On Firearms and Preparedness

 (Just some things that came to mind today while I was perusing the internet. We as prepared individuals have a tendency to get way to worked up on the gear, as opposed to skills. Gear only helps us accomplish a mission.-Kyle)

One of the first things many people look at when they start to become prepared is firearms. Firearms are a “fun” part of preparedness, especially if you are a gun person already (we are!). On the preparedness forums we frequent, the firearms section is easily one of the busiest sub-forums. People will endlessly debate what rifle is “the best” for a disaster scenario. There is nothing wrong with that debate, or people having different opinions on the matter. The problem (and this is a common theme in the preparedness and firearm worlds) is when people get too wrapped up in gear selection, instead of letting the mission dictate the gear.

                 

           You must decide why you need a firearm, and what you need it to do for you, before you can think about which firearm is best for your situation.  Let the mission, or what you want to accomplish, drive your selection of equipment. If you do it the other way around, it’s quite likely you will end up trying to adjust your preparedness plans to fit a specific firearm. If you plan on increasing your level of everyday preparedness, you may be looking at a handgun for concealed carry. If you are worried about home invasion, you may be looking at a rifle or shotgun, depending on your preference (and a lot of other factors, but that’s a different post entirely). Finally, if you are concerned about a Black Level (Click for the Dragoon Disaster Scale) event, where the grid is down and there will most likely not be any police to come when you call, you might be looking at a fighting rifle.

                 

           Remember, you can’t eat bullets. On the other side of that, all the stored food in the world does you no good if you can’t defend yourself and your supplies. Preparedness, like most other things in life, is all about balance. Only two sorts of people think that all they need to survive is a weapon and plenty of ammo. One group is made up of those that are simply uninformed, and their idea of survival comes from zombie movies. The others are like this guy (Link thanks to the Organic Prepper), and think they don’t need supplies because, with their firearms, they will simply take yours. Do yourself a favor, and don’t be like those people. If your only plan is to take from others by force, it won’t end well, I promise you. 

Kyle

DSPS

18FEB2014

Glock 19- Small Enough to Hide, Big enough to Fight.

   Small Enough to Hide, Big Enough to Fight

    To me, that phrase sums up the Glock 19. 15 rounds of 9mm in a considerably small package makes for a decent sized concealed carry weapon. My wife found it a little weighty and hard to hide in more feminine clothing, but definitely do-able. I find that the gun disappears in a Crossbreed SuperTuck holster. On my first line battle-rattle, the Glock 19 is very light compared to most "combat" handguns. Its short pistol grip makes for a little bit harder draw, especially off a war belt. The short 15 round magazines are also a little difficult to index and grab from "one size fits all" type MOLLE pouches. Ill break down the weapon in more detail after the jump.

Smith and Wesson M&P 9 Initial Review

S&W MP 9mm with 17 round magazine

Smith and Wesson Military and Police 9mm and magazine.

I have had this gun for almost a year now, and I have to say I am a Smith fan.