Was going to work on it a little more, but I stopped for one reason. If they can't figure out some stuff on their own there is no hope for them any way. If there is anyone who is new to the world of firearms I'll still offer a helping hand when it comes to the basics, some legal crap, and be there to bouce ideas off of (heh. That's one reason I enjoy being here) That's it though.
_______________________________
Firearms- Selecting your weapon.
I've been planning this Mighty Sanchez articleish massive wall of text for the longest time. Wracking my brain just to make sure it can be applied for anyone anywhere. Mucho credit goes to the unknown survivalist, who has provided a great deal of information in the past, in putting this together. Not to mention other sources for favorite quotes.
Quote: “One of the things I’ve discovered in guns is that damned near everyone is an expert,” he says. “And they all have opinions.”
Going to go ahead and provide a disclaimer. Many of you seem to enjoy refering to me as the site's firearm expert. I am not an expert. I'm still learning, and I'll never be an "expert" until I'm done learning. Just remember when it comes to firearms (especially with the internet) take everything you read with a grain of salt. Including everything you read here. None of these things are set in stone rules. Think of them as guidelines. How you apply these to your selection of firearms is entirely up to you. Some can be negated entirely depending on your plans/actions.
#1 "Shootibility"- Can you practice regularly? Do you enjoy shooting it? Can you actually hit the broad side of a barn with it?
#2 Location- Think about where you live. What kind of terrain are dealing with? Is there anything in the area that might affect your shooting or the condition of your equipment?
#3 Legalities/Risk Assessment- Can it be owned legally? Can it be easily mistaken for another firearm that cannot be legally owned? Will it's appearance draw unwanted attention to yourself when operating in the same area as military or law enforcement?
#4 Threat types- What threats may you have to deal with?
#5 Purpose/Function- What will you be using it for? Will it substitue other weaponry on certain occasions or in an emergency?
#6 Availability- Is the firearm, it's parts, ammunition, etc. for sale in the area in which you live? Are they common in the area in which you live? Are they current issue for military/law enforcement in the area in which you live?
*1 With certain firearms (particularly handguns) if you do not practice regularly your marksmanship will suffer. If you do not enjoy shooting the firearm you have chosen you will not practice as much and marksmanship suffers. This also extends to the issue of availability. If you cannot afford the ammunition you will not practice as much, and so forth. If you can't hit anything with the firearm it's not going to be of that much use.
*2 There are many factors concerning shooting depending on your location. Your line of sight line of sight may range from ten feet to over four hundred yards. Thick brush might result in the deflection of lighter bullets. Weather may limit visibility or even the performance your firearm.
*3 If it isn't legal you may not be able to practice with it. Lack of practice = Poor marksmanship. If it looks illegal local law enforcement will assume it's illegal result in all sorts of trouble from loss of time (bad in it's own way) and/or detainment (very bad no matter how you look at it). If it's (looks like) something that is current issue for law enforcement or military (even if legal) that can result in more trouble. Last thing you want is to be shot because someone thought you were looting the bodies of their fallen comrades.
*4 Of course zombies are going to be one threat. (even though we do not know what type, assume the worst). Goblins also, but you will have to guess as to what equipment they will have. Sometimes aggressive/rabid animals may pose a threat to your safety.
*5 Are you going to use it for defense of your dwelling? Are you going to carry it on your person at all times (before and after outbreak)? Will it be used for hunting, pest control, training, etc? There is no do it all gun (that I know of any way). Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation. Which is why one should have more than one in their collection.
*6 If it's not common to the area you may have a harder time aquiring everything you need to keep your firearm in working condition. It might be impossible to do so after the outbreak. A firearm doesn't work is just an expensive club (or spear if you've got a bayonet). If your plan is based solely on avoiding conflict by hiding or constant movement you may be able to negate availbility by caching supplies. Only problem is funding since non-common ammunition/parts/etc. may be quite expensive.
The Unknown Survivalist wrote: I guess the first thing is to determine why you need the firearm (this determines its primary purpose). Then determine what you need in the firearm to fulfil its primary purpose. This is the way you determine the function of the firearm. Once its Function is established you can use this to determine a firearm's fitness for the task and whether or not to acquire it. Another useful quote.
Quote: All I'm saying is there is no one "best" gun; Anyone who tells you that is selling something. Usually their version of "best". 
|
