Priorities? (prepping and what to buy next?)

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I got into a discussion with one of my friends on the topic of "what to buy next" since he's one of the few other people in real life I talk to about prepping.

Not counting the really obvious things like food, water, medical.... And just focusing on guns, ammo and gear.

He got some money for Christmas and was tossing out ideas what to get next. (He does have a wife and 2 kids if that matters) and he is increasingly worried about impending shtf.

He has all the basics covered. Here's a quick list of his "hypothetical" inventory
Glock 19
Glock 43
Ar15
12 gauge pump. Maybe an 870, not really sure
2x .22lr bolt action single shot rifles mostly for practice for his kids
A cheap plate carrier with steel plates
Baofeng uv5
First aid kit



He's looking for something under 600 (so nods aren't realistic suggestion)
He asked my opinion on what to get next and suggestion was
Either one of the following;

A glock17 (stay in the same gun family but get another larger size to fill role) then there are 3 pistols available

A 2nd plate carrier setup something like this. Decent carrier with actual level 4 plates

Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates

The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates features the popular Rampage 2.0 plates carrier and two level IV model 1155 hard armor plates.

lapolicegear.com

Then his family will have 2 plate carriers available

Or lastly a battle belt and chest rig to give more options and layering as needed for more flexibility.



He's basically to the point where he has all the basics and now it's time to start doubling up and upgrading. What do you guys think? What do you value or prioritize in your collection? What logic do you guys use when deciding what to buy next ?

 

[GOPerfect]

A decent, easy to use and operate handgun is a great must. Glock or others. 9mm for sure.

An AR-15 is another great tool. One can be built with no frills for under $500.

As for the Shotgun, when I was in the field, and this was brought up as a need and a want for the SHFT, or common home defense; I suggested the Mossberg SA20. I sold a shit ton of them.

SA Series - Shotguns - Firearms O.F. Mossberg & Sons

www.mossberg.com

Great tool for the kit. He has a wife and children, super easy to load and shoot. 20 gauge to 12 gauge, not a huge difference. No worries of reracking to load. Point and fire. Lighter weight than many others. Big fan of this gun.

There can be had some really great deals on Plate carriers. Spend extra money on great plates and decent, but modest carriers.

The first aid kit, make sure he does good research. Not just band Aids and gauze pads. There are some really good companies with outstanding products that will not completely break the bank.

Knowledge. This can either cost nothing or as much as one wants to pay. There are some medical courses that can be taken, some are very pricey for the knowledge shared. Be aware of those dressed in tactical pants, wearing boots and sporting a beard. So many places these days, they talk a big game when in reality, sometimes local school districts and hospitals offer classes, trained by real medical personal.

 

[fnfalguy]

Training

 

[GOPerfect]

Training

Very simple, indeed.

To often, too many forget that knowledge is key. Not just training on gun fighting and medicine; all kinds.

Brain thinking training. I wonder how many can make a fire without a lighter or matches?

How to do anything out of the normal. Trapping for food. Hone the edge of a knife on a rock?

What natural food sources are good? Simple things.

Reminder, training does not need to be expensive.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I love these "hypothetical discussions" in part because it's a fun conversation and it makes me think. I like to re-examine ideas I have and see if it still makes sense or if there are better ideas out there.

Good answers guys I appreciate the suggestions.

I definitely didn't think of a semi auto shotgun this high as a priority but that's a great idea for a Mossberg sa20 but I can see the usefulness. Only possible negative is adding 20g is now a new caliber to stock. But if 20g suddenly becomes more available than 12g it would be an advantage to have a gun that takes it.



On the topic of ar15s....


If someone only currently has 1 ar15 and it's a common regular 16" in 5.56, would you recommend them to start building a 2nd also in 5.56, would you go with a longer 20" barrel, shorter pistol setup or do something different like just buy a .300 blackout upper to use on the existing lower on current ar15 to swap out as needed?


I keep toying with the idea of an SKS being a great NY prepper shtf/defense/hunting rifle as well but they're sadly much harder and more expensive to find now.

 

[GOPerfect]

I love these "hypothetical discussions" in part because it's a fun conversation and it makes me think. I like to re-examine ideas I have and see if it still makes sense or if there are better ideas out there.

Good answers guys I appreciate the suggestions.

I definitely didn't think of a semi auto shotgun this high as a priority but that's a great idea for a Mossberg sa20 but I can see the usefulness. Only possible negative is adding 20g is now a new caliber to stock. But if 20g suddenly becomes more available than 12g it would be an advantage to have a gun that takes it.



On the topic of ar15s....


If someone only currently has 1 ar15 and it's a common regular 16" in 5.56, would you recommend them to start building a 2nd also in 5.56, would you go with a longer 20" barrel, shorter pistol setup or do something different like just buy a .300 blackout upper to use on the existing lower on current ar15 to swap out as needed?


I keep toying with the idea of an SKS being a great NY prepper shtf/defense/hunting rifle as well but they're sadly much harder and more expensive to find now.

I guess, in regards to the AR question, what are we thinking of and planning?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a longer/shorter barrel?

I have AR's ranging all over the place, more out a hobby than anything else.

As for a second? Yes. One is none and two is one. I try to live by that in every aspect of my life.

As for another caliber? I am as simple as they come (most times). I am down to only having a few calibers, I have no need for more. All of my AR's are 5.56/223.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I guess, in regards to the AR question, what are we thinking of and planning?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a longer/shorter barrel?

I have AR's ranging all over the place, more out a hobby than anything else.

As for a second? Yes. One is none and two is one. I try to live by that in every aspect of my life.

As for another caliber? I am as simple as they come (most times). I am down to only having a few calibers, I have no need for more. All of my AR's are 5.56/223.

Like everything it's all tradeoffs and choices. I think flexibility and options are good.


I think a "pistol" length barrel ar15 would be excellent for self defense, around the home, neighborhood, carried in a vehicle or in very thick woodland.

But for more hunting or long range or even some type of envisioned recce scenario a full 20" rifle length barrel with some type of variable power optic gives a lot of options too. The increased velocity of a full 20" barrel in 5.56 does some interesting things. I'm pretty sure xm193 rounds in a 20"barrel punch through most everything below full level 4 plates.



I'm just thinking outloud if he already has the standard ar15 carbine, what would be the next most beneficial tool to buy. I like the philosophy of "2 is 1" and he wouldn't necessarily need a 2nd identical rifle because all the parts would be interchangeable between them.

 

[Vapor]

I'm going to make some people butthurt...


But most sks rifles are crude boat anchors that happen to spray bullets. (5 moa off of a rest is great right?!)

The only one I had worth a damn was a Yugo. Now that was nicely made with an acceptable trigger.


The Chinese ones I couldn't unload fast enough.


If one has an ar-15, does one also have good sights? Optics? Weapons light? Reliable mags? Spare parts?

No, Simmons 8 point and a harbor freight 1" light do not count.

On ars...


I love my 20" upper. Accurate, light shooting, and still pretty handy, but, it's rifle. It's not a carbine.

Maybe one may have a 20" as a dmr with a bdc scope as a great direction.

Then that stable may also include two 16" and a heavy barrel 18".


Honestly, have him figure out how much water, beans, and rice the 4 of then eat in one day. Multiply that out for every day, 3 times a day, for 3 months, 6 months, a year? I bet he needs more food.

Before you go crazy with armor and guns, what about other force multipliers? Night vision? Thermal? Good lights?

How about energy? Place to burn wood? Solar panels? Generator?

Spare car parts? Gas? Tools?

 

[Vapor]

Stock as few calibers as possible. Divide up ammo needs by importance.

1. Self defense, 5.56, 9mm, shotgun, etc. (lots and lots)
2. Long range- ex. .308 or 6.5 (A grand or two will do)
3. Hunting calibers ( EX. 30-30, .243, etc.- can have dual purpose, but less likely-300-500 rounds each)
4. Toys that maybe aren't practical (a few boxes of ammo so they aren't fancy war clubs)

 

[GOPerfect]

Stock as few calibers as possible. Divide up ammo needs by importance.

1. Self defense, 5.56, 9mm, shotgun, etc. (lots and lots)
2. Long range- ex. .308 or 6.5 (A grand or two will do)
3. Hunting calibers ( EX. 30-30, .243, etc.- can have dual purpose, but less likely-300-500 rounds each)
4. Toys that maybe aren't practical (a few boxes of ammo so they aren't fancy war clubs)

Speaking of war clubs...

I have many, non-gun, weapons. Good knives, axes, swords and other such tools. Machetes, I love them. A tool of many uses.

You speak of tools of the trade for guns as well: lights, optics and spare mags to name a few. Harbor freight may not be the best place to get these from, but, one need not buy the most expensive either. High dollar lights and red dots are great and all, but not always what what needs to spend money on.

I do not cheap out often in regards to my preps, but I do not need to spend the most to get good. It is a fine line at times.

Magazines for guns. So many have so few. Reloading mags in the time of need takes a lot of time. Buy a few here and a few there until you have enough.

Buy more food.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Maybe get a MEC shotgun shell re-loader for the shotty? Easier to get into than rifle or pistol reloading and shot shells tend to offer the most versatility.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Stock as few calibers as possible. Divide up ammo needs by importance.

1. Self defense, 5.56, 9mm, shotgun, etc. (lots and lots)
2. Long range- ex. .308 or 6.5 (A grand or two will do)
3. Hunting calibers ( EX. 30-30, .243, etc.- can have dual purpose, but less likely-300-500 rounds each)
4. Toys that maybe aren't practical (a few boxes of ammo so they aren't fancy war clubs)

I love the idea of simplifying calibers

For example something like;

.22lr
9mm
5.56
.308
12g
And maybe a toy or niche caliber.
It wouldn't hurt to have a little bit of 7.62x39 laying around in case you procure something or need to trade.

If we could get suppressors I would really think long and hard about getting a .300 blk with subsonics.




I also like the the idea of having extra gear that you can use to equip more family or friends. If crap gets bad enough it's reassuring to know your wife and kids aren't defenseless victims but can hold their own. Maybe a brother, or a trusted neighbor or friend come around. Who knows.

 

[GOPerfect]

I love the idea of simplifying calibers

For example something like;

.22lr
9mm
5.56
.308
12g
And maybe a toy or niche caliber.
It wouldn't hurt to have a little bit of 7.62x39 laying around in case you procure something or need to trade.

If we could get suppressors I would really think long and hard about getting a .300 blk with subsonics.




I also like the the idea of having extra gear that you can use to equip more family or friends. If crap gets bad enough it's reassuring to know your wife and kids aren't defenseless victims but can hold their own. Maybe a brother, or a trusted neighbor or friend come around. Who knows.

I have those, plus lots of 45ACP. A bit for forty as well. (Mostly due to work)

 

[meketrefe]

Oats, lots of oats.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

A vacuum sealer.

 

[GOPerfect]

I will also say this.

A plan. Have a plan. Have an idea of why you are prepping.

An idea and a plan

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I will also say this.

A plan. Have a plan. Have an idea of why you are prepping.

An idea and a plan

Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the face.

 

[GOPerfect]

Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the face.

I do not get punched in the face, ever.

 

[Vapor]

Speaking of war clubs...

I have many, non-gun, weapons. Good knives, axes, swords and other such tools. Machetes, I love them. A tool of many uses.

You speak of tools of the trade for guns as well: lights, optics and spare mags to name a few. Harbor freight may not be the best place to get these from, but, one need not buy the most expensive either. High dollar lights and red dots are great and all, but not always what what needs to spend money on.

I do not cheap out often in regards to my preps, but I do not need to spend the most to get good. It is a fine line at times.

Magazines for guns. So many have so few. Reloading mags in the time of need takes a lot of time. Buy a few here and a few there until you have enough.

Buy more food.

There is a cost benefit ratio to everything.

For instance, I like nice tools. I'd love to have all Snap On, Ingersoll Rhand, and Gransfors let's say.


But sometimes a pair of $3 harbor freight pliers is all you will ever bloody need unless you use your tools to make a living.


I find like many things, the middle of the road is the sweet spot for me. Maybe not Snap On, but Tekton or SK tools. Maybe not gransfors, but Husqvarna or Estwing. Sometimes with guns and gear it's the same. Maybe not a $300 modlight, but a $100 sure fire.


I like my Benchmade knives, but an American made buck is easier to sharpen and still last a lifetime. I'm also more likely to carry it and take the loss...

Yet a $20 chinese Kershaw still cuts like a razor.

We are all mostly smart here. I'm sure you catch my analogies.

 

[Vapor]

Oh and on other types of weapons....


Yes.


I have one of those shoe organizers on the back of our bedroom door filled with fixed blades.


I own 3 axes, 4 hatches, and a tomahawk.

Me and the wife each have a cross bow.

Then there's the 2 air guns that are basically .22 short power levels.

 

[GOPerfect]

Oh and on other types of weapons....


Yes.


I have one of those shoe organizers on the back of our bedroom door filled with fixed blades.


I own 3 axes, 4 hatches, and a tomahawk.

Me and the wife each have a cross bow.

Then there's the 2 air guns that are basically .22 short power levels.

Gives me a reason to post, just because...

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I do not get punched in the face, ever.

It's a Mike Tyson quote and metaphor. Another good saying is "People plan, God laughs".

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

It's a Mike Tyson quote and metaphor. Another good saying is "People plan, God laughs".

That damned Murphy fellow...

 

[Vapor]

Gives me a reason to post, just because...


View attachment 140338

I want a sword someday, I'm just not sure exactly from who or what type. A battle axe would be nice too.


My axes are much more humble, working man affairs lol, save for that estwing hawk.

 

[GOPerfect]

I want a sword someday, I'm just not sure exactly from who or what type. A battle axe would be nice too.


My axes are much more humble, working man affairs lol, save for that estwing hawk. View attachment 140339 View attachment 140340 View attachment 140341 View attachment 140342

This one is on my short list for the next one.

Grimfrost's Broad Axe

A massive two-handed Viking Broad Axe based on a find from Langeid in Norway. Just as the original, it has a brass cylinder on the shaft that runs through the axe head. Grimfrost in runes is stamped onto the blade as a "makers mark". The shaft is untreated, polished ash that can be treated with...

grimfrost.com

 

[Vapor]

This one is on my short list for the next one.

Grimfrost's Broad Axe

A massive two-handed Viking Broad Axe based on a find from Langeid in Norway. Just as the original, it has a brass cylinder on the shaft that runs through the axe head. Grimfrost in runes is stamped onto the blade as a "makers mark". The shaft is untreated, polished ash that can be treated with...

grimfrost.com

Ever heard of North Point?

AXES | North Point Axe

www.northpointaxe.com

 

[GOPerfect]

Ever heard of North Point?

AXES | North Point Axe

www.northpointaxe.com

I have not, but, you have given my a reason to find out about them.

 

[holdover]

caltrops. An area denial weapon and force multiplier, Once used by the Roman army against Calvery or infantry. They would be placed along probable Caverly routes , or thrown in front of defensive formations or walls, they always land point up. They were used even in the civil war. today they can range in size and be used on streets to stop cars or crowds or in blind spots where you could not see a person. Obviously these could be used only in desperate situations , buts its always good to have options


Roman caltrop

 

[Acer-m14]

blowgun ??

Are Blow Guns Wicked Awesome? | Yes

My family loves to give my kids dangerous weapons for Christmas. My kids have received pop guns (it’s dangerous because after 60 minutes, someone’s gonna get a spanking for annoying dad), knives, bows and arrows, more knives, and other stuff. This year my boy received a blow gun which is...

nygunforum.com

 

[spat]

Very simple, indeed.

To often, too many forget that knowledge is key. Not just training on gun fighting and medicine; all kinds.

Brain thinking training. I wonder how many can make a fire without a lighter or matches?

How to do anything out of the normal. Trapping for food. Hone the edge of a knife on a rock?

What natural food sources are good? Simple things.

Reminder, training does not need to be expensive.

Skills and knowledge can be acquired with little monetary expenditures (lots of time though).

They don't take any space to store.

And while they are perishable to a certain extent, once acquired you never really lose them, they just degrade a bit.

They are possibly the most important prep of all.