By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Survival gun means different things to different people.
A young couple hiking the Appalachian Trail may find a .22 pistol perfect. They will be able take edible game if needed, signal, and defend themselves against some animals- all providing they can shoot straight.
Another person in the same situation may find a short barrel .357 revolver viable. There have been murders and assaults on the trail and I tend to carry heavier iron than some. Some of the criteria for a survival handgun shouldn’t be debated. The pistol must be accurate enough and above all reliable. A corrosion resistant finish is good to have.
Then what are we going to need to survive? Bad weather a chance encounter with train hitching hippies or a rabid bobcat? If the chances of feral dogs or the big cats are there it is foolish to deploy a rimfire handgun. If bears are part of the agenda, it is a different ball game. Or is the handgun on the hip as we navigate a flooded or burning metropolis?
Over specialization of handguns isn’t a good thing in this environment. I think many of us own a specialized competetion gun for games and a long barrel Magnum for deer hunting. A handgun should be capable at concealed carry, animal defense as far as feral dogs and the big cats go, and be capable for defense against human felons in packs.
One attribute is usually strongest depending on our personal situation. If we are accomplished hunters, then a four-inch barrel .357 Magnum or .45 Colt makes a lot of sense if taking meat to feed the family is the primary concern. If human attacks are secondary this type of revolver will serve well. If human attacks are the primary concern a .45 ACP pistol looks better. If the shooter is a good shot, very well practiced, then a high capacity 10mm may fill both roles.
I never say any situation is out of the question because if it can happen it has happened or will happen. There are a lot of dead folks who would have loved to have had a gun, any gun. Being forced to move quickly from the home by social upheaval or dangerous weather unfortunately also entails defending yourself against dangerous humans. All aren’t desperate. Some are just mean and cruel and enjoy causing human suffering.
When considering survival situations don’t forget there are locations in the United States where a hardy few live this type of robust lifestyle daily. Drovers, guides, DNR officers, and those making a living outdoors in Wyoming, Montana and Alaska know more than most about survival guns. It is the gun they carry on the hip. It isn’t a glamorous piece but a workmanlike handgun. Those working at risk in the big cities transporting prescription (legal) drugs and high end jewelry are equally at risk and also like to be well heeled.
I travel a good bit and always keep an ASAP bag in the vehicle. While I hope I never need it or the handgun chances are high I will need one or the other. If the vehicle fails and I am stranded in the American Desert or Appalachia, I realize that a helpful person is as likely to come by as a con wishing to liberate me of my possessions. A quality handgun goes a long way in easing worries.
My needs are different than the requirements of those in big bear country. A .454 Casull isn’t needed and I haven’t practiced enough to handle one. My ready handgun would not completely destroy small game and I demand a handgun accurate enough to take game if needed. If you have never taken game with a handgun before an emergency, you sure as hell won’t rise to the occasion. You may have to cook a dog or cat and they are stringy. If you aren’t physically able to run and climb, then your adventure won’t last long. No matter what physical shape you are in no one wants to carry a handgun that weighs the belt down. Ammunition is also a factor. It isn’t difficult to carry two or three 9mm magazines with up to sixty rounds on the belt. A .45 is more difficult and I don’t think many of us wish to deploy a bandolier of revolver rounds. Ammunition must be common enough that you may actually obtain the rounds and gain sufficient practice to master the handgun.
Among the most reliable hard use handguns in the world is the Glock. They are not infallible but they are less likely to tie up or break than most. The SIG P226 has a propensity to fire with every pull of the trigger and keep going for thousands of rounds. You don’t have to break the bank to purchase a work horse. The Ruger P85 and P89 types are among the most rugged and serviceable handguns every manufactured. Ergonomic they are not but they are accurate and reliable. I mention these guns because they can often be found for less than three hundred dollars at most pawn shops.
I don’t mind keeping a spare recoil spring on hand but I don’t want to have to repair a handgun. Reliability is foremost. Only a few handguns are reliable enough for true hard use duty. The current trend for red dot sights also means that you should invest in a spare sight- just in case- and for certain spare batteries.
A good set of night sights is pretty much required. A strain on limited resources? Prioritize and don’t load up on gear you don’t need. Concentrate on the pistol that will always work in stock form.
Don’t forget load bearing gear. The cheap plastic or fabric holster at the chain store will become a chafing nuisance in short order and come apart if subjected to real work. Thick steer hide and quality Kydex are the only suitable gear for rough work. A high quality belt is a must. DeSantis, Galco, Bullard Leather and Wright Leather Works are among the better choices.
Among the most capable all around pistols for a survival situation is a high capacity 9mm with a durable finish, good sights, and proven reliability. I like the Glock 19X for its undeniable reliability and easy shooting characteristics. The slightly larger Walther PDP is noticeably more accurate and has some appeal based on superior ergonomics. A SIG MK25 (Also referred to as the P226 NAVY) is another hard use pistol with the big R and small M- big on reliability and low on maintenance.
Moving to pistols that demand more practice, a Model 1911 in .45 ACP is a good choice. Only the best need apply. A Ruger SR 1911 or a Springfield Operator may make a good all-around field and carry gun. The five-inch barrel Government Model is a solid shooter with modest recoil and good accuracy. Standard 230-grain hardball ammunition has taken the measure of men and animals. No need to pay for expensive boutique loads. A Commander size .45 with a light weight frame is much lighter and easier to carry but more difficult to master. Recoil, however, doesn’t hurt for a few rounds. It is the long term range practice that causes a problem.
The next step up is a quality 10mm pistol. Recoil is accelerated and not for the occasional shooter. If you are willing to put the time in to stay on top of this formidable piece you have up to 16 rounds of 10mm on tap in a reliable pistol accurate to 50 yards. The effect against animals over 300 pounds is proven. Of course shot placement counts for the most.
Rifles are easy. You are not going to become a hunter after the ball goes up better be a hunter beginning right now! A lever action .30-30 is more than the measure in most situations. They are reliable even if not maintained as the rough service rifles seen in hunting camps and on ranches demonstrate. A well worn Winchester 94 is just getting broken in. A pistol caliber lever action such as the Rossi .357 is light, easy to store, and a formidable all around life saver. An AR 15 would be mighty comforting in some situations and don’t discount the type as a gunfighter’s dream and game taker.
For hardship I simply prefer the lever action. A good bolt action .308 is also a fine choice.
In shotguns the Remington 870 stands a head and shoulder above whatever else is available. There are plenty of Turkish pump action shotguns going for a song as the gun stores over bought. They are not as smooth as the Remington but then what is? They have proven reliable.
For some folks, weight is the primary concern. I understand this but you must have enough power. Just the same, a lightweight .22 rifle is tempting as they are superbly accurate and even a youngster may use one well. When hiking, a light .22 and a couple of magazines is a comfort. But I don’t resent the weight! Keep your options open but make the choice soon. We live in interesting times.
