You're walking; what are you carrying?

[teamnelson]

Ok, so to keep the "ultimate firearm of the apocalypse" debate alive, let's hear it from those who plan to be able to hoof it when the shtf. Unlimited, any caliber, any color, any optics ... just you have to be walking, and you can carry more than one.

[you may plan to start at home, or drive somewheres, in which case you could obviously have a much larger collection. so the arbitrary limit is an exercise in worst case contingency when forting up or driving is not an option.]

I'll start:
1. S&W 627PC-5 8x357 crossdraw hip in leather closed toe holster [primary SD & hunting]
2. 1911A1 w/.22LR slide strongside hip [good cheap cover fire, handy plinker]
3. Norinco 37 clone 12 ga pump [expendable, primary use to push out of urban area]

- Alternatives to 12ga: 629 Classic or T/C in .223 in shoulder holster
- 3 others in my party will have weapons in .22 and .357, long and short.
- no optics, all open sights.
* in my pack, Taurus 606 6x357 snubbie [useful for concealment, trade or arming a newbie], 1911A1 .45 slide [alternate SD]

[Dee]

M4, with 8 extra loaded magazines, and 100 extra rounds in day pack. A Browning Buck Mark 6" with an extra 1,000 rounds in the day pack. Water, a water purifier (katadyne pump) extra filter, tomahawk, Case fixed blade, Case pocket folder, sharpen stik, small first aid kit, 20' cordage, 2 solar blankets, matches, lighter & fluid, extra socks, drawers, a change of camos, and a quite, rugged pair of boots. 

[burntmuch]

ALready decided with wife & 3 kids Im not walking. But if I was 

Myself 357 lever gun & 357 revolver with 100 rounds

Wife or daughter  22mag lever gun & 22 pistol with 200 rounds.

Team Nelson. Keep these posts coming ! Lots of great info comes thru these. Froms lots of different experience levels

[Dee]

burntmuch, your choices are also good, and I am equiped to do the same, and would consider YOUR combo also.

[teamnelson]

burnt, dee beat me to it. Great choices, and totally understand about kids. we'll have 2 .357 leverguns in our family, maybe 3 if I can make another trade. If you're using a 92 clone, consider the gunslinger spring kit and the stainless stell mag follower - easy job with simple tools.

[Almtnman]

I'm like the other one that mentioned no walking. I will stick it out at home, very secluded, one way in one way out, surrounded by a bluff on one side and total wilderness off the side of that bluff with many places to hide out or escape to. I have a very long driveway and my house is not visible from the road and a Great Pyrenees patrols the boundary. It's next to impossible to sneak up on a Great Pyrenees as they will bark long before you ever see them. If I did have to walk somewhere, I would be wearing my Sig P220 with the extra clips in my pocket, do that everyday anyway. Might even carry a 30-06 if I thought I might need some a little extra firepower.

[Dances with Geoducks]

Walkabout

Winnie 94, 30-30, 100 rounds
Lee classic reloader, can of Reloader 7, 200 Remington 9 1/2 LR primers, Ranch Dog 165gr mold.




The whole shootin match is under 10 pounds

[Swampman]

My bugout bag and my Marlin 60.

[blind ear]

Browning Buckmark and all the Remington 22 LRHP I can carry.

[teamnelson]

Walkabout

Winnie 94, 30-30, 100 rounds
Lee classic reloader, can of Reloader 7, 200 Remington 9 1/2 LR primers, Ranch Dog 165gr mold.




The whole shootin match is under 10 pounds

That's just cool!

[don heath]

My Steyr .308. 3 10 rnd mags, 40rnds spar ball. 20rnsd tracer, and 10 rounds of 220grn round nosed solids for ele. My M60 357 with 24rnds.

I would never shoot for food, and would run from all fights I possibly could. My .308 with the nightforce 2,5-10 is a genuine sub moa rifle- If I can see a man at 600m I can hit him.

In a more 'civilised' environment like where my wife and kids live...a .Sako .223 with 4 spare magsand 100rnds ammo- Mostly 77grn and a few tracer. Stay with the M60 though for people and wolves up close.

NB- always plan on a scope on a rifle. Glass beats iron every time- weather you are hunting people or dangerous game (done both) A spare scope is worth more than excess ammo.

[jrfrmn]

Why hollow points?

Browning Buckmark and all the Remington 22 LRHP I can carry.

[Swampman]

You guys really need to take a walk with the gear mentioned.

[Dee]

M4, with 8 extra loaded magazines, and 100 extra rounds in day pack. A Browning Buck Mark 6" with an extra 1,000 rounds in the day pack. Water, a water purifier (katadyne pump) extra filter, tomahawk, Case fixed blade, Case pocket folder, sharpen stik, small first aid kit, 20' cordage, 2 solar blankets, matches, lighter & fluid, extra socks, drawers, a change of camos, and a quite, rugged pair of boots. 

Swampy, I think your right. Everything I mentioned above will fit in my fanny pack EXCEPT the extra ammo, extra mags, and the water purifier. ALL of what I have listed will fit in a day pack. BUT! I think I would change to my Model 92 in 357 magnum, with 200 extra rounds, and 400 rounds of 22lr. All of this will fit in my day pack, and be about 65 to 70% lighter. The rest could, and should be cached somewhere. I would not opt for my Model 60 however, as the rifle would not be that easy to maintain in the field in the way of dis-assembly, where the Model 92 is manually operated. A lever action such as a Henry in 22lr would be a very viable option however, and I would consider avoidance the most reasonable strategy.

[PKnTX]

We'll only set out on foot as a last resort for sustenance and/or defense
but at this time firearms carried (myself, wife and 12 yr old son) would be
22lr Henry lever action- 1,500 rds give or take
20ga shotgun 870 youth size 100 rds give or take (various type)
357mag revolver SP101- 200 rds give or take (various type 38 & 357)

Leaving behind the '94 30-30 would be tough but it would probably be
bartered off along with other firearms (circumstances allowing) before
the trek anyways.  I think we get the most bang for the burden with these 3. 

[Couger]

Barter off your .30-30 and its ammo?





What if someone took those items and used them on you?  To vandalize and rob you?  Or even kill you?

Makes me cringe when people talk about getting rid of weapons and liberty teeth without regard to safety. Maybe you have considered that - just sayin.'

As for bartering .22LR ammo, over even a few non-defensive or combat shotshells, I've tried to have some, esp a few .22LR ammo.  Would imagine I'd bater then 10 or 20 at a time, not unlike a junk silver coin.

As my weapon choices if I was walking?  I'd have a .22LR pistol or singleshot for hunting, but also a Glock and long rifle (an M4 or AR if not a FAL).  I'd try to lay up during the day, travel slowly, stealthily at night.  In this sort of scenario I imagine many folks would be very vulnerable!  And seeing death and crime might be common place.

[RB1235]

Camo painted AWC Ultra II integral suppressed 10-22 (6# empty) 4X50 drums + 1000 rnd subsonic 60 grn. Camo painted AK102 side folder (6.6# empty) 223 4x45 rnd mags + 120 rnd on stripper clips.

[mechanic]

My primary gun of choice would be a 22, but I would also like my 45-70.  That would be accomplished with my Handi rifle in 45-70, and a versa barrel I just rec'd.  I have a Lee loader for the 45-70, as well as molds.  I would have to debate my Buckmark.  Might give it to the wife to carry.  Other than that, just my bugout bag.  I've found fishing is easier than hunting for food, and a lot quieter if a fella' is trying to not draw attention.

Hunting for small game requires a lot of game to be fed, and large game requires processing and preserving.  A 22 will handle most chores.  I don't own an AR but I do an SKS.  To carry the SKS and any reasonable amt. of ammo would add a lot of weight.  I can carry 100 pcs. of brass for the 45-70, and load up a few at a time as I need them.  A couple pounds of powder will go a long way.

[PKnTX]

Barter off your .30-30 and its ammo?

In these theoretical scenarios, everybodies scenario (and theory) is different.
In mine, if we are leaving home things are bad.  Things of value that are not
going with me would be bartered if possible.  Would it be better to just walk off and leave them??
I think not.
Again, who knows what the real deal is going to bring or what any of us will be forced to do.
I stand by my answer the the original post and believe leaving lay what would be a great source
of other usable goods would be asinine.

[Almtnman]

mechanic, I sold my 45-70 to a friend of mine along with the RCBS dies and 500 rounds of 405 grain hardcast bullets, plus some 300 grain jacketed hollow points. One thing I found out when I had it and loaded my own ammo for it was it's very hard to beat IMR3031 for 45-70 loads, so I hope you have a couple of pounds of that.

[Empty Quiver]

Hard for me to improve on Dee's load out. I would try to throw in a poncho and liner, Mn. can get harsh. I would also want a good Leatherman tool.

[Dee]

PKnTX, I won't criticize you for your decision to barter a firearm and or it's ammo, I just hope we don't live close. My choice is to cache said firearm, or firearms and ammo, to perhaps be retrieved by MYSELF at a later date. I would not like it much if I handed a man one of my weapons only to have it turned on me, and he were to relieve me of ALL my weapons, and possibly my life, and a family members dignity or life.
No I will not be trading weapons or ammo with anyone other than family members, and VERY close friends. As time passes in such a scenario, the firearm and it's ammo will become more and more valuable, and SCARCE.
The recent History Channel dooms day scenario was as realistic as any, and every time the firearm entered the picture the family followed lost everything, and at one point their abandonment of a pistol and rifle cost them dearly, and caused them to loose what little they had to those that realized the value and power of being well armed.
When you relinquish possession of a firearm to someone else, you have lost a bit of your power, and given it to someone else. A firearm in this case is not a possession. It is power, and life.

[mechanic]

mechanic, I sold my 45-70 to a friend of mine along with the RCBS dies and 500 rounds of 405 grain hardcast bullets, plus some 300 grain jacketed hollow points. One thing I found out when I had it and loaded my own ammo for it was it's very hard to beat IMR3031 for 45-70 loads, so I hope you have a couple of pounds of that.

I've tried and liked several powder options in the 45-70, but have found the IMR3031 gives the most bang for the buck...less powder for the same velocity, and it's accurate.  So...yes I have at least two pounds.  The beauty of the 45-70 is I can make it go bang with just about any powder..even Unique or Bullseye though they are not ideal for the job...

[PKnTX]

No I will not be trading weapons or ammo with anyone other than family members, and VERY close friends. As time passes in such a scenario, the firearm and it's ammo will become more and more valuable, and SCARCE.

Desperate times call for.... well, you know.

Trading with someone that you trust is always (even in good times) preferable. 
If I need food for my family and have exhausted local sources other than what
someone else has, my options are to take it from them forcibly (I will not unless
it is the only way) or trade for what I need and move out.  The scenario, IMO,
dictates it is time to leave the area. 

[teamnelson]

I hope I made it clear at the beginning, it doesn't matter why you're walking - most expect it to be a last resort, got it. For many though, it will be the only option as you most likely will have no warning, and you may be far away from your armory and stockpiles. I've been through enough contingency planning with the military and disaster relief, I can take almost anyone's worst case scenario and make it really bad so I plan very much accordingly, and work backwards. You may not even be able to imagine what walking would be like, but I sincerely challenge you to think it through and have a plan. You may be holed up on the inside with a lot of guns and ammo, but all someone needs is a bottle, a rag, some lighter fluid and a match to equalize the playing field a might. I'll walk before I burn.

Trading or giving away guns should only be within the circle, or in the context of a rendezvous type barter where there is a crowd around of like minded individuals. I am seriously considering whittling down my collection now to only that which is necessary, so that I'm not having an emotional crisis about my collection of rare custom wall hangers when the time comes.

[don heath]

When hunting (ie much of the year), my load is
on Belt- 30rnds spare ammo, GPS, leatherman super tool, ash bottle, 329. I don't wear a fanny pack or anything on the back of the belt because I am jumping in and out of the truck all day.
Bino's on a chest harnes- Bino's will keep you alot safer than many a firearm- if you can see trouble comming you can avoid it!
In cammel bak Mule- Top pouch- First aid kit. Most common things that stop clients are blisters and splinters. either will kill a man in a survival situation...and both easily solved with lightweight plaster, needle and tweezers. Also some good pain killers and an antihistamine. In 30 years in the bush I doubt I have actually used much more than these items except the ankle gard (sprained ankle for use on- fit it, take two lortab and walk on) and the oral Rehydration salts. Bottom pouch. Red Bull concentrate (for clients who drop), energy bar x2, MRE. Surefire Kroma, spare batteries for GPS and Torch. Para chord and bore snake. Knife is tied to side of pack.

Much of what I carry is for the clients - to get/keep them going, but even so...with 100oz water, belt, pack, bino's and loaded rifle comes in at 24lbs.  With my broken right shoulder I struggle to carry a pack weighing over 15lbs for very long

[RB1235]

I understand you fellars talking about bartering. But I am in a rural area. I would rather avoid everybody as much as possible. I know it is not the same everywhere and you may not be able to get away from others. But where I live you could make yourself scarce and run into folks by surprise every now and then, as some folks will take to the woods just like I will. I may be a little paranoid, but would consider everyone I run across an enemy in the shtf scenario. Times are not terrible now and folks kill each other over a jacket, a few bucks, a necklace or shoes. When times are bad that load out you are carrying might look better than theirs. Anything could be reason enough for them to put a bullet in you, food, knife, clothes, water, female or even something they think you may have. When times are bad a lot of folks will change with the times I imagine. If forced out of my hole I would rather escape and evade than stick around population.

[Almtnman]

I understand you fellars talking about bartering. But I am in a rural area. I would rather avoid everybody as much as possible. I know it is not the same everywhere and you may not be able to get away from others. But where I live you could make yourself scarce and run into folks by surprise every now and then, as some folks will take to the woods just like I will. I may be a little paranoid, but would consider everyone I run across an enemy in the shtf scenario. Times are not terrible now and folks kill each other over a jacket, a few bucks, a necklace or shoes. When times are bad that load out you are carrying might look better than theirs. Anything could be reason enough for them to put a bullet in you, food, knife, clothes, water, female or even something they think you may have. When times are bad a lot of folks will change with the times I imagine. If forced out of my hole I would rather escape and evade than stick around population.

That's my sentiments also. I also live in a rural area, but there's some living here also that I would question if I could trust them. I have been out in the woods several times and run across some yokels out there that made me think that I might have to shoot my way out. Even had to pull a 44 mag pistol on one once that had the road blocked and wanted to hang over the window of my truck. He was with 3 or 4 others and they didn't want to move. After looking at the inside of the barrel of the 44 mag, he decided that it was a good time to unblock the narrow road. Escape and evade was taught to me well while in the military and that might be the best choice.

[PKnTX]

Didn't intend to send the thread off course with the remark
about bartering.  It was nothing more than assuming I would
be sad opting to choose another rifle in it's stead (as I really like it).
No details about the theoretical barter were given
(who, where, when) because again, it was not part of the
answer, only an aside.  For the record, it is understood that
bartering of any kind is best done in a safe place.  This is
of course making more assumptions and completly dependant
on the actual circumstances. 

So the answer to the question remains the same,
as of this time we'd carry:
Rifle- 22lr
Shotgun- 20ga pump
Handgun-  357mag revolver

[SHOOTALL]

Socom , 250 rounds of ammo 3 mags, 340 pd 25 extra rounds ,ruger SP-101 22 with ammo,  GI mess kit , 2QT GI canteen , para cord , 2 poncho's with liner , medicine , water and filter , first aid kit , Kabar , folding benchmade , leatherman tool , couple trash bags , socks, bibs , jacket , Toilet paper , and food , light golves , fire starting stuff. If wife was along we would share load . She would have ga.  and revolver along with personal gear. To be honest this is what i would start out with but may drop some if weight is a problem. Both would have good boots .