Seasoned Citizen Prepper – by GREG RENTCHLER
I’ve been spending a lot of time at my BOL thinking about a one-gun solution for defending the family in time of SHTF. After much discussion with my survival family and colleagues, we collectively concluded that there is no such thing as a one-gun solution to address the plethora of variations of circumstances involved in a SHTF scenario.
Because times are tough and getting tougher, I decided that I would attempt to create a simple, cheap, and versatile weapon system, consisting of just one gun. The accompanying photos should give you an idea of what I have put together in hopes that many will see the attributes and limitations to this problem.
Let’s be clear. I don’t have all the answers. But I do have a background that that should legitimize my conclusions. So, just consider these words from a guy that wants to share an idea, based on a lifetime of firearms use, study and instructing.
You’ll immediately see that I have chosen a shotgun for my “one-gun option” or (OGO). The gun is a 12 gauge Mossberg/Maverick HS-12 , over/under, 18.5 inch improved cylinder barrel chokes(size of opening at end of barrel or “muzzle”). The gun is equipped with two picatinny rails, one fixed under the bottom barrel and the other on the top rear of the receiver. This is a clever rail on the receiver. The rail is cut thru with a “V”, allowing a sighted picture thru the rail to the front sight, which is fiber optic, thereby creating a very bright, clear, accurate sight picture!
My general premise here is that a shotgun is the most versatile type of firearm produced. Let me tell you why-
* a wide range and type of ammo available to shotguns make it capable of taking game from birds/rabbits/squirrels(with birdshot), to coyotes/2-4 legged(buckshot), to larger mammals as elk/ moose/bear (slugs, either solid or hollow point).
Author’s note– I once killed a Corvette with a shotgun using a slug. What a surprise to the driver dirtbag and unfortunate for the owner.
* ease of use- simple design, break open action, slide safety, manually activated triggers
* shotguns can be used as less than lethal devices (bean bag or rubber rounds)
* less expensive than assault rifles and many handguns.
* reliability+
* ammo available in every store and every farmhouse
* accuracy is very good to excellent with sabot slugs
* extreme foot pounds of energy at close distance and with slugs at distance
* most terminal firearm made- some restrictions( I know, how terminal does a firearm need to be)
* can launch line, signal device, fire starter, club, water portage!
Now for building this gun, I enhanced it considering my thoughts for its use as a SHTF weapon:
I immediately test fired the gun for reliability, accuracy(where it printed with shot and slugs). Then, I applied camo colors using wide shoelaces to break up the paint and outline. A 200 lumen tac light was attached to the forward rail. I felt this gun should remain simple and effective. The light gives the operator surprise to the target and a very quick sight picture for same. A side saddle type of ammo carrier was affixed the the stock(L or R side) for backup reloading and as important, the ammo is a mix of #4 buck, 00 buck and slugs. The gun is rugged and reliable. A sling could be attached easily but is not necessary on this 6.5 pound weapon. The butt stock is hollow reducing weight and allowing for emergency storage .
You could even put a bayonet on the muzzle using the fixed bottom rail! You might note from the photo that I keep two rounds secured by rubber band at the muzzle end of the barrels. Those two rounds are bird shot that I keep for quail egg eating crows in the area. The gun is fast to action, easy to lash down, safe, simple and powerful.
If you look very closely on the butt stock, you will see a distinctive “Z” painted in bright green.
I hope you have enjoyed this offering as much as I do reading and discussing yours!! Be safe and Train!
Greg
” be the victor not the victim”
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-our-ship
Good idea, Abby. I guess if enough people sign their names on a petition, the Zionists who want to kill us all and rule the planet will just change all their plans and decide to be nice guys instead.
“Oh boy. This is scary. What will we do now? They all SIGNED THEIR NAMES ON A LIST…..RUN FOR COVER”.
If you have to limit yourself to one gun, I’d go with the shotgun too, but I don’t see an “over-under” as being a better choice than a pump. I think the 8 shot magazine tube (Mossberg 500) is crucial because most attackers won’t attack unless they have you out-numbered, and I wouldn’t want to bust that thing open and re-load after every two shots.
And a Picatinny rail can be mounted on the magazine tube for any accessories you want, out of the way of the sights.
I am torn between my 12 gauge and my Ruger 10/22. I would have to grab the Ruger if it was only one gun. 25 round clips, light ammo, very accurate ( I have killed rabbits at 50 yards with one shot to the head with a good scope), little noise, the gun itself is very light. I know the 12 gauge is a very versatile gun, it is a tough choice
I like the Ruger 10-22 also. At 25 yards I can hit your thumbnail 9 out of 10 times. At 50 yards I can hit a clinched fist everytime and at 75 yards a paper plate most everytime. At 100 yards just aim high and I can still hit that paper plate. From 100 to 200 yards a .17 HMR Mossberg is sweet. Comes out hot for a rimfire at 2500 feet per second and is very accurate at 100 yards. For 200-600 yards I like the 7mm Remington Mag. Just a glancing blow from that cannon will knock anything down. A shotgun sure sounds great for home defense though, just never got around to get’tin one.
blow guns are fun. when you dont wanna make noise
But not recommended for dumb teenage types.
Crossbows are great silent killers, too.
Just as long as you’ve got your shotgun (and .308, my preference) as a follow up, since they take too long to reload. Great first strike weapon though.