I now have the perfect long gun survival battery, I mean it this time! (pic)

[canoeguy]

Picked up a couple of neat guns at value prices this morning, a Winchester "Ranger" 30/30 carbine and an early pre-war M&P. Both guns were priced at $299 each, I got them both for $500. I had seen the 30/30 in his shop a month or so ago, but the owner said a guy had it on layaway. Well, the guy lost his job, so the rifle is now mine! Here's some pics:

So, my survival battery (long guns) now consists of the 30/30, a scoped Remington .308, three .22 rifles (a Romainian .22 military training rifle, a Norinco copy of a German military training rifle, and a stainless steel Taurus pump .22). Now I need to salt back about 500 rounds each of 30/30 and .308 soft point hunting ammo. I have a plethora of .22 ammo.

For handguns, four .22 revolvers and pistols, and many .38 revolvers. I have enough .38 revolvers to arm family members if need arises.

Here's a pic of my long gun survival batterry:

Share some thoughts and pics of your survival battery! Gatorfarmer, you may have to post a slide show...

 

[canoeguy]

Picked up a couple of neat guns at value prices this morning, a Winchester "Ranger" 30/30 carbine and an early pre-war M&P. Both guns were priced at $299 each, I got them both for $500. I had seen the 30/30 in his shop a month or so ago, but the owner said a guy had it on layaway. Well, the guy lost his job, so the rifle is now mine! Here's some pics:

So, my survival battery (long guns) now consists of the 30/30, a scoped Remington .308, three .22 rifles (a Romainian .22 military training rifle, a Norinco copy of a German military training rifle, and a stainless steel Taurus pump .22). Now I need to salt back about 500 rounds each of 30/30 and .308 soft point hunting ammo. I have a plethora of .22 ammo.

For handguns, four .22 revolvers and pistols, and many .38 revolvers. I have enough .38 revolvers to arm family members if need arises.

Here's a pic of my long gun survival batterry:

Share some thoughts and pics of your survival battery! Gatorfarmer, you may have to post a slide show...

 

[2Loud4You]

There's ALWAYS something else you can add. Hahaha
Nice collection though.

 

[glypnir]

Aren't you going to hunt some birds too?

 

[max]

That is a nice looking Winchester. Since we always need an excuse for more guns, you might consider a 12 gauge pump.

 

[canoeguy]

I have owned shotguns, but since I am a very poor wing shot (maybe a 25% hit ratio on clay birds), I figured I'd stick with what I am good at, rifle and pistol shooting.

If I had to shoot a bird for survival food, I would have to shoot it sitting, "ground sluice it". I can do that with a .22 rifle.

The 30/30 should be good for home defense and deer hunting, the scoped .308 for long range shots, hunting and defence, the handguns carried all the time and readily available for home defense.

The best thing about this battery, they are all guns that I enjoy shooting and collecting, so even if thier never comes a "SHTF" scenario, I'll enjoy them until I die.

 

[Spotteddog]

C/G,
ANYTHING works in a SHTF scenario! Don't forget that a rifle sighted 12 smooth bore pump, can also digest slugs quite effectively! Depending upon it's owners proclivities.
Besides, someone in your family or pack may not be as good as you are with only one projectile? Just a thought...

 

[pred]

Simple clean with a Weaver scope and irons as well.
Smith Corona 03A3.
Just found and bought 880 rounds of mil surp ammo in two cans for 250.
.22 will keep you eating easy for many years.
3006 will keep you protected from 1/2 mile away!

Peter.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Where's your shotguns? Short and long barrels are required. If anyone is recoil sensitive a 16 or 20 gauge is also mandatory.
Good start on the rifles and handguns though.

 

[m657]

re: "GatorFarmers survival battery"

Last week when photos of that Mexican arms bust was posted...guess what came to mind....

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Very nice start for your long gun collection. There are a couple of holes on that gun rack that need filling though. So, to repeat what others have said, you will need a pump action or semi,auto 12ga. shotgun. You best start saving now, because it is inevitable!

BTW, I think you got a very good deal on the M&P and the 30-30. I am a big fan of leverguns, and that one looks nice. Good luck with them.

WG840

 

[canoeguy]

You know, while i was in the shop buying the 30/30 and the M&P, a guy came in trying to sell the owner a Winchester Model 1300 sporting shotgun. They didn't agree on a price, so the guy asked me as I was walking out "What would you give me for this shotgun". I examined it, looked brand new, not a mark on it, screw in chokes, long barrel, nice field shotgun. I in turn asked him what he had to have for it he said $190. I knew that was probably a good deal, and should have taken it, but I had spent all the money I wanted to spend this month buying the rifle and revolver, so reluctantly had to pass.

Shotguns are easy to find, and one may end up in my rack. I have had several over the years, but they just don't interest me like rifles and pistols, hard to get excited about spending money stockpiling shotgun shells you probably will never use.

I do have family members that are hard over excited about shotguns, shooting trap, hunting doves and ducks, so if the SHTF, maybe we can join forces. My hunting buddy probably has eight shotguns, and a trained lab for retrieving. I hunt deer and squirrels with him (with rifles), but give a pass on the bird hunts.

 

[GatorFarmer]

You might want to get a dedicated defensive rifle (aka EBR) and suitable accessories if you're concerned about needing firearms in an emergency. While fine and enjoyable firearms, sporting arms aren't usually designed to stand up to the rigors and abusive environment of weapons that have a military pedigree.

 

[perpster]

Originally posted by canoeguy:
So, my survival battery (long guns) now consists of the 30/30, a scoped Remington .308, three .22 rifles (a Romainian .22 military training rifle, a Norinco copy of a German military training rifle, and a stainless steel Taurus pump .22). Now I need to salt back about 500 rounds each of 30/30 and .308 soft point hunting ammo. I have a plethora of .22 ammo.

For handguns, four .22 revolvers and pistols, and many .38 revolvers. I have enough .38 revolvers to arm family members if need arises.

Share some thoughts and pics of your survival battery! Gatorfarmer, you may have to post a slide show...

Nice collection so far. My comment is that since you already have .22 and .38 handguns, look for lever actions in those calibers, such as a Marlin 39 and Marlin 1894C. Then you'd have handguns and long guns that could feed exactly the same ammunition, and in two calibers that cover the gamut from putting game on the table to putting two-legged threats down.

I also agree you should have at least one 12 ga. shotgun, regardless of friends/family that have their own. Since you're asking about survival conditions you need to have it yourself and not be relying on others for it. Have some bird, buck and slugs to go with it. If only getting one shotgun I'd go with a pump action.

Not being critical; you asked for comments. BTW, at the nice price you paid for the 30/30 and the M&P I'd probably have bought them, too.

 

[Stainz]

I'm ready... I got my .45 Colt pair over six years ago. Of course, the 625MG needs no introduction. Neither does the Fred Vollmer 'Utility Knife'. The Puma M1892 is a 24" SS octagon barrel, also in .45 Colt. It came drilled/tapped for a tang site - the Marbles was a no-brainer. Easily dispatches marauding shotgun clays - standing and handheld (The rifle...) - at 100 yd. Sadly, anyone can do it... the thing is a great shooter in anyone's hands.

I did a bad thing when it was brandy-new - right outta da box. I lost this nylon stick that must have been under the mag spring. Anyhow, it still works great - but will fit 12 + 1 .45 Colts. As my other long guns are all .22 rimfires, I guess the M1892 is my 'assault rifle' - of sorts. If you are a Zombie intent on attacking me, give me warning - it takes time to load it!

Nothing like a proper lever gun/revolver combo.

Stainz

 

[canoeguy]

Gatorfarmer,

I have owned and enjoyed EBR's in the past, I have owned AK's, AR's, FN's, M1A's, etc, and they were fun and eye catching, as well as great investments. I sold all of mine a few years ago to pay for my wifes college and seminary education, now she is the breadwinner, and now I play on my Navy retirement!

I'd love to have another AR-15, but for the cost of one AR and 1000 rounds of ammo, you could assemble a full survival batterry. I paid $538 (with two boxes of 30/30 cartridges)out the door Saturday for the 30/30 and a .38 Special M&P revolver, was offered a pump shotgun (Winchester Model 1300) for $190 from a customer in the store. If I had bouhgt the shotgun, my total cost for a three gun battery would have been $728. Leaving lots of money for ammunition for above. I think if I had to buy an AR-15 and 1000 rounds of ammo, it would be at least $2000.

Another consideration about moving around the civilian populace, a guy carrying a 30/30 carbine slung over his shoulder will garner less attention than a guy carrying an AR-15.

I agree, for combat, none of these weapons I have will do, but I don't intend to engage in combat if at all possible. Food gathering and protection from evil minded people are what I have in mind.

 

[crofoot629]

Nice guns.

The 30-30 is not a bad ebr on the down low.

Emory

 

[straightshooter1]

I have seen similar threads about survival guns in situations, but, I must confess, I can't quite imagine what those situations could be.

If power goes out for a long period, or there is a natural disaster, etc., I suppose one who lives in a rural or semi-rural area could hunt for food.

Maybe I fail to grasp the need for survival weapons since I live in such an urban area and if everything ground to a halt, I'd be stuck here in my quiet little neighborhood. Food and medicene would be my priority.

And, again, it may be that since Florida has statutes that, in the event of a "Declaration of Emergency" (F.S. 870.041-.048) one of the provisions is no possession of a firearm in a public place except by police/military, I know I won't be walking around with a firearm either openly or concealed (unless I am willing to be arrested)that makes me think that I don't need such things.

I do, of course, have weapons (rifles, shotguns and handguns) capable of defending myself, my family and my home, but I can't quite picture a situation where I would need them.

I do have a J-frame in my pocket all the time, and (am I just naive?) think that will cover most anything that might happen here.

I worry more about the occasional burglar/robber than zombies.

Red Dawn was a very entertaining movie, but, I doubt such antics would be doable (at least not for long) in the face of regular soldiers and there's no mountains to hide in here and it is too far to go to the Everglades.

So, I guess my question is: What situation do you envision where such a survival battery will really be necessary?

Bob

 

[canoeguy]

Straightshooter,

The survival scenarios I prepare for are not "Red Dawn" situations, sonething more like:

Extended power outages or riots in large parts of the country cause chaos, travel into cities to get groceries are unsafe (LA after the Rodney King verdict).

You are out of work for a long time, family is hungry. a deer walks by the edge of the woods...

Extended trips into the backcountry, you have enough food for the trip, but have a survival rifle tucked away in case a mishap causes you to lose part of your food.

Traveling in remote areas by light aircraft or four wheel drive vehicle, having a survival weapon to gather game and signal.

Hurricane causes devastation in your area, protect yourself and property with a survival weapon.

A weapon in your home to protect your family from intruders.

A survival weapon or two in your vehicle while traveling.

The weapons I have chosen will blend in a little easier than an AR-15. A vehicle search by a State Trooper revealing a cased 30/30 rifle should not be a cause for alarm, if the driver is being polite.

 

[straightshooter1]

OK, I see your points. Unfortunately, in my State, I won't be traveling with a gun because of the statutes if there's an emergency.

If no food available, we'd eat a lot of fist or, perhaps, egrets and cranes (I hear they taste just like chicken)!

We do, as I say, have guns and reloading materials for all, too.

I stocked up loooooong before the election but did buy 10K of primers on Saturday for $36 per thousand.

Bob