Self-Reliance Blog

The Best Firearms for Preppers: Top Choices for Defense, Survival, and Reliability

In any prepping scenario, whether you’re planning for natural disasters, civil unrest, or societal collapse, having reliable firearms is essential. The right firearms can offer you protection, secure your resources, and help you gather food. However, not all firearms are created equal, and it’s important to select the right ones for your specific needs. This blog post will walk you through some of the best firearms preppers should consider, their strengths and weaknesses, and the types of ammunition to stockpile. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of firearms training and safety, as even the best weapon is useless in untrained hands.

1. The Importance of Selecting the Right Firearms for Prepping

Before diving into the firearms themselves, it’s essential to understand why having a well-thought-out collection of firearms is important for preppers. A firearm for a prepper isn’t just about protection; it’s about reliability, ease of maintenance, and versatility. Whether you’re hunting for food or defending your homestead, you’ll need weapons that are robust, reliable, and suited to multiple roles.

2. Categories of Firearms Preppers Should Consider

Preppers typically focus on three categories of firearms:

1. Handguns for personal defense and concealment.
2. Rifles for longer-range defense and hunting.
3. Shotguns for close-range protection and hunting versatility.

Let’s break down each of these categories and look at specific options.

3. Handguns for Preppers

A handgun is a critical tool for close-quarters defense and concealment. Its portability and ease of access make it a great first line of defense. Here are some top choices for preppers:

Glock 19 Gen 5

The Glock 19 is one of the most popular handguns in the world, known for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and large aftermarket support. The Gen 5 model brings improvements in ergonomics and trigger performance, making it even more suitable for preppers. It’s chambered in 9mm, a widely available and effective round.

Strengths:

• Incredibly reliable with minimal maintenance.
• Large magazine capacity (15 rounds standard).
• Chambered in 9mm, which is easy to stockpile.
• Extensive aftermarket parts and accessories available.

Weaknesses:

• Some users may not like the polymer feel.
• Larger than a subcompact handgun, which can make concealed carry more challenging for some.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• 9mm Luger: This round is affordable and widely available. Preppers should aim to stockpile at least 1,000 to 2,000 rounds as a starting goal.

Sig Sauer P365

For those who prefer a more compact and easily concealable option, the Sig Sauer P365 is a top choice. It’s a micro-compact 9mm handgun with an impressive 10+1 or 12+1 magazine capacity, making it a great option for those prioritizing concealability without sacrificing firepower.

Strengths:

• Excellent concealability.
• High magazine capacity for a compact firearm.
• Ergonomic design and excellent accuracy.

Weaknesses:

• Smaller size can result in less comfort for larger hands.
• Shorter barrel can reduce long-range accuracy.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• 9mm Luger: As with the Glock 19, the 9mm round is essential. Stockpiling 1,000 rounds or more is recommended.

4. Rifles for Preppers

Rifles are the backbone of a prepper’s firearm arsenal. They provide greater range, stopping power, and versatility, making them ideal for both defense and hunting.

AR-15 (Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II)

The AR-15 platform is one of the most versatile rifles in the world. The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is an affordable, entry-level option that offers reliability and ease of customization. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it is an excellent rifle for both defensive and hunting purposes.

Strengths:

• Customizable with a wide range of aftermarket parts.
• Chambered in 5.56 NATO, which is a versatile and common round.
• Easy to operate and maintain.
• Excellent range and accuracy for defensive and hunting scenarios.

Weaknesses:

• Legal restrictions in some states.
• Some users find the direct impingement gas system dirtier than alternatives.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington: These rounds are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Preppers should stockpile at least 1,000 to 2,000 rounds for defensive purposes, with additional rounds for hunting.

Ruger 10/22

The Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle that excels in small-game hunting and target practice. While it doesn’t pack the punch of a larger-caliber rifle, its light weight, affordability, and ease of use make it a staple for preppers.

Strengths:

• Affordable and easy to shoot.
• .22 LR ammunition is cheap and widely available.
• Extremely reliable and easy to maintain.
• Great for small-game hunting and target practice.

Weaknesses:

• Not effective for self-defense against larger threats.
• Limited stopping power compared to larger calibers.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• .22 LR: This is one of the cheapest rounds available. Preppers should aim to stockpile 5,000 to 10,000 rounds since it’s lightweight, and large quantities can be stored without taking up much space.

5. Shotguns for Preppers

A shotgun is a versatile tool for both defense and hunting. Its ability to fire different types of shells makes it a flexible option in a variety of situations.

Mossberg 500

The Mossberg 500 is a classic pump-action shotgun that has been trusted for decades. It’s available in 12-gauge, which is ideal for both self-defense and hunting. Its simple design, combined with rugged durability, makes it a favorite among preppers.

Strengths:

• Extremely reliable and easy to maintain.
• Can fire a variety of shells, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs.
• Affordable and widely available.

Weaknesses:

• Limited capacity (5+1 shells in standard models).
• Heavier and bulkier compared to handguns or rifles.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• 12-gauge shells (buckshot, birdshot, slugs): Preppers should aim for a minimum of 500 shells of various types, depending on their intended use (defense or hunting).

Remington 870

Another highly popular pump-action shotgun, the Remington 870, shares many of the same strengths as the Mossberg 500. It’s available in various configurations and is known for its rugged reliability. Chambered in 12-gauge, it’s suitable for both defensive and hunting roles.

Strengths:

• Simple, reliable, and robust.
• Wide variety of aftermarket parts and accessories.
• Available in numerous configurations.

Weaknesses:

• Similar to the Mossberg 500 in that it can be bulky and difficult to handle in tight spaces.
• Limited magazine capacity.

Ammunition to Stockpile:

• 12-gauge shells: As with the Mossberg 500, stockpiling 500 shells (mix of buckshot, birdshot, and slugs) is recommended.

6. Ammunition Stockpiling Guidelines

Preppers should focus on stockpiling ammunition for their primary firearms. A good rule of thumb is to have:

• 1,000 rounds of handgun ammunition (e.g., 9mm).
• 2,000 rounds of rifle ammunition (e.g., 5.56 NATO, .22 LR).
• 500 rounds of shotgun ammunition (mixed between buckshot, birdshot, and slugs).

Ensure you store ammunition in cool, dry places, using airtight containers or ammo cans to prevent moisture from damaging the rounds.

7. Firearms Training and Safety

Owning firearms is only half the battle; knowing how to use them effectively and safely is critical. Preppers must invest time in proper training to ensure that they can handle their firearms in high-stress situations. Training should cover:

• Basic firearm handling: How to load, unload, and clean your weapons.
• Marksmanship: Being able to hit your target consistently.
• Scenario-based training: Learning how to use firearms for home defense, hunting, and other practical applications.

8. Firearm Safety Rules

Always follow the four basic firearm safety rules:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Be aware of your target and what lies beyond it.

Safety should always be your top priority, especially when dealing with firearms in a high-stakes environment like a survival situation.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Worst with the Best Firearms

Choosing the right firearms for prepping involves a balance of reliability, ease of use, and versatility. Handguns like the Glock 19 or Sig Sauer P365 provide excellent personal defense, while rifles like the AR-15 and Ruger 10/22 offer longer-range versatility. Finally, shotguns like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 are indispensable for close-range defense and hunting.

By stockpiling sufficient ammunition, investing in firearms training, and always practicing safety, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for whatever may come your way. Remember, firearms are tools, and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on the skill of the user and the care with which they are maintained.