Moped

Saiga in 5.56x45 or 7.62x39. You can get them for under $400. Ammo is cheap and they can be upgraded to cheaply.

I keep a Cold Steel Kopis Machete in my trunk. I've used machetes for years and I think they make dandy survival tools. I used one at work when I was surveying. That was what we used to clear line with. Didn't wear you out like a bush axe would. We thought nothing of taking down a 8 to 10" tree with one. Kept them sharp with a bastard file. I picked the Kopis because it had the sharpest point of any machete I'd seen. I want it to be able to cut and thrust. However the bad news is Cold Steel has dropped the Kopis from it's line. Now I'd get the Super Kukri or the Latin Machete with the longer blade. You can got to Cold Steel and watch the video at the beginning of the machete section. Watch them drive a nail into a couple of 2x4s with the 18" Latin Machete. I'd also look for either a Mil Spec collapsible shovel or perhaps the Cold steel version of the Spetnez shovel mentioned above. You can use them for anything, including a club or axe in combat. The Cold Steel Shovel would probably be a bit easier to swing though since it doesn't have the D-ring handle like the Mil-spec shovel. Still either would be a great addition to your kit.

If I were to get another one, I'd want one with the 3" Barrel. And I might even go with the .327 Federal.

I carry a little Kershaw Onion everywhere I go. Opens as fast as a switchblade with one hand and without the legal hassle.

Got a list with prices?

I've had two of them. One in .38 and one in .357. I wouldn't be afraid to purchase another one either. Great little pistol. The only negative is you need a holster with one. They weight to much for pocket carry.

Well, it sorta makes sense. If you were bugging out down the interstate, there is a Waffle House about every other exit.

Hard to beat a Browning Hi-Power! It was like it was made for my hand! I miss mine. It was a great pistol. Love to catch the guy that broke in and stole it. I'd beat the S@#T out of him!

After reading the article in the American Rifleman a couple of months back, I was reminded why I am no fan of the .380. I have no use for a pistol that I have to "break in" before I carry it. If it isn't ready to go out of the box, I don't want it. I've had exactly one .380 auto that did not jam and that was a SIG P230. And that was the meanest kicking pistol I ever owned. Got rid if it after a year. I don't consider myself a wus either, has I regularly shoot a Springfield 1911a1 in .45acp. Currently the pistol I carry the most is an old Gen 2 Colt Agent in .38spl. Wonderful pistol, goes bang when the trigger is pulled and is plenty accurate. Why this pistol and not a Smith? Because it weights in at 16 oz and holds 6 rounds instead of 5. But I be comfortable with a S&W J-Frame, Taurus, Ruger or any other small modern revolver. All that said, find the pistol that best suits you, buy it, shoot it often and enjoy it! Ok, everyone stand back! Fat man coming down off his soapbox now!!!

You can't go wrong with a Saiga .410. Just be sure you get their mags or Surefires. Don't be tempted by the cheap ones. They aren't worth the plastic that's in them.

OOOO! That sounds like a challenge!

Never clean that area!

I have both a Glock 17 and a 1911A1 Springer and love both. I wouldn't be scared to use either in a SHTF situation. The Glock is a Gen 1 that I bough back in 1990. Been an awesome pistol. The Springer a bought from a friend. Never had a problem with it and neither did he. I've been Shooting 1911s since 1982. Seen some that were not real good, but frankly they were were just worn out. Saw them rebuilt by military armorers during the ramp up for Desert Storm and they worked just fine afterwards. Don't know if you guys watched them, but these guys also but a S&W 5900, Glock 21, and a Beretta M9 through the same test. the Beretta was the only one that choked. Check them out. BTW, HUGE Cussler and Dirk Pitt fan too!

Make sure that if you convert it to double stack, that it's 922R compliant.

I think if you go back and look throughout the history of our nation. the U.S. Armed Forces have been deployed against the citizens several times. The first time it comes to mind is the Whiskey Rebellion in the 1790s. George Washington sent the Army into Pennsylvania to stop a rebellion against the just passed Whiskey Tax. In the mid 1800's the U.S. Army was dispatched against the Mormon's in Utah to bring them in line, by President Buchanan. No actual battles were fought, but the mere threat brought the Mormons to the negotiating table. In 1932, General George MacArthur lead U.S. Troops against Bonus Marchers in Washington D.C. The Bonus Marchers were Veterans of WW I that were supposed to get a bonus for their service. It never materialized and they marched on Washington from all over the country. They held rallies and were general peaceable, but they would not leave. After a while the City administration attempted to force some of the marchers out of the city, but failed miserably. President Hoover sent MacArthur in with Federal Troops to force the marchers out. MacArthur ignored his orders to use unarmed soldiers, instead using tanks and the point of the bayonet to subdue and force the marchers out of Washington. Assisting his efforts were Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton. Bush 1 used elements of the 7th Light Infantry from Ft. Ord to bring order to the streets of LA when riots broke out after the Rodney King affair. As an aside note, I was at Ft. Bragg at the time on AT and it was a tense time there as well. These are just the more notable examples I've listed here. My point is, it has happened in the past and probably will in the future. When it's happened in the past, it has never destroyed our Republic. I highly doubt it will in the future unless the military should take a side. And I don't see that ever happening. If you'd like to see a partial list of other times the Military has been deployed with in the borders to quell unrest and strikes, check out this website. The ones in blue have articles associated with them. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/war-plan-white.htm

I thought they had quit producing it, but I wasn't sure. Thanks for the info.

Don't forget the pistol caliber carbines. Hi-Point makes one in 9mm and 40S&W. They get very good reviews. Their cost is around $200. Rumor has it that a .45acp is coming out soon if it's not already out. Marlin made a Camp Carbine in 9mm. It's discontinued now, but you still see them from time to time. Cost about $400. Ruger also makes a police carbine in 9mm and 40S&W. Cost is about $400. Masterpiece Arms makes one in all the above mentioned calibers. Don't have a clue about the cost. KelTec makes a little fold up carbine in 9mm and 40S&W that can except Glock or Beretta Mags. They may also except others. Not sure. Cost is about $350. Beretta also makes a carbine in 9mm and 40S&W. They accept the Beretta Pistol mags as well. Cost is about $600.

Awesome info! I wish I had it when I was doing my conversion!

If I remember correctly, CCA wanted $620 to do a Saiga conversion. That put my butt into gear to do it myself. Magic, it's not hard at all, and I am NOT handy with tools.

I got a Hi-point in 9mm. Decent little carbine. PAIN IN THE ASS to tear down and clean. and the trigger isn't the best in the world. ONLY BUY HI-POINT MAGAZINES! All others are junk. I changed the stock out for an ATI like the one above. And like it much better. All in all it was worth the $150 I paid for it, used.

If I am breaking any rules concerning posting a link to other websites, I apologize before hand. Sorry! Leroy, a wonderful site dedicated to the Saiga is www.saiga-12.com . There is a TON of info there on conversions to the entire Saiga line of shotguns and rifles. I'd advise checking it out.I encourage you to go ahead and buy one and do the conversion. I just finished my conversion on a .223 and I love it! I want to get a shotgun next and convert it! The conversion is very easy to do. There are step by step videos on youtube that you can follow as well as other places. The youtube videos aren't the best but they give you a real good idea of what to do (If he'd only checked his camera view from time to time they would have been better). And I must say that I am not an experienced machinist. Actually I'm the exact opposite! But I muddled through and came out with a nice looking rifle. I probably had about 3 hours total in the conversion process. Hint: A dremel tool makes life much easier! I'd also like to give big +1 to Carolina Shooting Supply! First class operation! They also have some videos you can watch.

Great revolvers! I have a Colt Agent which is the same thing but with an alloy frame. Shoots like a dream, but unfortunately looks like hell. Lost a lot of the blueing. But I love it. It's my keeper.

I have a Gen 2 Colt Agent and it is a terrific pistol! I wouldn't trade it for the world. Shoots great, but it ain't no prom queen either. Fantastic trigger!

I'd probably carry my 1911a1.

Now it's a Saiga AK in .223.