The Three Weapons Every Survivalist (American) Should Own

So I was surfing around youtube this morning and one of the guys channels I sub to brought up a good point. As a Survivalist, an American citizen, and as someone interested in Defending their rights or property; Before you can say you have thoroughly prepared you should have picked and purchased one of each of these weapons in each category. Now Im not saying you need these specific weapons, but you should have one for each set. Here I picked a picture of each of the popular weapons for each catagory.

For those who are new to the Survival/Prepper Scene here is a breakdown of why you need each and what their general uses are.

*To be honest they should be seen as tools, you may not necessarily have use for each 100% of the time*

A Modern Reliable Rifle:
Like all guns there is debate as to practical use and so fourth of each rifle (particularly in the AK vs. AR realm). Here we will look at rifles as a whole. Rifles in American Culture meet the need of a medium - long range weapon. While some fit particular niches better than others, some are more accurate and so on the point here is to have something that Is practical for where you live and what challenges you might face.

If you are looking for a zombie Gun something with more stopping power may be better. Although if you live in the desert Reliability may be more desirable. In an urban setting maybe Accuracy isn't as big a deal. you need to take these things into account in Order to decide on a weapon that works for you.

Rule of Thumb: If you are in urban/wooded terrain something that shoots an intermediate cartridge (5.45x39WP, 5.56x45 NATO, 7.62x39WP, 6.8SPC) is more appropriate. 300+ Yards/Meters Full sized rifle cartridge(7.62x51 NATO, 7.62x54RWP, .30-06, 8mm Mauser).

A Preferred Sidearm:
Despite Most best attempts to sell you on a particular handgun, none are really more accurate than the other. What really Matters in a Handgun is that It meets the ergonomics factor that you wish to get out of your gun. Things to consider for a Handgun are: Does it Meet your requirements for ammo capacity? Is it too heavy or too light for you? Does it fit your Hand well? Can you Handle the Recoil? Will Ammunition be difficult to find if trade diminishes to  local only?


Handguns are such a personal Issue that Its best to say that you again need to determine what factors or perks best fit your region and Philosophy of Use. If its going to be a duty carry handgun (on a belt or paddle/drop holster) then maybe size isn't an incredible issue. Ammunition Capacity should always be a factor. Remember the greater the knockdown power the fewer rounds the mag will hold. 
Also This is Your PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) Your Daily companion, If you have nothing else this will always be strapped to your hip. Even More consideration should be spent on this purchase than any of the others mentioned here.


A Versatile Shotgun:
Shotguns like Rifles can meet a Number of needs, from a home defense standpoint to hunting in the wilds. A good place to start looking when considering a shotgun is whether or not It can be easily converted or fits your location. Shotguns with permanent barrels can be great for a limited capacity. For example A shotgun with a fixed 26" barrel would be great for shooting birds, hunting, and longer range patterning with shells. Where it faces limited capacity is in home defense. Suddenly you have alot less maneuverability that you used to. On the Flipside a Mossberg with a  16" barrel is a detriment to its own usefulness past CQB. With that short of a barrel the shotguns accuracy is scarce at farther than 12 yards. If you must have a fixed barrel I have found that 18-20" barrels are best versatility wise. Ideally you would want a shotgun that you switch between a shot to long to rifled barrel if need be. Luckily with most newer manufactured shotguns you can do so and for a fairly reasonable price.

This may not be an end all to weapons but its a starting point. At the same time If you need to start and don't have alot of cash Get the Rifle first. There are more applications for a Reliable rifle than the Handguns or the shotgun can and or will fill without spending more time than its worth perfecting your technique with them.