Ok dude, what? I know, the title is deceptive - but here is my question… should I be investing in more guns or the accessories that make them better, like optics otherwise known as “glass”? Glass is a term for optics, likely because most optics, particularly hunting scopes, are made with glass.
Most shooters will tell you that your budget for a firearm should be as follows: if you pay X for your firearm, the optics should cost 2-3X. In other words, if you buy a $700 rifle, the optic on top should cost between $1,400 and $2,100. That seems like a lot but it brings me to my current conundrum. I have some money that I want to invest in defense, typically that means firearms. BUT – should I be buying more guns or optics for the guns I already have?
More guns is nice because it gives me spares and redundancy for the ones I already have. It also gives me the ability to arm more people in my family or group should they be without weapons. But, any operator will tell you that properly zero’d optics will make you more proficient which results in more hits (kills) and that helps you win the fight. What good is 10 guns if you can’t get rounds on target? Wouldn’t ONE gun that was effective be better? Good question.
Currently I am looking for a new optic for my AR – and no, there is no “right” answer. BUT – there certainly are better options and much better options if you are willing to spend the dough. Consider that preppers are mainly considering defensive capabilities. I hope you are not prepping to siege your friends and neighbors! Defensive shooting will require long, medium and close-quarters capabilities and therefore an solution that gives you all of those capabilities is optimal. Preppers should also be considering quality and durability – when the SHTF, www.amazon.com will not be able to overnight you a new optic. You need to buy quality! I also want simplicity, I have been considering the brand new Eotech package found here. At $1,000, this optic, gives you close quarter capabilities via the regular Eotech holographic sight but also the medium range via the flip to the side magnifier. This isn’t perfect given the time it takes to switch between the two (yes, even though it is minimal) and you have parts that can get caught in your gear and cause problems. Eotech are rugged and battle tested so you are GTG there.
The solution I would really like is this one.. (insert homer simpson drooling sound) the Trijicon ACOG with RMR red dot on top. I really want this, but at $1,700, it is almost TWICE the Eotech and the equivalent to another AR or two pistols, etc. You have the battle proven ACOG which is a mid to long range scope, the durability that cannot be rivaled (these optics get run over by HUMVEEs and still maintain zero, actual quote “Decided to go with an ACOG after seeing one that was mounted on an Army M4 get run over by an LMTV (armored scout car) in Afghanistan. After the armorer checked it out, both the ACOG and the M-4 were still operational and on zero“) but you also get the CQ ability of the red dot for 30 – 100 yard engagements. The transition is seamless as there are no parts to move, simply bring your eye up or down and re-engage the target.
Ok, so I am using my blog to work through my quandary. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
What about training? Doesn’t it make more sense to spend money on training with ONE weapon than buying a bunch? Yes/No? On one hand you will master that weapon but you better hope it lasts! With limited financial resources – we must choose.
Ah, the life of a prepper. So much to prep – so little time – so much less money!
PREP HARD – PREP NOW
-SP
Training & practice before “glass.” I can hit a target 6 inches across at 300 yards with peep & post sights with a 30.06.
If you can’t shoot that well without glass, you won’t be able to shoot that well with glass. Your rifle will *always* be more accurate than you are.
http://swfa.com/Leatherwood-1-4×24-CMR-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-Kit-P47565.aspx.
A nice variable power scope, 1-4x. Shoots NICE!!!!
it is much more accurate than the operator.
It makes it tough for us here in Australia as semi auto or fully auto weapons are banned so all we are able to legally get are permitts for are bolt action weapons, although there are some exceptions.
There is also talk amougst some politicians to limit people to only 3 guns, so get in and get them now.
I agree about the optics, but a good scope and zero it in over 100 metres and practice making one shot count.
I admit I have cheap optics on mine. For defense — not any type of long range offense, since that’s not what I’m about — I believe it will do the job, and hopefully would never have to!
I think your best bet is to have enough weapons for you and your family to all be armed. Target practice often. Once I have a rifle and 1 to two handguns for everyone in my family to be armed, I will only focus on stockpiling ammunition. To me, this makes more sense. Without plenty of ammo, a gun is useless.
Neither AMMO is most important. If things really hit the fan Ammo will be scarce. Quality is key. For example I have a Piston driven system (fewer failures and things to go wrong). I also have an ACOG with RMR (no batteries). I don’t but seven rifles (my friends have theres my wife has hers) I buy as much M855 as I can. I also buy some hollow point 75 grain 5.56.
I carry a Sig P229 in .357 and well that’s my baby. I own a shotgun. I have two friends with custom .308′s and another with a .50BMG. So I make sure just to stock up on the ammo, as much ammo as I can. I could buy more rifles. I could buy more optics but in the heat of the moment accuracy drops and your going to shoot more than you think unless you can train ALL the time under stress! Training with Simunitions is great if you can do it.
But if you want to prep you need food. You need land. You need solid shelter. So there is a lot to take into account. What scale are you looking at to? A few days of unrest (Eotech is great then! cheap and effective). Nearing the end of civilizaton. Then look long term duration.
Guns and optics are good.But remember unless you are trained and have a clear mind no matter what optics or gun its only as good as the shooter.Under stress thing are and appear different. A DPMS 223 is a good choice at 600.00 and a EO tec at 450.00 works just fine.As a bullet reloader also know your bullet. Many types and variations.Good 223 loads and a good barrel twist will deliver a 1/4 mile shot within less than 12 inch circle.Must know windage and elevation know matter how good you are. Most people if smart will flee when bullets fly.