Countdown to Preparedness

While I feel some survivalists and preppers overcompensate with this category, firearms are indeed necessary to a well-rounded disaster readiness plan. They serve two purposes: self-defense and food procurement.

Many of us would love to be able to afford a room full of semiautomatic rifles and military-style shotguns, but the reality is that firearms are expensive and ammo ain’t cheap either. And if you’re relatively new to firearms, you’re going to burn through a lot of ammo before you become proficient.

With that said, you can put together a basic armory of firearms for under $600, if you shop around.

Your first investment should be a 22LR rifle. The Ruger 10/22 is just about the best there is in this category. You can find them brand-spankin’ new for $200 or so, slightly cheaper if you find one used. A 22LR rifle is great for small-game hunting as well as just practicing marksmanship. Ammo isn’t quite as cheap and plentiful as it was in years past but it can still be acquired if you hunt around for it. Of course, there are all sorts of add-ons and customizations you can do to the rifle to make it look cool and mean. But all that stuff is just cosmetic.

Next is the 12 gauge shotgun. With an enormous range in shell types, a shotgun is very versatile. From hunting big game to waterfowl, it’ll keep your kettle full. Plus, there are few sounds more pucker-inducing than that of a shell being racked in a shotgun. A shotgun makes a great defensive weapon. What it lacks in long range, it makes up for in power. If you shop around, you can find a decent shotgun for around $200.

Third is a hunting rifle, such as the Mosin Nagant 7.62X54R. This is your long-range weapon. These bolt-action, magazine-fed rifles are all over the place right now for $100–$200, depending on the model. The ammo is similar to 30.06. The Mosin Nagant has an effective range to about one thousand yards, which should be sufficient for most needs.

So for $600 or so, you’ll have something for hunting small game and big game, and defending the home.

As your budget permits, I would add a handgun for defense. If you’re relatively inexperienced with firearms, I suggest starting with a revolver. They’re less complicated than semiautomatics, but the trade-off is you’ll have fewer rounds in the handgun. Most revolvers have six-shot cylinders, whereas semiautos can have nine or more in the magazine. For a revolver, a .357 is probably one of the better choices. A Taurus .357 with a four-inch barrel is going to cost a few hundred dollars. When you move to semiautos, you’re easily looking at more than $400 just for something basic.

Get your long guns taken care of first, as you’ll get more bang for your buck. Once you’ve met those needs, purchase the handguns to complete the arsenal.

As you begin acquiring firearms, safety is paramount. Be sure to have a secure location to keep them locked up and away from kids. Many sheriff’s departments offer trigger locks for free, so start with those if you can’t afford a gun safe. Ammo should be locked up securely as well.

You’ll also need to learn how to care for the firearms. Have someone teach you how to disassemble and clean each weapon. Stock up on cleaning supplies, as well as spare parts for each weapon.

Of course, all the firearms in the world won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to shoot straight. Make it a priority to practice with your firearms regularly. If you don’t have a friend or relative who is proficient with shooting, inquire about classes at your local gun ranges. Odds are you can find someone who’s willing to give you the help you may need. Accuracy takes time to achieve, and it’s a skill that’s lost over time if you don’t practice.

WEEK 22 ASSIGNMENTS

TASKS

1. If you’ve already completed at least one section in this book, and you’ve been able to contribute the specified amounts to your Prepper Savings Account, you should have a tidy little nest egg to use for shopping for a firearm. If you still lack the funds to do so, begin setting aside your nickels and dimes as best you can. For those new to firearms, consider purchasing a .22 rifle as your first one, then branch out from there.

2. Locate a range in your area where you can practice shooting as well as receive instruction if needed.

SAVINGS

You’re spending this week, not saving. Use your savings to pick up a firearm and ammunition.

TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT:

WATER STORAGE

One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.

TOTAL WATER STORAGE:

GROCERY LIST

3 cans vegetables, your choice

2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup

2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice

2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)

1 canister oatmeal or 1 box of flavored instant oatmeal packets

1 box granola bars, protein bars, or equivalent

1 canister table salt

1 lb white rice