Received an interesting gift for Christmas this year - a big military grade back pack chick full of all the requisite survival goodies you'd want to have in one. If one back pack was all you were running with, for your life. Only thing it's lacking is a dedicated handgun, and in my preference it would be a stainless steel revolver of some caliber and frame size. Personally, I'm feeling either a 10 shot 617 or 66 would be on the short list. It should not be assumed that I would NOT be carrying something else, but entirely possible I wouldn't be. If the bag was serving it's true "oh s--t! Gotta run!" Purpose. Weight would be a factor in decision making. As well as weight vs amount of ammunition too, obviously. Most people say 22 long, 9mm, and 38/357 would be the easiest calibers to obtain in a sky-is-falling scenario. So what say you? What one gun goes in the bug-out bag?
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Best S&W Revolver for a "Bug Out Bag"....
- Thread starter Mr.Harry
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2013
- Messages
- 3,328
- Reaction score
- 2,609
For me, a single revolver would most likely be a S&W 686, most likely a 3", but maybe a 4".
In my view, probably the best single revolver I could select, at least for me.
In my view, probably the best single revolver I could select, at least for me.
Evening Mr.Harry;
Where are you running to? What are you running from?
If you are wandering onto my property during an apocalypse
your revolver better be able to reach out to over 600 yards
as I won't let you get any closer without putting you down.
But to answer your question; if I were forced to bug out it
wouldn't be about defense as too many people staying home
& defending their holdings so I would probably need to have
a suppressed pistol for survival in the outback. That would not
be a revolver but more likely a .22 lightweight multi-round
accurate suppressed pistol to shoot small game (or close
range protection) without leaving a sound signature giving
my "hide" away.
Where are you running to? What are you running from?
If you are wandering onto my property during an apocalypse
your revolver better be able to reach out to over 600 yards
as I won't let you get any closer without putting you down.
But to answer your question; if I were forced to bug out it
wouldn't be about defense as too many people staying home
& defending their holdings so I would probably need to have
a suppressed pistol for survival in the outback. That would not
be a revolver but more likely a .22 lightweight multi-round
accurate suppressed pistol to shoot small game (or close
range protection) without leaving a sound signature giving
my "hide" away.
I like the 686 idea, but 4" to get better sight radius for game.
I am next to Chicago, so I probably can't go to far. I would stick with my 4" 629 for forest preserve game and perhaps an auto or two of bad guys.
I am next to Chicago, so I probably can't go to far. I would stick with my 4" 629 for forest preserve game and perhaps an auto or two of bad guys.
Just right...
What gen3guy said, because as Goldilocks said after trying J and N frames, "Ahh, this K frame is just right". Or she would've if she could've.
Pequod.
What gen3guy said, because as Goldilocks said after trying J and N frames, "Ahh, this K frame is just right". Or she would've if she could've.
Pequod.
cadmike
Member
I'd go with a 2.5 inch model 66.
Yeah bud, I have a property 'out of town' too. I also have rifles and shotguns a big ol' 44 mag among other things. But they're not necessarily "in THE BAG". My question issss - what one goes in the bag? But I think I'm with you on .22 long for all your stated reasons.
I'll play. Parameters are "S&W revolver" and "bug out bag." I'm going to go with "realistic" instead of "fantasy" on this one.
Why bug out? It's probably a flooding situation. Could be a wild fire. Or a hurricane. In theory it could be massive civil unrest, invasion, or zombies, but the the former are much more realistic. Odds are it's a somewhat organized evacuation and you're on your way to stay with relatives, a second home, or in a shelter. You might need to protect yourself, but it's not likely to be a raging battle against a band of determined marauders. More likely it would be a street crime perpetrated by an opportunistic thug or desperate unprepared person.
If you do it right, your bag will already be pretty full and heavy: water, food, some clothes, ID/insurance/banking documentation, tablet computer/cell phone, flashlight, batteries, chargers. You'll probably be driving away, but walking or biking is a real possibility. Weight is definitely a big consideration. Where you're going to carry it is too.
Consider a big back pack with shoulder straps, chest strap, and waist strap. Most waist band holsters would not work that well. Carrying it in the pack is too slow to access. Ankle carry might make sense, but does it if you're walking several miles? I'm going to go with pocket carry as the best option.
My pick: Airweight J-frame in 38 special with a good pocket holster. Any of the Airweight models would work equally well. They're as light and small as they get and easiest to carry and conceal. I'm even going to go out on a limb and say that one with the dreaded lock would be the way to go. (Let's assume you've put a good number of trouble free rounds through it w/o lock issues.) There may be times in a shelter, at a family member's home with children, etc. when being able to secure the revolver would be desirable.
Why bug out? It's probably a flooding situation. Could be a wild fire. Or a hurricane. In theory it could be massive civil unrest, invasion, or zombies, but the the former are much more realistic. Odds are it's a somewhat organized evacuation and you're on your way to stay with relatives, a second home, or in a shelter. You might need to protect yourself, but it's not likely to be a raging battle against a band of determined marauders. More likely it would be a street crime perpetrated by an opportunistic thug or desperate unprepared person.
If you do it right, your bag will already be pretty full and heavy: water, food, some clothes, ID/insurance/banking documentation, tablet computer/cell phone, flashlight, batteries, chargers. You'll probably be driving away, but walking or biking is a real possibility. Weight is definitely a big consideration. Where you're going to carry it is too.
Consider a big back pack with shoulder straps, chest strap, and waist strap. Most waist band holsters would not work that well. Carrying it in the pack is too slow to access. Ankle carry might make sense, but does it if you're walking several miles? I'm going to go with pocket carry as the best option.
My pick: Airweight J-frame in 38 special with a good pocket holster. Any of the Airweight models would work equally well. They're as light and small as they get and easiest to carry and conceal. I'm even going to go out on a limb and say that one with the dreaded lock would be the way to go. (Let's assume you've put a good number of trouble free rounds through it w/o lock issues.) There may be times in a shelter, at a family member's home with children, etc. when being able to secure the revolver would be desirable.
Last edited:
I don't usually play this game, but couldn't resist. Are you .22 advocates actually saying you wouldn't carry something appropriate for personal defense in the case of a significant emergency that would cause you to leave home? I don't believe it.
I'm going to suggest a 4" K frame, stainless, fixed sight, in .38 Special. Low power target wadcutters for small game. Speer +P 135 g. HP for other needs. Although, in my case, it would be a Model 65, since I already have one, and I could up the ante a tad if I wanted to.
I'm going to suggest a 4" K frame, stainless, fixed sight, in .38 Special. Low power target wadcutters for small game. Speer +P 135 g. HP for other needs. Although, in my case, it would be a Model 65, since I already have one, and I could up the ante a tad if I wanted to.
Last edited:
I'm a revolver man but I'd probably pack my Glock 19 or 26 with a few mags full.if it had to be a revolver it would be this
Model 15
Model 15
Last edited:
kenv1950
Member
I live in the country. What kind of bug out ? If I had to go into the mountains where I live, I think I would take (not a S&W rifle) I would take my S&W 317 and my Marlin Papoose both .22 . Easily carry 500 rnds. all fit in a back pack easily. Two guns same caliber less bulk
Groo01
Member
Groo here
A BOB as you stated , is to get you home,or get you to your "out of town"
shelter.
The bag should be light, and not draw attention.
Carry enough FOOD/WATER to get out of town [ and some extra.]
Your gun will be for defense not hunting.[your going somewhere don't spend time and energy hunting]
If a handgun is all the weight/size you will carry, [I agree}
I would suggest a M-327 TRR8 5in 8 shot 357mag.
The gun can mount optics , light and laser.
Holds 8 shots. [moon clips if you like]
Shoots 38 spec for small game if you need to.
And 357mag , which is powerful for the size/weight.
And with optics, is accurate enough for extended ranges.
Ps the gun is also one of the lighter full size revolvers.
A BOB as you stated , is to get you home,or get you to your "out of town"
shelter.
The bag should be light, and not draw attention.
Carry enough FOOD/WATER to get out of town [ and some extra.]
Your gun will be for defense not hunting.[your going somewhere don't spend time and energy hunting]
If a handgun is all the weight/size you will carry, [I agree}
I would suggest a M-327 TRR8 5in 8 shot 357mag.
The gun can mount optics , light and laser.
Holds 8 shots. [moon clips if you like]
Shoots 38 spec for small game if you need to.
And 357mag , which is powerful for the size/weight.
And with optics, is accurate enough for extended ranges.
Ps the gun is also one of the lighter full size revolvers.
My plan is to bug in, but if I felt the need to keep one handgun in a backpack, for an unknown amount of time, it would be my model 640 with one (1) 12 round reload wallet.
buckyjames1
US Veteran
1. .22LR: me and a neighbor (after drinking too much bourbon) discussed the Pros/Cons of BOBing this caliber. We cam up with more pros than cons. Can be used defending, light weight, abundance of ammo, small caliber works from squirrel size to dog/cat size (which we drunkenly stated that there would be an abundance of at the beginning of a SHTF scenario, low recoil, less muzzle blast indoors, less flash, not an oddball round so bartering with or for ammo is easier,
honestly, just lots of pros.
2. I came across a thread and info was pretty darn interesting:
.38 Special
Rounds per pound: 34.78
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 2.88
.357Mag.
Remington UMC 125gr SJHP
Rounds per pound: 30.77
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 3.25
.22 LR
Remington Golden 36gr PHP
Rounds per pound: 133.33
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 0.75
* To answer your question though...My #1 grab if I could only have 1, is my Glock 17 Gen 4 with accessories of course.
Pistols though, anything in 9mm, .357mag, or .22LR
Link to weights chart: Ammo Weights for Survival Situations Chart - Survivalist Forum
honestly, just lots of pros.
2. I came across a thread and info was pretty darn interesting:
.38 Special
Rounds per pound: 34.78
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 2.88
.357Mag.
Remington UMC 125gr SJHP
Rounds per pound: 30.77
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 3.25
.22 LR
Remington Golden 36gr PHP
Rounds per pound: 133.33
Weight per 100 rounds (lbs): 0.75
* To answer your question though...My #1 grab if I could only have 1, is my Glock 17 Gen 4 with accessories of course.
Pistols though, anything in 9mm, .357mag, or .22LR
Link to weights chart: Ammo Weights for Survival Situations Chart - Survivalist Forum
Last edited:
Evening Peak53
Not a pistol or revolver made to go up against an AR
or a AK & those are probably going to very prevalent
in a real (need for weapon) emergency.
It looks to me that if I would have a need for revolver
in .357 all I would need to do is quietly sit in the
shadows & wait for someone carrying a backpack to wander by.
I don't want to look inviting so no backpack or
rifle hanging over my shoulder.
Stealth is going to be my survival friend in a REAL
emergency requiring a weapon for survival.
Similar threads
