Preparation

A reader recently asked me to describe preparations I would suggest for SHTF, or TEOTWAWKI.

Let me first state that I think localized SHTF is much more likely than TEOTWAWKI. Look at examples of tornadoes, hurricane Katrina, LA Riots, Nashville flooding, etc.

In fact, my inlaws got a glimpse of my personal preparations back in May during the flooding. My mother-in-law was a bit concerned about whether we would have enough food to last until the waters subsided and we could travel to a local grocery store. I showed her part of my preparations, and she was immediately relieved.

So I'll lay out what I suggest, and why I suggest it. As for the "why" - let me go on record by saying that a temporary, localized emergency is far more likely than a nationwide, or worldwide collapse. Therefore, I suggest planning for the temporary localized emergency primarily, with thoughts or long-term goals toward the large-scale collapse.

Food

Food is first on the list, because without it, you cannot live. Of course, you can live without food for several weeks - but who wants to?

Local emergency:
I suggest 30 days of food and water for all people living in the household. Non-perishable food is best. Store in airtight, pest-proof containers.

This can be as simple as picking up a few extra cans and bags of food with each trip to the grocery store over the course of a couple of months.

Under "Food" I would also list other consumables - such as basic medicines, water, toiletries, etc. It also includes the means to cook your food should there be an extended electrical outage.

30 days of food / consumables will let you survive comfortably in most localized emergencies. If things are more dire, it can be a good launching point from which to plan your next steps.

Going to the store and stocking up after the event will not be a good plan - where do you think everybody else will be?

Large-scale collapse:
Chances are you will likely have to grow, hunt, or raise your own food. This will be very difficult without a farm. Having a close friend with a farm might be an option. Be prepared to trade something you can provide, for whatever it is you want them to provide.

Additionally, a large scale storage of non-perishable food is a possibility.

Money

It is generally a wise idea to have 3-6 months of expenses saved off to the side for emergencies. I suggest this is a great idea. I also suggest having at least 1/3 of this available in cash on hand - stored in a safe, but accessible location.

Self Defense

I think every grown American ought to have a few basic firearms - in this order:
- A .22 Rifle
- A semiautomatic box-magazine fed centerfire rifle.
- A pistol
- A shotgun

Start by outfitting your home collectively with at least one of each. Then work toward each person. Some of these might be redundant (one or two shotguns for a family of 6 would be fine). Remember to include scopes, if needed or wanted. Some optics take batteries, so have at least a 6-month supply of the correct type(s).

Having a gun and not knowing how to shoot is like having food and not knowing how to cook - you might get things right, but it does not take much effort to get up to a basic level of proficiency.

Also, knowing the purpose of each gun is crucial. Just like any other tool, it has a specific use, and the user should keep that in mind at all times.

.22 Rifle
This serves two purposes - training & hunting. The .22 can be used for self defense in a pinch, but it is not the best option.

Out to about 100 yards (give or take) the .22 can take game up to the size of a large dog. In an ambush situation, a deer-sized animal can be cleanly harvested with one.

For training, nothing beats the .22 - it has virtually no recoil, it is inexpensive, and modern platforms are very reliable.

I suggest a Marlin - model 60 or 795 - depending on the shooter's magazine preference. The tube of the 60 cannot be lost, and has verified long-term reliability. An additional plunger is cheaper than a single magazine for the 795, and would provide 50+ years of service. However, many people dislike the tube, so the box-magazine fed 795 is a reliable alternative.

Also possible is the Ruger 10/22. However, this platform suffers from reliability and QC problems, so I suggest some add-ons. At the very least, have: a dozen factory 10-round magazines, several extractors (Volquartsen is best) and bolts, as well as replacement buffers and follower springs.

Either the Marlin or the Ruger can be outfitted with tech sights or a scope. Having both would not be a bad idea.

Most major manufacturers produce bolt-action .22's that are reliable and accurate. These would be fine as a trainer, too. 

Semiautomatic centerfire rifle
Get one that is box-magazine fed. 10 round magazines are OK. 20 round mags are better. 30 round mags are even better. Have at least 10 or 12 magazines. The platform you choose is also important:
- AR15 - very reliable, easy to use and learn, modest recoil, and extremely accurate. In fact the only major knock on this platform is the 5.56 mm cartridge is not the most powerful. However, this platform can be modified endlessly, and has 99% interchangeability with US military firearms (M16 and M4), includnig mags an ammo. Maximum effective range - 500 meters.
- AK47 - very reliable. Not very accurate. Recoil is medium in this list. Ammo is cheap. Maximum effective range - 300 meters.
- AR10 - All of the benefits of the AR15, but with the larger 7.62 mm round. Only major knock on this platform is the recoil and expense. Maximum effective range - 800+ meters.
- M1 Carbine - lightweight, reliable, and accurate. At one time, ammo was less expensive than the 5.56mm, but not any more. Replacement parts are also difficult to find. Otherwise, a great choice. Maximum effective range - 200 meters.
- M1A - A heavy, old fashioned battle rifle. With the right ammo, it is very reliable and very accurate. More expensive than the AR10, and less accurate. In fact, this platform, while excellent, is surpassed by the AR 10 in every category. Still a good choice. Maximum effective range - 800+ meters.
- Alternates that, while not ideal, wouldn't be too bad: SKS, M1 Garand, .30-30 lever action, SCAR, older bolt-action military rifles (1903, 1917 Enfield, German, Swiss, and other models, too).

Pistol
The idea here is the largest caliber you can comfortably carry. Some suggestions:
- Semiautomatic - stick to 9mm, .40S&W, or .45 ACP. Makes like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Springfield, and Sig-Sauer are among the best.
- Revolvers - stick to .38 special, .357 magnum, or .44 Magnum. Many good makes here, but Ruger and Smith & Wesson are the most common and are very reliable.
- With either revolvers, or semiautomatics, keep extra magazines or speed loaders handy.

Shotgun
A 12-gauge or 20-gauge will suffice. Have several types of shells - birdshot, slugs, buckshot, etc. Pump action or semiautomatic are ideal, but double barrel, or even single-shot platforms are fine.

Training
Know how to operate your guns. Be able to clear malfunctions, load and unload, and strip and clean them. Basic marksmanship is a must.

Basic abilities:
- Pistol - be able to reliably hit life-sized targets at 21 feet.
- Rifle - be able to reliably hit life-sized targets at 100 yards.
- Shotgun - be able to reliably hit from standing, game-sized targets at 30 yards.

Standard abilities:
- Pistol - be able to reliably hit life-sized targets in the head or torso at 15 yards as needed.
- Rifle - be able to reliably hit life-sized targets out to 300 yards.
- Be able to clear a room with either a pistol or a carbine rifle.