Looking for opinions on a all-around good weapon for SHTF..

[jbrooks19]

I know this may/probably has been discussed before, but im gonna bring it up again anyways.... :getdown:

I currently own a AR15 with 15mags and 1500rds of ammo.. My questions is this; I use this for HD and think it would be great for SHTF, but i keep finding myself wanting a nice 12ga.. I currently own a few hunting style 12ga shotguns but want a HD type and maybe a semi-auto.. In your opinion, which do you think is a more versatile weapon, the AR or the Shotgun?? I am considering selling/trading my AR to get a shotgun(s) but can't make up my mind...I get the urge to trade sometimes, but then sometimes regret it. What do you have to say about this? Should i stick it out with the AR or ditch it for a 12ga? I am proficient with both the shotgun and ar platforms so my experience and comfort-ability plays little factor in my choice.

[Slippy]

Both weapons have their place., keep the AR and save for the 12 g for HD.

You know me, a little story;

I've sold 2 guns in my life; a Mossberg 12 g and a Colt M1903. I sold the Mossy to a buddy of mine that I see once a year and he rubs it in everytime about how good that Mossy is, but I needed the money at the time or so I thought. That was 1986 if you can believe it.

The Colt M 1903 was my Dad's. I didn't need the money but I had no attachment to the gun. I found the gun hidden in a closet in a case after Dad died. Mom never knew Dad had it and did not know the story behind it. I was kinda pissed that the old hardass never told me about it. I liked guns and he didn't give them a second thought. I out it in a safe and cleaned it once a year. I never shot it, so, I got it appraised and a reputable dealer brokered a deal for me. I used the money wisely and bought more guns and ammo!

But ever now and then I wonder about the Colt.

[Deebo]

I don't care if I gotta sell blood and or *****. I will never sell another gun in this lifetime.
Keep the AR, get a new England Pardner 12 gauge pump. It is freaking awesome.
And, when I sold my guns to Barry Sotero, his damn check bounced.

[jbrooks19]

I don't care if I gotta sell blood and or *****. I will never sell another gun in this lifetime.
Keep the AR, get a new England Pardner 12 gauge pump. It is freaking awesome.
And, when I sold my guns to Barry Sotero, his damn check bounced.

Iv'e got a New England Pardner 12ga pump..It's my goose gun. It has dropped many geese.. The issue is it has a long-ass barrel and i can't find a 18.5 or so barrel for it.

[Slippy]

Get the Mossberg Maverick Model 88.
http://www.mossberg.com/products/shotguns/pump-action/maverick-pump-action/

[Innkeeper]

I have never sold a gun, probably never will, I can say never, or it will bite me. lol My ex wife sold a Lee-Enfield of mine I used it for deer in TX and here in MI was a great gun, part of the Divorce orders was she had to reaquire my rifle, but she never did and the legal costs out weigh the value of the Gun, now a days they cost way more then the pittance I paid for it at the time, it was a 1915 and was cherry even had the Mag block that was put into place for when they went to the range, it is rare to see that anymore.

I own an AR and a couple of 12's an 870 and a Mossy 500, I also have an 870 20ga (my kids first gun)great shooter as well. I am looking at another AR and a new 30-30, give me time another 12 ga will come also. Keep what you own and save for the next, they both fill different roles.

[Just Sayin']

Like everyone else, I'd keep the AR and save up for a 12 or 20 ga. You can pick up brand new pump guns for $269 to $300 if you shop a little.

[Pauls]

The Remington 870 pump or the Mossberg 500 series shotguns are good guns and you can usually find them cheap second hand. Both have a number of barrels that can be installed in seconds. If you have a shotgun that you can get a replacement barrel for but only in full lengths then get a new barrel and cut it down with a pipe cutter. Clean the cut up with a countersink tool or take it to a gunsmith and have it recrowned. Before you cut the barrel use a straight edge between the action and front sight to measure the height for the new sight once the barrel is cut (otherwise it will shoot very high and you will miss a lot).

[Just Sayin']

The Remington 870 pump or the Mossberg 500 series shotguns are good guns and you can usually find them cheap second hand. Both have a number of barrels that can be installed in seconds. If you have a shotgun that you can get a replacement barrel for but only in full lengths then get a new barrel and cut it down with a pipe cutter. Clean the cut up with a countersink tool or take it to a gunsmith and have it recrowned. Before you cut the barrel use a straight edge between the action and front sight to measure the height for the new sight once the barrel is cut (otherwise it will shoot very high and you will miss a lot).

And make sure it's OVER 18" from the breech or you might get a unfriendly visit from some alphabet guys

[Pauls]

And make sure it's OVER 18" from the breech or you might get a unfriendly visit from some alphabet guys

Yep, usually the barrels are cut to 18 1/4" for safety sake. That measuement is from the rear of a chambered cartridge to the muzzle. Going a bit longer is safer than a bit shorter.

[SAR-1L]

I own a mossberg 20, a 22 remington, and a taurus 9mm.

I an currently looking to get a 40 m&p and then an AR15.
I would really love to have a sweet little battle rifle, so I am
honestly a tad little jealous of ya jbrooks.

I will probably get my m&p 40 first cause I can carry it nearly
everywhere. But I really do wish I had an AR for ranged encounters.

If I was you I would wouldn't trade anything for anything, if you have to
save about 50$ a month and after a year maybe on your birthday get your
12g shotty.

[Imaexpat2]

Both are quite devastating weapons to be wielding on a bad guy in the middle of the night!

With a 45-55gr soft point the AR is very effective at short ranges and doesn't over penetrate real bad with bullets that fragile and at such high velocities. It will also penetrate most forms of body armor at that range too, not that many burglers wear body armor these days but...you never know. Double 00 buck is pretty devastating at close ranges of a home, but will also penetrate several sheet rock walls of a typical home with enough mass and velocity to pose a deadly threat to what ever may be on the other side of that wall. In either case a good hit to the torso is not likely to require another shot with either.

Both will get the job done so I think it comes down to personal choice. If you have a wife the edge may go to the AR as it will likely be more manageable due to the lighter recoil. Both are solid performers!

[James m]

Buy an AR in 12 gauge.

[Sparkyprep]

In a SHTF situation, I believe in a 3 gun approach. Primary rifle. I choose a piston AR15. Shotgun. Any reliable, well built 12 gauge. I chose a Mossberg 500. Sidearm. Your choice, but you need a defense side arm. I choose a 9mm striker fired semi-auto.

With these 3 guns, you can hunt many different types of game, including birds to deer and hog. You can also defend yourself in a variety of situations.

[RWalls]

I've sold guns to upgrade, like get rid of a PSA ar to get a colt or something like that. But I don't think selling a rifle to get a shotgun makes sense. Keep saving and get a shotgun when you can, then stack some buckshot and slugs as you can afford it, rio shotgun shells are great as far as cost goes.

[jbrooks19]

I've sold guns to upgrade, like get rid of a PSA ar to get a colt or something like that. But I don't think selling a rifle to get a shotgun makes sense. Keep saving and get a shotgun when you can, then stack some buckshot and slugs as you can afford it, rio shotgun shells are great as far as cost goes.

Iv'e already started stocking shells... Iv'e enough 00 and 000 buck to feed a small army. Iv'e owned multiple HD type shotguns (Stevens 320 (2 of them), remmy 870 w/18.5in barrel, mossberg 500 w/pistol grip stock and 18.5" barrel) The problem i have is i love to trade guns, I have bought/traded or sold 133 guns in the past 2yrs.. I shoot them, then trade them. I don't get attached.

P.S. +1 To RIO, i'd say nearly 80% of my stock of 00 buck is RIO.. $2.39 per box of 5 at the local Rural King, Walmart has this brand tho that iv'e bought here lately, i can't remember the brand but it is $11.99 per 25rds of 00 Buck, they are a bright red hull.

[jbrooks19]

I own a mossberg 20, a 22 remington, and a taurus 9mm.

I an currently looking to get a 40 m&p and then an AR15.
I would really love to have a sweet little battle rifle, so I am
honestly a tad little jealous of ya jbrooks.

I will probably get my m&p 40 first cause I can carry it nearly
everywhere. But I really do wish I had an AR for ranged encounters.

If I was you I would wouldn't trade anything for anything, if you have to
save about 50$ a month and after a year maybe on your birthday get your
12g shotty.

AR's are a lot of fun.. I think you guys are right, I probably should just keep it. I'll end up regretting it, i'm sure. I'll just hold off buying ammo for a month or so and buy another shotty, i can get a Stevens 320 again for around $150-$175.. I currently buy 2 boxes of 12ga ammo, 2 boxes of .223 and 1 box of 9x18mak every week. So if i hold off for a month or two on ammo i should have enough cash pretty fast. Because right now im spending $6 on 12ga, $20 on .223 and $20 on 9x18, right there is $46 a week i could save.

[survive-it-all]

Keep the AR! You will regret getting rid of it.

[Infidel]

I know this may/probably has been discussed before, but im gonna bring it up again anyways.... :getdown:

I currently own a AR15 with 15mags and 1500rds of ammo.. My questions is this; I use this for HD and think it would be great for SHTF, but i keep finding myself wanting a nice 12ga.. I currently own a few hunting style 12ga shotguns but want a HD type and maybe a semi-auto.. In your opinion, which do you think is a more versatile weapon, the AR or the Shotgun?? I am considering selling/trading my AR to get a shotgun(s) but can't make up my mind...I get the urge to trade sometimes, but then sometimes regret it. What do you have to say about this? Should i stick it out with the AR or ditch it for a 12ga? I am proficient with both the shotgun and ar platforms so my experience and comfort-ability plays little factor in my choice.

If you're looking for a SHTF 12ga, I'd look at the Remington 870. Personally I'd stay away from a semi-auto for a SHTF gun for the simple reason that they require a lot more maintenance. There's a reason why for many years damn near every police force in the country used the 870, they are reliable and pretty nearly indestructible. Plus with an 870 you get literally tons of aftermarket support for any accessories you might want. Personally I'd buy a field grade gun and then add a couple of barrels. I'd add an 18 1/2" cylinder bore barrel for close range work and a rifled slug barrel for hunting large game. I like the idea of a 12ga for a SHTF weapon but I'd still have a rifle and handgun also. There are other options out there but the 870 is probably the single most popular 12ga ever so aftermarket support is almost as good as it is for the AR. Pump guns may be an older design but they are far from antiquated and are still a viable option today and while everyone has become fascinated with the newest latest and greatest designs those old pump guns are still banging away. The only real place I can see an advantage with a semi-auto is in competition where speed wins or with newer shooters because most semi-autos will dampen recoil.

By the way used field grade 870's are a whole lot cheaper. Look for one that's been carried a lot and shot little, it will have some cosmetic wear but the bore will look shiny and new. I'd look for one with 3" chambers for added flexibility with ammo.

-Infidel

[RWalls]

I got a Remington 1100 semi and I wouldn't trust my life to it. Too many issues.

The 870 is a great gun and any of the Mossberg 500 type platforms are GTG.

[Inor]

I got a Remington 1100 semi and I wouldn't trust my life to it. Too many issues.

The 870 is a great gun and any of the Mossberg 500 type platforms are GTG.

What issues have you had with the 1100? I have both a Remington 870 Wingmaster and a Mossberg 500, but both have a heavier recoil than what Mrs Inor is comfortable with. I was considering buying an 1100 for her.

[RWalls]

The 1100 does have far less recoil, it is very picky on what you feed it. Cheap or low recoil ammo is usually a no go. Also have had oring go bad, lost the ****ing handle in the woods once, it fell out. And a broken spring.

[Just Sayin']

I've got an 1100 with a 18.5" imp cyl barrel and extended mag for my wife and she loves it so much she leaves the AR alone. I've had it over 30 years and never had any problem with the gun or it's parts.

RWalls is right though about it being somewhat picky about what you put in it. When it had the skeet barrel on it that it came with, it would take anything except really cheap crappy shells without any problems. But with the 18.5" barrel, you pretty much have to use full power ammo if you want it to be absolutely reliable. That being said, it still recoils less than any of my pump guns which is why my wife liked it in the first place and there aren't any issues with FTF with the right ammo.

If the SHTF, and you have to be able to feed any ammo to your gun, then a pump has an advantage there. Then again, I've short stroked a pump gun many a time when bird hunting, so you can also have FTF issues with pumps, although they are more likely user induced than related to the ammo.

[Deebo]

My petite sixteen year old loves shooting the Pardner 12 gauge. Granted, it was dove loads. The wife has a shoulder injury, so she would only run it if she had too. Damn, guess that only means one thing. Ar. In the future.

[Arklatex]

Save up a little and buy another 500 or 870. And keep it this time! Lol. as others said add the extra barrels as money allows.