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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
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.

Ideally....with access to only Cali stuff id probably go for a precision geared rifle on a small frame receiver & a backup upper to swap out for (2 for 1 😬). Pistol or shotgun for a 2nd is a tough one though... Probably the shotgun purely for potential "oh F-" moments.
 
Glock 17 and 10/22 takedown.

I understand the reasoning behind G19, but I shoot the 17 more accurately. I can worry about the magazine issue if I survive that long.
 
Since I'm long in the tooth and have cut down the number of arms I own now, I'm limited. My selection will be if the SHTF is known to be forth coming or immediate; my rifle and either a Glock 22 or the Glock 35. As far as ammo, depends on at home or out and about and potential for encounters.

Respectfully
Kyle
 
12g and G19. The 12G can run anything from bird shot to slugs. G19 for just incase...
 
G19 & 10/22 takedown are my choices. would be nice to have a long gun to reach out and touch someone but ammo weight sucks
 
If it truly was SHTF, I’d go with my Mossberg 12 gauge pump shotgun with all the double ought and slugs I could carry.

For my pistol, it would be my Glock 34 with “large mags” and plenty of HD ammo.
 
Guns?
My buddy in NC has plenty of guns and ammo.

Gas for a generator, not so much, so kiss the well pump goodbye within 5 days.
Fresh water his family burned thru quickly.
There was a prescription med issue.

More people than would like to admit have health issues that will hammer them within a week.
They wont have a supply of fuel or power and will not be physically capable of multiple day long family hikes hauling their most needed crap.
 
Glock 19 and SCAR17. If SHTF I would do everything I could to avoid a confrontation, but if I need to fight I want to be able to engage at distance with a .30cal rifle cartridge. Also, I want a small enough handgun to go "grey man".

In SHTF I would not be wasting ammunition on hunting or making noise drawing attention to myself. I can trap small game or fowl. I don't need a .22 or shotgun to feed myself. Additionaly, I would rather hunt medium and large game with a bow than use a firearm and ammo.

Besides, anyone with a .30cal could just shoot someone with a .22 or shotgun from 100 yards or less, and just take their guns if they really wanted them.
 
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I have a crew...live in ag dirt. Bring it. PAX
 
Either my scar17s or saint308 for my carbine, and my G21 or G41 for my pistol.

Shotguns are too clunky and round limited. Lugging that much ammo sucks. I’d rather have 308 if I’m going to carry something heavy.
 
I would rock an ultra-light AR setup as my primary, something like a BCM 11.5" Enhanced Light Weight Fluted Barrel Profile w/Aimpoint RDS and a G43 3x Magnifier to Positive ID and keep the weight low. In a survival situation, I wouldn't want my firearms to wear me down with all the basic survival items I would be carrying. Mobility and agility will be King. It will be enough to protect, defend, assault, and possibly hunt medium-sized game.
My first choice for the secondary would be a Glock 19 for its rugged reliability but I would ultimately pick a Sig P365X, following the same principle of being light and extremely concealable for those situations where I might want to blend in. I tried hiking with a group of amigos in the desert with a Glock 19 IWB and it was doable but the bulk made me less agile for climbing boulders and sprinting in some sections.
In conclusion, Ill want to stay as light as possible even if I give up on velocity and some combat effectiveness. Because Survival isn't all gun fights. Cheers Amigos!
 
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