Episode-21- Thoughts on Basic Survival Firearms
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I have been getting a lot of questions and suggestions to do a show on guns and the basic assortment of “survival firearms” or home defense firearms. So today I decided to put out a show with some basic thoughts on a initial gun collection. Today we discuss topics such as
- The most versatile of all weapons – the shotgun
- The advantages of the 20 gauge, the 12 gauge and how they compare
- Thoughts on the 30-06 perhaps the perfect round for all around use
- The tried and true 1911 as a great proven handgun
- The 38 compact revolver as a great carry gun
- Choosing the right gun and the concept of renting guns at the range before buying
- Getting proper training if you haven’t already
- Individual responsibility with gun ownership and use
- The difference between a right and a privilege and why lisenceing gun ownership is counter to the Constitution
- The importance of the NRA and State Rifle Associations
- Gun ownership as a “civil right”
- The “core four” of guns – Shotgun, 22 Rifle, Handgun and Centerfire Rifle
I will do more on guns in the future but plan to keep the podcast varied about many subjects. If guns aren’t your thing don’t worry we will have a brand new topic tomorrow.
This subject will likely generate a great amount of interest and debate. Expect to see me in it!
A good podcast and though I do not agree with the use of guns being an intrinsic right (in the way that food and water are), I will agree that proper training, responsible use of and such is the proper way to go (if one wants to use a gun). As you no doubt will appreciate, I feel bearing of arms is a privilege (as is a license to drive) and should be left to those duly charged by governments (as a rule) to bear them. I though found the podcast interesting and enlightening; I know tantamount to nothing about guns (beyond which end parts are for what) and did find the description and usages of each type helpful. I may not feel a gun is a “right”; but if I were to have one, I am now better informed why certain types are used in certain situations and have a better idea what and when I might use/want one.
Keep up the great podcasts and know that you pique my interest with each podcast.
Well doesn’t it seem a little ridiculous that the government should have stewardship over weapons? I’ll agree that guns should be used with responsibility however the reason citizens should be well armed is to prevent the government from becoming abusive and taking away their rights because they’re the only ones with the guns. You like most people are scared of guns but you fail to realize that responsible citizens with guns make the world a safer and better place. What if all the teachers at Columbine had guns? Would as many people had to die waiting for police to arrive?
SurvivalGear, I fear guns for those who irresponsibly use them. I would suggest that there is no correlation between responsible citizens and a safer, better place. The two may coincide; but not automatically. I am sorry, but I disagree that inherently having people being able to have guns necessarily makes the a place safer. Where I live, our rates of gun crimes are lower than in the US; it’s note only due to the lack of people carrying arms, it is also due to a different mentality on whether one has the right to carry and use one. This extends into the entire society and helps to create a social norm by which people live. In countries where legally carrying firearms is no a right, the rate of gun crimes, et al., is lower than in those where it’s permitted (as a rule, not exclusively). Is that due to people carrying arms, the anecdotal evidence (that I have read) would suggest so; I am not attacking the right to bear arms by those legally trained and who use them responsibly, I am just saying that different norms lead to different thoughts on the subject.
As to the government having stewardship over weapons, I believe they (as our proxy) should state what is allowed and what is not in this instance. The otherside of the “coin” would seem to be rule by force and “might makes right”, which have lead to so many autrocities over the centuries by nations all over the world.
Hey Jack,
Another great show and I really enjoyed this one. Again, you’re dead on. As an NRA member myself I think you made some great points on gun ownership and responsibility. If you are considering a gun purchase, take Jack’s comments to heart. Join the NRA and take some NRA gun courses.
Living in Utah I’ve some insight on concealed carry. The Utah concealed carry law is recognized by 38 US States so it’s a good thing to have if you’re in the neighboorhood and you don’t have to be a resident to get one. But act quick current proposed legislation may change that.
The only other observations I would make would be 1) learn guns and if you go to gunbroker.com you can get good street prices.
2) buy used guns at pawn shops. When times get tough folks unload lightly used guns and you can get some great deals if you know what you’re doing.
3) I’d also add a 30-30 is compact design and has some good knock down power if your shoulder can hack it. You can pick up a Remington Mod 90 or a Marlin 336 for about $150 with two boxes of ammo thrown in for good measure.
Best,
Gary
Number 1 buckshot has the potential to produce more effective wound trauma than either #00 or #000 buck, without the accompanying risk of over-penetration. The IWBA believes, with very good reason, that number 1 buckshot is the shotshell load of choice for quickly stopping deadly criminal violence
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm
I personaly like the “Buck and Ball” produced by centurian and sold on sportsmansguide.com etc as a good all around round for rural living ,even if the bad guy invading your home has a vest on that 60 caliber ball will give you a moment of respite from some cracked ribs your choice of attitude adjustment round just gave him
I just found the podcast on itunes. I am trying to get the episodes prior to 79. Any direction would be a help.
The first 99 shows are available in zips here,
http://survivalpodcast.net/zipfiles/
I’m thinking of looking at a first firearm and am thinking of a 12 gauge shotgun; but as I expect to mainly use it to hunt birds and as pest control, should I look at 1) a pump action 2) a double barrel side-by-side or over-under configuration? Also, I am not looking to spend more then about $600 CAD (so about $500 USD) on is. I want it to be reliable, hard working, if needed I can replace the stock or easily repair it (I woodwork for fun, so a wood stock is more preferred). Also, as I will be relocating to a region with cougar and bears, I want one that can handle a bear-shot as well (I don’t know the gauge on it though). So I would appreciate any advice and/or links to good sites to help me start looking at this (beyond the forum).
Thanks.
BlackMacX,
I think I must be the greatest gun salesmen on the planet (other then Barack Obama), here I have a guy that’s first comment on the show was something to the effect of, “I am a socialist” (Scandinavian type) followed by “I don’t think you have the right to own a gun”. I am not picking on your either, I just think this is fricken awesome because once that gun becomes your personal property the “right to own part” will start to rear its’ head.
Anyway on the question I can’t see going with a break action for a first and only gun, the pump will give you 3 rounds with the plug in and 5 with the plug out. You can get a base model mossberg or rem 870 for under 300 brand new, take the other 200 and buy a Lee Load All, a nice variety of shot and pugs and a bunch of hulls and some already loaded ammo to get your started too. All that and if you shop smart you should still have some money left over.
The Remington 870 has been trusted by our combat troops for a long time and it always performs. There are tons of stock options, etc too. It is a very tough gun to beat if you buy the express version, huge value, extremely reliable and proven in both the hunters fields and the fields of battle.
Like I said once you buy it, own it, possess it, value it and eventually think about handing it down to a son, the rest will take care of itself.
I can give you some advice on the 22 as well. First I need to know is a semi auto an option in Canada? The answer to that will have a big impact on my recommendation.
Semi-automatic firearms are legal in Canada, as long as they aren’t converted from a full-auto firearm. There’s a bunch of other regulations as well, but for rimfire it’s fairly lax. Not even a capacity limitation on the magazines – you could have a Ruger 10/22 with a drum mag on it if you wanted.
Jack and Chris,
Thanks for the information and advice. I am (as Jack knows) wholly new to the topic of potentially owning a firearm. I thought semi-automatic firearms were not allowed in Canada, I am though wrong (and thankful for being told).
Now, beyond the Remington 870 for a shotgun, what suggests do you have for a .22; mostly to be used (as will the shotgun) for birding, hunting and pest control mostly.
I’d suggest one of these – in alphabetical order, not by preference:
Marlin Model 60
Mossberg 702 Plinkster
Remington 597
Ruger 10/22
Of course if you’re looking at getting your first firearm, you’ll need to complete the CFSC (Canadian Firearm Safety Course) as well as the CRFSC (Restricted) if you plan on possessing Restricted-class firearms. Most “hunting” firearms won’t be restricted, but all handguns in Canada are restricted.