Preparedness

I find it interesting that the questions which were once considered mere mental exercises are now becoming more and more relevant to our collective situation. One of the more common questions I used to hear is "what kind of rifle is best for....?" Well, best for what? It is an interesting question which bears exploration.

The inherent accuracy of a bolt-action rifle is a characteristic long appreciated by trained riflemen. However, for the versatility and volume of fire it provides, the semi-automatic rifle provides a decent balance between accuracy and capacity. Within the confines of the platform, the semi-automatic can be called upon to perform almost all of the tasks of a long range precision rifle with the added capabilities and flexibility to perform close-support tasks.

If you live in a rural area with open spaces then my opinion of your "best" choice would likely be a semi-automatic in a heavy .30 caliber like the 30-06 M1 Garand rifle or the Springfield M1A in 7.62 NATO (.308 Winchester). The .30 caliber rifle has real power at long ranges and the ability to engage targets at distance is one that you and your loved ones might well appreciate.

In a more urban setting, the 5.56 NATO (.223 Winchester) provides adequate power delivered at shorter ranges and with greater ammunition capacity. Most commonly found in the AR-15 platform, the 5.56 cartridge is smaller than the 7.62 which generally allows the operator to carry significantly more ammunition than users of the M1A platform.

Typical magazines for the M1A rifle hold 20 cartridges while the dimensionally smaller AR-15 magazine carries thirty rounds of ammunition. Load out for the M1A would be between three and four magazine pouches carrying two magazines each, for a total of six to eight magazines, or 120 to 160 rounds of ammunition plus 20 rounds in the rifle. In comparison, the typical battle load for the AR-15 consists of two mag carriers with three magazines each. A total of six magazines plus one in the gun equaling 210 rounds.

Now, why a battle rifle? We live in interesting times. Paranoia should not be the order of the day, however, preparedness is prudent. Alliterative thoughts aside, it is becoming more and more conceivable that we might find ourselves in a situation where a breakdown in law and order leaves us to our own devices for protecting person and property. Local law enforcement response time is never adequate in most crisis situations. Police officers and Sheriff's deputies are typically reactive in their operations, meaning that they will seldom, if ever, be on site when your event erupts. It is incumbent upon each of us to make preparations for our own protection regardless of the current status quo. By definition a crisis is typically unexpected, so preparedness is certainly called for. Take a lesson from the survivors of hurricane Katrina, when the unthinkable occurs, it's better to be prepared as opposed to being at the mercy of roving bands of strangers........

Ultimately, the best rifle is the one you have with you. My suggestions would be tailored to your locale and your lifestyle. A heavy barrel precision rifle might be fine for rural areas, but for a preparedness rifle, I will almost always default to a more portable platform. My reccomendation is that you and your family members (those who are mature and physically able to shoot) all train with the same platform. An even better reccomendation, if the budget will allow it, is that you maintain an inventory of more than one of the same type of rifle.

The M1 Garand rifle served the soldiers in Europe and in the Pacific over sixty years ago and it served them admirably. The platform has its limitations in capacity and operation. The M1A is considered the natural evolution of the Garand. It has served USGIs since the early days of the Vietnam conflict and is serving as a 'Designated Marksman' rifle in Iraq and Afghanistan today. It is available in a short carbine version which would be my personal choice as a good compromize between the full-powered battle rifle and the compact capabilities of the urban carbine.

For most civillians in urban settings, the AR-15 is the clear choice. The aray of acccesories available for this platform alow for so many options that it would take another essay just to discuss those options. However, the portability, light weight, accuracy capabilities and the ammunition capacaties make this an extremely versatile platform. Basic carbines are available for less than $1,000 and that makes the gun a bit lighter on the budget as well. The portability factor allows for easy transport, meaning you will likely have this rifle with you when you need it.

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it....... or as a friend of mine once opined... "I carry a gun, because a cop is too heavy..."

For further discussion or for needs based consulting, please feel free to contact me at pbprecision@cox.net