Shooting Instructer
by Lou
(Hanover, PA. USA)
The choice of survival firearm depends on location and situation.
As a meat getter, and for close in self-defense, a shotgun is the better choice. Various pellet sizes, and large lead slugs, allow hunting for from birds to moose. In extreemus, shot gun shells can be reloaded with anything at hand, even sand, and small stones. Because shot spreads as it moves away from the muzzel, you don't need to be a great shot to take game. Even moving game can be taken, as can birds on the wing. The disadvantage of the shotgun, is range. Using shot shells, 50 yards or less would be the optimum range. A lead slug is typically good out to 100 yards. This can be a problem in open country where it's hard to sneek up close enough to game to get a shot. 12 gauge flares are available and can be fired through a shotgun to signal for rescue.
As a self-defense firearm, a shotgun can be devestating. The intimidation factor alone often can deter agression. Non-lethal shotgun ammo containing bean bags, and rubber bullets can be found if thought useful. Sometimes, "bird bomb" shells can be found which fire a projectal that explodes with a loud report and a bright flash at about 75 yeads. This can be used as a rescue signal, or to ward off dangerous game that you do not want to have to kill.
Tactically, if you are engaged in a war like situation, a military style rifle is essential. It's best if your choice of firearm uses the same ammo, and magizines that are issued for the military and police were you are. This way, a ready source of ammo resupply is possible through capture, or theft. Full auto firearms have little practical tactical application outside the formal military roll. A shotgun can be just as effective at close ranges.
Handguns are most folks choice for self-defense. The advantages of small size and light weight are obvious. As a survival firearm, the handgun falls short both as a tactical weapon, and as a meat getter. Hanguns typically are designed for use at 25 yards or less. Most folks have trouble hitting a man size target consistantly at 25 yards, especially when under stress. There are handguns designed specifially for hunting, but these are to large and to bulky for concealled carry. The handgun is intended as a last resort means to save your life, at a life or death moment, and that's about it. As a survival tool, the old saying that "any gun is better than no gun" applies, but choosing to have only a handgun is poor planning indeed.
As to choosing a .22 Long Rifle cartridge rifle as your survival firearm, once again, it's better than nothing. One advantage is that ammo is extreemly common everywhere, and can be bought or bartered for. While it's true that every size game animal has been killed with a .22 it's not a good choice for game larger than a rabbit. As a man stopper, again, not a good choice. Lastly, to be a good meat getter, a level of shooting skill needs to be developed. When shooting at game, there will be misses that wast ammo, and hunting opportunities. Shooting a bird on the wing, or a running game animal is nearly impossible. All in all, the .22 is better than nothing, but not a great choice.
