A Navy Veteran’s Guide to Staying Armed and Ready for Anything

Fourteen earthquakes of 6.0 or greater magnitude since June 1st (and many smaller ones), the 7th named storm of 2024 is another Category 3 hurricane, major flooding this year in the northeast, a very contentious election year, wildfires, cyber hacking is at an all-time high including threats to our infrastructure and transportation grids.  Wars in Europe and the Middle East are threatening to explode into global-level conflicts, and multiple countries are looking for opportunities in all of this.

Imagine a “perfect storm” of multiple events happening at the same time and we lose law and order in the United States temporarily.  I’ve written before about being prepared for hurricanes where I covered things like water, food, having a plan etc. including a gun for possible looters.  This time though I’m not referring to “the first 72” I’m talking about having to protect yourself and your family for a month or more God forbid.

The SOFREP News Team posted an article about “Top 5 Survival Firearms” recently and I’m not here to debate the validity of those weapons.  Instead, I’m going to offer a few thoughts on what types of weapons you should think about having and why I chose the ones I did.

The Primary

Rifle caliber, semi-auto, you should be able to carry plenty of ammo, and most importantly no matter what, when you pick it up and pull the trigger it needs to go BANG.  Most people say pick up an AR in 5.56 because everyone else is going to have one and I don’t disagree with that reason.  But…..  I’m not a fan of the power of 5.56 with 55 grain bullets which are the most prominent and readily available.  Is that something you can overcome, yes you can stockpile 60/62/70/75, and 77-grain ammo, start early and good luck.

I chose an AK-47 made by Arsenal, it shoots straight and consistent, has legendary reliability and 7.62×39 is more versatile than 5.56.  The gun has other trade-offs, a safety that can be heard at 300 yards, and the sound of the action is unmistakable, but it will go through hell before it fails me.

The Secondary

Pistol caliber, semi-auto, you should be able to carry plenty of ammo, and most importantly no matter what, when you pick it up and pull the trigger it needs to go BANG.  This one isn’t hard to debate, most people will agree Glock makes some very reliable handguns, you just have to pick your caliber.  I chose 45cal but 9mm or 40S&W are just as good so carry what you are comfortable with.

Backup

Not required but if you have the option I’d recommend a revolver.  Some people will say stay semi-auto and the same caliber as your secondary weapon and that’s not a bad idea, just remember the goal of the backup is a last resort.  Mine happens to be the Taurus Poly Defender, the 45 Long Colt is very damaging at close range.

Shotgun

12 or 20 gauge?  With advancements in shell technology 20 gauge shotguns are seeing a resurgence in popularity especially in female shooters.  Now the question is, pump or semi-auto?  Pump action shotguns require practice under pressure and can have a greater kick but semi-auto’s can cost more.  The two 12 gauge shotguns I have here are devastating weapons and as an added bonus the Remington Vtac is concealable with minimal effort.

A Good 22 Rifle

Semi-auto or bolt action, to me it doesn’t matter but a 22 is essential for small game, and training.  Yes not everyone is going to be trained in weapons usage so a 22 is a good place to start.  And who doesn’t like a squirrel or rabbit on occasion for supper?!

I got my first 22 when I was 15 from my Grandfather and I’ve shot hundreds of woodchucks and rabbits with it over the years.  I’m pretty confident I’ll pass it down to one of my Grandson’s in the future still in good working condition with plenty of cheap ammo and a good appreciation of its versatility.

Knives

You never know what you’re going to need to do, cut brush, cut parachute cord, cut meat, tighten or loosen a bolt, file a sharp edge down, stab something that needs stabbing.  The point being knives are very useful in our everyday lives now and more so when you are forced into extreme situations.  I recommend at least 3, a strong fixed blade, a good folder and a good multi-tool, that’s my absolute minimum but I usually find a reason to carry something more.

Final Thoughts

I’ve presented these thoughts/priorities to people and had varied responses.  The biggest negative one is, “well I don’t have one of those fancy semi-auto black rifle things, I have my hunting rifle and I can shoot that just fine”.  To which I reply, GREAT that’s what you use for your primary, get plenty of ammo and stay in practice.

I have guns I’ve inherited from family members, a 30-40 Krag that’s a great shooter and a 12 gauge shotgun from a Great Uncle I never met, a British 303 Enfield that kicks like a grumpy mule, and if need be they all would both be used to protect my family.

I’d probably give the Enfield to someone I didn’t like, though.

Garfield out.

Editor’s Note: Garfield is SOFREP’s resident gear expert and the Editor at Large of The Loadout Room, our sister site and finest gear review site on the net. Check it out! — GDM

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.