James,
its time for like minded people to take off the blinders and use logic and intelligence in their planning. Firearms will play a major part in survival of our people and nation.
This role will be larger than anyone cares to admit. Because of this reliance, our weapons will need to be the most dependable guns we can acquire.
My experience goes through 30+ years of gunsmithing, military service during the Reagan years, and contractor with a notorious private security firm in Iraq and Afghanistan.
During these years, I have learned a lot about the serviceability of weapons in the field.
The most distressing news I have to share with your readers is the AR/M4 type weapons are too maintenance reliant compared to other available weapons. Yes they are accurate,easy to carry and easy to use. But they are weak. If the stock tube(receiver extension) is damaged in any way, the weapon is rendered useless.
The following list of weapons are ones that I have seen time and again stand up to excess abuse and still perform under battlefield condition. (Please keep in mind only some of these weapons are available to civilians.):
Remington 870
Remington 24
Glock 17 and 19
M240 series
SIG 500 series
AK type weapons
Croatian made sidearms (Springfield XD series)
Browning Hi-Power
G36 series rifles
SIG pistols – P226,228,229
M203
M2 .50 caliber
The following list are weapons which I have seen fail numerous time under battlefield conditions:
M16A1, M16A2, M4
SR25 (Stoner AR-10)
MK19 Automatic Grenade Launcher
M60 LMG
M9 Beretta
With all of this in mind, its time for people to realize that unless they are a trained gunsmith and have excess parts available, then they will be out of luck when stuff hits the fan.
For those civilians who can accept advice, buy either a Glock or an XD, a Remington 870, a Remington 700,and a good quality AK. And of course buy plenty of magazines and ammunition for them. You won’t be disappointed. Learn how to use them and take care of them. Not enough can be said for the need for proper maintenance. Take care of them and they will work when you need them. – Casey B.