When it comes to preparing for urban survival, picking the right firearms can make all the difference between safety and adaptability. From expert viewpoints, here are three recommended firearms that balance accessibility, effectiveness, and practicality for most urban dwellers.
A break-action 12-gauge shotgun, over/under or side by side, is another great choice. In short, it is a simple firearm with few moving parts and is generally considered one of the most reliable shotguns out there. Like most shotguns, it will be perfectly usable at close range, making it quite an effective defensive gun. Not especially suitable for bugging out due to bulkiness, it is valued for home defense by its stopping power and, in general, ease of use.
The semi-auto rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO will suffice for the person wanting a decently reliable and potent firearm. These rifles assure great effectiveness, ample capacity, and good usability. They are easier to shoot accurately compared to handguns, and they also carry into action well both indoors and outdoors within urban environments. Their primary role in an urban setting is, of course, self-defense, wherein they excel-not ideal for hunting medium to large game.
The .357 revolver is highly recommended due to its versatility and ease of use. Since it’s capable of firing both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, that affords an owner greater varieties of ammunition available. The .38 Special is especially good for a beginner, as it has lighter recoil, while the .357 Magnum packs a real wallop. The simplicity of the manual of arms for the revolver makes it usable by almost anyone; plus, the six shots on board are usually adequate for most self-defense situations. Besides that, it is easily able to be carried on one’s person, so it is an adaptable choice for situations of different types.
Other firearms to consider would be any striker-fired 9mm handgun since it offers a good balance between power and ease of use; a .22 semi-auto rifle, for its lightweight, easy shooting with accuracy, and most inexpensive ammunition. A pump-action 12-gauge shotgun may be a popular option for greater capacity, though it generally requires more familiarity to operate than the firearm above.
Experts continue to argue that most of the critical areas in which .22LR is touted for versatility are pretty much lacking. Although quiet, inexpensive, and light, it lacks power and accuracy compared to other calibers. Its low recoil and thereby carrying a large supply of ammunition comfortably are its only positive points. It is good for maintaining skills and recreational shooting but is not a very reliable choice for survival situations.
For that reason, choices of firearms for urban survival have to be a balancing act between ease of use, availability of ammunition, and effectiveness. The .357 revolver, 5.56 NATO-chambered semi-auto rifle, and break-action 12-gauge shotgun top the list because of their versatility in working well in some scenarios.