February 2, 2011

Firearm Selection

   I strongly believe that firearms need to be included in everyone's year supply. The first thing to do when you decide to purchase a firearm is to get a gun safe, not a gun cabinet. Then you need to do some research. Find someone you know who is knowledgeable about firearms and talk to them or find a gun store you like and chat up the sales personnel. I think everyone should, at the very least, own five firearms.
   The first gun is a bolt action .22 caliber long rifle. This is one of the most versatile guns you can own. It's able to bring down small game, is cheap to buy, simple to maintain, ammo is plentiful and it's accurate over long distances.
   The second is a high powered hand gun preferably a .357 or .44 magnum revolver or a .40 cal or .45 ACP semi-auto pistol. The first thing to figure out is what you want in a handgun. Do you want stopping power or penetration? Do you prefer revolvers or semi-autos? One very simply way to answer these questions is to rent some guns at a shooting range and have fun. I prefer a .357 magnum because it hits hard and has plenty of penetrating power. The other nice thing is that it shoots both .38 special (lighter) and .357mag (heavier) cartridges. The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) is another excellent choice. There are pluses and minuses to both revolvers and semi auto's. Revolvers are simpler and more reliable but hold less ammo then semi autos. Most revolvers hold 5-8 rounds. Semi autos on the other hand have a large magazine capacity, 12-30 rounds, but are very complicated with numerous moving parts. Good brands include S&W, Glock, Springfield Armory, Ruger (only buy their revolvers), SIG, Kimber and CZ.
   The next is a 12 gauge pump action shotgun which can be used for home defense or hunting. Be careful if you plan to use this for home defense as it is extremely powerful. Use #4 buckshot or smaller for in the home and #00 buck or buck and ball for outside defense. I like Mossberg or Remington shotguns. For hunting loads consult the box or talk someone at your local gun store.
   I would also recommend a bolt action high power hunting rifle with a scope. A rifle chambered in .308 or 30-06 is your best bet because they are prevalent and ammo is relatively easy to come by. This is a great gun for big game hunting and long distance defense. There are several good manufactures including Remington and Winchester.
   Finally, I also think everyone should own a semi-automatic rifle. These guns are mainly for defense. These include AK-47's, SKS's, AR-14's etc... I prefer SKS's or AK's.
   The last thing is to make sure you buy plenty of magazines for all firearms that use them, at least five for each gun. Try to get original magazines if you can find them. Also be sure to buy as much ammo as you can afford. A word of caution, high powered guns WILL shoot through sheetrock and stucco, so be careful. Be sure to read and understand ALL rules for operating firearms. They are 1) Know your target and what is beyond. 2) Know how to use the gun safely. 3) Be sure the gun is safe to operate. 4) Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. 5) Wear eye and ear protection. 6) Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized people. One more thing, don't forget to buy cleaning supplies and learn correct cleaning procedures for each firearm. As a side note ammonia works well for gun cleaning.        
-Casey