UrbanMan received a private message from a reader (Jake) who asked what handgun would be appropriate for his wife. He further stated that his wife is going along with his Urban Survival Preparations for the Collapse kind of grudgingly. She has been to the range a few times; shot a couple of handguns and didn't really get into it.
Well Jake, here are some things to think about:
A handgun is primarily a defensive weapon. I always carry two handguns, a Glock 19 and a Kel-Tec .32 ACP even then I am under gunned if faced with Mutts and semi-automactic rifles. So getting your wife a handgun is a good idea; getting her a rifle is a better idea.
As the indicators for the Collapse (or TEOTWAWKI as you prefer) get stronger, our levels of preparedness needs to rise. Right now, it really wouldn't make sense to keep rifles and all magazines fully loaded in all corners or at all fighting positions in your house. Not would it make sense for you sling an M-4 as you perform land work or gardening. So the handgun is sometimes you ALWAYS carry for personal protection and to be able to fight your way to safety and your long guns.
Your wife may get more involved with shooting if you can make shooting or firearms training more fun. Rimfire (.22 LR) bullseye competition, shooting exploding targets or other targets that provide immediate feedback may serve this purpose. A .22 LR or .22 WMR Revolver are always good bets for firearms novices as they have no external mechanisms like safeties, hammer drops (de-cockers), magazine releases or bolts/slides to manipulate.
Another good choice would be a Ruger or Browning .22 LR semi-automatic. These are not only good guns to train new shooters on, but every Survival Firearms Battery should have one,...or more, plus a couple thousands of rounds of .22 LR ammunition.
You should have a .22 LR rifle as well. I have several. These are also good to train new shooters on long guns with. However, neither handguns or rifles in .22 LR are good defensive firearms, simply because they don't have the stopping power or vehicle penetration power of center-fire cartridges. The next step up would be a carbine in a centerfire handgun chambering such as the old Marlin 9mm or .45 ACP carbines; .357 magnum, .44 magnum or .45 Long Colt lever guns; an old M-1 carbine in .30 caliber carbine; and others. However, long guns in a handgun chamberings leave alot to be desired in stopping power as well as effective range.
The first rule of a gun fight is to have a gun. If you have to give up stopping power, magazine capacity and effective range in order to get your wife trained and ready to use a firearm, as well as to carry it when the indicators dictate, then so be it. You can always do some familiarization training on bigger guns, as you should, including shotguns. I think as she sees the need, her mindset and acceptance of firearms will grow. Good luck, Jake.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Urban Survival Weapons – Rifle/Shotgun Combination Guns
Months back UrbanSurvivalSkills.com wrote about the M-6 Aircrew Rifle (to see the past post click here) as it’s suitability for a “pure” survival firearm, meaning one meant to procure game as opposed to a defensive firearms. The M6 Aircrew Rifle as you’ll remember was meant as a survival firearm, mainly for game procurement, for down air crews,…… hence the name “Aircrew Rifle”. These guns are no longer manufactured, but if you can find one, you’ll be paying around $400.
Recently we were asked about other combination rifle - shotgun’s such as the Savage Model 24 series, over and under rifle-shotgun combination. Savage makes very good, high quality firearms and it is no exception to the Model 24 Series. Available in several rifle calibers: .22 Magnum, .22 Hornet, .17 HMR, .223 Remington, .357 Magnum and .30-30 Winchester ; and two shotgun gauges: 12 gauge and 20 gauge, this combination gun provides the user with the ability to take rabbits to deer, quail to turkey.
Savage Model 24 Combination guns are no longer made, but if you could find one, you would have to pay in the range of $450 for the .22 WMR – 20 gauge version and up to $1,500 for the .357 Magnum – 20 gauge model. We have shot a version of this rifle, in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and 20 gauge, and the gun had a decent enough trigger to take rabbits at 25-30 yards.
If anyone was fixated on getting a Savage Model 24 combination gun I would suggest a .223 Remington and 12 gauge, as it is probable provides the best capabilities and the ammunition is more readily available than say the .22 Hornet and 20 gauge.
There is another gun option with the EAA-Baikal IZH Model 94MP Combination Gun, an import model available through most Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) Dealers albeit at a hefty cost,…around $1,200.
The EAA-Baikal IZH Model 94MP Combination Rifle-Shotgun is available in several combination gauges/calibers:
12 gauge / .223 Remington
12 gauge / .30-06 Springfield
12 gauge / .308 Winchester
12 gauge / .45-70 Government
410 gauge / .17 HMR
410 gauge / .22 Long Rifle
410 gauge / .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
On both the Savage and EAA Comination guns, there are provisions for mounting a scope, which may be a necessity due to the rudimentary sights on either gun.
If you are set on owning a combination rifle-shotgun for survival, I would suggest a Savage Model 24 in whatever caliber-gauge combination you want (or can afford), then maybe the M-6 Aircrew Survival Rifle in .22 LR and .410 gauge. Although I know some people happy with their Baikal Shotguns, I think you would be better served spending the money on a high quality .22 LR rifle and separate 12 gauge pump action shotgun,….even then you would still have enough money left for a decent .22 LR handgun.
Recently we were asked about other combination rifle - shotgun’s such as the Savage Model 24 series, over and under rifle-shotgun combination. Savage makes very good, high quality firearms and it is no exception to the Model 24 Series. Available in several rifle calibers: .22 Magnum, .22 Hornet, .17 HMR, .223 Remington, .357 Magnum and .30-30 Winchester ; and two shotgun gauges: 12 gauge and 20 gauge, this combination gun provides the user with the ability to take rabbits to deer, quail to turkey.
Savage Model 24 Combination guns are no longer made, but if you could find one, you would have to pay in the range of $450 for the .22 WMR – 20 gauge version and up to $1,500 for the .357 Magnum – 20 gauge model. We have shot a version of this rifle, in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and 20 gauge, and the gun had a decent enough trigger to take rabbits at 25-30 yards.
If anyone was fixated on getting a Savage Model 24 combination gun I would suggest a .223 Remington and 12 gauge, as it is probable provides the best capabilities and the ammunition is more readily available than say the .22 Hornet and 20 gauge.
There is another gun option with the EAA-Baikal IZH Model 94MP Combination Gun, an import model available through most Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) Dealers albeit at a hefty cost,…around $1,200.
The EAA-Baikal IZH Model 94MP Combination Rifle-Shotgun is available in several combination gauges/calibers:
12 gauge / .223 Remington
12 gauge / .30-06 Springfield
12 gauge / .308 Winchester
12 gauge / .45-70 Government
410 gauge / .17 HMR
410 gauge / .22 Long Rifle
410 gauge / .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
On both the Savage and EAA Comination guns, there are provisions for mounting a scope, which may be a necessity due to the rudimentary sights on either gun.
If you are set on owning a combination rifle-shotgun for survival, I would suggest a Savage Model 24 in whatever caliber-gauge combination you want (or can afford), then maybe the M-6 Aircrew Survival Rifle in .22 LR and .410 gauge. Although I know some people happy with their Baikal Shotguns, I think you would be better served spending the money on a high quality .22 LR rifle and separate 12 gauge pump action shotgun,….even then you would still have enough money left for a decent .22 LR handgun.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Urban Survival Tools – Review of Gerber eFECT Weapons Maintenance Tool
It is not often that someone comes up with a really great accessory item, even for firearms. The Gerber eFECT (Field Expedient Cleaning Tool) Weapons Maintenance Tool, manufactured by Gerber Legendary Blades is one of those rare instances where innovation meets functionality. This is a convenient multi-function tool, with six separate tools, to help perform disassembly and critical cleaning functions on the AR-15/M-16/M-4 family of weapons.
The eFECT includes the following tools:
Flat Blade Screwdriver. General screwdriver for flat head screws.
Pin Punch. For use to push out tight receiver pins.
Nylon Bristle Brush. Used to clean away sand or dust from your weapon.
Angled Pick. This is a curved pick tool to use for cleaning those hard to reach areas that the M-16 family is famous for. The pick can be removed and replaced with OTIS cleaning accessory components with the 8-32 tpi female thread found in the excellent OTIS cleaning kits.
Bolt Carrier Carbon Scrapper. This is an excellent scrapper tool for removing carbon deposits in the receiver or inside the bolt carrier firing pin housing.
Sight Adjustment Tool, for both A1 and A2 front sights. This tool is reversible, being held on by a magnetic post which in and of itself is useful to pick small parts up with or to hold metal parts in place or so they won’t get lost.
The eFECT utilizes a dual Wedge Lock that holds the tools in the open position, and they cannot be released until the wedge is pulled back. The eFECT comes with a MOLLE- compatible belt sheath or can be stored in the internal compartment of an A2 buttstock.
Available from Brownells, click here, as item number 100-004-875 with a retail cost of $76.99
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Urban Survival – Reader Questions on Camouflage Uniforms
UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received the following question from a reader asking for suggestions on Camouflage Clothing.
“You mentioned having adequate, heavy duty clothing for Urban Survival. What is your take on Camouflaged clothing?
Do you think me, my family and friends should have camouflage fatigues of the same pattern/color? I read the Patriots book in which the Survival Group decided on a unique pattern so they could differentiate their people from others in the forests. Sounded like a great idea to me.”
Urban Man’s reply:
There is certainly a place for camouflaged fatigues in your Survival Kit, particularly shirts as they have more and better functional pockets than common work shirts. There are lots of camouflaged uniforms patterns and colors to choose from.
To keep this article as short as we can, I will limit to a short review on camouflage uniforms currently in use by the US Army: the Army Combat Uniform or ACU as made by Propper, and the Multi-Cam made by Tru-Spec. Both uniforms are well made and worth the cost increase over the older Vietnam era Camouflage uniforms, or the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) that are commonly available in Surplus Stores or on-line stores.
The ACU has a zippered front closure, elbow pouch for padded inserts, tilted chest pockets with Velcro closures, shoulder pockets with Velcro, pen pocket on sleeve and is imported.
The Multi-Cam has a better zippered front closure and replaces the Velcro closures of the ACU with YKK Powerhook closure devices which won’t wear out so bad from repeated washes. The Multi-Cam is made from 65/35 poly/Cotton Ripstop fabric or 50/50 Nylon Ripstop fabric; both version have the same slanted chest and shoulder pockets as the ACU. The Multi-Cam is made by Tru-Spec here in the USA and available is a wide range of colors: Black (would not recommend); Olive Drab (best single all around color); Digital Desert (okay for desert areas but not as an all around color); Khaki (would not recommend); 3 color desert (would not recommend); woodland; midnight navy (would not recommend); digital urban (would not recommend); digital woodland (okay for forested areas); and of course Multi-Cam (recommended for a wide range of areas).
The ACU and Multi-Cam are highly functional uniforms, especially the shirts due to their roomy pockets, very well made construction, and, we especially like the elbow pouches for padded inserts. The digital urban pattern is much too dark for our likes but would recommend either the ACU pattern, the Multi-Cam pattern or plain Olive Drab (green), shown to the LEFT with the uniform features.
The problem with camouflage uniforms is that they will set you apart. Civilians wearing camouflage uniforms will scream “Right Wing Milita” to Law Enforcement – which is maybe not a concern after a collapse. I guess a small team wearing the same camouflage uniforms may give a perception of a government element with authority. If common urbanites see you in your camouflage uniforms there is a connotation that you probably have additional Survival Gear and Equipment and therefore may mark you as a target for roving gangs.
I still think having at least a few Tru-Spec Multi-Cam or Olive Drab uniform tops or Propper ACU tops per person to wear over brown or khaki pants is a good idea as they will hold tough in rugged terrain and bad weather, and, have adequate pockets in which to carry essentials.
Multi-Cam and ACU uniforms shirts are reasonable priced at $39.99 and $40.99 from U.S. Cavalry.
“You mentioned having adequate, heavy duty clothing for Urban Survival. What is your take on Camouflaged clothing?
Do you think me, my family and friends should have camouflage fatigues of the same pattern/color? I read the Patriots book in which the Survival Group decided on a unique pattern so they could differentiate their people from others in the forests. Sounded like a great idea to me.”
Urban Man’s reply:
There is certainly a place for camouflaged fatigues in your Survival Kit, particularly shirts as they have more and better functional pockets than common work shirts. There are lots of camouflaged uniforms patterns and colors to choose from.
To keep this article as short as we can, I will limit to a short review on camouflage uniforms currently in use by the US Army: the Army Combat Uniform or ACU as made by Propper, and the Multi-Cam made by Tru-Spec. Both uniforms are well made and worth the cost increase over the older Vietnam era Camouflage uniforms, or the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) that are commonly available in Surplus Stores or on-line stores.
The ACU has a zippered front closure, elbow pouch for padded inserts, tilted chest pockets with Velcro closures, shoulder pockets with Velcro, pen pocket on sleeve and is imported.
The Multi-Cam has a better zippered front closure and replaces the Velcro closures of the ACU with YKK Powerhook closure devices which won’t wear out so bad from repeated washes. The Multi-Cam is made from 65/35 poly/Cotton Ripstop fabric or 50/50 Nylon Ripstop fabric; both version have the same slanted chest and shoulder pockets as the ACU. The Multi-Cam is made by Tru-Spec here in the USA and available is a wide range of colors: Black (would not recommend); Olive Drab (best single all around color); Digital Desert (okay for desert areas but not as an all around color); Khaki (would not recommend); 3 color desert (would not recommend); woodland; midnight navy (would not recommend); digital urban (would not recommend); digital woodland (okay for forested areas); and of course Multi-Cam (recommended for a wide range of areas).
The ACU and Multi-Cam are highly functional uniforms, especially the shirts due to their roomy pockets, very well made construction, and, we especially like the elbow pouches for padded inserts. The digital urban pattern is much too dark for our likes but would recommend either the ACU pattern, the Multi-Cam pattern or plain Olive Drab (green), shown to the LEFT with the uniform features.
The problem with camouflage uniforms is that they will set you apart. Civilians wearing camouflage uniforms will scream “Right Wing Milita” to Law Enforcement – which is maybe not a concern after a collapse. I guess a small team wearing the same camouflage uniforms may give a perception of a government element with authority. If common urbanites see you in your camouflage uniforms there is a connotation that you probably have additional Survival Gear and Equipment and therefore may mark you as a target for roving gangs.
I still think having at least a few Tru-Spec Multi-Cam or Olive Drab uniform tops or Propper ACU tops per person to wear over brown or khaki pants is a good idea as they will hold tough in rugged terrain and bad weather, and, have adequate pockets in which to carry essentials.
Multi-Cam and ACU uniforms shirts are reasonable priced at $39.99 and $40.99 from U.S. Cavalry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
