I have been looking into purchasing a gun lately for several reasons. One of them is just so I have something to take to a range and fire off some rounds from time to time, but the other is more utilitarian - just in case things go boom.
For plinking, I have my heart set on a Ruger 10/22. I don't care to make it look like an AK or any other assault weapon, I just want something cheap and fun. That being said, I am wondering about its use in filling that other need - general survival. I know it would work alright for small game, though not for anything of much size. (Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.) The big things on my mind are weight and ammunition. The 10/22 carbine I'm looking at is a mere 5 lbs, and .22LR is plentiful, light, and cheap. If we can shelter in place, then the weight isn't a concern, however with two small kids I have to be mindful of the possibility of having to bug out, and every ounce would matter at that point.
I know it lacks the stopping power of some larger calibers, but I don't have a lot of cash to put towards it ($200-300.) At this point my basic line of thinking is the gun you have is better than not having a gun.
Perfect world - I'd have the cash for a couple of different guns right now, and for the gun safe to store them in to keep small hands as far away as possible, but that just isn't the reality of my current situation. So an inexpensive rifle, a cable lock and a spot in the attic are the next best thing.
With the current events as they are, and the knowledge that it isn't quite as grass-roots as most people want to believe, I'd rather have something than nothing. Things will probably not go bad, at least not that bad, however I'd rather buy myself an early Christmas present than be in a situation where I'm kicking myself, $200 in my pocket and nothing but a knife on me.
Anyone have any thoughts on the 10/22 (or any .22LR rifle) as a shtf firearm? Any other rifles I could get for reasonably low dollar that would fit that need well? Durability, reliability, and weight are obviously the three big concerns. Somewhat related, but I'm not a WA native: Is it true that there isn't a wait period for rifles / shotguns here? Or do I need to get on this as of yesterday?
For plinking, I have my heart set on a Ruger 10/22. I don't care to make it look like an AK or any other assault weapon, I just want something cheap and fun. That being said, I am wondering about its use in filling that other need - general survival. I know it would work alright for small game, though not for anything of much size. (Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.) The big things on my mind are weight and ammunition. The 10/22 carbine I'm looking at is a mere 5 lbs, and .22LR is plentiful, light, and cheap. If we can shelter in place, then the weight isn't a concern, however with two small kids I have to be mindful of the possibility of having to bug out, and every ounce would matter at that point.
I know it lacks the stopping power of some larger calibers, but I don't have a lot of cash to put towards it ($200-300.) At this point my basic line of thinking is the gun you have is better than not having a gun.
Perfect world - I'd have the cash for a couple of different guns right now, and for the gun safe to store them in to keep small hands as far away as possible, but that just isn't the reality of my current situation. So an inexpensive rifle, a cable lock and a spot in the attic are the next best thing.
With the current events as they are, and the knowledge that it isn't quite as grass-roots as most people want to believe, I'd rather have something than nothing. Things will probably not go bad, at least not that bad, however I'd rather buy myself an early Christmas present than be in a situation where I'm kicking myself, $200 in my pocket and nothing but a knife on me.
Anyone have any thoughts on the 10/22 (or any .22LR rifle) as a shtf firearm? Any other rifles I could get for reasonably low dollar that would fit that need well? Durability, reliability, and weight are obviously the three big concerns. Somewhat related, but I'm not a WA native: Is it true that there isn't a wait period for rifles / shotguns here? Or do I need to get on this as of yesterday?