Prepping Considerations 1

 A recent conversation with a reader of this blog gave rise to the need to update some information. Clearly, guns and shooting are a major source of enjoyment for me and have been for many years. Often, those who shoot find themselves in prepper communities, and I am no different. At this point, I have taken dozens of firearms classes, and taught over 100 live fire classes. So this week, posts will center around my suggestions for guns and equipment for SHTF. 

Day 1 - Rifles

My three primary use rifles are military clones. You do not need a military clone rifle to be effective. However, yours should share some of the same characteristics. My three main rifles are an MK12MOD0 clone, an M16A4 clone, and an M4 Block II SOPMOD clone. Each rifle has been customized a bit and is not 100% clone correct. 

The MK12MOD0 has a Trijicon Credo scope sitting on an American Defense mount. Definitely not clone correct, but a darn good optic, and a way better mounting solution. It has a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear.

The M16A4 has a BCM Grip, a free floating quad rail from Midwest Industries, and a match grade trigger. This has the effect of making the rifle nearly comparable to a Designated Marksman's gun. I have my ACOG on top of it, not the world's best optic - but tough as nails and does the job. This rifle also wears a Vickers Sling from Blue Force Gear.

The M4A1 Block II SOPMOD also has a Midwest Industries quad rail (price) and a match grade barrel that is not SOPMOD specification - it also has a midlength gas tube. The stock, though similar, is also not clone correct. This rifle wears an Aimpoint T2 micro dot. Tough as nails and fast as can be had. This rifle wears a Warrior Poet Sling. 

None of them are 100% clone correct, but they all have mods that have purpose. And that's the point of this post. What kind of rifle should you get and what features should it have?

My Suggestions

You should get an AR15 type rifle. 

It should have a 16-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch barrel. 

It should be free floated, whether it is a match grade barrel or not. 

A mid length or rifle length gas tube is preferable. 

Make sure it has quality lower parts and a quality bolt. 

Get a quality optic and zero that optic to the ammo you will be stocking up on. 

If you use a red dot, have a magnifier to go with it. 

You need a quality sling, as well. 

If you do not select a red dot, go with a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO). 

If you do a trigger upgrade, get a good one like Geissele.

Buy good mags to go with it. PMAGs are the standard.