5 Guns for SHTF: My Picks for When Everything Goes Sideways

From everyday carry to putting food on the table, these are the five firearms I’d consider for a well-rounded preparedness collection.

Ask ten preppers which five guns they’d want when SHTF, and you’ll probably get fifteen different answers.

Everyone has their favorites. Some swear by a particular caliber. Others are loyal to a specific manufacturer. And if you really want to start an argument, walk into a room full of gun enthusiasts and ask whether a Glock is better than a SIG.

You might want to pack a lunch. You’re going to be there a while.

I’m no exception. I have my own preferences, and I’m sure some of you will disagree with at least one of my choices.

But before we get into the list, we should probably define what we’re preparing for.

What Exactly Is SHTF?

SHTF stands for “Sh_t Hits the Fan,” and depending on whom you ask, that can mean just about anything.

A hurricane, earthquake, or other natural disaster. An extended power outage. Economic collapse. Civil unrest. A prolonged disruption of supply chains. Or, at the extreme end, a complete breakdown of the institutions and infrastructure we depend on.

And, of course, we can’t forget the zombie apocalypse.

Hey, I’m not saying the dead are going to start crawling out of their graves tomorrow, but after the last few years, I’m not ruling anything out. Besides, they may already be voting.

All kidding aside, the important thing to understand is that emergencies come in different forms. Some last a few hours. Others can disrupt everyday life for weeks or months.

And here’s something I think people sometimes overlook:

SHTF doesn’t just happen at home.

You could be at work, shopping, visiting family, or hundreds of miles from home when something goes wrong.

That’s why I believe preparedness should cover a variety of situations.

I’m also not suggesting that firearms should be anyone’s first preparedness purchase. Clean water, food storage, first-aid supplies, communications, and a realistic emergency plan are essential. A gun isn’t going to purify your drinking water or keep your freezer running.

But firearms can have legitimate roles in a broader preparedness plan, particularly for people who already practice responsible ownership, concealed carry, and hunting.

With that in mind, here are my five choices.

1. The .22 LR Rifle — Small Game, Big Value

I can already hear someone asking why a .22 LR rifle deserves a place on this list.

My answer is simple.

Food.

When most people imagine a major disaster, they immediately think about personal security. That’s understandable, but what happens when grocery stores are empty, deliveries have stopped, and your stored food starts running low?

You still have to eat.

That’s where I see the humble .22 LR rifle earning its place.

I’m thinking about rabbits, squirrels, and other small game. Where hunting is lawful and wildlife populations can support it, small-game hunting can provide a way to supplement the food you already have.

My examples would be the Ruger 10/22 and Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. Both are familiar rimfire platforms that illustrate the type of rifle I’m talking about.

The .22 LR also has another major advantage: ammunition economy.

Compared with most centerfire rifle ammunition, .22 LR is relatively inexpensive, compact, and lightweight. That makes it affordable to practice regularly.

And practice matters.

Owning a rifle doesn’t automatically make you a competent hunter. You need to understand the animals you’re pursuing, their habitats, local regulations, and the responsibilities involved in harvesting game humanely.

There’s also a reality check worth mentioning.

If a prolonged emergency affects an entire region, you won’t be the only person thinking about hunting rabbits. Wildlife populations are finite, and increased hunting pressure could quickly reduce the amount of available game.

I wouldn’t build my entire food preparedness plan around the assumption that I can walk into the woods every morning and come home with dinner.

Still, I like having options.

And that’s why the .22 LR makes my list.

2. The Compact 9mm Handgun — Because SHTF Doesn’t Just Happen at Home

My second choice is a compact 9mm handgun suitable for concealed carry.

Think Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Glock 43X, SIG Sauer P365, or something similar.

Why compact instead of full-size?

Simple. Concealed carry.

I believe a good CCW handgun is an important part of a well-rounded firearms collection for someone who chooses to carry responsibly.

And that doesn’t change just because we’re talking about SHTF.

One mistake people make when imagining a disaster is assuming they’ll be sitting comfortably at home when everything starts falling apart.

What if you’re at work? At the grocery store? On a road trip? Visiting relatives in another state?

Emergencies don’t make appointments.

A compact handgun offers a balance of portability, concealability, and practicality that makes it suitable for lawful everyday carry.

Of course, compact handguns have trade-offs. Smaller grips and lighter frames can make some models less comfortable to shoot than their full-size counterparts. What works well for one person may be a poor fit for someone else.

That’s why I believe it’s important to find something you can handle safely and comfortably, and then practice with it regularly.

I also consider a quality holster, secure storage, proper training, and knowledge of applicable carry laws essential.

And let’s be clear about something: having a concealed-carry handgun doesn’t mean looking for trouble.

Avoiding confrontation, maintaining situational awareness, and knowing when to leave a dangerous situation are all part of responsible preparedness.

For me, the compact 9mm earns its place because preparedness isn’t something you switch on when the power goes out.

It’s something you practice every day.

3. The AR-15 — Home Defense and Modularity

Here’s where I’m going to cheat a little.

My third choice is the AR-15, but I’m interested in two different upper configurations:

• A 16-inch upper chambered in 5.56 NATO.
• An 8.5-inch upper chambered in .300 Blackout.

Yes, I know. That’s technically more than one upper.

But one of the things I appreciate about the AR-15 platform is its modularity.

My primary reason for including the AR-15 in this collection is home defense.

During a major emergency, police and other first responders may be overwhelmed, communications may be disrupted, and assistance could take longer than usual to arrive.

That possibility is worth considering as part of a home preparedness plan.

Of course, firearms are only one part of home security. Strong doors and locks, exterior lighting, alarms, communication with family members, and a plan for avoiding confrontation are all important.

Why Two Different Calibers?

The 5.56 NATO configuration represents the conventional AR-15 platform that many shooters are familiar with.

The .300 Blackout interests me for different reasons, particularly its association with compact firearms and subsonic ammunition.

Both cartridges have distinct characteristics, and there are trade-offs worth understanding before purchasing either one.

There are also two important considerations that I wouldn’t overlook.

First is ammunition safety. Because 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout are used in similar-looking AR-platform equipment, ammunition identification is critical. Mixing up the cartridges can result in catastrophic firearm damage and serious injury.

Second is the law.

An 8.5-inch barrel configuration raises questions about whether the assembled firearm is legally classified as a pistol, rifle, or short-barreled rifle. The presence of a stock or stabilizing brace, along with other characteristics, can affect that classification. Federal and state requirements should be verified before assembling or modifying a firearm.

For me, the appeal of the AR-15 comes down to its familiar controls, modular design, and the ability to develop proficiency with a consistent platform.

And as with every other firearm on this list, training and responsible handling matter far more than having the latest accessories.

4. The 12-Gauge Shotgun — The Versatile Hunting Workhorse

My fourth choice is a 12-gauge shotgun.

And my primary reason for including it?

Waterfowl.

Ducks and geese, specifically.

We’ve already discussed the .22 LR for rabbits and other small game. But depending on where you live, birds may represent another potential source of food.

A 12-gauge shotgun has a long history as a hunting firearm, and its versatility extends well beyond waterfowl.

It can be used for upland birds, turkeys, rabbits, and other game, depending on local regulations and the equipment involved.

It also has legitimate big-game hunting applications.

For example, 00 buckshot can be used for deer hunting in jurisdictions where it is permitted, and shotgun slugs are another established option for deer. Not every jurisdiction allows the same ammunition or hunting methods, so checking the regulations matters.

That versatility is one of the things I appreciate about the shotgun.

One Shotgun, Several Hunting Roles

If I were limited to a small number of firearms, a shotgun would deserve serious consideration simply because of the range of hunting activities it can support.

But versatility comes with trade-offs.

Shotgun ammunition is bulky and relatively heavy. Recoil can be substantial, and ammunition costs can add up during practice.

Different hunting applications also have different requirements. For example, migratory waterfowl hunting in the United States requires approved nontoxic shot, and certain hunting methods and equipment are restricted.

And just like the .22 LR, a shotgun doesn’t guarantee that you’ll bring home dinner.

Waterfowl migration is seasonal, wildlife populations fluctuate, and hunting successfully requires knowledge and experience.

Nevertheless, I believe a 12-gauge earns its place in a well-rounded collection.

If I’m considering how to supplement my family’s food supply during a prolonged emergency, I don’t want to overlook the possibilities offered by bird hunting.

5. The High-Powered Hunting Rifle — Big Game, Big Responsibility

We’ve covered small game with the .22 LR and birds with the 12-gauge.

Now let’s talk about deer and elk.

My fifth choice is a high-powered hunting rifle chambered in something like .308 Winchester or .270 Winchester.

Both cartridges have a long history in big-game hunting, and both illustrate the kind of traditional hunting rifle I have in mind.

The appeal is fairly obvious.

A successfully harvested deer or elk can provide a substantial amount of meat. In a prolonged emergency where food supplies are disrupted, that could make a meaningful difference for a family.

But there’s a lot more involved than simply owning a rifle.

You need to know how to hunt, understand animal behavior and habitat, and develop the skills necessary to harvest game responsibly.

And then there’s the part that sometimes gets overlooked in survival discussions.

What are you going to do with all that meat?

Under normal circumstances, refrigeration and freezing make meat preservation relatively straightforward.

But what happens if the power grid has been down for weeks?

Suddenly, processing and preserving a large animal becomes a serious logistical challenge.

Knowing how to field dress, butcher, and safely preserve meat is every bit as important as owning the equipment used to harvest it.

Without those skills and appropriate supplies, a substantial amount of valuable food could go to waste.

And let’s not forget that deer and elk aren’t available everywhere. Their populations vary by region, hunting is regulated, and increased pressure during a widespread emergency could make success even less predictable.

I wouldn’t want my family’s survival to depend entirely on finding an elk.

But having the knowledge and equipment for lawful big-game hunting gives me another potential way to supplement our food supply.

And that’s why a hunting rifle makes my list.

What If You Can Only Afford Two Guns?

Let’s be realistic.

Not everyone has the money to purchase five firearms, and I certainly wouldn’t suggest that someone neglect their food storage, emergency savings, or other essential preparations just to complete a gun collection.

So what if you could only afford two?

For me, the compact 9mm handgun would remain part of the conversation.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: SHTF doesn’t just happen at home.

For someone who chooses to carry lawfully, a compact handgun can be part of an everyday preparedness routine.

The second choice is where I’d have a harder time deciding.

I’d be torn between the .22 LR rifle and the 12-gauge shotgun.

The Case for the .22 LR

The .22 LR is relatively inexpensive to shoot, ammunition is compact and lightweight, and it has a practical role in small-game hunting.

It’s also an approachable platform for developing marksmanship and safe firearm-handling skills.

If rabbits and similar small game were readily available in my area, that would be a meaningful consideration.

The Case for the 12-Gauge

The shotgun has an advantage in the variety of hunting applications it can support.

We’ve already discussed ducks, geese, and upland birds, but it can also be used for rabbits and, with appropriate ammunition where lawful, deer.

That makes it a remarkably versatile hunting tool.

Of course, its ammunition is bulkier, recoil is greater, and regular practice can be more expensive.

So Which Would I Choose?

That would depend heavily on where I lived, what game was available, and which type of hunting I was already proficient at.

Someone living near productive wetlands might have different priorities from someone living in a region where small-game hunting is more accessible.

I don’t believe there’s one answer that fits everyone.

And that’s really the point.

A preparedness plan should reflect your circumstances, resources, skills, and realistic risks.

The Most Important Part of Preparedness Isn’t the Gun

There’s something I want to emphasize before wrapping this up.

You can own every firearm on this list and still be completely unprepared for a serious emergency.

If you don’t have clean drinking water, food, medical supplies, and a way to communicate with your family, your priorities probably need some adjustment.

And if you’re counting on hunting to feed your family, you’d better understand that hunting isn’t a guaranteed source of food.

Wildlife populations are limited. Hunting pressure can increase during hard times. Seasons, geography, weather, and your own experience all affect your chances of success.

In a prolonged crisis, knowing how to grow food, preserve meat, purify water, and manage limited resources may prove far more valuable than adding another firearm to your collection.

The same goes for personal security.

Good judgment, awareness, conflict avoidance, and a plan for protecting your family without unnecessary confrontation are essential.

Preparedness is about developing useful capabilities before you need them.

A firearm is a tool. Owning the tool is only the beginning.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. My five firearm categories for SHTF:

1. .22 LR rifle — Small-game hunting and affordable practice.
2. Compact 9mm handgun — Everyday concealed carry.
3. AR-15 — Home defense and modularity.
4. 12-gauge shotgun — Waterfowl and versatile hunting applications.
5. High-powered hunting rifle — Deer, elk, and other big game.

Would these be everyone’s choices?

Absolutely not.

Some people would swap the .22 LR for another shotgun. Others would skip the AR-15 or choose a different handgun. And I’m sure there are readers who think I’ve completely overlooked their favorite firearm.

That’s fine. Part of the fun of these discussions is hearing how other people approach the same problem.

My goal isn’t to convince everyone that these are the only five firearms worth owning. It’s to explain how I think about preparedness and why these categories make sense to me.

We don’t know what the next emergency will look like, where we’ll be when it happens, or how long it will last.

What we can do is prepare responsibly, develop useful skills, and make thoughtful decisions about the equipment we own.

And if the zombie apocalypse actually happens?

I reserve the right to revisit this list.