Weapons For A Survival Scenario

As the world teeters on the brink of potential chaos, many wonder what the best means of protection and sustainability would be in any apocalyptic scenario. Whether it’s a zombie outbreak, societal collapse, or a natural disaster, having the right weapons can mean the difference between life and death. This blog explores ideas for the best weapons for the worst case survival scenarios, taking into account factors like reliability, versatility, ease of maintenance, and the availability of ammunition and components. Keep in mind these are merely suggestions to the reader to help give ideas on what you might consider for you and your family to help improve your odds of survival in any of the above scenarios.

Firearms: The Foundation of Survival

Handguns are essential for personal defense due to their portability and ease of concealment. Here are a few of the top choices to think about:

Glock 19:

The Glock 19 is renowned for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for both open and concealed carry. Chambered in 9mm, it offers a good balance between stopping power and manageable recoil, with widespread availability of ammunition. Combat tested, it has been utilized in numerous conflicts and it is one of the most common weapons used in law enforcement and other Government agencies. So the ammunition will be found most anywhere you need to scavenge.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield:

The M&P Shield is another popular choice among survivalists. Known for its slim profile, it is ideal for concealed carry. It also comes in both 9mm and .40 S&W versions, allowing for some flexibility depending on ammo availability. The .40 S&W is not as popular and used as widely as the 9mm version, however it has been proven through testing by several police departments, the 40 S&W will be more scarce and harder to find but has reliable knockdown power. Newer versions such as the M&P 2.0 have further improved upon components and reliability.

Ruger GP100:

In a survival situation, reliability is paramount. The Ruger GP100 is a robust, reliable revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, which can also shoot .38 Special rounds. Its simplicity and durability make it a strong candidate for a survival scenario. Wheel Guns are time proven for their reliability, and have been in circulation on the civilian and police market for decades dating back to 1935. At that time the .357 Magnum was introduced and it has been around ever since. The ammunition would be fairly easy to find, and gives you the versatility to fire either the .357 Mag or .38 SPL, giving you more options instead of being limited to one cartridge as you would in semi-auto handguns. However, your rate of fire and round count will go down, although your reliability is more consistent in comparison to when semi-autos jam.

Rifles

Rifles provide superior accuracy and range compared to handguns, making them essential for hunting and defense in a survival situation. Rifles have been alongside man for centuries and the concept is no different today, than it was declaring independence from a tyrannical ruler in the 1700’s, to living on the open range in the 1800’s. Rifles have come a long way since the flintlock and black powder reloading of early days. Proving that superior firepower at longer distances gives an edge in turning the tide of the hunt or the battle and increasing your chance of survival.

AR-15:

The AR-15 platform is highly versatile, with a vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories. Chambered in .223/5.56, it is lightweight and relatively easy to handle. Its modular nature allows for customization to suit individual needs, and gives options for mission specific setups, whether it is scavenging, hunting, or defense making it an excellent all-around choice in many scenarios when things come unhinged in the world.

AK-47:

The AK-47 is probably the best thing to ever come out of Russia. It is famous for its ruggedness and reliability. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, it delivers substantial stopping power. Its ability to function in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance makes it a top choice for survival scenarios from wet dense forests to the streets in an urban setting during any SHTF scenario. However, take into consideration that the ammo could be a little harder to find.

Ruger 10/22:

For small game hunting and practice, the Ruger 10/22 is unparalleled. Chambered in .22 LR, it is lightweight, accurate, and has options for a high-capacity magazine. The availability of .22 LR ammunition and the rifle’s ease of use make it a valuable addition to any survival arsenal. Not a lot of people consider a .22 to be something to have in their corner in these scenarios, but it makes sense to me. It’s perfect for hunting small game, and being quieter than an AR or AK setup, it has a lower sound signature at distances, and is fairly quiet unless someone is in close proximity to your location.

Shotguns

Shotguns are highly versatile and effective for both defense and hunting. Their ability to fire different types of ammunition (buckshot, birdshot, and slugs) makes them indispensable. A shotgun is an excellent tool for close-quarters combat and hunting. However, your capacity is limited to what the magazine can hold varying from five rounds to eight rounds, but the damage it inflicts more than makes up for the low round count.

Mossberg 500:

The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and ease of use. It is available in various configurations and can be easily modified with aftermarket parts. Its 12-gauge version is particularly popular due to the availability and versatility of the ammunition.

Remington 870:

The Remington 870 is another reliable pump-action shotgun. It has a solid reputation and a wide range of accessories available. Similar to the Mossberg 500, it is a versatile weapon suitable for various survival scenarios.

Non-Firearm Weapons

While firearms are critical, non-firearm weapons also play a crucial role in survival scenarios. These weapons are often easier to maintain and can be used in situations where firearms are not ideal or available.

Knives

A good knife is one of the most versatile tools in a survivalist’s arsenal. There are so many uses of a knife from cleaning game, close quarters defense, cutting vegetation for cover to lashing it to a stick and making a spear. A good knife is a must have for your supply stockpile and would be one of the most valuable tools at your disposal.

Ka-Bar Becker BK2:

The Becker BK2 is a heavy-duty survival knife known for its durability and versatility. Its thick, full-tang blade is excellent for chopping, batoning, and other tough tasks.

Morakniv Companion:

The Morakniv Companion is a lightweight, affordable knife excelling at general-purpose tasks. It’s not as robust as the Becker BK2 but it is highly versatile and easy to carry.

Axes, Hatchets, and Machetes:

Axes, Hatchets, and Machetes are invaluable for tasks like chopping wood, building shelter, and even defense. This is a group of versatile melee weapons/tools that can be used for both combat and utility purposes.

Estwing Sportsman’s Ax:

The Estwing Sportsman’s Ax is a one-piece, forged steel ax known for its durability and balance. It’s ideal for chopping wood and other heavy-duty tasks.

Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet:

This hatchet is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry. Despite its small size, it is highly effective for chopping and splitting wood.

Gerber Gator Machete:

This Machete is made up of high carbon stainless steel, with an 18 inch blade including a saw blade on the back, and sporting a rubberized grip. It is dual-purpose and ideal for clearing brush and cutting wood.

Bows and Crossbows

Bows and crossbows offer silent hunting and can be a great backup if firearms are not an option. They allow you to be a quiet provider for your family so that you can have a decent meat supply without drawing attention to yourself in the process. Also great if you come upon the wandering undead that are attracted to sound, this will give you a quieter option for defense.

Samick Sage Recurve Bow:

The Samick Sage is a popular recurve bow that is easy to use and highly effective for hunting. Its takedown design makes it easy to transport and store. As with any stringed weapon you will need to keep a constant check on the string wear. However, most components can be found to replace the string. With a recurve that allows you to change the limbs for draw weight, makes this a reasonable option for a stealthier defense or hunting situation.

Barnett Jackal Crossbow:

The Barnett Jackal is a powerful crossbow. It’s suitable for hunting large game and offers a higher degree of accuracy than traditional bows. Its military style stock is lightweight and compact with a divided foregrip for comfortable hand placement. The quad limb assembly is combined with high energy wheels and a synthetic string and cable system that can produce arrow speeds of 315 feet per second. Making it a silent yet deadly addition to your arsenal.

Improvised and Melee Weapons

In a pinch, having the ability to improvise weapons or use melee weapons can be crucial. Allowing the ability to defend yourself should the confrontation come to a more up close and personal situation.

Baseball Bat:

A baseball bat is a simple but effective melee weapon. It’s readily available and can deliver powerful blows. You can find these just about anywhere, they are plentiful and very reliable for melee attacks if the need should arise. There is a reason there is one in just about every zombie show or movie. They work when they need to. Coming in both aluminum and wood and can easily be maneuvered by just about anyone who picks one up.

Crowbar:

A crowbar is another versatile tool that can be used for prying, breaking, and as a weapon. These can be found in any hardware store or shopping center in the tool section. Rigid and damn near indestructible it will serve you well in these situations and should last a very, very long time.

Considerations for Choosing Weapons

When selecting weapons for the worst survival scenarios, several factors should be considered. How well you have trained with your firearm and your tools should be the first thing to think about. What are you most comfortable using and how familiar are you with the weapon or tool you are choosing? This level is just one and perhaps the most important. The others are listed below.

Reliability and Durability:

Another important factor in a survival scenario is reliability. Weapons must function in adverse conditions with minimal maintenance. As things deteriorate components and replacement parts can be harder to come by, and expensive to barter to get. Reliability and durability come in many different forms, if you have sub-par components, the more chance there is of it failing. If you have a breakage and you do not have extra components on hand to replace the broken one, you will have to rely on scavenging abilities and bartering skills to acquire one, while relying on a less efficient weapon you have until you can repair it.

Ammunition Availability:

Choosing weapons with widely available ammunition is crucial. Stockpiling ammunition is also essential, as it can become scarce in a prolonged survival situation. It is advisable if you can afford it while things are still somewhat in order, every pay period buy a box or two of ammo for the firearms you keep on hand, this will help with your stockpiling efforts and give you greater sustainability before you have to go out and scavenge, or barter to replenish some of your ammunition. If you have a friend that is a reloader or if you are a reloader yourself, keep additional stock for times where things are a bit more scarce. Eventually you will have to go out and hunt for ammunition to sustain yourself in these scenarios, after all if it is not being manufactured due to societal collapse it will become harder to find.

Versatility:

Weapons that can serve multiple purposes (defense, hunting, survival tasks) are more valuable than those with a single use. This is part of the reason the AR platform and bladed melee weapons should be an essential part of your preparation for these scenarios, they all have more than one use. ARs can be modified for specific purposes, such as CQC, and other more mission specific configurations. Melee weapons such as knives and other blades are a valuable asset for gathering wood, cleaning your game harvest, self-defense, and fire starting. These two examples are versatile and have multiple uses.

Training and Practice

Owning the best weapons is useless without the skills to use them effectively. Regular training and practice are essential. Hand to hand combat training is an advantage, and should be a necessity for your training regiment. This includes not only shooting practice but also learning how to maintain and repair your weapons. Another consideration is gunsmithing classes, this will help prepare you should the need arise to repair your weapons. Consider taking courses in self-defense, marksmanship, and wilderness survival. First Aid is a must in these scenarios as well, stock up on medical supplies, meds, common use treatments for cold, flu, and everything in between. Speak with your physician to help build a supply of antibiotics and other medications if they are required to help with any underlying health conditions you or your family members may have. This too can be the thin line between life and death when doctors and medications are limited and scarce.

Something Else To Think About: Legal and Ethical Considerations:

While preparing for the worst-case scenario, it’s important to consider the legal and ethical implications of weapon ownership and use. Ensure that you are familiar with and comply with local laws regarding firearm ownership and carry. Additionally, consider the ethical implications of using weapons for defense and hunting, and strive to use force only when absolutely necessary. Ask yourself before the SHTF, what role will I be in, and how will my ethical decision making and survival instincts coincide with one another especially when my loved ones lives and mine are on the line? Always strive to be an asset to others, not a liability. Be there for your neighbors and communities, people and skills are resources that can help to rebuild society after things fall apart.

Conclusion

In the worst survival scenarios, having the right weapons can significantly increase your chances of survival. A well-rounded arsenal should include a mix of firearms and non-firearm weapons, each chosen for its reliability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Equally important is the need for regular training and practice to ensure you can use these tools effectively when it matters most.

By carefully selecting and maintaining your weapons, and by honing your skills, you can be better prepared to face any survival challenge that comes your way. By taking these steps and arming yourself with knowledge and the right tools, you can increase your resilience and readiness for whatever challenges may come your way.

Additional Resources that could help you to prepare are books like:

“The Survival Handbook” by Colin Towell

“Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury

“The Preppers Blueprint” by Tess Pennington.

These books have a lot of valuable information for any scenario that is survival oriented, providing knowledge on techniques, and how to survive with the tools you have while outdoors, and perhaps give you some ideas on crafting your own, including a compiled list of ideology to help you when you begin to prepare for any situation where the infrastructure has fallen. Stay prepared, stay vigilant, and stay safe.