Readers have pointed out that I can be vague with specifics when it comes to recommendations for equipment, training, food storage etc. The misunderstanding is my fault here. I only make general recommendations because your specific circumstances will dictate the specifics of your purchases and planning. Everything from how big a place you have, do you rent or own, your physical fitness, your local and state laws will have to be considered by you and no one can really determine that but you.
But there are a few things I can answer, with the caveat that what I do is dependent on my situation, resources and experience. So let’s get to some clarifications.
If you did have to resort to using paintball guns as defense which one would you choose?
If money was no object I’d get a few if I was going to be restricted to paint markers. First I’d want one that was capable of full auto and would accept riot balls. But use of what’s called First Strike rounds would also be useful as it extends the range of the gun. The best option I’ve seen for that is a DYE brand DAM rifle which can feed from both a magazine and a “hopper” (those little things on top of paintball guns that hold the balls) and can switch between the two with the flip of a switch.
It cost about as much as an AR but it fits the bill. The downside is it only uses compressed air so you can’t use CO2. This adds to the expense. If money is an object a Tippman brand A-5 which I think is full auto.
I’d pair this with the more compact self defense marketed pistols, filled with pepper balls. Again Tippmann makes good ones and pepper balls can be purchased on Amazon or any paintball site.
How much food do you store?
As much as I can, frankly. I make sure to have at least two months of food in the house at any one time, more usually. But start with an extra week or twos worth every time you go shopping. A bag of rice, a flat of beans or a couple of pounds of dried beans. A few cans of sardines/tuna/spam and some ramen. Store sugar and honey when you have a chance. I have a walk in closet that’s half food, a kitchen pantry and a giant fridge. Your calorie intake is different than mine, your family size etc. Sit down and write out what in an emergency you would eat in a day and work out from there. Sorry to still be vague but I can’t really make this call for you.
I will say that I’ve been seeing reports that there are basically attacks shutting down food processing plants so I’m storing as much long lasting food as I’m able.
What’s wrong with Glocks or ARs?
Nothing. I have posted memes poking fun at Glock owners on my page but they’re fine guns. I just like different things. I also wear sandals with jeans and my workout playlist is Basil Polidoirus’ Conan the Barbarian soundtrack. My guns are in part a reflection of my love of pulp fiction and weird west fiction. Almost any gun can be pressed into utilitarian use so I never felt the need to have specific “practical” firearms. You may disagree.
There are pros and cons to any firearm.
What kind of guns do you own?
Like I said I basically have a weird west themed collection – I collect guns that look like they’re from the old west but never existed in reality. Because I play with them a lot they’re also my go tos for home defense. I’m also a long time survivalist so I have two survival guns. My survival guns aren’t my “I’m fighting a invading army guns” they are basically for survival. They are:
A N.E.F. Survivor .410/45. It’s a very light rifle that I can shoot one handed if need be and can carry a lot of ammo for. I got it as a foraging gun when I lived in a college town in Connecticut after 9/11. It’s a compromise gun but rugged and reliable. here’s a video of some other guy who has one:
And a Mossberg Cruiser in 20ga with a 20 inch barrel which holds eight rounds. I originally got it with the pistol grip but put a stock on it. To me the pump action shotgun is the most versatile survival weapon and 20ga allows those of us getting older to not get beat up on with recoil like we would with a 12ga.
The Mossberg is my recommendation for a person who will have one gun.
I also have a Charter Arms Patriot in .327 federal Magnum. It’s a snub nosed revolver but I like it because the .327 is a powerful round that allows guns chambered in it to shoot .32 magnum, .32 S&W Long, .32 S&W and even .32 ACP. Multi caliber guns would be useful in my opinion in any collapse scenario.
I own a Pietta “El Malo” which is a 1873 Peacemaker clone with a turned down competition hammer and army grips. If you know nothing about old west guns that’s all gibberish to you so you can look at one here. Mine is in .45 Colt because I love that round. I keep it in a buscadero holster and practice my quick draw with it. If I could get the fat old man filter off my phone I’ll film myself doing that. I shoot it the most so it’s become the gun I check on bumps in the night with. Your self defense gun should be the one you’re most familiar with.
I also own a Turkish made .22 LR version of a Peacemaker that has a 10 round cylinder. My wife likes that one. I just recently purchased a Heritage Arms “Barkeep” revolver with a American flag grip from Palmetto State Armory. .22 revolvers are like butcher knives – every home should have at least one.
One of my favorite guns is a H&R Guardsman in .32 S&W Long. It was marketed to night watchmen. It’s fun to shoot, has very light recoil and is very accurate.
I also have a Stoeger Coach gun and a Rossi Ranch Hand. Coach guns are just double barreled shotguns with short barrels. They actually make good “brush guns” and are easy to use for home defense.
The Ranch Hand is just for fun though critics of the gun are wrong about how useless it is. Most people say it shoots too low but that’s because most people don’t know how to use the buckhorn sites.
So yes, I’m not a AR or Glock guy. Just personal preference. Although I am going to a gun show this weekend and will hopefully pick up a Ruger Charger for cheap. I want to make that the “car gun” for me and the Mrs. I’m worried about mob violence when the food runs out so when traveling I want a semi-auto. If I can’t find what I’m looking for I’ll break down and get a AR or AK. Not a fan of them though.
Point is you shouldn’t take my or anyone’s advice on guns as gospel, because all of us have our opinions on them made by multiple factors. I’m a collector who likes a theme as well as a prepper. And I’m a prepper who isn’t part of a militia so I don’t need to choose guns with compatibility with others in mind.
And you can see my collection on my Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/oldtimeypistolero/
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Author Rob Taylor
