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Which Two Guns for SHTF

If I could only grab two firearms in a SHTF situation, they would be:

  • A rifle

    Votes: 303 52.2%
  • A carbine

    Votes: 210 36.2%
  • A shotgun

    Votes: 113 19.5%
  • A service sidearm

    Votes: 363 62.6%
  • A smaller sidearm for concealment

    Votes: 134 23.1%
  • Other

    Votes: 5 0.9%

  • Total voters
    580
>But what if you could only grab two California-compliant ones? What would they be?
It would definitely be a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500, after all in the wise words of Clint Smith "Pistols put holes in people, rifles put holes through people, shotguns at the right range with the right load will physically remove a chunk of 💩 off your opponent and throw that 💩 on the floor"
 
When you consider finding yourself in a SHTF scenario, you'd probably want to have ready access to a whole arsenal of firearms. But what if you could only grab two California-compliant ones? What would they be?

As you consider each type, assume the make and model you have or would want is available, in the caliber you prefer, and with "enough" ammo of the kind you prefer (however much that is), including any slings, holsters, cases, optics, etc. But also assume they are in California-compliant configuration with California-compliant magazines you acquired in, say, July of 2024.
M4 Benneli For life. 7 round magazine tube + 1 ghost load +1 in the chamber
 
I'd rather break a window or maybe pick a lock. Both are quieter and less dangerous.
I ain't got time for jokes son. By the time you roll out your fancy dancy lock pick set from your birkin bag I'd be walkin out already with pillaged ice cream sandwiches and some new straps
Lets Go Dancing GIF by Mason Ramsey
 
Yeah, the odds of everyone's fantasy of sitting in your home, cool as a cucumber while you mow down wave after wave of "bad guys" who have worse than stormtrooper accuracy is pretty low.

One armed up house is pretty much gonna be easy meat for bad guys, in the long run. You might scare 'em off initially... but they'll be back... and in greater numbers (like SandPeople).

Now, you've got a few like-minded neighbors... that's a different story.
Sand people always ride single file, to hide their numbers.
 
When you consider finding yourself in a SHTF scenario, you'd probably want to have ready access to a whole arsenal of firearms. But what if you could only grab two California-compliant ones? What would they be?

As you consider each type, assume the make and model you have or would want is available, in the caliber you prefer, and with "enough" ammo of the kind you prefer (however much that is), including any slings, holsters, cases, optics, etc. But also assume they are in California-compliant configuration with California-compliant magazines you acquired in, say, July of 2024.
Probably my AR and G17, I trust myself the most with both. If I had to put a wildcard, instead of the AR, I'd probably swap it out for my Mossberg 590S. Keyword: If. I can comfortably carry more 5.56 ammo than I could 12-gauge shells. Maybe a skill issue on my end, but oh well
 
Remusrm: So you are OK with being unprepared and stealing from those who are prepared?

@sonofeugene to be fair, MANY would do the same.
In a short term SHTF (earthquakes, fire, flood, power failure) that is confined to a local or state wide area, then sure most will lend a hand as will others from non effected areas. Something that lasts for under 30 days society if given support from Government or others, will remain intact for the most part.

In a true SHTF (meaning it lasts months/years/permanent) or is WIDE spread like say Western USA, it is going to be every man for themselves. Morality and Society in general will break down after only 9 days without food. If you think mankind will resort to sharing, caring, helping, sheltering others in a scenario that last more than 30 days, with all do respect, you are kidding yourself.

While I am fairly prepared defensively, food and water will be at a premium and many will resort to whatever means to acquire them.
 
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