User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:08:30 AM EDT
[#1]
No.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:10:18 AM EDT
[#2]
Try entering and exiting a vehicle or dwelling with one.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:10:30 AM EDT
[#3]
I'm gonna say no I would want something smaller since you never know where you will end up in shtf. You might have to climb stuff, enter and exit vehicles maybe some tunnels who knows?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:11:15 AM EDT
[#4]
With advancments in ammo today........nope
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:13:26 AM EDT
[#5]
I guess it depends on what you envision SHTF looking like. If you're going to be in close confines and in and out of vehicles, then shorter makes sense. If you plan on carrying it a long way, then lighter makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:17:23 AM EDT
[#6]
I really think many here would be disappointed that SHTF will not be like they pictured it. It won't be an never ending call of duty gun battle. There was a very good thread years ago from a member who went through an actual SHTF where neighbors patrolled their neighborhoods after Katrina. Any rifle would of done fine as the only time they actually had to use them was to shoot snakes and other critters.
So for me a 20" AR would do just fine. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:17:33 AM EDT
[#7]
I'd agree since I have no illusions that I'm going to be some Lone Wolf Mcquade when SHTF. I'm going to be hunkering down working a perimeter and a range card ,not kicking doors and clearing buildings.
ARF never fails to amuse me. Shit goes sideways and everyone wants to play Seal Team Six. Good Luck with that. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:19:07 AM EDT
[#8]
Probably not, but SHTF is such a confused and amorphous concept I'd wager that the marginal difference between a 20" and a 16" wouldn't matter.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:19:08 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No. I disagree, use what you are comfortable and competent with. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:19:14 AM EDT
[#10]
I don't operate dynamically, but a suppressed SBR with good ammo seems like the better answer to me.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:21:46 AM EDT
[#11]
I'd be quite comfortable with a full sized A2. It's real life, not a video game.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:22:27 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Try entering and exiting a vehicle or dwelling with one. No shit. I had to do that from 04-07, when my unit finally decided to give M4s to the Bradley guys. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:23:09 AM EDT
[#13]
Sure, because with a fixed bayonet the 20" makes a better close combat weapon.....
No, but seriously shorter and lighter is the way to go. And of course, look at what any military group that gets a choice of what to carry uses; shorties abound. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:23:31 AM EDT
[#14]
I'm running suppressed in SHTF, so I'm sticking with 12.5".
Even 16" with a can is a little long. For velocity, 20" is the tittles. But for general use I think it's too long. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:23:39 AM EDT
[#15]
Smooth shooting or not. a 10.3 or 14.5 is just as easy to handle as a 20.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:23:51 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
PRO's :Turns m193 into a better AP than m855, longer sight radius for iron sights when batteries are gone, softer shooting gun. CON's :Less compact, heavier depending on barrel profile. No. IMO, at least in an urban environment concealability will trump a long rifle. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:25:46 AM EDT
[#17]
SHTFantisies, it might not be good for. But for a disrupted area for a short time, i.e. Katrina, any gun will be better than no gun. I believe food and medicine and shelter will be infinitely more valuable than your preferred pick of rifle.
If you find yourself in multiple gun battles without any kind of support, you may not be around too long. Just my .02 |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:26:05 AM EDT
[#18]
10.3" barrels!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:27:10 AM EDT
[#19]
Man, lately I've been shooting my 20" guns a lot more. I just bought a colt match target and I really dig it with the carry handle and open sights. I might thread the barrel and make a somewhat A2 clone out of it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:29:28 AM EDT
[#20]
If your job is overwatch and you're limited to a 5.56 then yes it makes sense.
Other than that, no. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:33:47 AM EDT
[#21]
nah, not close. People use optics now...longer sight radius is a non argument.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:34:32 AM EDT
[#22]
I just don't think it matters. I can't imagine a situation where I'm taking a shot beyond 50-100 yards. I still have to be justified in my use of force. That makes any benefit to a 20 inch null. Then again I have a Garand with M2AP in en blocs.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:35:29 AM EDT
[#23]
Pass, lite & compact
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:35:40 AM EDT
[#24]
In any scenario that's halfway plausible you'll be better off with a rifle near to hand than a bigger rifle.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:36:24 AM EDT
[#25]
In shtf targets are at the minimum 5 inches wide. You don't need to split hairs, only heads.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:36:42 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No. FPNI |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:37:31 AM EDT
[#27]
No.
Get short and add a suppressor. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:42:12 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I disagree, use what you are comfortable and competent with. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
No. I disagree, use what you are comfortable and competent with. For being a soldier or SWAT when SHTF, sure. For day-to-day activities of living in countless SHTF scenarios as a grey man, a 20in AR is not ideal. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:43:10 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Try entering and exiting a vehicle or dwelling with one. When I think of shtf I don't see vehicles playing a major role. Perhaps because I live in bfe not anywhere near a big city, my shtf is more of the one second after type. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 12:57:01 AM EDT
[#30]
I'm no operator and I haven't survived the end of the world either.
That said I spend a lot of time in the back country in Arizona, formerly Colorado. I try to limit myself to 50 lbs, water/food/ammo etc. Much more than that and I'll feel it before 10 miles are past and it'll slow me down. I'd frankly think the issue for most people in the classic "bug out" end of the world would mean the rifle's length is irrelevant but the weight is critical, ammo especially. For the sake of it- If I'm "end of the world" moving shopping Id immediately ax all battle rifles and 12 gauges. if it's the type of thing where I need firepower badly shits bananas and I'm probably not too inclined to move. If I'm carrying a semi-auto AR I'd lean M4 but I don't think the 20" would matter that much either. How many gun fights you plan on walking away from before you're using shit you picked up? There's no logistics, none. Overall I'd say- Glock 40 MOS and a scoped supressed 22 if you're moving. The biggest mother fucking gun you can handle if you're not. If you're in a car you won't be for long. All that said- I'm in southern Arizona, it's a lot of empty desert. Long on edibles, extremely short on surface water, none without treatment. Coverage is minimal on and on. You need a lot and you need to be able to move. If I was Bugging out in Minisota in May, fuck it, take a M92 |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:01:10 AM EDT
[#31]
You live in Mexico. Shit hits the fan there all the time. How many 20" vs 16" ARs do you see???
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:04:18 AM EDT
[#32]
1. Define "SHTF"
2. Pretty much.... NO. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:07:13 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
1. Define "SHTF" 2. Pretty much.... NO. I'm thinking one second after style shtf. Most electronic dead, starving people wandering the countryside looting. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:08:36 AM EDT
[#34]
The only realistic SHTF here is related to hurricanes.
I don't need to ruck anywhere, nor do I need to be doing convoy ops. I'll be sitting in the shade in a lawn chair with a rifle across my lap just like the last time. A full size A2 or for that matter, a Marlin 30-30 will do just fine. Neither will pose difficulties walking out the front door. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:12:11 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Try entering and exiting a vehicle or dwelling with one. Does 4 inches really hinder you that much? |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:12:48 AM EDT
[#36]
I used to think so. My shtf rifle was a 20". Then I got a M1 Garand and realized how utterly outclassed 5.56 is for range and penetration. Now my shtf AR is a lightweight 14.5" carbine and I am much happier with it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:16:44 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Does 4 inches really hinder you that much? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Try entering and exiting a vehicle or dwelling with one. Does 4 inches really hinder you that much? It did in HMMWVs and Bradleys. I haven't tried driving my focus with my A2 right next to me yet. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:17:50 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted: PRO's :Turns m193 into a better AP than m855, longer sight radius for iron sights when batteries are gone, softer shooting gun. CON's :Less compact, heavier depending on barrel profile. As someone who has carried both...NO! |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:18:44 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The only realistic SHTF here is related to hurricanes. I don't need to ruck anywhere, nor do I need to be doing convoy ops. I'll be sitting in the shade in a lawn chair with a rifle across my lap just like the last time. A full size A2 or for that matter, a Marlin 30-30 will do just fine. Neither will pose difficulties walking out the front door. Economic malaise causing crime is also a concern. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:26:21 AM EDT
[#40]
If I had the choice between that and a mini14, I'll take the 20" AR
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:27:46 AM EDT
[#41]
No. I'm going with SBR.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:33:06 AM EDT
[#42]
I push shorter and lighter on people because you're more likely to keep a small, easy to carry, PDW sized gun on you at all times, rather than sitting it down to rest, or to get it out of the way while you do x task, etc.
A 20" will work. I deployed and did a bunch of field problems with an A4, and I always wished I had something smaller every time I had to work while carrying it. ETA: I forgot to mention, suppressors are a lot less annoying on shorter guns, as others have said. That alone is a huge argument for a smaller gun. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:35:11 AM EDT
[#43]
An SBR makes the most sense. More maneuverable, lighter, easier to hide, better for vehicles.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:39:01 AM EDT
[#44]
It's not like infantrymen on a mission. Imagine living your life with your rifle. Soldiers know what I mean. A smaller rifle is less like to be at home or in the car or just over there.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:39:14 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd be quite comfortable with a full sized A2. It's real life, not a video game. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:42:05 AM EDT
[#46]
In a SHTF situation, I'm going to want to carry a damn rifle at all times.
So, what's easier to carry 24/7, an SBR or a 20 inch A2? 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:43:38 AM EDT
[#47]
I'll stick with 10.5" or 14.5". The SHTF fantasy of all out of warfare is unlikely. PDW's would be more useful in reality.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 1:59:56 AM EDT
[#48]
I'll keep my 20" with an ACOG for SHTF.
I don't plan on trying to be Meal Team 87. I just wanna keep my home place safe and maybe plink varmints for food if things get tough. If it gets to the point where I "need" full auto and a suppressor and 20k in night vision and claymores and a few hand grenades, I'm already fucked anyway. I'm not trained for that, I'm effectively a team of 1 - maybe a few more other untrained peasants who have less gun knowledge than I do, and the resupply truck ain't coming. You're welcome to prepare however you feel necessary. I plan on trying to keep as low a profile. That means not running around in cars wasting precious gas and trying to play "freedom's last defender" by getting in to every gun battle I possibly can. If I can get through a short term SHTF without firing a shot, fine by me. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 2:02:15 AM EDT
[#49]
Opinions for days... haha OP pick what you're the most proficient/comfortable with.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2016 2:03:52 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'll keep my 20" with an ACOG for SHTF. I don't plan on trying to be Meal Team 87. I just wanna keep my home place safe and maybe plink varmints for food if things get tough. If it gets to the point where I "need" full auto and a suppressor and 20k in night vision and claymores and a few hand grenades, I'm already fucked anyway. I'm not trained for that, I'm effectively a team of 1 - maybe a few more other untrained peasants who have less gun knowledge than I do, and the resupply truck ain't coming. You're welcome to prepare however you feel necessary. I plan on trying to keep as low a profile. That means not running around in cars and trying to play "freedom's last defender" by getting in to every gun battle I possibly can. If I can get through a short term SHTF without firing a shot, fine by me. Meal Team 87  |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
