Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

C

chrisdev01

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Minuteman
Oct 7, 2011
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Houston, Texas
#1
Hello all.

First off let me disclose that while I am a Texas CHL instructor, I am a complete newb when it comes to long guns; so go easy on me...

I purchased a new Springfield M1A Standard with a walnut stock about a year ago. The rifle has a Springfield Gen 3 mount and a Weaver 3-10X40mm scope.

I have fired roughly 1200 rnds through the rifle and have successfully completed the CMP using this configuration.

I purchased the gun as a SHTF firearm. I am now trying to find a good SHTF long gun for my wife. She is partial to the AR-15 platform solely for the weight savings over the M1A. I'm not particularly excited about the prospect of having to stock up on two calibers and two different magazines.

I'm trying to convince her to try a Scout Squad with a McCann Industries stock and iron sights. The obvious benefit being interchangablity of parts / mags / ammo with my Std M1A.

So here's my (long-winded)question:

Do you think the added cost of the Scout Squad (about $500 more than an entry level AR15) plus the cost of the McCann stock ($900) is worth it to acheive my goal of having only one caliber and one magazine type to store; or should I cave in to my wife's insistance on an AR-15???
 
#2
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Yes, as in yes to your first question. Because if you don't, you will eventually. We men are just wired that way.

It's not easy so don't fight it and remain your course.

No, as in no to the second question. Because that's not what you want to do.
 
#3
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

How big is your wife? Serious question as she may not be comfortable with the recoil of a .308 on a smaller lighter rifle. Also, I don't know much about the mcann stocks but the platform itself is heavy. Mine with walnut stock and NF compact scope weighs in at 14 pounds.
 
#5
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Good question. My wife is the daughter of a Texas cattle rancher and she is kinda like the truck, you know "built Ford tough" -- LOL

With that being said, she did not like recoil OR the weight of my M1A, but I figured I could somewhat mitigate the weight part by opting for the shorter Scout, no optic, and CF stock. The research I've done seems to indicate such a rifle would weigh 8.8 lbs empty; which is only one pound heavier than an AR15.

Unfortunately that does nothing to adress the concerns of recoil. I was thinking that with practice (and the right butt-stock) she could get used to the recoil. According to the McCann website, their stock is compatible with all major manfacturer's AR-15 butt-stocks.
 
#6
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

At the end of the day, a good SHTF rifle should be whatever gun you feel extremely comfortable handling, carrying, and shooting. It's more important that she's confident in her own abilities and capabilities with the rifle than only using one caliber. So go easy on her. Don't dissuade a wife who prefers an AR-15! Consider yourself lucky.
 
#7
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At the end of the day, a good SHTF rifle should be whatever gun you feel extremely comfortable handling, carrying, and shooting. It's more important that she's confident in her own abilities and capabilities with the rifle than only using one caliber. So go easy on her. Don't dissuade a wife who prefers an AR-15! Consider yourself lucky. </div></div>I agree with that! Be happy that your wife is even considering having a rifle for such a purpose, my wife could care less about that.
 
#8
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Just get her a AR if that's what she likes. One benefit of having two calibers is it doubles your chance of finding ammo for it.

Also 5.56 is cheaper than 7.62, aswell as the mags, and it all weighs less. She could carry almost twice as ammo than she could with a 7.62.
 
#9
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I do feel very fortunate to have such a wife.

We got into the whole "prepper" mentality after the 2007 market crash. Like alot of others we lost a bundle. That got us thinking that society could fracture under the weight of economic meltdown.

While learning to shoot is only a small part of the "prepper" mentality, it is certainly the most fun. Come to think of it, anything is more fun than counting bandaids and figuring out how to store food long term.

Based on input here I'm starting to lean toward an AR-15. From the beginning that's what she's been asking for. I think it will be a turn-off for her if I force a Scout Squad on her just to suit my "store only one caliber" idea.
 
#10
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

You can always look at AR10 rifles in 308. Some of the carbine versions are plenty handy. I personally feel pretty good with a AR-15 in 5.56. No one said you have to fire M-193 or M-855 ammo. I only shoot FMJ as training ammo. What I have as self-defense ammo is just simple 55gr SP ammo. I do reload all of my own ammo but I tell you this much if there is truly ever a real SHTF situation and it turns into a shooting game. Having rounds that will seriously damage the target is a good thing as most of the targets will not have body armor.

Same goes if we ever get invaded by some country and you are fighting Red Dawn style. It would suck to get hit with any bullet but then getting hit with a hunting bullet would suck even more.

Personally I would get what the boss wants. It is best to keep the boss happy. My GF loves my M1 carbine. While it is not the best rifle for extended range shots it does hold its own at 200 and less. I have lots of steel targets and she can run and gun with that rifle like a true pro. It just sucks because bullets are spendy compared to 22cal FMJ.
 
#11
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I would get my wife what ever rifle she is the most proficient and comfortable shooting. Even a .22lr in the hands of a well train marksman can be an effective tool. Merely having a weapon does not make us any safer. Contingency specific training is what makes us armed. Just my 2 cents.
 
#12
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Take it from somebody who's learned the hard way. It's not about what you want, it's about what she wants. Put a smile on her face.

Even for the "prepper" mentality it makes perfect sense to have a two caliber capability anyhow, especially when you're talking about the two major military calibers.
 
#13
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

My wife has shot all different rifles in all different calibers. I've found that her comforts With with the platform far outweighs any other argument. Her accuracy/ability is directly proportional with her confidence/comfortability with the rifle she's shooting. Also if your thinking SHTF it might be nice to have weapons in multiple calibers in case you can't find or run out of .308. 5.56 is everywhere and not to mention much cheaper to shoot, which equals more practice. If she's comfortable shooting she will enjoy it more which has all kinds of benefits for you. In summation (not just with guns) if you buy her what she wants you'll be happier.
 
#14
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

As an aside, I've been slowly training my city slicker wife on firearm safety and shooting. She used to only shoot my 10/22 and Glock 23 with the 22LR conversion. However, once she got a hold of the customized AR Controlled Chaos Arms put together for me, she's never looked back. That was my SHTF rifle, so now I'm looking for another SHTF rifle to call my own!
 
#15
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

While I hate to engage in SHTF discussions b/c it is tinfoil hat stuff, here are a couple of points to consider:

'Shooters' and esp competitive shooters who only shoot around other competitive shooters have a very distorted view of what the average person can truly accomplish with a firearm.

Things that the average person walking down the street likely can NOT do:

- range estimation
- determine wind speed / direction / drift
- effectively engage at a pace that would allow for any thing other than targets remaining static for long periods
- effectively use iron sights beyond 100 yards
- unlikely to make torso sized hits with a scoped rifle beyond 200 quickly - esp in a UKD environment
- engage moving targets - at virtually any distance
- unlikely to practice a given manual of arms or even the maintenance thereof

Things that could be helpful if it got to that point

- simple manual of arms
- robust platform
- optically enhanced
- common ammo
- lighter recoil - they aren't going to hit shit a long ways out, less recoil = faster follow ups, which means (hopefully) less chance if being flanked.

If you haven't in a while - head to a public range and watch. Now consider these are the people that 'shoot' according to public standard. Now consider what fraction of a
percentage of the population this is, and how bad they are at it. Now consider what happens when weapons go into hands of those that don't 'shoot'. Folks on the net like to laugh at the home boys in Liberia, but it wouldn't be much different here.



Good luck


 
#16
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Get the AR15...

1. Happy wife, happy life
2. In an "actual" SHTF scenario, where you don't get to stay in your home, you can carry/store more 223 ammo than you can 308, and you are way more likely to "come across" AR15 mags and 223 ammo than you are M14/M1A mags and 308 ammo.
3. Nearly everyone (not just women) are able to handle/fire AR15s better than 308s.
 
#17
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Excellent post Mo_Zam_Beek.

We will have to agree to disagee regarding the possibility (or not) of a SHTF scanario happening here.

Regarding the abilities of the public-at-large, I completely agree. I quit going to the public range near my home for the very reasons you describe. Scary stuff indeed.

As a CHL instructor I see it in EVERY one of the classes I teach. Consequently, I spend most of my class time on safe handling, safe storage, and basic pistol marksmanship.

I think you are spot-on regarding availability of common ammo, and recoil. The Liberia pics you posted would be exectly what we would see here.

Two quick questions (please forgive my ignorance):

1) What does UKD environment mean?

2) What type of optical enhancement do you recommend on an AR15?
 
#18
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I'd say the ar-15, that or the kel tec sub 2000 looks pretty nice.

It's really light, takes glock/other magazines (depending on which model you get), can take the same magazines and ammo as your sidearm, which are usually cheap, plus easy to find; especially in bulk. I would give a good looksy into pistol caliber carbines.

Also an ak-74, maybe 47, type rifle would do nicely as well.
 
#19
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Since your M1A is scoped, get an Arsenal built AK47 or 74. High quality but cheaper than buying another M1A. It is kinda difficult to have just ONE SHTF rifle. Oh, imagine defending your house with a scoped and heavy battle rifle...You need something short, light, quick, and with a ton of knock down power...an AK.
 
#20
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisdev01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


Two quick questions (please forgive my ignorance):

1) What does UKD environment mean?

2) What type of optical enhancement do you recommend on an AR15?

</div></div>
1)UKD = unknown distance
2)a simple reliable rugged redot. Point and shoot. Simple is better for not just novices but everybody. In a real life combat situation you would be amazed at how much of your brain goes out the window.
 
#22
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Daps</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> In a real life combat situation you would be amazed at how much of your brain goes out the window.
</div></div>

I assume that means that you have... Much respect.

I thank god that I have never had to experience combat. I was a Corpsman during peacetime (87' to 92'). I fact, the whole time I was in, I only qualified on the Beretta 92 and the cobat shotgun. Though I think it's changed now, back then Corpsman could only carry a Beretta and we were not allowed to qualify on an M-16.
 
#23
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

The more weight you mitigate, the more brutal the recoil will become. I would not recommend lightening an m14/m1a platform unless you can take the beating. Personally, my m14 is somewhat light and I don't mind, but i'm a big dude. For the same reason, I can shoot sporting clays all day and not really feel the 12ga.

I have yet to meet a woman who liked big recoil, at least beyond the "wow" factor of the first couple rounds. Change that dynamic with a nice, light ar-15 and watch the mood change. People are far more effective in stressful situations when operating within their range of physical ability, rather than straining to handle something because of weight, etc. It's the same reason you don't want your pack to weigh 60 pounds. Sure, you can lift it... but how far can you run with all that shit on your back?

As a CHL instructor, you ought to know better than to force someone into a platform that they will never be peak with, especially for defensive or "shtf" scenarios. In your courses, would you suggest a petite woman with small hands try to use a full size .44 mag blackhawk when something like a LCR or j-frame might fit her better? Surely not...

5.56 is not expensive to buy into, and is incredibly effective against unarmored targets at close range. The AR platform can be built and maintained relatively inexpensively, and is light enough (6lbs. or so, or go lighter with a "carbon 15") for almost anyone to just pick up and go to town. The fire controls are simple, which is critical when under duress (such as in a defensive scenario). Significantly larger quantity of rounds can be carried @ the same weight as to larger/heavier .30 caliber rounds. Lack of appreciable recoil and intuitive ergonomics makes the AR platform a far better starting point for those with less experience or less physical prowess. I fail to see a downside here...

Remember, most females do not have the level of upper body muscle development that even slender males have: their physiology is different and they have not evolved into that role. Obviously atheletes, etc. are exceptions to this rule. Unless your wife is a body builder, there is probably a reason why she complains about the weight and recoil of the m1a. LISTEN to her before you make a stupid mistake.

If you expect you might need to protect yourselves with rifles, then you both need to be at your physical peak. For you that might mean a full size battle rifle, for her, probably not.
 
#24
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I would sell the M1a and other gear if money is a concern.

You want SHF rifles? Garand platform is NOT user-friendly for home gunsmithing. Armalite 10/15 is.

What matters is ammunition. Do you handload? Own a Dillon 550b?


The AR-15 is the better all-around choice for SHF; but only IF you load your own ammunition. You want 75 or 77gr match bullets, the BTHP not VLD type. BTHP can be loaded to magazine length, VLD cannot. You want 1:7 or 1:8 twist barrel, preferably chrome-lined and quality; this means Colt or Armalite.

75gr hornady bthp or the 77gr Nosler are especially tough bullets and comparable to Sierra matchking, but lots cheaper. These bullets are accuracy/competition designed and will give 600yd or greater range. www.tjconevera.com sells processed 1x fired military brass and hornady bullets for about $140 per 600 of each. A 5lb jug of Reloader 15 cost about $100 and primers (Rem 7.5) about $35/1000. 5lbs of power will load about 1400rds of match ammo. So figure 1200rds of match ammo, if load self, costs about $425.

Need a 20" barrel for all-around use. Even a heavy-barreled ar-15 weighs much less than a .308 chambered semi-auto rifle. Unless you intend to hunt elk with your .308, the .223 will work fine for deer and other game animals.

What really makes the AR-15 shine though is the heavy bullets. Rifles are easier to shoot, weigh less, ammo weighs half as much and delivers about all the practical range you are likely to ever need.
 
#25
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The more weight you mitigate, the more brutal the recoil will become.</div></div>

Good point...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As a CHL instructor, you ought to know better than to force someone into a platform that they will never be peak with</div></div>

You are right, I would never do that in one of my classes...

Looks like AR-15 it is. Now to decide which one.
 
#26
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The AR-15 is the better all-around choice for SHTF; but only IF you load your own ammunition. </div></div>

I call BS on that, with the nato or wylde chambers, most ar's will eat anything you throw at them. I have LMT's and Noveskes here in the safe and they eat anything and everything you can pitch them (wylde chamber FTW). I've yet to have a single issue other than an occasional hard primer in steel case junk.

I'm not saying it is the BEST thing to feed them, but for plinking at least you can run anything... even cheap steel case. Sure, if you want specialty stuff you'll have to load it, but you can flat out buy so many varieties of 5.56 i've never felt the need.

You can also take advantage of sales and stock up on factory ammo at low prices. For example, Cabela's often has American Eagle (federal makes this) for around $5 a box, which is very stockable, IMHO. It is boxer primed brass too, in case you do reload. To me, it's important that a "SHTF" rifle eat any nasty old ammo you find. NEVER choose the .223 chamber if you want to do this.

Reloading for 5.56 is tedious in my opinion, not that it shouldn't be done. Match loads and such, sure.... but for plinking it sucks to load a thousand at a time, even on a progressive press.

When I prairie dog hunt, I use 62grain steel case (barnaul)... it works perfectly in my 1-7 barrels and there isn't a p-dog or practice day I don't shoot at least 200 rounds of just that ammo. If I'm shooting for sport/competition, I use the good stuff. I have never felt the need to reload for this platform, though I have a huge tub full of brass should I choose to do so. I reload for bolt guns, and will be doing so for the m14 I just got as well, but I don't see me doing any 5.56 unless it was specialty rounds for hunting or something like that.

 
#27
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would sell the M1a and other gear if money is a concern.

You want SHF rifles? Garand platform is NOT user-friendly for home gunsmithing. </div></div>

Our planned bugout location is the family ranch in south Texas. My wife's folks own 1500 acres down there, so I think having the M1A in that environment would be beneficial.

Since I am not a gunsmith, nor do I intend to be, I plan to buy a second M1A Standard. You know the prepper motto, "two is one, one is none..." So along those lines of thinking, I will eventaully own two AR 15s as well.

I have considered learning how to re-load, but it seems to be an art form unto itself, so thus far I have simply been buying bulk ammo instead.
 
#28
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisdev01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like AR-15 it is. Now to decide which one.</div></div>

I can't say enough good things about LMT, Noveske, and Daniel defense. These are not the cheapest (especially the noveske) but they are worth EVERY penny.

My recommendation, based on my personal go-to gun, is to buy an LMT upper with the chrome lined barrel, then add the "furniture" (handguards, stocks, grips, etc.) of your choice. For your wife, you might want to stay light with magpul MOE furniture. There are literally thousands of furniture options at this point.

Buy a lower locally and assemble from an LPK. It is stupid easy, and is a great way to learn about the way the gun works so you can fix/improve it later on. Or you can buy a completed rifle if you can find it- or have it ordered by a local FFL.

This is what I use most (aside from my mk12 clone, but that's not really what you need):

http://www.lmtstore.com/monolithic-rail-...suppressor.html

I opted to outfit mine with an LMT FA bolt carrier, DD 7.0 Lite Rail, and magpul grip (MIAD) & stock (CTR). I run an ARMS iron sight and one of several different optics on it, usually a 1-4x scope or a red dot. LMT has one of the best charging handles out there too, IMHO.

I like your idea to keep the m1a, it is perfect for deer, hogs, and predators alike (2 or 4 legged).
 
#30
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Yep, I think you should listen to her.
lot to be said for having a ligher caliber to carry more rounds.
I even think a good argument can be made for a 10/22. since sometimes you would want to be quiet or kill small game. and you could carry 2 thousand rounds easily

Course be glad she is not just a fashion girl, and since its her rifle, she should get to help choose


also keep in mind for someone to likely be a threat in an urban envirmoment, it will be contact range to 50yds. your rifle is really heavy for that
good luck
 
#31
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At the end of the day, a good SHTF rifle should be whatever gun you feel extremely comfortable handling, carrying, and shooting. It's more important that she's confident in her own abilities and capabilities with the rifle than only using one caliber. So go easy on her. Don't dissuade a wife who prefers an AR-15! Consider yourself lucky. </div></div>

This is good advice.

If your wife doesn't have confidence in whatever weapon she has she won't enjoy it. if she doesn't enjoy it she won't shoot it much or become proficient with it. And if she doesn't enjoy it the odds of her actually having it with her when/if she really needs it are reduced. then it wouldn't matter what it weighed or how much it recoiled
wink.gif


be thankful you have a wife that's open to the idea of a "SHTF Rifle" I'd also be thankful she likes that AR15. Get her what she wants, she'll be happier and more likely to learn it and enjoy it. And as an added bonus she'll think you value her opinion and life will be better all around
smile.gif


My wife is small and thought a lightweight 3" 1911 would make a good carry/plinking gun. she passed her CCDW test with it but never enjoyed the recoil. it got traded off for her next ideal CCDW handgun. After 4 tries she now carries AND enjoys the 5 shot snubbie I suggested when she decided to carry. We could have saved quite a few dollars and a whole lot of time getting the snubbie in the first place but then our home life may have suffered. She repsects my oponion a little more too now.

Cost is relative. In my home when momma ain't happy nobody gets to be happy. And I like to be happy
smile.gif
Best advice I ever got: "choose your battles wisely"

HTH,
LM
 
#32
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Couple more thoughts to consider (and these won't be popular)

As for a platform nothing is more simple that a Winchester 94 / Marlin 336. They are also durable, ammo is going to be generally available anywhere and the platform doesn't scream the same thing as an AR.

Alternately it has been proven the world over that if one can slip their sandals on, or tie their shoes - they can run an AK. They are generally more tolerant of abuse - however yes, I have had them jam more than once when extremely fouled.

The thing about both of these or even SKS guns is they are cheap, mags are cheap, ammo is cheap - and common. One can buy 2 decent AK47s for the price of 1 decent AR; however you can find 336s and 94s for $200 - $300 all day long.

And - the big one - the manual of arms is much more simple than an AR.

It is one thing to have that 'one' SHTF gun all shined up with the best of the best. The reality is you would need to count on multiple individuals of dramatically lesser skill than anyone on this board - that likely will not have a rifle themselves. In order to hold a piece of ground you will need to set up interlocking fields of fire using these folks as team mates. We're talking about folks who will likely be effective within their zone to a max of MAYBE 100 yrds.

At some point in the equation - folks need to step back and remember that if those are one's team mates the volume of fire becomes more important than how shiny everyone's stick is.




Good luck
 
#34
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mo_Zam_Beek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couple more thoughts to consider (and these won't be popular)

As for a platform nothing is more simple that a Winchester 94 / Marlin 336. They are also durable, ammo is going to be generally available anywhere and the platform doesn't scream the same thing as an AR.

Alternately it has been proven the world over that if one can slip their sandals on, or tie their shoes - they can run an AK. They are generally more tolerant of abuse - however yes, I have had them jam more than once when extremely fouled.

The thing about both of these or even SKS guns is they are cheap, mags are cheap, ammo is cheap - and common. One can buy 2 decent AK47s for the price of 1 decent AR; however you can find 336s and 94s for $200 - $300 all day long.

And - the big one - the manual of arms is much more simple than an AR.

It is one thing to have that 'one' SHTF gun all shined up with the best of the best. The reality is you would need to count on multiple individuals of dramatically lesser skill than anyone on this board - that likely will not have a rifle themselves. In order to hold a piece of ground you will need to set up interlocking fields of fire using these folks as team mates. We're talking about folks who will likely be effective within their zone to a max of MAYBE 100 yrds.

At some point in the equation - folks need to step back and remember that if those are one's team mates the volume of fire becomes more important than how shiny everyone's stick is.




Good luck </div></div>

Excellent points!! While not popular I think they're well thought out and spot on.

A few more things to consider:

Being a civilian I believe the odds of me needing a rifle for defense are pretty slim. If the SHTF my number one priority will be blending in and not becoming a target. IF it became known I may have a rifle it could make me a target. I figure I'd keep a rifle hidden but close. My "SHTF rifle" happens to be a glock. I can keep it well hidden within reach and no one ;will be the wiser. my rifle? out of sight, out of mind
wink.gif
 
#35
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Since you're planning to have the M1A, a reliable 22 rimfire makes sense to me for wife's rifle. Great for foraging/survival.

Getting in gunfights on a regular basis surely will not enhance odds of survival.
 
#36
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I would say because you have a weapon capable of long range engagements I would set her up with an ar with a reflex/halo sight for close/medium range. They make plenty of super compact sights with battery lifes reaching the ballparks of a year or greater.

if you think your lives may depend on it someday do not get her what u want her to have. Get her what she is going to most effectively smoke check dirt bags with. It is not going to matter what caliber she is shooting if you get over ran due to the inability to effectivly operate your weapon.
 
#37
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

I will also suggest the AR 15.

Its what she's taken a shine to, recoil is nill (meaning fast follow-up shots on target), your ammo cache will cost roughly half of what .308 ammo runs (meaning she gets to practice with the rifle SHE WANTS twice as much, they are an ergonimic dream, limitless in customizations, and in my experience AS RELIABLE as any other rifle if fed properly and maintained. There are many more things I could put in this list.

Right now decent ARs can be had and equipped for under $1000, leaving more room for customizations or ammo.

Hell, even my fiance likes to practice FTF/FTE/reload drills in the living room.

What more can a guy ask for in a woman...............well...
 
#40
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

Get her an AR and also get one for yourself. They are hard to beat for CQC and a great fall back weapon.

In my opinion, One is None, and Two is One. If the SHTF you will need access to spare parts, etc. Have two of everything that you can afford.

For most women the AR is real easy to shoot. With the right barrel and ammo it is also extremely effective. Ammo is readily available and relatively cheap.

For longer distances use the M1A (eventually get yourself another M1A - have two).
 
#42
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mo_Zam_Beek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While I hate to engage in SHTF discussions b/c it is tinfoil hat stuff, here are a couple of points to consider:

'Shooters' and esp competitive shooters who only shoot around other competitive shooters have a very distorted view of what the average person can truly accomplish with a firearm.

Things that the average person walking down the street likely can NOT do:

- range estimation
- determine wind speed / direction / drift
- effectively engage at a pace that would allow for any thing other than targets remaining static for long periods
- effectively use iron sights beyond 100 yards
- unlikely to make torso sized hits with a scoped rifle beyond 200 quickly - esp in a UKD environment
- engage moving targets - at virtually any distance
- unlikely to practice a given manual of arms or even the maintenance thereof

Things that could be helpful if it got to that point

- simple manual of arms
- robust platform
- optically enhanced
- common ammo
- lighter recoil - they aren't going to hit shit a long ways out, less recoil = faster follow ups, which means (hopefully) less chance if being flanked.

If you haven't in a while - head to a public range and watch. Now consider these are the people that 'shoot' according to public standard. Now consider what fraction of a
percentage of the population this is, and how bad they are at it. Now consider what happens when weapons go into hands of those that don't 'shoot'. Folks on the net like to laugh at the home boys in Liberia, but it wouldn't be much different here.



Good luck


</div></div>

well said.

C_K
 
#44
Re: Advice on SHTF Rifle for my Wife

What about a 9mm AR platform? If you already have a 9mm pistol you aren't adding a new caliber and 9mm will probably be easier to find than anything as well as less bulky.
 
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