Best handgun SHTF caliber and weight

[No_Brakes23]

YMMV, but I think (normally being a 45acp guy) that the best bullet one can have for SHTF in his/her handgun is a 9mm 147 grain FMJ bullet.

I too am a .45ACP/1911 guy, but even caliber snobs have to admit that 9x19 is plentiful, capable, (with proper application,) and EVERYONE uses it. (By that I mean most all nations.) It is certainly a useful caliber to have. Personally, I'll stick with the 1911, cause that is what I have, but in a SHTF situation, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Glock, Model 92, or other reputable 9. It ain't my druthers, but it'll do just fine.

Edit: I'd be alright with a Marlin full o' .357, too.

 

[AStone]

Since you phrased the issue as "Best handgun SHTF caliber and weight", and did not specify that I couldn't ALSO have a long gun (I'm assuming the hand gun is a back up), I'll take my K9 with either 124 or 147 gr JHP along with an 870P 12 ga.

My reasoning: 1) it's what I've got; 2) it's compact & more concealable relative to a .357 4" that I may buy (still trying to decide); 3) it reloads more quickly than a wheel gun; 4) I shoot it well; 5) I like it.

If I really want to stop someone from raiding my camp, the 870 comes out first.

And even though you didn't ask, depending on what you mean by SHTF, if I can carry a third weapon, it'll be a .22LR (to help acquire squirrel or rabbit meat to add to the rice in my pack).

Nem

 

[The Drew]

I would think that another consideration is that you should have multiple handguns in multiple calibers so that you can use what you find... In the US I would think that 9, .40, and .45 would be most common in autos and .38/.357 in revolvers...

Check your local wal mart and see what handgun rounds they carry, especially in bulk packs... That'll give you a good idea of what is most common.

 

[Sam]

Joey2,
we see more 9mm rounds being used in police shootings because they have more ammo available. On the average police are no better shooters than weekend Joe. Equipment seems to force a subconcsious tactic, shoot till it clicks. They did it with revolvers and do it with autos. So do ordinary citizens.

Sam

 

[Icewolf]

I would vote for the Sig 229 in .357sig based on ballistics but only if there was a vast amount of ammo available (stockpiled for shtf). However, it would also be a truly defensive weapon in case the AR/M4 and the 12 gauge went down or ran out of ammo.

 

[Joey2]

Thanks Sam.

 

[Dionysusigma]

Speaking of rarity of calibers in a SHTF situation, I noticed something strange at the store the other day.

We have more .480 Ruger than we do .44 magnum.
.270 Win is our most heavily-stocked rifle caliber aside from 5.56x45mm.
We have no .45 LC.

Just some food for thought, I guess.

 

[New_geezer]

I should think in SHTF scenarios, ammo availability would become an issue. For that reason I think a 9mm or 357 Mag is best. I would prefer the 357 because if you throw in the ability to 38 spec, its the more versatile format. You even can get a decent carbine that uses 357 rnds which adds to the rounds usefullness.

Any choice is a compromise if you can only pick one - for that matter if I could only have one gun it'd be a 12 ga pump, probably an old Mossberg 500 because they're reliable and the least fussy gun I've ever used - maintainability is also a SHTF issue in my mind.

 

[pinetree64]

Depends. I love my 45's for personnal protection, but in a SHTF where a gun may be needed for more than PD, I'd opt for a 4"357. Reliable simple powerful. I personally think a 357 pistol & level action carbine the perfect combination for any SHTF I'd be in. No combat scenarios for me. Stay put or bug out, but stay away from the masses. This isn't as exciting as a video game come to life with high cap mags blazing away at folks in cars but get me to wth woods... and lay out...

tjg

 

[1911Tuner]

Shtf

The best SHTF caliber is a rifle caliber. Handguns...unless that's all you have...are best deployed as secondary weapons, and won't likely be fired
more than about 50-60 times...if that much... even in the worst-case scenario, assuming that you have a proper rifle. The caliber won't mean as much as your skill with the gun.

Since you won't have the logistics to support a high volume of ammo, and will likely have to bug out with what you can carry, I'd suggest a .22 takedown-style rimfire rifle that you can stow in a backpack, and a .308 caliber bolt rifle with a reasonable amount of ammo for the centerfire. Scope is optional, but it would be a good idea to also have iron sights as a backup system. 50 rounds will do, or maybe a little more. 20 rounds of .308 runs about a pound,
and every box that you tote reduces your capacity to carry other things that you will have far more need of, and .308/7.62 nato is available pretty much everywhere. There will always be a small supply somewhere, even if you have to barter for it.

I sincerely hope that nobody entertains the notion of running gun battles and makin' a stand agains the invading hordes. That's the stuff that'll get you killed or grievously wounded. Remember, the object of the exercise is to survive. If you must wage war, do it in sneaky fashion. .22 for taking table meat and the .308 for larger game, including the unlikely and undesirable situation of having to shoot at a man...which generally means that you'll have to relocate soon after, again carrying all the equipment and provisions along with you...and probably in a hurry.

Just my 2% of a buck...

 

[goon]

In looking at the ammo that our local stores sell the most of (meaning the one they stock the most of), I would have to say 30'06 and 30-30 are the way to go HERE if you want to be able to scavenge. The other popular rounds are around in sufficient quantities too, but '06 is sold in about 8 different brands with about 10 different bullet weights. It takes up more space on the shelves than most others combined.
9mm and .357 are common and popular. Also, many police departments are now issuing .40's. Something to think about. If the police are using it then it will likely be available for a little while.

 

[Crosshair]

I have to go with the 38/357 combo.

 

[Double Maduro]

Best handgun SHTF caliber and weight

What you shoot best out of what you have at hand. Being able to hit what you are shooting at is the important part.

I don't know why so many think they need a ton of loaded mags. If there are more than three, they are probably going to get you anyway.

DM

 

[vol_907]

What you shoot best out of what you have at hand. Being able to hit what you are shooting at is the important part.

I was about to say the same thing. When the SHTF, all you will have is what's on hand.

All I'd have right now would be a .45, and I shoot that pretty well.

jth

 

[Jiml3]

Since the majority are voting .357 mag, I suggest .357 sig in a semi-auto which will hold more rounds than a revolver? Besides, I shoot a semi better than a revolver.

 

[CAnnoneer]

My KP89 - it will eat any and all factory 9mm, comfortable, reliable, built like a tank, more accurate than I am, can be used as a hammer due to its metal frame.

I agree that 9mm and .357/.38 are the two choices for platform, most importantly for availability of scavenged ammunition. Your best, customized, gold-plated, scoped handcannon will be about as useful as a brick when it runs out of its exotic ammo.

 

[redneck2]

Glock 20. 15+1 10mm.

It's like a .357 revolver. With three instant reloads.

I respectfully disagree. It's like a .41 mag with 3 instant reloads...and more controllable. In my case I've got 3 10's full of 180's. Kinda makes a .357 look puny, and a .357 isn't exactly a toy.

Why settle for a 147 @ maybe 900-1,000 fps when you can have a 180 @1,300+?

There's nothing in a pistol that I've seen that will beat a 10 in terms of power and quick reloads

 

[roscoe]

I respectfully disagree. It's like a .41 mag with 3 instant reloads...and more controllable. In my case I've got 3 10's full of 180's. Kinda makes a .357 look puny, and a .357 isn't exactly a toy.

I like 10mm, too, but you can get.357 ammo to match or best that, especially if you want penetration:

(4" barrel)
Buffalo Bore 180gr. Hard cast LFN - 1375 fps
Buffalo Bore 158gr. Speer Uni Core - 1485 fps
CorBon 200gr Hard-Cast Flat Point - 1200 fps

but the main thing about the .357 is its versatility, since you can shoot mild 38 loads as well. The 10mm is probably better for combat, but a SHTF gun might well have other uses. Also, no one seems to be making the hardcast 10mm rounds anymore, although most 10mm folk load their own.

 

[jem375]

I think I would pick my Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 mag....240 gr. lead for small game loaded to 44 special velocities, 180 gr and 240 gr. JHP or Fmj for 2 or 4 legged predators, and for the big boys with teeth and claws, 310 gr. Garrett heavyweights at 1325 fps.....my 10MM's would be my 2nd choice...

 

[otomik]

weight and commonality are the biggest factors in what i invision, my picks are in order of importance.
.22LR, 40gr CCI Velocitor
- velocitor is probably the most powerful of LR out there, .22LR is always attractive in SHTF requiring high mobility, long term survival or threats like zombies. the packaging is helpful in keeping it clean and might make it more attractive for barter. If you have a silenced gun this might not be suitable.
.223 Remington, 62gr FMJ SS109 "green tip" or Natec Spectrum Polymer Cased Ammunition
- about the same weight as 9mm, easy to use from iron sights, useful in paramilitary oriented SHTF scenarios. The green tip has better penetration but if you can find it Natec is lighter and has less muzzle flash. If you're a really incredible shot and see the need for long range work go for a .308 instead.
9mm Parabellum, 115gr JHP CCI Blazer,
- cheap and lightweight, some people have problems with aluminum cased ammo, my beretta handles it fine. if you anticipate you'll have the ability to reload cartridge cases then 9mm isn't optimal anyway. Go for the JHP but if you really think you need extra penetration CCI does make a TMJ 147gr with aluminum case.
.410 Slugs, pretty useful and common, gets a nod especially if you're thinking about a SA M6 survival rifle.

all these cartridges are available in a good mix of guns, some very compact and that's again important for weight and that "provisional governments" might want to confiscate them. none of my picks are particularly manly, if you anticipate threats like Deathclaws and Supermutants adjust accordingly. I have to agree with 1911Tuner, handguns aren't very good in SHTF.

 

[mitchshrader]

agreed with many that manly isn't first criteria..

and my standard arguement is ' get what you know best '..

and accept there's NO PERFECT ANSWER..

if you're absolutely deadeye dick with an old arisaka and have a bunker fulla ammo, shoot it.

don't let ME get in the way of success.

ditto ya wanna shoot a .500 dubblehump camel killer, rave on, I ain't gonna gripe.

but for ME.. my 'fave' (i.e. expect to have it) single first one and only in case of turrible crisis ONE GUN.. is a 6 inch k frame m 19 357.

And #2 is a mossy 12 ..

and #3 is a 10/22

and #4 is a marlin .357 carbine with the 18.5 inch bbl..

and #5 is a bolt action 30.06 .. with a 4x wide angle scope. and if that's different from YOUR pick, no surprise.

all i can say is, they shoot as good as i ask em to, they don't gimme overgrown gonads and make me bulletproof, and i ain't liable to ask for better value.

all of which i admire as survival oriented.