Choosing inconspicuous. . .

[zerochance]

I'm looking pretty hard at 'bug out' or pack rifle and one of the main arguements I see is about how inconspicuous a weapon appears to law enforcement and authority. There really isn't any hard evidence or case log out there so I'm polling some of you to see your thoughts on the subject of weapon form versus function. How has a weapons appearance altered your experiences with law enforcement OR if you are in law enforcement do you react differently to a person with a hunting rifle vs a military style rifle?

My own personal experience, as a younger man I used to go out shooting at some old mining lands locally. It wasn't exactly legal, but for the most part everybody did it and it was never a problem. However, in later years, as housing began to encroach on the former mines and peoples attitudes toward firearms changed, shooting out at the mines would sooner or later result in a visit from the local sheriffs deputies. I got 'asked' to leave several times over the last couple of years before the mines got closed off completely. What I discovered is that when I was shooting something like a little squirrel rifle the deputy had a whole lot fewer questions and a whole lot softer demeanor. But when I was shooting an AR the questions were sterner, serial numbers needed to be checked, and on and on.

Now just how these things might apply TEOTWAWKI I don't know. The authorities may be just as likely, I think, to pull a Nagin and sieze all firearms, regardless of type. Or maybe they be so busy they will just go after the guys wearing full camoflage and packing military firearms. There seems to be a bit of growth in the whole crack down on 'domestic terrorists' and 'militias' movement of late. Anyone see that going anywhere?

Your thoughts?

[kenno]

Well, not knowing your exact situation but understanding you want to be a Grey-Man I would go with a 22 mag:
#1 it is a Rim Fire so may not be listed as an "Offensive Weapon"
#2 it has power, more than is commonly appreicated.
#3 it is not more expensive that center fire ammo.
#4 In a good rifle or pistol it is accurate and will take large game. I know one air force type who liberated himself from 2 NVA Milita with a High Standard 22Mag derringer.
#5 A few 22mag rifles are takedown

[Apocalyptic_Sojourner]

Think I'll stick with the AR-10 and a 45 on the side.

[Oscar Wilde]

.... The authorities may be just as likely, I think, to pull a Nagin and sieze all firearms, regardless of type.... Your thoughts?

I wouldn't select a weapon with the thought of "authorities" in mind .... others have provided viable points to consider in choosing their ensemble .... how I appear to others isn't one of mine. If you think you might surrender your weapon when someone barks demands at you, save your money and buy .... something else.

O.W.

[nakadnu]

If you are concerned about appearences buy yourself an AR, Mini-14 or what have you for your SHTF weapon and then buy a Ruger 10-22 to practice with. Keep your big gun a secret and save money shooting a .22LR.
When they come to take your guns they are not going to care if it is a semiauto, bolt action etc. Once the gun grab starts they will most likely want to get rid of them all.

Once they find out you are a prepper or survivalist your reputation with the Govt will be shot to hell anyway!

[monet861]

Have any of you seen the Rossi Ranchhand? Nice little pack sized rifle that shots pistol ammo. Also made of wood(not black).

[slowz1k]

monet861
"Have any of you seen the Rossi Ranchhand?"

That's a cool little firearm... But there is no way I could ever own one. I know for a fact that I do not have the self control to keep from replacing that stock with a full sized one, to make a mean little SBR in .44 OR .357.

[monet861]

Your holstered pic is missing the second one for your other hand. That will have to be my next toy. I have been thinking of a 9mm carbine so I would have the pistol/rifle combo, but I do so like .357. I have a .44 also, but the .357 is a bit cheaper.

[cbprice797]

Hey Monet I got a suggestion. If you are looking for an 9mm carbine dont forget the little inexpensive HiPoint. I know it has this terrible reputation, as do their pistols. However, I have had their carbine for nearly three years and I have put ALOT of rounds through it and never had problems, NO ONE I know that has one has ever had an issue with theirs and I know two others that own one and they have never had problems. One of them has had theirs for at least five years because shooting his is what convinced me to buy one. HiPoint has a bad reputation but I have NEVER personally known anyone that actually owned either their carbines or their handguns that had problems with them. Well my buddy George managed to run over his with his truck but all he did was send it back to the company and they replaced it and he was shooting his new carbine in under two weeks. They have the BEST warranty of any company. My first Glock 17 had a firing pin problem of all things and the damn thing was only a few months old. It took FOREVER to get the problem solved. Another thing about the HiPoint warranty is that it is for the LIFE of the weapon. You can be the third or tenth owner and the warranty is still in effect. I actually bought a screwed up HiPoint .40 from an individual a couple of years ago for 25 bucks. I packed it up and sent it off. About three weeks later i received a packed with a hand written note explaining that theyh were unable to repair the weapon to factory specs so they were replacing the weapon. HOW COOL IS THAT. Even though they are not very balanced, ugly as sin, and do not carry a "famous" name these weapons are not deserving of the crap that is said about them.

[Rednekdaddy]

Hey Monet I got a suggestion. If you are looking for an 9mm carbine dont forget the little inexpensive HiPoint. I know it has this terrible reputation, as do their pistols. However, I have had their carbine for nearly three years and I have put ALOT of rounds through it and never had problems, NO ONE I know that has one has ever had an issue with theirs and I know two others that own one and they have never had problems. One of them has had theirs for at least five years because shooting his is what convinced me to buy one. HiPoint has a bad reputation but I have NEVER personally known anyone that actually owned either their carbines or their handguns that had problems with them. Well my buddy George managed to run over his with his truck but all he did was send it back to the company and they replaced it and he was shooting his new carbine in under two weeks. They have the BEST warranty of any company. My first Glock 17 had a firing pin problem of all things and the damn thing was only a few months old. It took FOREVER to get the problem solved. Another thing about the HiPoint warranty is that it is for the LIFE of the weapon. You can be the third or tenth owner and the warranty is still in effect. I actually bought a screwed up HiPoint .40 from an individual a couple of years ago for 25 bucks. I packed it up and sent it off. About three weeks later i received a packed with a hand written note explaining that theyh were unable to repair the weapon to factory specs so they were replacing the weapon. HOW COOL IS THAT. Even though they are not very balanced, ugly as sin, and do not carry a "famous" name these weapons are not deserving of the crap that is said about them.

I agree 100% on the HI-POINTS I have a 380 hi point and I have put over 2 thousand rounds through it with 0 problems one of the best weapons that I have ever owned!!! As soon as I have the extra money I will have one of there carbines!!

[monet861]

I have looked at the Hi Point carbine. Sooner or later when Cabella's(only a few miles away) is running a special I will end up with one. I agree about the bad rep, I have never owned one, but have looked at the pistols and they are ugly, heavy.

[TexasPatriot]

To answer the OP, I really don't think it will matter what Law Enforcement thinks if we are speaking of total s***storm. Ultimately I have tried to arm myself with weapons that use NATO rounds, or at least very common ammo. Such as anything .30 caliber, .45acp, 9mm, 5.56 etc. What's going to matter if things went downhill, is what you are willing to do to survive, and what you have to sustain you.

More important than the weapon of your choice, is food, water and a plan to sustain the first 72 hours after a collapse. Thankfully I live in a state where you aren't looked at strangely for harboring any type of weapon, and handgun concealment is encouraged. My "bugout" pack is strictly what I need to get out of dodge, I will have my weapons regardless.

But if i had to suggest directly what would be good to have, it would be something in a common and/or NATO round, that way you can pick up what is dropped ;)

[Apocalyptic_Sojourner]

I agree. Best to stick with mainstream calibers. Namely, .223, .308, .45, and 9mm. And/or of course, stock as much of whatever caliber you use that you can. Shit, ever since I saw Book Of Eli, I been thinking about learning how to use a bow & a sword. Sounds ridiculous I know, but @ some point, all the bullets are gonna get shot up and it wouldn't hurt to have some sort of non-firearm backup weapon.

[monet861]

Reloading helps too. A good supply of primers and powder and you can supply yourself for quite some time. Brass is reusable or at least findable and casting is fairly easy.