My first visit to this topic. Lots of activity and good comments.
JO – sound advice. I hope your comments get plenty of eyes.
Selco covers this subject as well and what one should be prepared for, and I think it should weigh heavily when considering a SHTF situation. Especially for a layman.
Gadgets are cool and I like them a lot. You need to train with them as you would your slick weapon. If you plan to have resources and support when SHTF for your gadgets, great. If not, I would make it a low priority it’ll save you a lot of precious time and money.
Tried many platforms both .mil and civilian.
Am now exclusively XD’s for pistols. Thousands of rounds through each, they eat anything and have been flawless.
I have a 12g pump. There are many great, reliable, low dollar platforms out there. Indispensable in my view.
I have common caliber long guns. Again many, great reliable lower dollar choices right now. Go mil spec on AR platforms. I highly recommend PSA, big bang for the buck.
There is no substitute for experience concerning weapons skill, period. Train accordingly.