Four Firearms Every Family Should Own: When the World Comes Crashing Down, Protect You and Yours

Given the instability of the world today and the very real possibility of worldwide economic collapse, let us accept that every family should own at least one firearm. There are more reasons, of course, and those have been discussed ad nausaeum on more websites than could possibly be named here. Since our budgets will allow most of us to own only a few (or potentially just one) firearm, we should choose wisely.

The criteria is simple. The firearm must be very simple to operate. Ammunition must be plentiful, even in a scenario in which law enforcement and traditional retail markets have broken down. The firearm must be inexpensive, versatile, and be completely reliable. Each of the four firearms listed below has good marks in each of those five categories. There are too many excellent firearms on the market to compromise on any of those criteria.

1. The first firearm in any home should be the American standby, the twelve-gauge pump shotgun. There are numerous makes and models on the market, but the best is the venerable Remington 870. With easy-to-change barrels, it can switch duty from defending the home to putting food on the table in less than a minute. With the ability to fire a wide variety of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, it can handle hunting duties from all but the smallest of small game up to deer-sized animals. Its stopping power is legendary. There is very little this shotgun cannot do. Buy one inexpensive 870 for around $250, and then simply purchase an extra barrel or two for the ultimate in versatility.

2. The second firearm in a home should be a high-quality pistol. The pistol should be in a caliber no smaller than 9mm Parabellum. Anything smaller than that is simply ineffective for anything other than target practice. Although oceans of ink have been printed on the best pistol for personal and home use, most of the arguments come down to either a revolver of some sort, something in the Glock family or a Colt 1911-style pistol. My choice is the Glock 17, which is the full-size Glock in 9mm. The Glock 17 scores better than the Colt 1911 style in our scenario (simplicity, ammo availability, expense, versatility, and reliability).

The arguments in favor of the .45 caliber pistol are valid, however, the 1911 simply does not score as well in the end-of-the-world scenario. I would not recommend a revolver because any revolver requires more practice to reload quickly than most people are willing to give. The Glock 17 carries 17 rounds of ammunition as opposed to 8 in the 1911 style pistol and only 5 or 6 in most revolvers. Glock 17s can be bought in most locales for around $350.

3. Every home should have a good quality .22 rifle. The Ruger 10-22 is quite simply the best in class. This rifle can easily take small game such as squirrels and rabbits. In easy times, it's a great platform to teach your children how to shoot. When everything comes crashing down, though, it's also light enough to be easily carried by a woman or teenager. Most Wal-Marts carry Ruger 10-22s for less than $200.

4. The last firearm in a home should be a high-quality, hard hitting semi-auto rifle. A good rifle should be able to both put meat on the table and to protect you and your family. The second requirement generally disqualifies bolt-action rifles. As a former Army infantryman, I'm personally partial to the semi-auto versions of the American M16 / M4 family of rifles, but they are cost prohibitive and require significant training to maximize their usefulness. As much as I hate to admit it, a semi-auto AK47 style rifle is the best for all-around use. They can be purchased for less than $400. Ammunition is available nearly everywhere ammunition is sold -- but make sure to stock up BEFORE you need it. If illiterate 12 year olds all around the world can field-strip an AK47 in less than 30 seconds, so can you.

It is my sincere hope that none of us never need to take the advice given in this column.