigger is pulled, though the blast might be life-altering.
Noreen Firearms “Bad News” 338 Lapua Magnum – the Lapua ammo has increasingly become a favorite of the snipers, but the military application has been limited because most Lapua rifles are bolt actioned. Enter the Bad News Lapua, which is the first semi-auto rifle chambered in this caliber. With a 26” barrel, a Magpul Precision Rifle stock, piston driven, and weighing in at 13 lbs, this gun is made to be mobile. In an ever-changing landscape, I could see the application up to 1500 yards.
If I am not mistaken, the 338 Lapua caliber holds the record for the longest range hit at 2 miles (with an Accuracy International bolt-action rifle). While not designed to go as far or as hard-hitting as the 50 BMG, the Bad News offers a nice alternative for those that want a “cheaper” long-range semi, topping out at $6000. The Lapua ammo, however, can run you up to $5.00 per round – so get into reloading to save some cash. It is a good skill to have, especially if the SHTF.
Nemo Omen – yet another effective gun for the longer range. The Omen is chambered in 300 Win Mag and would also be effective to 1500 yards. It is the “cheapest” out of the long-range rifles in this article at roughly $4000. The Win Mag ammo is readily available and popular with hunters as well. I would get the 20” barrel for a greater muzzle velocity. The mags, however, are not something readily available and are specific to the gun. So get a bunch upfront so you have them.
Keep in mind I realize bolt actions may be more precise and affordable. There are some like the Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win that put out more than respectable groupings at long ranges. They can be bought for under $1200 as well, but I reiterate that this article is about insuring against potential bans.
Hunting Handguns
I believe a ban would not affect most handguns. It would most likely address high-capacity mags. However, there is one handgun that comes to mind as a potential target for a ban, and it is more related to the caliber, not the mag capacity. Magnum Research’s Desert Eagle 50AE would probably be on the radar due to the large 50 caliber bullet. The 50 AE is the most powerful semi-automatic handgun on the planet. It comes in an array of cool finishes, with my favorite being the Black Tigerstripe. The cost is around $1600, and the ammo is expensive and less available than its little brother chambered in a 44. Again, you would benefit by being a reloader.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
For those with limited budgets, one way to help to insure yourself against gun control is to stock up on accessories, even if you don’t own the associated weapon. I believe the most effective thing you could do is to acquire some of the high-capacity magazines listed below. However, if you believe in the possibility of severe restrictions, there are other items to think about. What follows below are some suggestions without regard to price. With the exception of the Beta Mags, Fostech Echo Trigger, thermal sights, night vision, and silencers (I hate the politically correct word “suppressor”), these items can be bought relatively cheap (from $10 to $200).
Magazines
- Ruger BX25 or 2×25 – a 25 and 50 round .22lr magazine: Yes it’s a small-caliber, but it’s more about the capacity
- 30-40 Round 5.56 and AK Mags from Magpul, Lancer, Hexmag, and others: if you can’t afford them, go with the steel – they work well and can be picked up for half the price of a poly.
- 20 and 25 round M1A1 steel mags for the SOCOM 16 CQB
- 20 round 7.62×51 mags by Magpul for the Sig 716
- PMAG D-60: a 60 round 5.56 drum mag by Magpul
- Surefire 60 and 100 5.56 round mag: only about an inch and a half longer than a 30 round mag, the Surefire gives a lot of added capacity.
- Beta Mags: this company offers a ton of different 100 round twin drum mags, but they are expensive.
- Korean Drum mags: KCI offers 100 round drum mags for a number of different calibers at very reasonable prices. I would reserve them for target practice or to trade/barter (assuming you can legally do so in the future state of gun control).
- Origin 12 – 30 round mags: Specific to the Origin 12, but a must have if you own this gun.
- Glock high-capacity mags (all calibers) – factory and aftermarket: While I believe the factory Glock mags are the most reliable, I have seen good reviews of the PMAG and Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) high capacity mags. Both the PMAG and ETS mags can be bought at a fraction of the price of the factory Glock mags. The same goes for KCI, though these mags have mixed reviews.- Stripped or Complete AR15 and AR10 Lowers: Buy as many as you can. As you may already know, the lower is the part that is considered the gun. You can always build an AR after the ban, again assuming grandfathering. You can get some very cheap by Anderson Arms, or if you want the cool factor, get the Spike’s Tactical “The Jack”, which has a forged skull, or the “Warthog”. Keep in mind, however, that some lawmakers believe that collapsible stocks should be banned. If you subscribe to this belief, buy a complete lower that includes a collapsible stock.
- Foregrips: Believe it or not, foregrips have been scrutinized as some believe these accessories can increase the fire rate of a weapon. You can get a ton of these really cheap on Amazon.
- Sig Sauer Pistol Brace: this accessory initially took the industry by storm, but it is very controversial since the ATF says that if you use it as a shoulder stock on a buffer tube equipped pistol, it can reclassify your gun as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR), which is subject to ATF registration and tax. Per Sig Sauer, the pistol brace is designed to stabilize the handgun while shooting with a single hand. In summary, while still legal, make sure you use it as designed or risk a felony. I believe there is a high probability this brace will be outlawed in the coming ban as it is already being questioned by the ATF. As a disclaimer, I do not hold out myself to be an expert on firearms laws, so check these facts for yourself.
- Fostech Echo Trigger: this trigger fires the gun not only when pulled, but also upon release. It is as close to a fully auto as you can legally get. There are other companies that make such a trigger, but I have seen reviews with some problems. Without getting specific, Fostech seems to have learned from other’s mistakes. This one has my head scratching regarding legality. While the ATF currently deems them legal, I have seen some YouTube videos, and once becoming proficient, you can reach a cadence that is pretty close to fully auto. You can switch to regular semi auto as well. These triggers are shipping later this year. I will be sure to get a few as I believe they have a high ban probability in the future.
- Silencers: there are a ton of different companies that producer silencers. I prefer SilencerCo’s new Hybrid, which will work with pistols as well as higher calibers such as the 458 SOCOM. If you are lucky enough to live in a state where they are legal, get a least one. I believe that after July 13th, 2016, a new ATF ruling allows you to obtain a silencer without a Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) sign off, though you would still need to get your fingerprints and photos when submitting your registration with the ATF. If you were smart enough to start a gun trust, you can avoid the fingerprints, photos, and CLEO sign off until July 13th (again, check with your local FFL to verify the ruling). Gun trusts can be started for as little as $75, but time is running out.
- Thermal and Night Vision Sights – less likely to be banned, but you never know. These sights give the operator a great advantage, and overzealous gun control legislators might believe they pose too much of a risk.
- Reloading dies, primers, and powder for AR calibers: again, less likely to be banned but who knows how extreme a ban is coming. If you are a reloader, better to be safe than sorry.
- Collapsible Stocks: mentioned previously as part of a complete upper, this type of stock is definitely on the radar of some liberal lawmakers.
- Ammo: stock up on the AR/AK calibers. If you have enough of a budget for the longer range 338 Lapua and 50 BMG, more power to you. Get it while you can.
In summary, while it is hard to speculate the extent of any proposed ban, if you are able to obtain at least some of the above hardware and accessories, you will be somewhat insured. Again, I realize that many of the guns in particular might be out of budget. There are cheaper weapon alternatives, especially in the AR market for CQB. If that is all you can afford, it is better than nothing. If you can’t afford the full weapon, by some complete and stripped lowers for the future.
If you are frightened after reading this article, I have achieved my goal. Get out and vote in November. The only thing certain is that this election is critical on many different levels.
Drool……
For myself I’m purchasing lots of 80% lowers for the AR and Glock platforms, along with associated trigger group kits, uppers in 5.56, 7.62, and 9mm respectively. Not to mention butt stocks, and the machine tooling to complete the lowers.
Oh – and lots of amm0…
All good strategies. Thank you for your comment.
I would appreciate it if someone would explain to my why gun control is a bad thing, and why on earth your solution to it is to buy more guns?
If you need to ask that question your on the wrong website.
Nope. She’s on the right site. You can disagree on guns but to suggest anti gun people have no place on a prepper site is not cool.
I dont care what you think is cool or uncool
MOLON LABE
What I think is not cool is the fact that Huples, who does not live in the United States, thinks he even has a say in how our country is run!!!!! Butt out!!
Hi Robert, I do think I have a say. I am one of the original owners of your country until a bunch of terrorists took over the legal government 🙂 Anyhow gun control is not everyone should have a tank or Obama will take everyone’s guns away yet both sides often make such claims. This article is for those who think guns are a prep item not a political discussion so I will withdraw from further comments. Not because you think you can deny me free speech but because I suspect you need an echo chamber to make your world… Read more »
III% baby,
You do have a point to some degree.
I prep mostly for natural disasters, i seriously doubt i will need my REPR if we get hit by a tropical storm and power is out for an extended period of time, other than the fact that i can, do, and have used it for hunting deer up behind my house for meat. So to a degree guns ARE a prep item.
They are also a PREP ITEM IF YOU WANT TO THROW OFF A TYRANNICAL OVERBEARING GOVERNMENT.
Free speech is protected under the U.S. Constitution!!! How someone outside of the U.S. thinks our Constitution should apply to them concerning free speech and then at the same time attack it because it protects our rights to bear arms.
Clean up your own house over there in the UK, and we will take care of ours.
Remember the United States was the only colony to defeat the British Empire and gain independence by force!!! Don’t mess with us!!!
Robert free speech is very much not an exceptional USA thingy and other than beating a rubbish uk Government at a time when they were bored with you and very much worried about France I’d not be bragging about number of wins versus losses in the war account! Mind you it has been suggested before the USA loss in the 1812 War against Canada is spun as a draw down south lol Just messing with you. I’m not a strong believer in nationalism. People are people and governments are corporate mouth pieces. The more points of view we all read… Read more »
Free speech actually is an exceptional U.S. of America “thingy”, as you put it. A good portion of western Europeans cannot openly discuss or disagree with mainstream, governmental, WWII propaganda without going to prison if they are caught openly disagreeing with their government. An aged German woman in her early eighties is serving an eight month prison sentence for “denying” the official holocaust narrative. Hate laws are also being passed very quickly throughout the western hemisphere, in supposed “democratic” nations. (Hint; America was never meant to be a democracy, we’re a constitutional republic, big difference). Only lies need the protection… Read more »
The other thing that is NOT cool is the fact that Huples may be a prepper, but i feel sorry for family? Kids? Who are at the mercy of whatever horror comes their way. No weapon = no protection. If you cant protect it you most likely wont keep it in a SHTF event.
Islamist, or whatever
Okay. Thanks for the feedback
Huples, forgetting all the ‘right to speech’ angst, this is not a political forum. If the liberal woman wanted to ask about how to protect her family without guns, then that would be a legitimate topic of conversation.
As it is, this is the targeted work of an internet troll.
Yeah , I thought the same thing.
You are absolutely right that this isn’t the forum to debate partisan politics.
As to the liberal question, why is it ok to control access to guns by law abiding citizens? Why is this person not asking questions like “Why doesn’t the government do more to prevent criminals from getting guns?” or “Why are current gun laws targeting criminals actually enforced?”
There are so many more important questions to ask than “why not more gun control?”
Hi Sara, I am the author of the article. I appreciate your view, but we have very different philosophies. My article is obviously for gun rights advocates, and what they can do to protect themselves against possible future restrictions. I am not going to debate on why gun control is a bad thing. I respect your views, but I’ll leave the debate to others. Thank you for your comment, The Blue Angel.
Agreed. The pictures scared me no end. Glad I am not in the USA. Happy 4th anyhow
Huples, WHAT is so scary about an inanimate object?
If you lived in the US i would suggest trying before discounting firearms. They are actually a great sporting endeavor. The nice thing about semi auto rifles in the AR platform is the lack of recoil.
I get it though, but had to ask,
Yes. Guns don’t kill people lol. It’s the thought of multiple people owning them and living near me that is scary. Most people are idiots and do not get you cannot eat bullets. Present company not included!
Get your flu shot.
Thank you for asking the question, I can’t answer for you, that answer has to come from within you. Are you not ultimately responsible for your safety and others? Do you trust the government completely with your life and liberty? Answer those questions and you will find the answer you seek.
Why is Gun Control a bad thing? It really depends on too many factors to easily relay in a simple response, but I will try to address some of the larger points as I see them. As Huples states, Gun Control is not a black and white issue for a lot of reasons because what makes sense to one person is madness to another and debates on specific issues usually wind up way down a rabbit hole. Gun Control is just a term used to describe any one of hundreds of ways to limit what law abiding citizens can purchase… Read more »
Thanks Pat, Just a question from a foreigner. Does the Constitution not say militia’s have the right and not individuals? I hear a lot about the individual’s right to bare arms on the web but is not a militia the National Guard and not Joe the neighbour? Not stirring up here. Honest question from someone who was taught the USA revolution was at best misguided while in school 🙂 Australia and Canada have guns but not as much mass shootings. Perhaps some gun control might make life safer for Preppers without making them unsafe? Is that even a question you… Read more »
Huples, This is yet another point where there is a million opinions and we start getting into what a comma means. To me, this is plain as day. “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. There are those who argue that this only applies to the first part of the amendment that states “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,” in that you can’t have any weapons unless you are in a militia. Our founders all had weapons. They were a part of daily life. They were… Read more »
Great response Pat and thanks as it actually made the issue much clearer to me than it had previously been. I’ll stick to my pro Liberal Antigun views but I do not live in the USA. Truth be told I’d grab me a few of those weapons if I lived there
Thanks Huples! You are always welcome to visit us down here.
Pat has an excellent point about the different gun cultures in Canada and Australia.
I’ll just tell you what my American Government teacher in high school told me when I asked about the second amendment, mostly because it was funny: ” Yes, it does say militia, but that’s never been enforced and no one want to lose their career over it.”
Sadly, the American education system has been populated with dedicated liberals for at least 30 years. Lets not pretend they lay it out straight and let the audience decide. As for the actual 2nd Amendment, according to the national archives, it states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” And no, I didn’t add or delete any commas. Just copied and pasted from the national archives. Too many fail to understand that ‘the people’ were all a part of ‘the… Read more »
Huples, I believe there are some Supreme Court rulings that say the right is that of an individual as well. You dont have to look hard to see what happens in a shtf scenario. I think we have a real life shtf situation going on in Venezuela. While already a country riddled with crime, their shortages have only escalated the violence. People are getting killed by guns. I, myself, would like an ability to defend my family in the event something happens similar near me, whether it be a grid down, terror, shortage, or “plain ole” home invasion.
Awesome Pat. Well said and balanced.
Thanks to you for the great article that prompts so much discourse!
Why do people want to have their rights taken away, that’s what is done to felons.
Most of the world views the second amendment and guns as signs of mental illness. Guns are not part of my prep. Each to their own
Unfortunate you feel that way. That is the first I heard the world feels like it is a mental illness. I would rather believe it is more about passion on both sides of the issue. Fundamental difference of opinion. No one likes to see the violence period, with or without guns. That said, the 2nd ammendment was born out of prior oppression by government. USA independence is the original Brexit.
Most of the world has a very shallow view of history as well. Look at the rest of the world when the people were disarmed by the state throughout history…
Here you go…
https://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/20TH.HTM
I have referenced this exact study in other articles I have written. Very sobering when you look at it from this standpoint.
For the record Justice Clarence Thomas has stated it was just a rumor.
Thanks for the clarification. One we don’t have to worry about. Didn’t see that.
Here is a link to one of the stories:
“However, in a sharply refuted Facebook post, Thomas’ wife Ginni said the claims her husband is retiring are simply not true.”
http://www.vibe.com/2016/06/supreme-court-justice-clearence-thomas-retirement/
Thankfully all of the Judge who might die or retire under the next President are leftist!!!!! The current vacancy is what worries me though.
Some good advice, some not so good. Yes, a variety of arms is best, but not the top tier arms, generic arms will do just fine in most cases, and many better because parts would be more accessible from many sources including battlefield pickups. Most would benefit more from spending their hard earned money on ammo to train with and maybe a few safe gun handling and tactics courses. This article sounds like a Sig advertisement a little too much, not that they don’t make good arms, but there are better and more cost effective options.
Mb, thanks for the comments. If you see, I do mention there are a lot of cheaper options. I would agree that ammo and training are important. While I like SIG, there are many non SIG options out there. I just picked what I like. I tried to point that out, but maybe I didn’t get the point across effectively. Regards, The Blue Angel.
I know it’s important to speak of what you know and trust, no issues with me. I would not want your target audience are hung up on brand names so much and focus on the capabilities of different platforms. Thank you for the article, anytime you can make information accessible to more people it’s always a good thing.
I see your point. I decidedly wanted to be specific. I have read a lot of articles where I felt like it was not specific enough, so I took a different tact. The whole point was at least to get someone thinking about gun control and provide specific choices, realizing there are plenty out there. Thanks again.
Most of the rifles you mention are very expensive. In .223 you can get a rifle for around $550 that will be adequate…in .308 there’s the FAL or PTR rifles…try to find ammo for the 458 when the SHTF happens…very few people can afford the 458 and the 50 cal so try a 300 mag instead. 12 ga. shotguns are everywhere so you don’t need a Benelli. As far as handguns are concerned…Taurus has a lifetime warranty so get a 9 mil, a .40 and a .45 pistol or a .357 revolver. Just remember to get calibers that are either… Read more »
Hi Blixem, all really good points. I did note that 458 will be hard to get and also mentioned that there are many cheaper weapon alternatives. I also strongly believe that you should get into reloading, assuming you have the budget as there is a large startup cost. The bottom line, which i hopefully expressed enough, is that there is an important election and if you believe in gun rights, then you need to take action before it’s too late. And be sure to vote. Also, very valid points that those unprepared will ask for help if shtf. Thank you… Read more »
We just saw today how corrupt things have become in DC with the FBI garbage reply to Clinton. On Yahoo there are over 29,000 pizzed off people commenting and hundreds of thousands if not millions of others mad right now. As I said, it’s not the same country we grew up in any longer.
It’s a travesty. Someone that high in office doesn’t take the necessary security precautions, allows hackers to get information, and get to walk away. Petraeus got in more trouble for having a fling and some bedtime chats, far less of a crime. What would happen if her server in her basement was stolen? Nevermore, probably nothing. All I can say is that we need to vote.
It was me that sad the pictures scared me and I am glad I do not live in a country where such powerful weapons are in the hands of citizens.
I am very well armed and I have operated fully automatic weapons. I’m just glad I do not factor in everyone around me having these killing machines in a shtf. In general a gun is more likely to kill the owner than protect them. Gun training is more important than the gun’s specs which most Preppers get.
In SHTF you do not think weapons in your military’s armories wouldn’t end up in private hands. It has happened all over the world where governments have collapsed. Your country would be no different. Oh, for the record I’m from the government!!!
One thing to consider,
You get what you pay for.
That NEMO OMEN, has NO equivalent period.
Just as my REPR isnt even in the same class as a PTR92 even though they both feed the same ammo.
I see the logic of the article, and thanks for posting it! Also, and obviously, people should have the absolute right to make their own decisions. However, the guns you mention are not necessarily the best choices for most preppers. There are any number who don’t have the skills to manage these firearms. And many others who have recently been, if not anti-gunners, at least people who had little or no interest in guns. For these people, get the basics first: a good .22, like a Ruger 10/22. A multi-purpose 12 or 20 ga shotgun. a good bolt-action rifle in… Read more »
Jeff, you make some excellent points. There are obvious good choices for those that live in a state with restrictive policies. I tried to focus more on what I personally believed to possibly be in danger of restriction. You correctly point out that training is critical, which was not my area of focus, but no less important. There are plenty of bolt action rifles, and I actually mentioned the Ruger Precision in Creedmoor and 308. They are excellent choices for those on a budget and hold themselves up high in longer range. That said, I think bolt actions are safe… Read more »
Thanks Blue Angel—I wanted to make sure you understood I wasn’t disagreeing with you at all. Given your main focus, the choices on your list are great. One thing I did recently, given that Connecticut will usually do anything anti-gun that they think that they can get away with, was to acquire a Henry Steel lever action in .357 magnum. I have a few revolvers, among them a .38 and a couple of .357’s. With the Henry, I can stock a ton of ammo and still have the flexibility for anything from bagging a rabbit (with, say, a wadcutter) to… Read more »
Jeff, I didn’t think you disagreed. I sympathize to your dilemma, living in a restrictive state. You seem to have adapted fairly well and should be commended. You should probably write an article on what you can do if you live in a state tough on guns. Thanks again.
You know what? I think I will take your suggestion! Going to go look at the submission guidelines now 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!
That’s great. Will be sure to read. You have a much tougher subject than me.
If we’re looking at what to buy with an eye to a prepping situation, would a 300 blackout be the best option? I imagine ammo for the awesome MCX 300 blackout wouldn’t be as readily available as a 223/556. Granted, I’m not as knowledgeable as most on this topic, so if I’m wrong, I’d love to know.
Bamagrad03, I have two schools of thought on the MCX. While I prefer the blackout, it can be switched to 5.56 by changing the barrel. That said, I think if it was a total grid down, blackout may or may not be available. There are those who believe you should own some less prevalent ammo as 5.56 would fly off the shelves. While military and police use 223/5.56, I think it might not be available at least in the beginning of a grid down scenario since your main source would be a firearms shop, where everyone would be buying the… Read more »
Totally fair response. Thanks!
It worked in Orlando pretty well!!!
Consider this. Any mil-spec lower receiver can match right up to a milspec upper receiver in any AR caliber. Upper receivers can be purchased for under $500.
The .300 BLK/WSP are great alternatives to the 5.56mm, and can be handloaded from spent 5.56mm/.223 brass. Its actually shortened by about 10mm.
The 5.56 mil “surplus” ammo is super cheap. First repeating rifle should be a AR in 5.56, or an AK. Expand as resources allow.
“Coming Gun Control – Prep Yourself Before It’s Too Late”
So sorry, too late California. Coming to a State/Country near you.
To bad you Liberal morons to stupid to see Hitler in action.
Bob, all good options. Thanks for your input. For the mechanically inclined, your choices make sense. I only picked what I prefer, and pointed out that there are obviously cheaper choices as you have detailed. Perhaps I should have stressed that point a little better . Regards, The Blue Angel – author.
Its all good. Sometimes you need to mix things up and not just include bargain basement units. You at least picked super sexy items for your gun pron.
Its all personal philosophy. I’ve lusted for years over the LWRCI I5. Ambi-everything is heaven sent for a house full of lefties. Don’t want a “Lefty” model. Want ambi. Having worked with one (at the shop), I can say the quality of their products are impressive.
Actually I recently rethought the contents of my gun safe and tragically all were lost in a freak canoe accident. I understand the point of the article but even moderately price scary guns will be on the ban list. For the price of a high end AR you can get a midrange model with basic furniture, upgraded internals, decent optics, extra mags and a few thousand rounds for training. As much as I’d love to have a national match grade M1A, I’d think that for less money some of the AR pattern rifled in 7.62 NATO might be a better… Read more »
Thomas, thanks for the comments. I am sorry about your safe contents. In the article I did note that there are cheaper options. Perhaps I should have stressed it more effectively. You are absolutely spot on about moderately priced guns being on the chopping block. I just picked what I would like to have if the SHTF. Maybe I should have called the article “Best Guns for the Apocalypse”. Best Regards, The Blue Angel
Lol…I think similar accidents are happening all over.
Or maybe a good title would be “My Doomsday Gunsafe: A wish list. What’s yours?”
LOL. What a blowhard article and responses. Not a single one of you will ever use your gun to “protect your rights”. The right to own a gun is the only one you have left, out of the Bill of Rights, and when it comes time for gun confiscation you will give them up willingly just as you have given up all your other rights without a fight.
Recent events are proof that your guns are useless as your rhetoric.
Article is not about the gun control debate
I have no guns and neither do any of you……………………………..
Good for you.
While I appreciate gun porn as much as the next guy, I’ll never understand this approach. $1700 for a basic AR, whether you want to call it a SIG 516, LWRCI, Daniels Defense, or Wilson Combat is crazy. Sure, you might want to have that one ‘special’ setup, but unless a person is sickly rich, it makes far more practical and economic sense to invest in an arms room full of basic ARs or AKs at $500-600/unit. A person with minimal mechanical inclination can rebarrel a standard AR to fit different roles quite easily in little time. Excellent mid-range calibers… Read more »