I try and have a reason (often a flimsy one) for each firearm I purchase. Catch-all categories include, “It has historical significance,” and “In an apocalypse, there is likely no such thing as too many guns.” Thus, I have bought a fair number of shotguns and rifles under the umbrella of, “It would be useful in the apocalypse.” I have used this same category to defend various forms of gear I have picked up over the years as well, but I will save that for a future article. The question of what guns would you want in an apocalypse is a common subject, from small conversations at the local gun store to wide-ranging online debates. But realistically what would be my apocalypse choices?
First, we likely need to set some ground rules to define what are apocalypse guns. For the purposes of this article, I am focusing on what three defensive firearms would I want in an apocalypse. Thus, hunting rifles or far quieter weapons such as bows and crossbows are not on this list. However, if I was truly in an apocalyptic situation such quiet tools of hunting, trapping, and fishing would be very desirable.
Second, I am operating on the ‘you can only have one of each type’ hypothetical situation. Thus, I will focus on the one handgun, one shotgun, and one rifle that I would want to make sure I have access to during an end-of-days event.
Finally, as tempting as it is to go for the cool factor, I am assuming the goal is long-term survivability. Thus, long-term use and ammo availability become major factors. This will preclude some very effective rifles that I have, that are chambered in rounds that I do not stock in great numbers likely become unavailable once ammo production stops. My three choices given these limitations are easy. They are also the three guns I have staged for home defense, workshop defense, and barn defense, each set aside in their own safes.
Handgun: Glock 17
If I am looking for just one handgun for the apocalypse there are several factors to consider, and some that are no longer relevant. Included in the no longer relevant list is concealability and size. Though an end-of-the-world handgun should still be easy to carry, I would not be concerned with concealability. The list of what I would be concerned with is much longer. I would want a gun that is well-balanced for me and full-sized, but still light enough for all-day OWB carry. I would want a relatively higher capacity. It should be a gun that can run without regular cleaning. Also, I would want a gun that can be fitted with a suppressor, and I should have sufficient parts to conduct repairs if needed. Finally, I would want a gun chambered in 9mm.
Let’s focus on the caliber. Why 9mm? There are several reasons, including it is the most common civilian and military sidearm caliber in the U.S. Thus, there will be plenty of opportunities to acquire more ammunition once production stops. Also, as it is my current primary carry round and competition round, I have more FMJ and Defensive ammunition stockpiled in 9mm than any other round. Thus, not only do I personally have a large supply of 9mm, but it is one of the ammunition types most likely to be found (or traded for) if civilization collapses.
No surprise for anyone who knows me, my choice is the Glock 17. I am sure there have been lemon G17s sold at some point, but I have been running Glock 17s for over a decade now in competitions and training classes with no issues. My wife had a spring break in her G17C recently at a class during a high-intensity mag-dump exercise, but we calculated that it occurred after around 27,000 rounds. I have extras of all the major parts for this gun, an ample supply of magazines, threaded barrels, and confidence that I can keep it fed with ammunition through a disaster.
The Glock 17 has a solid capacity, decent size and balance, and can easily be worn in an OWB holster all day with no issue. In an apocalypse, my choice of handgun really is a backup gun, but the ability to affix a suppressor also makes it potentially a better option for some situations. As a bonus, my wife and I both are extremely familiar with this platform, so if we needed to swap in a pinch, there would be no learning curve.
Shotgun: Remington 870 Chambered in 12 Ga.
Though not as versatile as a rifle, there is a lot to be said for a good shotgun. My criteria are very similar to my criteria for a handgun. I want a simple, reliable system that I have personally come to trust through experience. I want it to be chambered in the most commonly available round — in this case, the 12 Gauge shell — with a relatively larger capacity (in this case 6+1), and devastating to the person potentially targeted. Honestly, for most home defense scenarios at relatively close range, I am much more likely to grab the pump-action shotgun over a rifle.
I have several higher-capacity dual or tri-tube magazine shotguns. Though fun on the range, the added complexity and weight makes me question these weapons for an optimal apocalypse gun. I also have several semi-automatic shotguns that are a joy to shoot and shoot quickly. Unfortunately, all of them are at least somewhat ammunition-sensitive. That is why I will always stick with a pump if we are talking about a gun for the end of days. Though a little more complex to operate, the simple system is well known for eating any shells fed to it, and that is part of what I would want when ammo may become scarce.
Again, like my handgun choice, I have more 12 gauge shells stockpiled than any other gauge and it is the most likely to be found in a world no longer producing new ammunition. Both my wife and I can operate this platform without issue.
Rifle: AR-15 Chambered in 5.56 NATO
For the purposes of an apocalyptic setting, the rifle provides an alternative to the shotgun when there is a need for higher capacity and medium to longer ranges are likely. It is hard to argue with a capacity of 30 rounds. Though the AR-15 is not the most robust platform, parts are easily obtained, and the gun is easy to work on. I have extra springs, small parts, and a bolt stored in the stock of each of mine. Additionally, 5.56 and .223 may not be as common as 12-gauge shells and 9mm rounds but they are likely to be the most common rifle round to be found after doomsday.
As with my other choices, I also have a large amount of 5.56 NATO stockpiled, compared to any other type of rifle ammunition. Additionally, the AR-15 in 5.56 is the hands-down favorite rifle of civilians, the current main battle rifle (M-4) of the US military, and the most common rifle used by US police forces. Not surprisingly, my wife and I have trained intensely on this platform and could swap if needed. Since she is the person I’d likely be with in an apocalypse, it’s important for my partner to be able to switch out with me, if needed, without issues. I had not considered this bonus before writing this article, but it’s a fun factoid!
Closing Thoughts
Though these are my preferred apocalypse guns, all three choices are at least in part driven by my own focus and supplies. Another round that is likely to be in great supply is the .22LR and a solid rifle, preferably suppressed, in this caliber would be a great addition. My wife is accomplished at long-distance shooting and I am sure her Savage bolt-action in .308 would be on her list in addition to the firearms I’ve identified here. My list is just that — it’s based on what I am comfortable with, what I have supplies for, and the firearms I have come to trust through use and experience.
When thinking about ‘when shit hits the fan’ weapons, it is important to recognize that the metrics of what makes a gun optimal will shift from those metrics used to determine a good everyday carry or hunting gun. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with my thoughts and reasoning, or do you have a completely different list for your apocalypse guns?
