[greg_r]

Interesting conversation over coffee this morning. If TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) did happen, what handgun that you now own would you want to have with you? I dearly like my 1911’s and that is what was expected of me . But the 45acp is just not as common as it once was and I just want more than 7 rounds on board. My cartridge of choice is the 9mm. Not my favorite, but it is the most popular handgun cartridge in the world and it affords adequate capacity.

The GLOCK is an obvious choice. Almost everybody has one. (Just not me) And if it is asked of me what pistol should I buy if I am only going to have one pistol, my answer is always GLOCK, either the 19 or the 17. But I am just not real fond of the GLOCK pistols.

So what is my choice for a TEOTWAWKI pistol? Criteria is 9mm Luger, adequate capacity, and dependable.

My 3rd choice would be the Bersa Thunder 9. This sidearm is issued to the Argentine military and federal police. Mine is the Ultra Compact Pro model, which means the magazines only hold 13 rounds as compared to the 17 rounds that the duty size model holds. This is amongst the first 9mm pistols I purchased (IIRC, it was my 2nd, the first being the Taurus 709 Slim) and does not make the EDC cut simply because it is pretty thick and chunky. But it has proven itself dependable.

The Ruger P95 DC Would be my second choice (actually my first choice, but only because my example of my real 1st choice is chambered for 40 S&W) To my knowledge this is Ruger’s only handgun that has ever been issued to the US Army. In 2004 Ruger was awarded a contract for 5000 P95’s destined for the US Army Tank - Automotive and Armaments Command. My version is the P95DC and was shipped with 2 10 round magazines due to the Clinton era Federal Assault Weapons Ban, but standard capacity is 15 rounds.

My first choice is the Beretta PX4. I don’t know of any military that has adopted this sidearm, but it is NATO approved and more than a few police departments have issued this pistol. Mine is a police trade in. Unfortunately though it’s chambered in 40 S&W, so it doesn't meet my requirements for a TEOTWAWKI handgun. Still it is an excellent handgun with an excellent reputation for reliability. It is said to be capable of 150,000 rounds without breakage. My 40 S&W has a magazine capacity of 14 rounds, but the 9mm version has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds. I guess I sort of cheated by including the PX4 in my top 3 since I do not currently own the 9mm version, but unlike the Bersa and Ruger, the Beretta is still in production!

 

[undeRGRound]

Interesting conversation over coffee this morning. If TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) did happen, what handgun that you now own would you want to have with you? I dearly like my 1911’s and that is what was expected of me . But the 45acp is just not as common as it once was and I just want more than 7 rounds on board. My cartridge of choice is the 9mm. Not my favorite, but it is the most popular handgun cartridge in the world and it affords adequate capacity.

The GLOCK is an obvious choice. Almost everybody has one. (Just not me) And if it is asked of me what pistol should I buy if I am only going to have one pistol, my answer is always GLOCK, either the 19 or the 17. But I am just not real fond of the GLOCK pistols.

So what is my choice for a TEOTWAWKI pistol? Criteria is 9mm Luger, adequate capacity, and dependable.

My 3rd choice would be the Bersa Thunder 9. This sidearm is issued to the Argentine military and federal police. Mine is the Ultra Compact Pro model, which means the magazines only hold 13 rounds as compared to the 17 rounds that the duty size model holds. This is amongst the first 9mm pistols I purchased (IIRC, it was my 2nd, the first being the Taurus 709 Slim) and does not make the EDC cut simply because it is pretty thick and chunky. But it has proven itself dependable.
View attachment 75774
The Ruger P95 DC Would be my second choice (actually my first choice, but only because my example of my real 1st choice is chambered for 40 S&W) To my knowledge this is Ruger’s only handgun that has ever been issued to the US Army. In 2004 Ruger was awarded a contract for 5000 P95’s destined for the US Army Tank - Automotive and Armaments Command. My version is the P95DC and was shipped with 2 10 round magazines due to the Clinton era Federal Assault Weapons Ban, but standard capacity is 15 rounds.
View attachment 75775

My first choice is the Beretta PX4. I don’t know of any military that has adopted this sidearm, but it is NATO approved and more than a few police departments have issued this pistol. Mine is a police trade in. Unfortunately though it’s chambered in 40 S&W, so it doesn't meet my requirements for a TEOTWAWKI handgun. Still it is an excellent handgun with an excellent reputation for reliability. It is said to be capable of 150,000 rounds without breakage. My 40 S&W has a magazine capacity of 14 rounds, but the 9mm version has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds. I guess I sort of cheated by including the PX4 in my top 3 since I do not currently own the 9mm version, but unlike the Bersa and Ruger, the Beretta is still in production!
View attachment 75776

40 S&W may be a bit more available in TEOTWAWKI than you're thinking, Greg. Remember all the rounds that .GOV bought for DHS? Got a good bud in NV who has been an NRA certified pistol instructor since way back, he was hired to train a class of DHS agents/ossifers w/e they call them. Kong story short, he got a few boxes of that ammo as a "tip" and it's top drawer 40 Feed! 180gr bonded hollow points, iirc it was sealed like NATO rounds, sealed bullets and primers.


MY TEOTWAWKI LINEUP...
Definitely Glunk oriented, I'd have to say I'd be carrying the G43x if it was a sudden occurrence, that amd my GHB gets me (hopefully) back to the 'compound' where I'd likely gear up to the serious stuff.

One likely 'daily driver' combo would be...
1. G43x as a b.u.g.
2. G34 sidearm
3. G.AR9 pistol 10.5" barrel, (G for glunk mags) or:
4. AR9 (Colt pattern) 16" barrel, but then magazines don't match. But I'd rather carry 5.56 if I'm going full size like that anyway, so...
5. M4 type AR15

Sorry I violated the pistol aspect of this thread, but I'm a systems type of guy. 1 thru 3 is all pistol. Later, I will posit a "fantasy lineup" where it would be more like your TEOTWAWKI Favorites as listed above. This right here is my PRACTICAL TEOTWAWKI LIST.

 

[yworrydog]

Love my Beretta PX4 Storm 9MM. Shoulder holster 17+1 in the gun, and 2 magazines to balance it out.

 

[ajole]

In TEOTWAWKI, I’m probably not rambling around scrounging ammo, so while I agree with Greg that .40 ammo won’t be as easy to find as it may have been 5 years ago, I have plenty at my house, so I’m OK with the 40. Or the 10 mm, for that matter. Or the 9 mm.

TEOTWAWKI…..I’m packing more than 1 handgun, and I’m probably caring a rifle everywhere too. It’s not normal now…but anyone that’s been in the military knows it’s not “that” hard to have it at hand 24/7.

So, my handguns…the G20. Go big or go home, on a chest rig. Then the .357 Taurus 605 for good measure, on a hip. That could be a G22 or Ruger SR40, depending on how I feel that day. Then the Sig P365 in an appendix holster, and something…PF9 or TCP….in an ankle holster. Spare mags for the first two on the belt.
And no, I’m not worried about weight. I’m not humping anywhere, I’m at home. I got no where to go, and my food and stuff is all here.

 

[barnetmill]

For handguns when organized industry has shut down meaning no spare parts. Likely some gunsmiths will still be around a lot of people may have spare parts and mags for certain pistols.
1911 stands out and so does the glock.
Glocks can accumulate high round counts, but since they use mim parts one never knows if say the striker will break on round 3,000 or at round 30,000. I have a clear plastic container with glock parts and I also have some 1911 parts on hand. I have mags for both.
So these are the two pistols that I recommend for TEOTWAWKI Pistols.
I recommend the 9x19 round since it is the most generic these days. While hard to find in stores lately, there is a lot of .45 ACP around and the components to load.
.22 LR pistols like the rugers should not be discounted. They are accurate and durable. There is also a tremendous amount of .22 LR ammunition that has been stockpiled. Set yourself up with a still and for rot gut corn licker likely you can trade for all of the .22 lr that you want. By the way a .22 LR will kill if you shoot for vital areas in a most efficient manner.

 

[bumthum]

I mean... how long until the predators come for you? Or do you become a predator? That kind of informs the decision because of ammo and parts supply. My primary is going to be some sort of semi-auto rifle, but I think the handgun would be more problematic. My first instinct would be one of my 9mm choices, but how long do I need to sustain it? If I'm willing to go on the offensive then I imagine ammo is readily available and a more common pistol (like a Glock... which I don't own) would also allow access to replacement parts. However, if I want to maintain some of my humanity, not go out hunting people for their supplies, then I imagine I would rock something that is a simple blowback. I have a decent stockpile of 9mm Mak, so I'm thinking my CZ-82. It shoots well, I have enough ammo to use it as a back up to my primary long arm, and it hits hard enough to damage most two legged predators.

... I know you all thought I would say a Raven. Shame on you for typecasting me.

 

[barnetmill]

I mean... how long until the predators come for you? Or do you become a predator? That kind of informs the decision because of ammo and parts supply. My primary is going to be some sort of semi-auto rifle, but I think the handgun would be more problematic. My first instinct would be one of my 9mm choices, but how long do I need to sustain it? If I'm willing to go on the offensive then I imagine ammo is readily available and a more common pistol (like a Glock... which I don't own) would also allow access to replacement parts. However, if I want to maintain some of my humanity, not go out hunting people for their supplies, then I imagine I would rock something that is a simple blowback. I have a decent stockpile of 9mm Mak, so I'm thinking my CZ-82. It shoots well, I have enough ammo to use it as a back up to my primary long arm, and it hits hard enough to damage most two legged predators.

... I know you all thought I would say a Raven. Shame on you for typecasting me.

Nothing wrong with 9x18 mak if that is what you have along with the ammo. I do not know the CZ82 and hopefully it is better designed than was the case with CZ52 relative to parts durability.
It uses a 12-rd, staggered-column, detachable box magazine (9×18mm Makarov/.380 ACP that sounds like a difficult item to locate and you should make sure you have several.
Your gun might also function with 380.

 

[undeRGRound]

... I know you all thought I would say a Raven. Shame on you for typecasting me.

:rotfl:

Never gonna typecast You, Bummy

 

[bumthum]

:rotfl:

Never gonna typecast You, Bummy

On the lines of "Not one of my Ravens", you know, I briefly considered an AR pistol or Zastava M92, but really that would just be a burden if I was already carrying a rifle. The CZ-82 is just a good compromise as a sidearm, if things get rough I can service targets with something that is better suited for the task than a handgun.

 

[RACHGIER]

On the lines of "Not one of my Ravens", you know, I briefly considered an AR pistol or Zastava M92, but really that would just be a burden if I was already carrying a rifle. The CZ-82 is just a good compromise as a sidearm, if things get rough I can service targets with something that is better suited for the task than a handgun.

Drop leg holsters make AR pistols more easily transportable.

I carry a G20 with 2 mags in a drop leg, an AR15 (.223 wylde) or SR10 (.308win) on a single point sling, and my compound bow in a bow sling, and wear a 28L day pack with 3L of water when I'm out hunting. If you take the time to plan it, prep it, and practice it you'll survive just fine with minimal burden.

 

[mr_flintstone]

It’s been a while since I posted anything, but I found this topic interesting. I take an end of the world situation to be one which means likely relocating, possibly quickly, and carrying all necessary survival materials with me. In such a case, I would prefer a matched pair of .22 LR handgun and rifle that were reliable and accurate. My pair would be a Ruger Mark III and a Marlin 60. The reason being that they are light, quite effective on small game sized animals, a moderate deterrent to humans, and I can carry a few thousand rounds of ammunitions vs a few hundred of some larger caliber/rifle combination. You won’t fight any wars with a .22, but for surviving in most of the continental US, it’s a good combination

 

[moona11]

This is easy. Whatever I choose for the day. I have a few choices. Since I keepa minimum of 10 mags per hand gun the choices are easy.

 

[greg_r]

It’s been a while since I posted anything, but I found this topic interesting. I take an end of the world situation to be one which means likely relocating, possibly quickly, and carrying all necessary survival materials with me. In such a case, I would prefer a matched pair of .22 LR handgun and rifle that were reliable and accurate. My pair would be a Ruger Mark III and a Marlin 60. The reason being that they are light, quite effective on small game sized animals, a moderate deterrent to humans, and I can carry a few thousand rounds of ammunitions vs a few hundred of some larger caliber/rifle combination. You won’t fight any wars with a .22, but for surviving in most of the continental US, it’s a good combination

I do not disagree. A pair of .22’s have always been in my plan. My choices have been the Ruger MKII and the Ruger 10/22 for a long time. The AR7 is my behind the seat / backpack gun.

 

[ajole]

I have a decent stockpile of 9mm Mak, so I'm thinking my CZ-82. It shoots well, I have enough ammo to use it as a back up to my primary long arm, and it hits hard enough to damage most two legged predators.

I have a CZ-82. I LOVE that gun. If it were made in polymer, I would love it even more....it is a bit hefty for the 12 rounds it carries. As is the CZ-75D compact with the 15 rounds. But holy moley, do they feel good in the hand.

IMHO, if CZ made the CZ82 in polymer, and then set it up to take their duty size mags too....they'd sell more than a few of them.
And no, to those pointing at the polymer CZ's....they are NOT the same size or feel as the 82.

 

[Pistolkitty]

As long as we can stand our ground at our home base, I don't have to choose 1. But I've been thinking about what I would choose for a few days and haven't decided. I know I'd we have to bug out to the woods, we will each have a 22mag rifle- accuracy, versatility, and ease of carrying quite a bit of ammo. As far as a pistol, as in I need to choose 1 that I already own and only one, I keep going back and forth. I am the most deadly accurate with my .38 s&w snub, closely seconded by my super Blackhawk. But those are heavy and have limited capacity. I could choose my pmr 30, that way I don't have to carry a second type of ammo, and the 30 round capacity is nice, but they are so ammo picky, and even though I've found the ammo mine likes (30 gr hornady vmax) it is not the same stuff we run in the rifles (40 gr maxi mags). Plus I'm not as accurate with it. Could I stop a 2 legged predator? I have little doubt, but it would probably take a few hits. I am not confident that I could hit and drop small game with 1 shot with that pistol.
Which brings me to 9mm. Husband would likely choose his taurus g2c. I have a g3c and they share mags so that would be an obvious choice but I would need to spend a little more time shooting that gun- I rarely do because I just don't love it. Not even sure why, I just don't. I guess if I had to bug out tomorrow, it'd be the canik. Accurate, comfortable, good capacity.

We have quite a bit of land and it's deep woods, drastic elevation changes. But we could survive and hide out on our own land for a long time, so we do have plans for buried caches in the works.

 

[ajole]

We have quite a bit of land and it's deep woods, drastic elevation changes. But we could survive and hide out on our own land for a long time, so we do have plans for buried caches in the works.

Just remember....some buried caches take time and effort to "unbury" and access.

Some of the "survivalists" out there seem to think they will be in evasion mode, running through the woods to escape the Feds, and then pop up out of the brush carrying their cached stuff and fully armed with their binary trigger and illegal suppressor 2 minutes later to surprise and decimate their enemy. I guess if you bury a pipe vertically and only have to take an inch of dirt off the top and unscrew the lid, that could work.

Think of it as a place to store things that anyone searching your house, like a robber, would not find, so you can access it later at your liesure; and you'll be fine.

A local guy went to jail for growing and distributing weed that he grew in a cave he dug. Access was through a trap door in the floor of a shed. The cop I knew that found it followed the power lines to the shed, then had to move a few old rusty bikes and a lawnmower (no lawn on the place) to access the door in the floor. Yes, he had a warrant. Just pointing out another way to make a "cache". Not many will look too close under an old abandoned outhouse or a lopsided "pump house" covering a few rusty machines.
Funny thing, on my lot, the remote read water meter is in a 12-14" wide, 4 foot deep hole with a plastic utility cover, all covered with brush. Perfect size to stash a PVC pipe full of a few things, and unless something breaks, no one is going to bother opening it.

 

[Rerun]

As much as I downtalk the Ruger 10/22 it will be my carry long arm accompanied by my Taurus G3 9mm.

I own several XM-25 magazines for the 10/22 whereas all my Marlin model 60's are tube fed.

They are more accurate out of the box but, with my current eyesight, the 10/22 is a better take to shtf/teotwawki.firearm.

In my EDC, I'll have my Taurus .38 Special and my AR-7 in my BOB.

Rerun

Edit: I've gifted my Taurus model 85 3" SS 5 shot revolver plus 500 rounds of ammunition to my father.

Needing a different backup piece, probably 9mm.

 

[Bull]

Just remember....some buried caches take time and effort to "unbury" and access.

Some of the "survivalists" out there seem to think they will be in evasion mode, running through the woods to escape the Feds, and then pop up out of the brush carrying their cached stuff and fully armed with their binary trigger and illegal suppressor 2 minutes later to surprise and decimate their enemy. I guess if you bury a pipe vertically and only have to take an inch of dirt off the top and unscrew the lid, that could work.

Think of it as a place to store things that anyone searching your house, like a robber, would not find, so you can access it later at your liesure; and you'll be fine.

A local guy went to jail for growing and distributing weed that he grew in a cave he dug. Access was through a trap door in the floor of a shed. The cop I knew that found it followed the power lines to the shed, then had to move a few old rusty bikes and a lawnmower (no lawn on the place) to access the door in the floor. Yes, he had a warrant. Just pointing out another way to make a "cache". Not many will look too close under an old abandoned outhouse or a lopsided "pump house" covering a few rusty machines.
Funny thing, on my lot, the remote read water meter is in a 12-14" wide, 4 foot deep hole with a plastic utility cover, all covered with brush. Perfect size to stash a PVC pipe full of a few things, and unless something breaks, no one is going to bother opening it.

Too old and fat to run...Everything is in one place, and all I need is people handing me mags.

 

[RACHGIER]

Too old and fat to run...Everything is in one place, and all I need is people handing me mags.

Do what I did and the first 10 are already ready already...

 

[Oaktree45]

As much as I like my Browning Hi-Power, my TEOTWAWKI pistol would be my Springfield Armory XD Elite 9mm. My rifle would be my Norinco MAK 90 and my shotgun would be my Mossberg 500. In the event of a nuclear war I won't have to worry about weapons since I live less than one mile from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency which I'm sure is a high priority target for our enemies. In a nuclear war I would be a pile of dust and my weapons melted metal. I was not happy when the NGA moved into my neighborhood.