Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
10. The most common calibers for rifles are .22 LR (long rifle), .223, 7.62×39mm, .308, .30-06.
For handguns the most common calibers are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP (most police forces
have standardized on the .40 S&W). For shotguns the most common calibers are 12 gauge and
20 gauge. In general, you should stick to one of the most common calibers, and limit the num-
ber of different caliber guns that you rely upon, so you will not have to stock a huge selection of
ammunition, and so you can more easily find ammunition for your guns through trade or barter,
should the need arise.
11. Most serious gun enthusiasts and survivalists will purchase “reloading” equipment that enables
them to recondition and reload their fired cartridge cases with new primers, powder charges, and
bullets. If you shoot thousands of rounds, this will save you money over the long run, and it is
also a hedge against some future time when ammunition may be unavailable or the sales severely
restricted.
Practice and Training
Just because you may have been a decent shot once upon a time does not mean you have re-
tained that skill. It takes regular practice to maintain or improve your shooting skills. Initially,
try to shoot as often as you can, but at least once a week until you feel you have achieved an
adequate level of proficiency. After that, make sure that you go shooting at least every month
or two to ensure that your skills have not slid into the “near worthless” category, as mine did
(serious shooters suggest at least once a week). There is no better way to find out what guns
you feel comfortable with, than to go shooting with friends, or receive training from a profes-
sional where you are able to try out a variety of models and ammunition. It takes actual use to
figure out what type and caliber of gun and ammunition you are comfortable with.
A small cute gun may not stop that attacker when you need it most, or stop that charging
bear, but a gun that is too powerful and imposing for its owner will never see much practice, so
it probably won't do him or her much good when needed. Salesmen at your local sportsman
specialty stores (such as a Cabela's), or enthusiasts at a local gun club, should be able to point
you in the right direction for receiving reputable firearms training where you will also be able
to try out a variety of firearms. If you can't find a local recommended source, you might try the
NRA, Western Rifle Shooting Association (
westernrifleshooters.blogspot.com
), or Project
Appleseed (
appleseedinfo.org
) for one of their rifle shooting clinics.
Gun Safety
You can never put too much focus on gun safety. Especially if you have children around, either
full time or as potential visitors, guns should be securely locked away and the ammunition
should be locked in a separate location. Simply storing your ammunition in one place, and your
guns in another, is not enough to keep them out of the hands of curious children. I speak that
