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SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL GUN CARE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................... 6

THE ULTIMATE FIREARMS AND AMMO FOR SURVIVAL .......................................................... 7

7 Firearms for Your Survival Arsenal ........................................................................................... 8

1. Alpha / Echo ......................................................................................................................... 9

2. SGL-21 .................................................................................................................................. 9

3. Stoeger 3000 ...................................................................................................................... 10

4. Remington 870 .................................................................................................................. 11

5. Ruger American Rifle ......................................................................................................... 12

6. Ruger 10-22 ....................................................................................................................... 13

7. Glock 19 ............................................................................................................................. 14

Top 6 Survival Rifles and Why You Need One ........................................................................... 15

M1 Carbine ............................................................................................................................ 16

Marlin 1985 GS ...................................................................................................................... 16

Henry Arms AR-7 ................................................................................................................... 17

Top Survival Guns for a Lady ..................................................................................................... 18

Height and Weight Considerations ........................................................................................ 19

Hand Size and Strength of Grip ............................................................................................. 19

Particulars for Shotguns and Rifles ........................................................................................ 19

Hand Size and the Trigger ...................................................................................................... 20

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How to Choose the Suitable Survival Gun for a Woman ....................................................... 20

Best Survival Weapons for a Lady Prepper ........................................................................... 22

Top 5 Ammo Types for Your Survival Guns ............................................................................... 23

.22LR ...................................................................................................................................... 23

12-gauge ................................................................................................................................ 24

9mm ....................................................................................................................................... 25

5.56 NATO .............................................................................................................................. 26

.308 ........................................................................................................................................ 26

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GUN FOR SURVIVAL ...................................................................... 28

Gun Parts to Hoard to Keep Your Gun in Service for Life ......................................................... 28

Gun Parts to Hoard .................................................................................................................... 29

Parts kit for pellet rifles ......................................................................................................... 30

Parts kit for rifles ................................................................................................................... 30

Parts kit for shotguns ............................................................................................................. 30

Parts kit for handguns............................................................................................................ 30

Where to Get Your Spare Parts ................................................................................................. 31

For AR-15 Parts: ..................................................................................................................... 32

For AK-47/74 Parts: ............................................................................................................... 32

What to Do If What You Need Is Not Available ........................................................................ 33

Improvised Solutions to Keep Your Firearms Working ............................................................. 33

Keeping Your Guns at the Ready – Do’s and Don’ts ................................................................. 34

1. DO invest in a high quality safe. ........................................................................................ 34

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2. Don’t simply hide your guns .............................................................................................. 35

3. Do consider keeping your firearms and ammunition separately ...................................... 35

4. Don’t keep your firearms loaded ....................................................................................... 35

5. Do perform proper maintenance ...................................................................................... 36

6. Don’t let your guns lay around .......................................................................................... 36

7. Do consider opting for concealed carry. ........................................................................... 36

8. Don’t neglect the laws ....................................................................................................... 36

9. DO invest as much time as you can practicing .................................................................. 37

7 Signs a Gun Is Broken & Fixing Them in the Field .................................................................. 37

1. The Gun Will Not Fire ........................................................................................................ 38

2. The Gun Bolt Will Not Unlock ............................................................................................ 38

3. Gun Bolt Does Not Lock up In the Receiver ....................................................................... 39

4. A Faint Noise Instead of Fire .............................................................................................. 40

5. Gun Will Not Feed Ammo .................................................................................................. 41

6. Gun Will Not Extract Round Out of Chamber .................................................................... 41

7. Slam Fire ............................................................................................................................ 41

HOW TO STORE YOUR GUNS AND AMMO ............................................................................ 43

Safe Storage Solutions For Your Survival Weapon .................................................................... 43

Strengthen All Exterior Windows and Doors ......................................................................... 44

Teach Your Children Firearms Safety .................................................................................... 45

Children can find almost anything or do anything when they put their mind to it. ............. 45

Hiding Places to Avoid and Why ............................................................................................ 46

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Safe Storage Solutions For Firearms ...................................................................................... 48

Ammo Storage DOs and DON’Ts ............................................................................................... 50

Buying Ammunition, Equipment and Tools ........................................................................... 50

How to Store Ammunition ..................................................................................................... 51

Things Not to Do When Storing Your Ammunition ............................................................... 51

What Is the Shelf Life of Ammunition? ................................................................................. 52

When to Replenish Your Ammunition ................................................................................... 52

Reloading Your Ammunition ..................................................................................................... 52

Tips and Equipment for Reloading ........................................................................................ 53

Things Not to Do When Reloading Ammunition ................................................................... 55

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DISCLAIMER

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN “SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL GUN CARE” IS MEANT TO

SERVE AS A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF TIME-TESTED AND PROVEN STRATEGIES THAT

THE AUTHORS OF THIS COURSE LEARN OVER THE YEARS. SUMMARIES, STRATEGIES, TIPS AND

TRICKS ARE ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE AUTHORS, AND READING THIS EBOOK DOES

NOT GUARANTEE THAT ONE’S RESULTS WILL EXACTLY MIRROR OUR OWN RESULTS. THE

AUTHOR OF “SHORT GUIDE FOR GUN CARE” HAS MADE ALL REASONABLE EFFORTS TO

PROVIDE CURRENT AND ACCURATE INFORMATION FOR THE READERS OF THIS COURSE. THE

AUTHOR WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY UNINTENTIONAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS THAT

MAY BE FOUND.

THE MATERIAL IN “SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL GUN CARE” MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION,

PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES BY THIRD PARTIES. THIRD PARTY MATERIALS COMPRISE OF THE

PRODUCTS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THEIR OWNERS. AS SUCH, THE AUTHORS OF THIS

GUIDE DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY THIRD PARTY MATERIAL OR

OPINIONS.THE PUBLICATION OF SUCH THIRD PARTY MATERIALS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE

AUTHORS’ GUARANTEE OF ANY INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, OPINION, PRODUCTS OR

SERVICE CONTAINED WITHIN THE THIRD PARTY MATERIAL.

WHETHER BECAUSE OF THE GENERAL EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET, OR THE UNFORESEEN

CHANGES IN COMPANY POLICY AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES, WHAT IS STATED AS

FACT AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING, MAY BECOME OUTDATED OR SIMPLY INAPPLICABLE AT A

LATER DATE. THIS MAY APPLY TO THE “SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL GUN CARE” AS WELL AS

THE VARIOUS SIMILAR COMPANIES THAT WEHAVE REFERENCED IN THIS EBOOK, AND OUR

SEVERAL COMPLEMENTARY GUIDES. GREAT EFFORT HAS BEEN EXERTED TO SAFEGUARD THE

ACCURACY OF THIS WRITING. OPINIONS REGARDING SIMILAR WEBSITE PLATFORMS HAVE BEEN

FORMULATED AS A RESULT OF BOTH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS THE WELL

DOCUMENTED EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS.

NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION SHALL BE REPRODUCED, TRANSMITTED OR RESOLD IN WHOLE

OR IN PART IN ANY FORM, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHORS. ALL

TRADEMARKS AND REGISTERED TRADEMARKS APPEARING IN “SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL

GUN CARE” ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

COPYRIGHT 2014, Survivopedia™, “SHORT GUIDE FOR ESSENTIAL GUN CARE”

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THE ULTIMATE FIREARMS AND AMMO

FOR SURVIVAL

No survival plan is complete without a suitable survival defense kit that includes sensible

firearm choices. The advances in polymer and titanium alloy technologies are leading to some

exciting changes in the firearms market.

On the other hand, it is not practical for the average consumer to spend thousands of dollars on

relatively untested weapons when other good weapons and ammo are available. Nor does it

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make much sense to buy newer, more expensive, untested models of older style weapons just

because they have a few minor changes to relatively cosmetic features.

7 Firearms for Your Survival Arsenal

We choose 7 firearms for the best survival defense kit, and we’ll start with a few words about

their costs and maintenance.

So let’s see the 7 weapons which we consider that should be included in every survival defense

kit.

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1. Alpha / Echo

Gun Type: AR-15

Manufacturer: Del-Ton

Description/Features:

Caliber: 5.56mm

Barrel: 20“

Wt. 8Lbs.

Capacity: 30 rounds per magazine.

Stock: A-2 or M4- 6 position

Sights: A2 style

Ammo Type: – 5.56 mm

Projected Availability: Good. This round is common for military and most police

department SWAT Teams.

Maintenance Type: Regular rifle cleaning.

Required Accessories: Rear fold down sight and or a rifle scope.

Configuration Options: A2 or M4-6 position stock

Suitable for Youths? Yes low recoil, easy to point, aim, and shoot.

Suitable for Elderly? Yes light weight, low recoil, easy to point, aim, and shoot.

Suitable Handicapped or Disabled? Depends on condition and how it will change over

time.

Our Opinion: This is a well-built AR-15 that will give you years of good service, is built to GI

specs, and any AR-15 part kit may be used to repair. Not recommended for large game hunting,

but can be used for small game, and is also excellent for house defense.

2. SGL-21

Gun Type: AK-47

Manufacturer: Arsenal

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Caliber: 7.62×39

Barrel: 16.3“

Capacity: 10/20/30 round magazines, plus drums available

Wt: 7 Lbs.

Stock: Polymer

Ammo Type: 7.62×39 mm

Projected Availability: Good. Plentiful surplus and new manufactured ammo available.

Maintenance Type: Regular rifle cleaning.

Required Accessories: None.

Configuration Options: Folding stock or straight stock.

Suitable for Youths? Suitable for 12 years old and up.

Suitable for Elderly? Yes, low recoil, easy pointing, well balanced.


time.

Our Opinion: This AK-47 is very rugged, well-built, and very dependable. It will give you years of

service and low maintenance. May be used for small deer sized animals, but too large for small

game. Excellent for house defense.

3. Stoeger 3000

Gun Type: Auto loader shotgun / Manufacturer: Stoeger


Ga.: 12 (2 3/4“ and 3“ chamber)

Barrel: 24“ to 28“

Wt.: 7.5 lbs.

Ammo Type: 12 Ga. shotgun shell

Stocks: Synthetic

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Sights: Red bar front.

Capacity: 5 shot

Projected Availability: Good. Popular hunting, defense, and law enforcement round.

Maintenance Type: Regular shotgun cleaning.

Required Accessories: None.

Configuration Options: Folding or regular straight stocks.

Suitable for Youths? Over the age of 16 years old.

Suitable for Elderly? Good recoil control and pointing characteristics.


time.

Our Opinion: This is an easy to use and a dependable shotgun that will give you years good of

service. Good for all small game and hunting deer sized animals. This is excellent for house

defense.

4. Remington 870

Gun Type: Pump shotgun

Manufacturer: Remington


Ga.: 12 (2 3/4“, 3” chamber)

Barrel 18.5“ to 30“

Wt. 8 Lbs.

Stocks: Wood or synthetic

Sights: Fixed or adjustable

Capacity: 3 to 6 shot

Ammo Type: 12 Ga. shotgun shell

Projected Availability Good. Common hunting, protection, and used by law

enforcement.

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Maintenance Type: Regular shotgun cleaning.

Required Accessories: None

Configuration Options: Folding stocks, straight wood or synthetic stocks.


Suitable for Elderly? Questionable. Has moderate to heavy recoil.


time.

Our Opinion: This is an easy to use and a dependable shotgun that will give you years of good

service. Good for hunting deer sized animals and small game. Excellent for house defense.

5. Ruger American Rifle

Gun Type: Bolt action rifle

Manufacturer: Ruger


Caliber: 308 Win.

Barrel: 22“

Wt.: 7 lbs.

Stock: Black composite

Capacity: 4 rounds

Ammo: 308 Win.

Projected Availability: Good. Widely used sporting, military, and police round.

Maintenance Type: Regular bolt action rifle cleaning.

Required Accessories: Needs a good 3 x9 x 50mm multi-power power scope. A Nikon

Pro-staff will cost about $219.95. Ruger supplies scope rings with the rifle.

Configuration Options: Standard straight rifle black composite stock.


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Suitable for Elderly? Yes/questionable. Easy pointing and sighting. Light to moderate

recoil. Loud noise!


time.

Our Opinion: This is a well-built bolt action rifle that will give you years of dependable service

with minimal repairs. Excellent for small and large game except bears. Excellent for house

defense.

6. Ruger 10-22

Gun Type: 22 Cal. semi-auto

Manufacturer: Ruger


Caliber: 22lr.

Action: Semi-auto

Barrel: 18.5“

Wt.:5lbs.

Stock: Black synthetic

Capacity: 10 rounds

Sights: adjustable

Ammo Type: 22lr.

Projected Availability: Fair with some shortages, but getting better.

Maintenance Type: Regular semi-auto rifle cleaning.


Configuration Options: Straight or folding stocks.

Suitable for Youths? Age 12 with adult supervision.

Suitable for Elderly? Yes. Low recoil, easy pointing and shooting.

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time.

Our Opinion: The 10-22 rifle is a time tested and true rifle. It will give you years of service

without repairs. The Ruger 10 – 22 has given to some of us over 30 years of service and is still

there when needed. Ideal for small game hunting and household defense.

7. Glock 19

Gun Type: 9mm semi-auto pistol

Manufacturer: Glock


Caliber: 9mm

Barrel: 4“

Wt.: 20 Oz.

Grips: Polymer

Sights: Fixed

Features: Safe action in Gen.4 (new).

Capacity: 15 rounds per mag.

Ammo Type: 9mm

Projected Availability: Good used by military and police.

Maintenance Type: Standard semi-auto pistol cleaning.


Configuration Options: Just standard configuration.

Suitable for Youths? Age 16 or older.

Suitable for Elderly? Yes/questionable. Mild/moderate recoil, loud, easy to point.


time.

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Our Opinion: The Glock 19 is a very dependable handgun with a long history of working when

you need it and never letting the user down. Excellent for defense in tight confined areas. Also

might be used for small game hunting in an emergency and at close range.

Top 6 Survival Rifles and Why You Need One

Everyone has their preference as to what qualifies as the best survival gun, but history has

proven that rifle is the best all-purpose firearm to face a variety of combat and self-defense

scenarios.

However, a rifle should only be part of what many preppers refer to as a layered defense

system. It doesn’t matter if you are bugging out or sheltering, your need to arm yourself with a

variety of weaponry, self-defense skills and training is the same. With that said, if you could

have only one firearm in a survival situation it should be a quality rifle.

Though handguns and shotguns are also to be considered, a rifle will give you the most

versatility for handling a variety of post-disaster needs from hunting to perimeter

security. However, the options and varieties when it comes to choosing a survival rifle are

nearly endless and even the most avid shooters and preppers struggle to choose a favorite.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your own personal preferences and needs, as there is no

such thing as the perfect survival rifle.

AR-15, AK-47, Ruger 10-22 and Remington 870 are considered to be among the best all-purpose

firearms to have on hand when SHTF, and we’ve already talked about them. But other 3 rifles

should be taken into account when choosing this particular type of firearm for your survival

arsenal.

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M1 Carbine

Though it hasn’t seen active duty in combat since Vietnam, the M1 Carbine was for years

considered to be one of the best combat rifles in the world. Designed as a more compact and

light weighted version of the M1 Garand, a

WWII infantry staple, the M1 Carbine was an

incredibly versatile rifle that had high effect and

tremendous accuracy, especially at mid-range.

To that effect, the M1 Carbine still serves as a great all-purpose rifle. The standard comes with

a 15-round magazine of .30-caliber rounds, which aren’t the best for taking down targets at a

distance, but serve their purpose at closer ranges and in hunting scenarios.

A modern take on the M1 Carbine, the AOM130, is available from Auto Ordinance for about

$800. The rifle, made in the USA at Kahr Arm’s Worcester, MA plant, weighs in at just 5.4-

pounds and features an 18-inch barrel and traditional walnut stock.

Unfortunately, the original models from WWII and Korea are getting harder to come by, which

is unfortunate, given the fact that even the old ones are still battle-ready anytime. However,

.30-caliber ammo is becoming increasingly more expensive and harder to come across giving

the M1 Carbine what is probably its only disadvantage as a modern-day survival rifle.

Marlin 1985 GS

If you want a compact rifle with big stopping

power that will take down nearly any type of

game in any kind of whether, look no further

than the lever-action Marlin 1985 GS. Despite

the appearance of a menacing big-game hunter,

which is indeed, the 1985 GS only measures 37-

inches overall and weighs just 7-pounds.

http://www.survivopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/aom130.jpg

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At 18.5-inches, the barrel of the gun is only slightly larger than a carbine-style rifle, but the

.45.70 Gov’t issued rounds over stopping power unlike most guns of its size. Whether you’re up

against a mob of angry looters, zombies, or a wild bear, the Marlin 1985 GS will have no

problem mowing down anything in its path.

In addition to its sheer stopping power, the rifle classic employs a classic walnut and stainless

steel design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical for battling against corrosion in

rough weather. The rifle starts at about $650, a reasonable price to pay for a rifle that’s

guaranteed to put food on the table and stop enemies in their tracks when the going gets

rough.

Henry Arms AR-7

The term “survival rifle” was originally

designated for those guns designed to be

carried in the cockpits of military aircraft when

a pilot was shot down in enemy territory. The

gun needed to be compact, light weighted, and

capable of taking down both wild game and enemy combatants with reliability and accuracy. To

that tune, the US military adopted the Springfield Armory M6 Scout as their rifle of choice for

aircraft pilots. This collapsible gun featured two barrels that shot both .22 LR and .410 shotgun

rounds giving it added versatility.

Though the Scout could still be considered a good survival rifle today, a more modern take on

the survival rifle can be found in the form of the Henry Arms AR-7. The AR-7 weighs a mere 3.5-

pounds and measures just 16-5-inches when broken down, making it ideal for concealed carry

in a bug out bag, vehicle, or even underneath your jacket.

The rifle comes with two 8-round magazines for chambering .22 LR ammunition, which is one of

the best and most readily available all-purpose survival rounds. The gun will only cost you

about $280 and can serve as either your primary or backup survival rifle.

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The rifles featured above by no means constitute a comprehensive list of the best all-purpose

survival rifles. There is a nearly unlimited array of options to choose from, each of which have

their advocates and serve various needs in the military, law enforcement, hunting, and target

shooting community. If you want to have the best chances of surviving a disaster scenario you

must equip yourself with a firearm that you feel comfortable shooting at both two-legged and

four-legged targets to protect and provide for yourself.

The selections above were chosen for their popularity, versatility, affordability, and ability to be

handled by shooters of all levels. The choice comes down to you, but in the end the best

survival rifle is the one you have with you, the one you have ammo for, and the one you’re

trained to shoot effectively.

Top Survival Guns for a Lady

Even though most publications related to firearms are aimed at men, there is no question that

lady preppers need information about how to build and use a survival arsenal. Do women need

smaller guns with less recoil? Is it harder for woman to learn how to shoot a gun and be a

responsible, proficient carrier of a concealed weapon?

In personal experience with my first wife, and also female friends and colleagues that were

hunters, champion marksmen, law enforcement, or military personnel; a woman can learn

everything necessary about guns, and use them just as efficiently as a man, in any survival

situation.

From that perspective, let me start this discussion by saying that there is no such thing as a

gender difference when it comes to using guns. The idea that women cannot use guns, or that

only certain guns can be fired by women just because of gender is as sexist as it is disrespectful

and dangerous.

http://www.survivopedia.com/boughtgun/

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Height and Weight Considerations

Many people will say that the height and weight of a woman (but not a man) is important when

deciding which handgun, rifle, or shotgun to select.

Regardless of gender, if you are small boned, not very tall, or light weighted, you may have a

problem with the recoil from larger caliber guns or those poorly designed in this aspect.

Once you experience discomfort or injury related to recoil, it can cause you to develop a flinch,

close your eyes, or develop other bad habits. Anticipating the recoil eventually leads to fear of

the gun that gave you a bad experience, and can easily make you afraid to try others that would

be perfect for your needs.

Hand Size and Strength of Grip

For revolvers and semi-auto pistols, you should be able to hold the firearm in a snug, tight grip

with no fingers or palms hanging below the grips. On a semi-auto pistol, be sure that the thumb

on your shooting hand can operate the safety and decoking lever.

You should also make sure you can easily operate the slide when loading the pistol. Hand grip

for a semi-auto is even more important than on a revolver because your hand may jump

upward past the grips and get caught by the slide when racking it. In addition, if you do not

have sufficient strength in your hands and fingers, the weapon cannot be loaded correctly,

which may cause it to jam up.

Important Tip: If the gun grips do not fit but you still want a specific gun, after-market grips or

magazine finger rests are available for most handguns. The gun will handle better and will be

more comfortable and safe to shoot with these accessories.

Particulars for Shotguns and Rifles

For semi-auto rifles and shotguns pay attention to the following before attempting to shoot the

gun:

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For semi-auto actions: make sure you have the strength in your hands and fingers to pull

the bolt back, and then hold the bolt back until the bolt open stop is activated. In order to

release the bolt, you must also be able to pull the bolt back and release it, or push the bolt

release button.

Make sure the gun fits snug in your shoulder

If semi-auto rifles or shotguns of interest have adjustable butt stocks, use the adjustment

lever or button and set the stock to the most comfortable setting. In one piece wood or

synthetic butt stocks, if the stock is too long, it may be possible to have the stock

shortened, (but stay within legal length ). Or, simply purchase a youth model, which is a

scaled down version of the standard model weapon.

You should be able to reach the trigger and safety comfortably when aiming and

shooting. The gun should not move when you fire it or have so much recoil that it could

knock you backwards.

Hand Size and the Trigger

No matter if you have small, medium, or large hands they must fit the gun grips. If your hands

do not fit, then poor accuracy and injuries to yourself are likely to occur. For example, too much

finger on the trigger can cause you to move the weapon off target when you pull the trigger.

This motion could continue to affect the direction of the bullet to off-target as the gun is fired.

Regardless of the gun type or shape, your trigger finger should sit comfortably outside of the

trigger guard until ready to fire. For greatest accuracy, only the trigger finger’s pad section

should come in contact with the trigger.

How to Choose the Suitable Survival Gun for a Woman

As with men shopping for guns, you will always have to consider the cost of the gun and ammo.

Before you buy a gun, do some research online to find out the average price of the guns you are

interested in buying. This will help you bargain for lower prices, and also make it easier to walk

away from scammers that think they can get more money out of you because you are a

woman.

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There are two ways to purchase firearms. The first way is to buy them new at a dealer at the list

price or higher depending upon demand. You get a good warranty, but you have to fill out the

Federal and State Forms to see if you can legally own them.

The second way is by private sale. There is NO paper work, but buyer must beware. The

weapon could be stolen, broken or dangerous to shoot. You will not get a warranty, and you

could wind up paying much more for the firearm plus repairs to make it safe and reliable to

operate.

Best Survival Weapons for a Lady Prepper

Overall, the best weapon is one that you can control and fire with accuracy and confidence, as

well as one that you can get ammo, spare parts, and training to operate. Before you buy a

weapon, do some research online to find out which guns best match your needs, strength, and

budget.

Next, you will need to test these guns out to see which ones actually work best for you. This can

be done by renting the weapons at an indoor range or shooting them outside with friends on an

outdoor range. After test firing, you may find the right weapon, or you will need to do more

research to find a better gun for your needs.

http://www.survivopedia.com/choosegun/

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All of the weapons listed on the previous table are good quality, reliable, durable, easy to use,

and readily available. In most cases, current and projected ammo availability for these

weapons remains good or fair even after social collapse occurs. With this in mind I would safely

recommend these weapons to any lady prepper at any level of weapon knowledge.

Now is the time for women to buy and learn how to use firearms. In a crisis scenario, you will

need them for protection and hunting. With just a little bit of dedication to finding the right

weapon, and then a commitment to practicing your shooting and gun care skills, you will have a

better chance of surviving in a world gone mad.

Top 5 Ammo Types for Your Survival Guns

When SHTF and security is a concern, the best firearm is the one you have with you–so long as

it’s loaded and you know how to use it. While that notion holds true if disaster were to strike

tomorrow, you have time to consider the logistics of your firearms preparation before a threat

becomes imminent.

To that end, some ammunition is considered more viable and effective for survival use than

others, though specifically can be considered the best. In a survival scenario, availability is key

when it comes to weapons and ammunition selection.

Thus, the following five types of ammunition have been selected primarily for their high

availability in normal times, which is likely to linger on when SHTF.

.22LR

The .22 caliber Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is commonly considered the best all-around survival

ammunition. The rounds are produced by nearly every ammunition manufacturer and are

available for most makes and models of both .22 caliber pistols and rifles. The generic 40-grain

high velocity round can be found for a dime a dozen, while more powerful rounds are also

tailor-made for mid-sized game hunting, self-defense, and competition shooting.

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Its availability, variety, and affordability are what make the

.22LR round a must-have for long-term disaster survival, when

other variants of ammo may become a scarce and expensive

commodity. Accordingly, .22LR cartridges are lightweight

enough to carry 1,000 rounds (or more) in the event you have

to bug out.

Hunting for your own food becomes a necessity when your

stores run dry in the aftermath of a crisis. Fortunately, the

.22LR is among the trustiest ammo for small-game hunting,

whether chambered through a bolt-action, lever-action, single-

shot, or semi-automatic rifle. Long-barreled .22 caliber pistols may also be serviceable for

small-game hunting with the right variety of cartridge in the right conditions.

As a relatively small round, the .22 is not the best self-defense ammunition, but when SHTF you

have to use what you have to defend what’s yours. If you stock up on high-performance

rounds, your abundance of ammo will at least give you a numbers advantage when it comes to

disposable ammunition against a potential threat.

12-gauge

Though many say the .22LR is the ultimate survival round, a large portion of the prepping

community agree that the shotgun is the ultimate survival weapon. To that end, the 12-gauge

shotgun shell deserves a spot in any survival defense system.

Though some brands produced for specific shooting purposes can be pricey, generic 12-gauge

rounds are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

When it comes to efficient ammo consumption, most people prefer pump-action shotguns to

the often complicated and slower-loading semi-automatic.

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12-gauge shotguns have been a staple for hunters of both four-legged and flying game for

decades, and have thus proved their practicality for use in a survival situation. Bird shot shells

will take down most flying fowl and small game, while buckshot and slug shells can be used

against deer and other bigger game.

12-gauge shotguns are also widely carried by members of the law enforcement and military

communities, as they are among the most formidable firearm in close-quarter scenarios. When

loaded with buckshot, a 12-gauge can mow down pretty much any target within 10-yards, while

slug rounds will extend the shotgun’s range and accuracy.

9mm

The 9mm is easily the mostly widely used pistol round in the

world. There has been a longstanding debate between the

9mm and .45 caliber as to which makes the better pistol

round, but ultimately it’s up to personal preference.

However, if we’re going on availability alone, the 9mm wins

the race when it comes to long-term supply in a post-disaster

survival situation.

Like the .22 rimfire, there are a lot of options to choose from

when it comes to 9mm rounds. 115-grain FMJ and 124-grain

NATO rounds will likely remain the most readily available and inexpensive in the dawn and

aftermath of a disaster, and both are favored for their reliability when loaded in older-model

pistols and submachine guns.

Though most often found in handguns, there are some pistol-caliber carbine rifles that employ

the use of 9mm rounds. While a pistol is a must have in any layered defense, a 9mm carabine

rifle provides an additional platform for your 9mm rounds to be used for more effective self-

defense. Accordingly, they’ll do just as much justice as the best .22LR against small game for

emergency hunting use.

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5.56 NATO

As the primary round issued to American military servicemen and women, no prepper should

be without a rifle or carabine that fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round. The fact that weapons

factories, military installations, National Guard stations, and thousands of residential homes are

currently filled with 5.56 rounds, there isn’t likely to be a shortage on availability any time soon.

The 5.56 NATO has been field-tested and battle-approved to be a highly effective anti-

personnel round at a range of about 300-meters, depending of the barrel length of the gun.

When it comes to post-disaster survival, 300-meters is quite a distance to attempt hitting any

target, human or animal. While you’ll find some relief in knowing you’ll have your perimeter

covered, your efforts should be focused on designating targets within 100-meters, both for

hunting and self-defense. Though advanced optics will improve your accuracy, a military-style

5.56 rifle with basic iron sights can easily take down a buck at a moderate range in the hands of

a steady shooter.

Overall, you know you’ve got your hands on a reliable and versatile round in the same

ammunition used by the most formidable military in the world.

.308

The .308 Winchester–a shortened version of the .30-06–is a great alternative to the .22LR and

5.56, a jacketed version of the .22, for hunting and all-around survival purposes. .308 rounds

are available in weights between 147 and 180 grains and offer significantly more muzzle

velocity and stopping power than .22 and .223 rounds.

The .308 Winchester is essentially a civilian version of the 7.62x51mm NATO round, though the

two are not identical and the rounds are not always interchangeable.

The .308 has a reputation for reliable accuracy, and thus has long been favored by competition

rifle shooters, in addition to a plethora of hunters.

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From a 24-inch barrel, .308s have an effective range of about 800-yards. Though they would be

on the small side for the largest of North American game like moose and brown bear, which

would be best hunted using .300 Magnum rounds, .308 Winchesters are suited for hunting

most big game from bucks to bobcats.

Most AR10–and some AR15–platform rifles chamber .308 Winchester rounds, making them

equally suitable for defense purposes. Though the recent ammo shortage scares have many

concerned over the future availability of rifle ammunition, .308 rounds seem to have promising

odds for the long-term. As a commonly used sporting and military rifle/carbine round, .308s

are manufactured by dozens of North American and European companies alike.

Though you may prefer a grade of ammo not mentioned above, keep in mind that you will likely

have to pay more to stock more in normal times and look harder to maintain your stores when

SHTF. Because they are already so widely used in the law enforcement, military, hunting,

competition, and recreational shooting communities, the five types of ammo mentioned above

are considered to be incredibly useful and versatile selections for disaster survival.

Regardless of your favorite(s), make sure you store and rotate your ammo appropriately to

maintain its effectiveness and keep your shooting skills sharp.

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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GUN FOR

SURVIVAL

The time to prepare your guns for survival is long before a major crisis hits. The replacement

parts will be much easier to locate, be cheaper, better selection, and in most cases will be still

legal to buy or have in your possession. If you wait until just before or just after the crisis, any

spare gun parts will either be unbelievably expensive or totally unavailable.

Gun Parts to Hoard to Keep Your Gun in Service for

Life

To keep the firearms in good working condition a good firearms repair manual covering the

firearms you own, several good quality cleaning kits, and a good quality shooter’s tool kit will be

needed.

http://www.survivopedia.com/svp_prepgnsforsurvl/

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It is very important to know the estimated number of rounds the gun will fire before needing

various types of servicing. From there, you can base purchases of spare parts and other times

on the projected number of rounds you may wind up firing with each gun.

You should have at least enough kits on hand to cover all the ammo in your survival cache, and

then double or triple based on what you may pick up after the crisis hits.

Each of the cleaning kits should have:

Cleaning rods that can be assembled to clean pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Wire brushes and swabs for each caliber or gauge.

A good quantity of cleaning solvents and lubricants.

Shooter’s tool kit:

Hammers: Rubber hammer and a brass hammer.

Punch set: Different diameters and lengths will be needed to push out pins when doing

cleaning, maintenance, or weapon repairing.

Screwdrivers with different tips.

Small metal files with different sizes of cutting edges.

Emery cloth with different size grit.

Other hand tools like pliers, wire cutters, and hex wrenches.

Gun Parts to Hoard

For every firearm you own there should be a spare parts kit available from the manufacturer.

Keeping these on hand will ensure that all of firearms will last longer, maintain their accuracy,

and be more dependable. The following is a general listing of minimal spare parts to have on

hand. Like all minimal lists this is just a starting point, add to it based on the manual for your

gun and to satisfy your individual needs.

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Parts kit for pellet rifles

Replacement piston, springs, and seals.

Parts kit for rifles

Firing pins and firing pin springs

Extractor, extractor pin, and extractor spring

Sear, hammer, trigger, springs, and other trigger parts if needed

Parts kit for shotguns

Extractor, extractor spring,

Firing pins and firing pin springs

Hammer, sear, trigger, springs, and other trigger parts if needed

Parts kit for handguns

Semi-auto pistol

Barrel

Recoil spring

Extractor and extractor spring

Firing pin and firing pin spring

Ejector and ejector spring

Trigger, hammer, sear, springs and other trigger parts if needed

Mainspring

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Revolvers

Cylinder center pin spring

Cylinder latch spring

Cylinder release spring

Ejector rod

Ejector rod spring

Mainspring

Hammer, sear, trigger, and trigger spring

Where to Get Your Spare Parts

The manufacturer should always have spare parts or other aftermarket supplies. You can ask

the company gunsmith about the pros and cons of buying and storing various parts for your

specific gun model. They will be able to offer insights based on quality control after sales

information as well as from other sources.

If the manufacturer is no longer in business, the gun is too old, or you are looking for cheaper

prices, do not miss out on local gun shows. You can always find an experienced gunsmith and

ask them about which parts to buy and why. Also you can see, touch, and inspect the parts

before you buy them.

As a last resort, you can look online for information about which parts are most likely to fail,

and focus on adding extra units to your parts kit.

The following internet sites I have used in the past to locate and purchase replacement or spare

parts for the firearms that I own. I recommend them because the price and the quality of their

goods are excellent. For Handguns, rifles, and shotguns of all types we

recommend brownells.com.

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For AR-15 Parts:

midwayusa.com/ar15-parts

cheaperthandirt.com

brownells.com

cmmginc.com

davidscollectibles.com

For AK-47/74 Parts:

midwayusa.com

brownells.com

tapco.com/products/ak

davidscollectibles.com

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What to Do If What You Need Is Not Available

During and after a crisis there will be no authorized service, no guarantees, little or no spare

parts, and maintenance kits for firearms will be a thing of the past. If a firearm breaks and is no

longer serviceable, keep it and cannibalize it for parts that may be traded for spare parts for

other usable firearms.

If you are attacked by other wandering groups and a firefight occurs, there is no wrong in

fighting to the death and taking whatever supplies the other party had at the time of the

skirmish. Take and keep captured firearms for replacement weapons or spare parts. Bury the

dead respectfully from both sides and move on.

Improvised Solutions to Keep Your Firearms Working

Being a good gunsmith and a blacksmith can help keep your group’s firearms and other

equipment in good working order. It can also be used as a trade to barter for food and other

needs as society drifts towards reformation.

Be sure to appoint at least one person in your group to be proficient in this trade; and then

have at least one or two apprentices. These students should be taught how to repair firearms

by making and repairing stocks, how to make small metal parts, and how to heat treat them.

Because of the difficulty associated with making stamped steel products for firearms outside of

a steel mill, there will be a return to older firearm designs that can be hand forged.

The time to prepare your firearms for a crisis is now, before the economy crashes for good and

a crisis that seriously disrupts daily life starts. Obtain and make spare parts kits now before the

parts and information become unattainable.

Now is the time to learn to become a gunsmith and a blacksmith. These trades can also be a

lifesaver to your survival group.

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Keeping Your Guns at the Ready – Do’s and Don’ts

Gun safety is an integral part of gun ownership never to be overlooked. Unfortunately,

most gun safety courses are focused on drawing and holstering your weapon,

marksmanship, and trigger control.

While these are important aspects of owning and shooting a gun, they don’t teach you

what it’s like to have to use your firearm for self-defense. What is the best way to keep

your survival gun so it’s always at the ready? How do you do so without jeopardizing

the safety of your family and self?

After all, when SHTF and the looters come knocking, they aren’t going to wait patiently while

you run to your safe and load up. No one ever wants to use his/her gun against a human

target. But if your life is on the line the best gun for survival will always be the one you have on

you that’s ready to fire.

Below we will take a look at some do’s and don’ts for keeping your guns at the ready.

1. DO invest in a high quality safe. Especially if you have children in your home, this

should be a given.

But it’s not just children that you have to worry

about gaining access to your

guns. Housekeepers, nosy neighbors, house

guests, and visiting relatives could stumble

upon a firearm if it’s laying in wait, and that’s

an accident waiting to happen.

Fortunately, many of today’s safes allow much

quicker access than the lock-and-key versions

of years past. GunVault is an example of a

http://www.survivopedia.com/keeping-guns-ready-dos-donts/

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company that employs the use of biometric technology that gives you access to your safe with

the scan of a fingerprint.

They also make several keypad entry safes, which are also quicker to access than traditional key

varieties. In an emergency, these types of safes will get you to your guns quickly while still

keeping them safely away from children and any unwanted attention.

2. Don’t simply hide your guns and expect no one to find them. Also, don’t give

anyone access to your safe codes unless they have your trust and the training to shoot.

Don’t think that stowing your rifle on top of your china cabinet is putting it out of reach in a

safe place.

The same goes for a handgun shoved under a mattress or stuffed in a sock drawer. Though

easily accessible, these should not be considered suitable locations to keep your weapons.

3. Do consider keeping your firearms and ammunition separately, stored

in different locations. This is especially pertinent if you chose to forgo the use of a gun safe.

In the hands of an untrained user, an unloaded gun and a box of ammo might as well be a stick

of dynamite and a match. That doesn’t mean you have to keep the gun on the top floor and the

ammo in the basement. Simply keep them separated enough as to not incite an accident.

If SHTF, you’ll have more reason to keep both gun and ammo in more easily accessible

locations, if not on your person.

4. Don’t keep your firearms loaded in the house. In some cases doing so is illegal,

but in any case it’s outright dangerous.

It may sound like the only way to be prepared for an unwanted home invader or hostile

situation, but it’s more likely to be a liability than an asset. As mentioned above, it’s better to

keep your guns and ammo separate and locked up whenever possible. If keeping a loaded gun

is an absolute must for you, make sure it is at the very least locked up whenever not in use.

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5. Do perform proper maintenance on your gun. In a home defense scenario, the

last thing you want to experience after pulling out your trusty firearm is a jam or misfire. If

you’re betting your life on the function of your gun, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean at all

times to avoid any setbacks.

That means cleaning and lubricating your firearms after every trip to the range. Most gun

stores sell gun cleaning kits that include solvent, lubrication oil, rod and jag, and everything else

you need for a basic clean.

6. Don’t let your guns lay around for extended periods of time without seeing

any use or attention. Accordingly, don’t take your gun to the range day in and day out

without ever cleaning it in between. If it’s a gun used for seasonal hunting or

recreational range shooting, you can allow a bit more residue to build up before

needing to address it.

Fortunately, modern powder is non-corrosive and won’t eat through the barrel of your gun,

which gives you some leeway on how often it must be cleaned. Just don’t expect that your

grandfather’s shotgun in the closet that hasn’t seen the light of day in years will perform on

demand when you need it at a moment’s notice.

7. Do consider opting for concealed carry.

The ability to carry your (loaded) weapon on your person is

a privilege you should consider if within the law and realm

of possibility for you in your area.

Simply put, there is no better way for you to be armed at

all times, whether at home or in public, than with a

concealed weapons carry permit.

8. Don’t neglect the laws of your local area when it comes to owning and carrying a

weapon. The last thing you want is to have your guns confiscated by the authorities before a

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SHTF situation, leaving you without proper protection. Don’t expect to carry your firearm

around in public without being harassed unless you are lawfully permitted to do so. Also, don’t

purchase any firearms from anywhere other than an authorized dealer, as that too could pose

legal issues.

9. DO invest as much time as you can practicing with your firearm and staying

up to date on safety and training

techniques. Don’t assume that you know

everything about guns just because you have

military experience or have been hunting for

decades.

Every scenario is different and you never know

when you may face a situation that you haven’t

prepared for.

Practice, practice, and more practice will give you a much better chance of accessing your gun

and using it effectively to defend you and your home.

7 Signs a Gun Is Broken & Fixing Them in the Field

When SHTF, you can count on Murphy’s law to render your gun useless at the worst possible

moment. Fortunately, not all problems mean the gun will never fire again. Nor do they mean

you will need to locate a gunsmith to fix the gun.

Knowing how to assess these 7 common reasons for gun failure and how to resolve them is very

important. Studying your weapon and preparing your parts kit and tools now can be a life saver

later on.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN ANY KIND OF TROUBLESHOOTING FOR ANY REASON, UNLOAD THE GUN

AND MAKE IT SAFE.

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Let’s see the first safety steps to take when fixing your gun:

For semi-auto pistols and rifles drop the magazine clear of the weapon and work the

action to clear the gun of any ammo in the chamber.

In bolt action rifles, open the floor plate of the magazine and remove the live ammo.

Then work the action to remove any chambered rounds.

In semi-auto and pump shotguns, unload the tube magazine with the barrel pointing in a

safe direction.

In pump shotguns this can be done by racking the slide backward and forward until all of

the shotgun shells are out of the shotgun.

In semi-auto shotguns work the bolt backwards and forwards, until all of the shotgun

shells are out of the shotgun. Then check to see that the chamber is empty.

1. The Gun Will Not Fire

Most common causes are:

Bad primers – If gun stops firing while shooting, check the spent brass or shot shells for

splits or light indentations on the primer. If the primer is bad, the weapon will not fire

on the first strike of the firing pin. It may take another try, but remember to wait 10

seconds before trying again. There can be a delayed firing of the gun due to a cool spark

from the primer.

Old or wet powder – To keep this from happening again check all of your ammo to see if

it is clean and dry. If not get a better waterproof container for the ammo.

Gun out of battery (ie. slide not aligned with receiver. See Gun Bolt Does Not Lock up In

the Receiver chapter below).

2. The Gun Bolt Will Not Unlock

Most common causes are:

bolt may have jumped the carrier,

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internal bolt parts may be bent or broken,

defective parts,

dirty,

wrong types of lubricant,

over/under lubricated,

over heating,

Spent case may be in the chamber (see the chapter about the failure to eject.)

If you were just firing the gun, wait 1 – 2 minutes and feel the receivers to see if they are hot to

the touch. Consult user’s manual for specific instructions for your gun model.

Disassemble weapon so the bolt and bolt carrier are easy to work on. Spray some good

penetrating oil on the bolt and carrier and let it soak. When the assembly is cool and unfrozen,

remove the bolt and bolt carrier and inspect and replace broken, discolored, bent, or cracked

parts.

Aside from this, on bolt action rifles, check the back of the bolt to see if it has slipped from its

normal operating position. If it has, pull the back portion of the bolt out and return this part

back to where it belongs. Then the bolt should open. After repairs thoroughly clean and

lubricate the weapon and work the action.

If it these steps do not work, you will need to take the weapon to a gunsmith.

3. Gun Bolt Does Not Lock up In the Receiver

In most cases, the bolt is not correctly seated on bolt carrier. If the bolt does not line up

correctly, explosive pressure from the cartridge can blow the bolt back, causing a backfire and

severe injuries to the shooter.

According to the type of the gun, the symptoms and fixes are:

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In bolt actions rifles, bolt handle may not go all the way down to locked position. Remove

the bolt and inspect it. Check to see if it is correctly assembled. If not, follow user’s manual

to correctly assemble it and return it to the receiver. Test to make sure it works.

In pump shotguns, the slide does not go all the way forward and lock. Pull back on front

stock to open and inspect the bolt for broken, bent, or over-heated metal. Replace as

needed and reassemble. Test for functionality.

In semi-automatic rifles, ejection port may be open or exposed. Remove the slide, and

remove the bolt. Then inspect the bolt for broken or bent locking lugs, weak spring, or dirt.

Clean and re-install the bolt in the slide. Put the slide on the receiver and function check.

In semi-automatic pistols, slide is slightly back overhanging the frame. Remove slide

portion, inspect barrel lug, slide release pin, and front bushings. If any one of these parts

are misaligned, gun will go out of battery and will not fire. Realign and replace broken or

bent pieces to restore function.

In revolvers, cylinder does not lock into place in the frame because ejector rod may be

bent. Replace ejector rod or cylinder latch.

4. A Faint Noise Instead of Fire

The gun is not firing, and you only hear a faint, metal/snapping sounding click when pulling the

trigger. That sound will put terror in the heart of the strongest warrior. It is not the same sound

as when the gun is out of ammo. This sound means the firing pin just broke on your weapon.

To fix, remove the bolt from the weapon and remove the firing pin from the bolt. Replace with

a new firing pin from your spare parts kit and reassemble the bolt. Put the bolt back in the

firearm in its proper place.

If you do not have a spare firing pin, you can make one from a strait nail just a little bigger than

the broken firing pin. Use the broken firing pin as a guide to make the new one. When finished

check to see if it fits. Heat treat the new firing pin by placing in hot coals until it turns red, then

quickly drop the pin in a can of cold water. This will harden the new firing pin.

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This is only a temporary fix until you can get a proper firing pin. If the gun fires, use the weapon

only for emergencies until you can get a new firing pin.

5. Gun Will Not Feed Ammo

Most common causes and solutions are:

Weapon is dirty. Clean and lubricate.

A bad magazine. Inspect magazine, remove and replace any broken or weak parts.

Never discard an old magazine since you may still be able to use some functional parts

in the future.

Feeding ramp in the chamber may need a little bit of polishing to make it free of marks

that may deflect the bullet coming up the ramp. Remove marks by rubbing feed ramp

with very fine steel wool.

Ammo may have bent cases or projectiles. Simply discard the bad ammo.

6. Gun Will Not Extract Round Out of Chamber

The major cause of this is a broken extractor. Since each gun model is slightly different, consult

the owner’s manual for specific removal and replacement instructions. Be sure that each of

your weapons has a spare parts kit that includes a new extractor, and appropriate tools.

A broken brass case can also cause a gun to not extract a round out of the chamber. Follow

user’s manual instructions and use broken case removal tool to solve the problem. You should

have at least one case removal tool for every caliber bullet that you own.

7. Slam Fire

Sometimes gun fires more than one shot with each pull of the trigger, and this problem is

limited to semi-auto weapons only. If the weapon is very dirty the firing pin may be stuck with a

portion outside of the bolt. This causes the weapon to fire on the closing of the bolt. Clean

thoroughly to resolve.

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Another cause of a slam fire is a broken catch sear or hammer sear in the trigger group.

Disassemble this group in the receiver and replace all parts in the group even if only one part is

broken.

Even though guns are meant to be strong and durable, simple things can cause them to appear

broken. If you notice any of these problems, you may be able to fix them in the field, as well as

take steps to avoid future problems. As with any other machine, proper cleaning and

maintenance will prevent these 7 problems and more serious ones.

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HOW TO STORE YOUR GUNS AND

AMMO

Safe Storage Solutions for Your Survival Weapon

Today’s Preppers have thought hard and spent a lot of money on all that is needed to get

through a time of major crisis. In today’s rough and crime filled world a firearm is also necessity

of life. Those who do not believe this cannot comprehend what is really going on in the world

around them. They just feel that being a victim could never happen to them.

Firearms are purchased to defend the stockpile and stop those who would murder, rape,

torture your family, or do anything else that their sick little minds can think of.

If you do not secure your loaded firearms, but only hide them out of plain sight, this is a recipe

for disaster. In particular, your own child or some other person could find your gun and shoot

you long before you need the gun for survival or stopping a crime.

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Then, you just become another statistically irresponsible gun owner, and if you live, your grief

and other problems will never end. This is why you must have safe, secured places to store

loaded firearms and keep them at the ready.

Here are a few things to consider to make your home safer and more defensible in a time of

major crisis. These suggestions will also buy enough time to enable you to access stored and

loaded weapons without as much danger to yourself and others.

Strengthen All Exterior Windows and Doors

The outer doors and windows are your first line of defense against home invasions, burglaries,

robberies and other criminal behavior.

These areas must be reinforced and strengthened to with stand multiple hard kicks or strikes

from a heavy battering ram. Windows must be made to withstand repeated attacks.

Here are some ways to strengthen the windows:

Have double pane extra thick glass windows installed.

Have the windows frames reinforced and anchored deeply into the outer wall.

Have good window locks installed on the windows.

And here are some ways to strengthen the outer doors:

Install steel heavy duty outer doors with heavy duty hinges.

Install high quality lock sets to include dead bolts.

Have the door frame reinforced and anchored extra deep in the outer wall.

Install heavy duty storm doors with a heavy duty latching area.

Install removable extra heavy duty bracing bars to give extra support to the door.

Install door peep holes instead of door chains so you can see who is outside.

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Teach Your Children Firearms Safety

Children can find almost anything or do anything when they put their mind to it. Parents should

never hide a gun thinking a child will never find it. They will find it. You may have put it way up

on the top shelf of a closet. Children will do unbelievable feats of climbing to get at what they

want.

The only thing that will keep a child safe from firearms is education and a well-built lockable

container. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children firearm safety. Start with

them young and explain it to them in a way that they can understand. Do it often so that they

remember, but never assume that they or their friends are going to act responsibly in the

presence of a gun.

Here are a few topics to talk with them about.

What to do when they see a gun laying a round with no one else around: Stop, do not

touch it, leave the area, and tell an adult immediately.

The steps of “stop” and “do not touch it” are the two most important parts to teach

children. It is a natural impulse for a child to touch a gun. Your children must totally

understand these two steps and what might happen if they do not.

In today’s world where adult supervision is lax or nonexistent, your children must be

told why, and understand the reason why they must “leave the area”.

To “tell an adult immediately” emphasizes that children should tell an adult that they

trust if their parents or guardian is not there.

A gun is not a toy, and can cause great bodily injury or death no matter who is holding it.

Always assume that a gun loaded.

Never point a gun at another person.

Never handle a gun.

Never throw, drop, or horse play with a gun.

If you carry regularly, secure the gun immediately when you get home and tell your

children why.

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Teach your children not to be influenced by peer pressure and do what you told them to

do.

Hiding Places to Avoid and Why

Most states impose laws that define the firearm owner’s duties to deny access to firearms by

children. One of the most used criminal charges placed on adults by police after a child finds,

discharges, or shoots someone with a firearm is Child Endangerment or Child Neglect. Civil

liability is the next nightmare that comes your way.

Here a plaintiff sues you for your actions of not properly securing a firearm, all damages, and

putting a child’s life in danger or worse.

Even if you are single or married without children do not use the following hiding places. Your

family or other visiting friends may have children visiting with them, and just as badly, any

criminal entering your home may gain access to these guns long before you do.

Aside from that, if you aren’t feeling well, get drunk, sleepwalk, or forget there is a gun hidden

in these places, you can easily put your own life at risk.

In empty cereal boxes. Children would think that there is food in the box and would find

the gun.

Duck taping a gun under a table. Most children play in and around tables and would

notice it.

Kept in hollowed out books left around. Children are very interested in books and

magazines and would open them and find the gun.

Hiding rifles and shotguns under the couch. A lot of children play on the floor and would

find them.

Hiding a gun in a hollowed out space behind a picture. Children notice everything.

Seeing a new framed picture or one that is hanging differently may interest a child to

investigate why and find the gun.

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Hiding a gun inside a large vase. Children pick up and play with different types of

pottery and will find the gun.

In a closet hanging over the door. Children like to hide and play in closets. The gun will

be noticed and the child will climb up to investigate. The child has found the gun.

In a car, hiding a holstered gun inside the front passengers seat closed by Velcro.

Children sitting in the back of the vehicle can see the change in the appearance of the

front seat and will investigate and find the gun, not to mention you will spend a fortune

on refurbishing if your vehicle is leased. Also if you do not have a concealed carry permit

you might be charged for a hidden gun within the driver’s reach.

Hiding a gun under a pile of towels in the bathroom. Children like to play in closets and

will either feel the gun or see it.

In a brown paper bag next to the refrigerator. Children are curious and love to play

with paper bags almost as much as cats do!

Hiding a small compact gun inside of a small CD wallet in your car or home. Children are

curious and they will open the CD wallet when you are not looking and find the gun.

Hiding a gun behind the heat pump or air return filter. Children are very curious and

like to explore what is behind air vents or air grills and they will find the gun. Another

thing to think about is what would happen if the gun became dislodged and fell into the

air return system.

Hiding a gun between the mattress and the box spring. A child playing on the bed could

feel a hard lump and reach under the mattress and pull out the gun. Worse yet, if they

decide to use the bed as a trampoline, they might cause the gun to fire.

Hiding a gun on top of a book case. Most children love to climb and sooner or later they

will find the gun.

Hiding a gun behind a door. This is a no brainer, children will find the gun the next time

they are in that room with the door closed.

Hiding a gun under a pillow. Children will feel the lump and move the pillow aside and

find the gun.

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Hiding a gun in the bedside table drawer. Easy for a

child to find there. Just open the drawer and there it

is.

Hiding a gun in the toilet water tank. Hope it is in a

water proof container or you will have water damage

and corrosion to your gun and ammo. Also a child’s

curiosity will cause them to lift the lid and see what is

in there and find the gun.

Wearing a gun 24/7. This is not practical at home.

Even a small light handgun gets heavy by the end of

the day, and people have other interests that make

having a gun on at all times decidedly impossible. If

you take off the gun you have created another gun

safety problem. Wearing a concealed weapon outside

without a permit can cause you a legal problem.

Safe Storage Solutions for Firearms

In the days following a major crisis the high crime rate and

chance of home invasion also creates a real need for safe

storage places for firearms and valuables.

Everyone’s needs will be different. Here are a few ideas to

consider:

1. Use a standard manual combination lock for a gun safe.

When choosing a safe be sure that it does not have an

electronic push pad system only. These safes need batteries

to operate the lock, no power you cannot open the lock.

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These heavy well-built safes are designed to withstand fairly long periods of time when being

hammered on, trying to cut open with torches, or trying to manually rip them open. Also they

offer a decent protection time against fire or heat. These safes should be kept out of sight in

safe rooms. Bolting these safes down on to the floor is a required precaution. A good floor safe

can cost $499.99 to $1299.99.

2. The handgun quick access safe.

These are small lockable metal safes that are designed to be bolted under desks, tables, inside

cabinets, or closets. They use either a key or a palm finger push pad to unlock. The average

price of these safes is $90.00 to $199.99.

3. Rifle or shotgun quick access safe.

These lockable metal safes are designed to be bolted down in closets or behind large couches.

They use either a key or a palm finger pad to unlock. The average price of these safes is $100.00

to $300.00.

4. A 50 caliber ammo can that can be locked with a padlock.

This lockable handgun container should be placed out of plain sight and secured to the floor

behind light furniture, in cabinets, or in closets. The average price of the 50 caliber ammo can is

about $25.00.

During the time of a major crisis there will be a need to have firearms to protect your family

and your stockpile. Your best and first form of defense is to have reinforced exterior doors and

windows. This will stop or slow down those individuals that are trying to break in and give you

time to retrieve your weapons and set into action the home defense plan.

Keeping loaded weapons in a secured location protects you and your family from disaster. Use

a combination floor safe to store unloaded firearms and valuables.

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Always use quick access lockable safes when hiding loaded weapons for quick accessing in

times of extreme danger. If you do not have a quick access safe, use a 50 caliber ammo can that

can be locked and secured to the floor.

Ammo Storage DOs and DON’Ts

Before a time of serious crisis, the survivalist should start collecting ammunition for every

firearm that they own or intend to take with them. Given the nature of social collapse, it is best

to avoid drawing attention to yourself while building your ammunition supply. You will also

need to exercise caution in practicing skills, and buying other defense items that may be

needed later on.

Buying Ammunition, Equipment and Tools

Make a point to buy your ammunition a little at a time each payday; and also buy your

ammunition at many different stores instead of just one. If you purchase the ammunition at a

gun show, shop around for the best price. A lot of times people buy name brands out of habit

instead of looking at all of the brands.

Research the ammunition manufacturers, and keep a running list of price comparisons. In many

cases other brands are cheaper, but their standards of manufacture are at the same level as the

brand names. Buy some to test in your weapons to see which works the best. You can also buy

ammo by phone, order blank, or on the internet, and then have it shipped to you by freight.

Remember, though, there will always be an address trail through the shipper or the seller that

reveals your purchase.

Even if the transaction goes through smoothly, a raid on the seller’s shipping books or detailed

financial/banking transactions can reveal your information and trigger an investigation,

especially if it is defined as illegal in your area. No matter where you buy ammo from, here are

some important things not to do:

Do not buy ammunition that has a box date over 10 years old,

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Do not buy if the box or carton is ripped, broken, or the seal is not intact,

Do not buy loose ammunition that you personally have not checked over,

Do not buy any ammunition at a super low discount price because you may be buying

ammunition “seconds”, production rejects, or stolen inventory.

How to Store Ammunition

The best way to store ammunition is in an air-tight and water-tight ammo can in a cool dry

area. Regardless of the ammo can size, always include stay dry packets to manage any

condensation that may form.

A 50 caliber ammo can usually holds between 500 to 1000 rounds of Centerfire ammunition

depending on the caliber being stored in it. The same size ammo can also be used to hold

approximately 2000 rounds of .22 LR ammo, or 200 12 Ga shotgun shells. I also like the handles

on the 50 caliber ammo cans because you can carry 2 to 4 cans at one time (as long as that is

within your carrying capacity).

Another good ammo can is the 20mm. It can hold the contents of about four 50 caliber ammo

cans, but may be too big and heavy for one person to manage. These ammunition containers

are better used for storage at the actual base camp.

Some bulk ammunition cans or tins are already sealed, preserved, and ready for storage. These

ammunition cans or tins can be opened with a large can opener that is usually supplied, by

using a bayonet, or other heavy knife. This ammunition is usually packaged or boxed in a set

number of rounds for the specific weapon that it is to be used in.

Things Not to Do When Storing Your Ammunition

Do not store ammunition in a hot, cold, or wet conditions without proper containers,

Do not bury ammunition in the ground without proper containers,

Do not hide ammunition in easy to find places,

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Do not over pack ammunition into very heavy containers.

What Is the Shelf Life of Ammunition?

The shelve life of ammunition is how long it can be stored before it starts to break down. Some

things to check for:

On full metal jacket bullets, is there rust or other corrosion?

Rust or discoloration on the shell casings

Corrosion in and around the primer pocket or on the primer itself.

When to Replenish Your Ammunition

For each of your firearms you should have a set number

rounds for it.

As a rule the oldest ammunition should be used first if there

are no signs of ammunition break down. Use this ammunition

for practice and training.

Replace the used ammunition with new. Inspect the

ammunition can seals, hinges, and lock down system. If all is

good, then use this ammunition can.

Write on the ammunition can ammo type, caliber, and date

bought so you know the age and quantity of your inventory.

Reloading Your Ammunition

Reloading is essentially an ammo recycling and alteration method that can be used only with

certain types. When you reload ammunition you have better quality control over the selection

of the components: the bullets, cases, powders, and primers. With reloading, you can also

custom tailor the ammunition to a particular firearm for the best accuracy and performance.

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When you buy your components in bulk, it is also possible to lower the cost per round of

ammunition. When you are first learning to reload, it is important to have a face-to-face

mentor. This individual should teach you the safe way to reload ammunition. (Note explicit

directions are not given in this article. Consult an appropriate reloading manual and work with a

mentor so that you remain safe and learn how to reload properly. Often, what looks simple on

paper can turn into a disaster if even one step is overlooked).

Always follow the manufacturers printed step by step instructions in the presence of

your mentor.

Practice with dry runs until you become familiar with the reloading equipment, and you

feel satisfied that you are ready to begin to reloading live ammunition.

For Centerfire ammunition reloading, choose the best smokeless powder and bullet

design to use from the reloading handbook. This book reveals minimal to maximum

bullet and smokeless powder weights.

For shot shell ammunition reloading, select smokeless powder and shot size to use from

a shot shell reloading handbook. This handbook will list minimal to maximum shot

charges and smokeless powder weights.

Tips and Equipment for Reloading

For Centerfire Pistol and Rifle

Reloading manual: This book gives the reloader all of the important data to safely reload

all of the popular centerfire pistol and rifle ammunition. It covers bullet weight, powder

charge, type of primer, average velocity, and type of shell case.

Reloading press: This is the most important tool in the reloading process. The press

gives the reloader the mechanical advantage and a platform to deprime the case, full

case resizing, seating of primers in the case primer pocket, aiding with dispensing the

powder charge when using a powder measuring device, and seating the bullet.

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A good manual balance powder scale to measure the smokeless powder charge. This

scale when balanced will give you a very accurate measurement of smokeless powder to

be used safely in the bullet casing.

Bullet case lubricant kit: If the bullet cases do not have a thin coating of lubricant there

is a chance that it will get stuck in one of the reloading dies.

Bullet case trimmer: When a bullet fires, the case expands just a little. After a couple

shots the bullet case becomes too long to be safely reloaded and must be shortened

back to a safe length.

Case measuring ruler: The ruler tells the reloader the exact length of the case. Next

check the measurement against the go, no go table in the reloading manual. If the case

is too long to use, cut the case back to specs with the case trimmer.

Reloading bullet trays: These trays are designed to hold the bullet case in the upright

position so they do not fall over in the reloading procedure. They come in sizes for

either centerfire pistol or rifle cases.

A good set of reloading dies and a shell holder: For each caliber of ammunition that you

reload there must be a set of reloading dies with the corresponding shell holder.

My personal pick for a reloading system is the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading

Kit. Priced at $349.99 is an excellent value for a complete starter system. The only thing

required with this kit is a set of dies and shell holder for each caliber that you are going to

reload.

Rifle 2 die sets run $77.95 to $92.95 each depending on caliber. Shell holder are priced at

$14.95 each. Pistol 3 die carbide sets are are $65.95 each in all the popular calibers. Shell

holders are priced at $14.95 each. This whole reloading system can be stored in a footlocker for

a fast bug out.

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To Reload Shot Shells:

A good shot shell reloading manual: This manual gives the reloader all the necessary

information to safely reload all of the popular shot shells. This manual covers powder

charge, shot charge, type of primer, and type of shot shell casing.

A good reloading press: This is the most important tool in the shot shell reloading

process. This press gives the reloader the mechanical advantage and a platform to

deprime the shot shell, prime the shot shell, dispensing a powder charge when using a

powder measuring device, lines up and inserts the wad, measures and inserts the shot,

and crimps down the the top of the shot shell.

A powder and shot bar: This bar holds the bushings that measure fixed powder and shot

weights to be loaded in to the shot shell.

A good manual balance powder scale: This measuring device gives a very accurate

measurement of the smokeless powder charge to be used safely in the shot shell.

Reloading shot shell trays: Used to hold and organize the shot shells when finished

reloading.

My pick for a shot shell reloader is the Lee Load-All Reloader. They are made in 12Ga. 16 Ga.,

and 20 Ga. Each of these reloaders are priced at $57.99 each. The only thing you might want to

add is an optional primer feed.The 12 Ga. and the 20 Ga. will reload 2 3/4 and 3“shot shells. The

16 Ga. reloader only reloads 2 3/4 shot shells.

Things Not to Do When Reloading Ammunition

Do not drink alcoholic beverages,

Do not smoke or have open flames burning,

Do not eat while reloading,

Do not use cell phones or text while reloading,

Do not watch TV,

Do not use a digital scale, no power no work,

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Do not try to reload 22 rimfire ammunition – it is beyond the scope of this article, and also

beyond most people that do reloading.

xxx

In conclusion, the prepper must know how to collect, store, replenish, and reload ammunition.

These simple techniques will help you survive and maintain the vital ammunition supplies that

you own. Try to make your storage containers small, light, and easy to carry.

Be a knowledgeable buyer when it comes to buying ammunition, storage containers, reloading

equipment, and reloading components. Learn how to reload all the types of ammunition for all

of the weapons that you own. Be safe and keep your powder dry.

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