Caliber - which are essential?

[IVC]

If you want a list, here's a utilitarian view of what you need for self-defense and survival, similar to what @theLBC listed above, in order of (my personal) preference:

1. Full size combat pistol.
2. Combat carbine with LPVO (low power variable optics).
3. Defensive pump shotgun (or semi-auto, if you shoot it a lot).
4. Small caliber compact rifle/carbine for learning and small game hunting.
5. Bolt action hunting rifle.
6. Compact combat pistol, suitable for carry (both on person or in a backpack).
7. Hunting shotgun.
8. Bolt action PRS style precision rifle (or similar sniper rifle).
9. Big bore revolver, sidearm for hunting if you live near large predators.
10. Small caliber handgun, just in case.
11. Race guns, fun guns, PCCs, anything else your hear desires.

If you look at the list, you'll also see the pattern of what you should be proficient in. You should know how to carry, manipulate and use a pistol and a carbine (2-gun, carry and switch on the fly). You should know how to use a shotgun as a rifle (aimed fire) and for moving targets (point and shoot). Finally, you should know how to shoot long-distance rifles.

As for calibers, you already have all but the .22, so, as others pointed out, that would be the natural next step. Skip 7.62x39, it's a (worse) alternative to 5.56/223, skip 45, it's a heavy alternative to 9mm, stick to the basic combo of handguns=9mm, carbines=223/5.56, shotgun=12ga, small bore=22LR. That's the essence of a well-rounded collection.

The extra fun calibers are covered under the last point above, go wild there...

[Che762x39]

I'm fairly new to all of this, so apologies if this has been discussed before. I'm looking to fill my safe within the next six months, and was curious what I should be looking for insofar as caliber. My main concern is that - were things to go complete sideways (SHTF/zombie apocalypse/etc.) - ammo may be limited to what I can find. Currently I have:

9mm - Glock 17 and 26
5.56 - Mini-14
12g - Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

I'm thinking that something in .45 would be useful, and so looking at picking up a Glock 21 SF. I was to understand that this could easily be converted to 10mm with the right barrel (and magazines) - thereby expanding my capability.

I'm very happy with my Mini-14, and figured a Mini-30 would make sense, though unsure about 7.62x39; but aren't most AKs chambered this way?

Seems as though there a quite a few offerings in .308/7.62X51, so perhaps I should have something in this caliber?

Any thoughts/opinions/criticism would be greatly appreciated; I want to quickly procure all I should have, then divert time/energy/funds in to becoming proficient.

K.I.S.S. Principle should be in place. (Keep It Simple Stupid)

You only need to add .22 LR. Just stock up on 9mm and 5.56. Adding calibers now are just a distraction.

I have three Glock 9mm pistols. 17, 19 and 26. No reason to add another caliber.

[sigfan91]

I would stockpile 9mm, 5.56mm, 22LR.

I would have some, but not stockpile 45ACP, 38 spl, 357 mag, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, and various 12ga.

Edit to add: Magazines, lots of magazines, one cannot have enough magazines. Buy brand name magazines or OEM magazines. Make sure to test them.

[Pistol_Ned]

Something to consider if things were to go sideways...when ammo starts flying off the shelves like they have a few times in past years, whats left in my experience are less common calibers. 9mm, 5.56, and 22lr especially become a bit scarce. I would stock up on those 3 calibers. .45 as fun as it is, is heavy and bulky to store compared to the other three.

[OCEquestrian]

I'm fairly new to all of this, so apologies if this has been discussed before. I'm looking to fill my safe within the next six months, and was curious what I should be looking for insofar as caliber. My main concern is that - were things to go complete sideways (SHTF/zombie apocalypse/etc.) - ammo may be limited to what I can find. Currently I have:

9mm - Glock 17 and 26
5.56 - Mini-14
12g - Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

I'm thinking that something in .45 would be useful, and so looking at picking up a Glock 21 SF. I was to understand that this could easily be converted to 10mm with the right barrel (and magazines) - thereby expanding my capability.

I'm very happy with my Mini-14, and figured a Mini-30 would make sense, though unsure about 7.62x39; but aren't most AKs chambered this way?

Seems as though there a quite a few offerings in .308/7.62X51, so perhaps I should have something in this caliber?

Any thoughts/opinions/criticism would be greatly appreciated; I want to quickly procure all I should have, then divert time/energy/funds in to becoming proficient.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

When it comes to calibers and specific guns, everyone is going to have slightly different opinions; thus, I'll leave specific models up to your preference. With that said, were I 'starting over,' here is what I would have...

45 ACP would be preferred over 9mm as 45 ACP does 'good' work in 'hardball' ammo which is easier to find that the 'hollowpoint' ammo a 9mm requires to get the job done as well or better than 45 ACP hardball. That's for a 'combat' weapon. In my case, I trust the 1911 and the Browning Hi-Power. I wouldn't rely on anything 'smaller' as a primary combat weapon.

There are two kinds of rifle... combat and hunting. While either will crossover to a point, you should have at least one of each specifically dedicated to the respective role. You don't 'need' an AR platform as avoiding combat will be the primary motivation and a Mini-14 will perform reasonably well in terms of 'disengagement' being the essential game plan.

Insofar as hunting, two calibers are needed. The Mini-14 will allow you to hunt mid-size game, but a .22 LR is the go to caliber for most small game hunters. In that sense, a Ruger 10/22 of some variation will do the job nicely in most cases; but, there exists quite a variety of .22 LR arms which will allow you to satiate your taste.

The second caliber would be for 'big game' and that is going to depend on what 'big game' is available to you. In some places, 30-30 is sufficient. In others, .308 or .30-06 would be even better. In a place like Alaska 300 Win Magnum is considered a minimum. Personally, I like .30-06, but .308 is intrinsically more accurate and will do almost everything .30-06 will.

A 12 gauge shotgun is the most ubiquitously useful. With caliber adapters, it can be even more so. I personally wouldn't opt for a semi-automatic. I would, however, have both a pump action and a single shot.

That would be the bare minimum I'd have 'available'... 45 ACP or 9mm combat handgun, your Mini-14, a .22 rifle, a .30-06/.308, and a 12 gauge. I'd have at least two or three of each type and store them in multiple locations/properties so if one location is 'compromised,' there will always be a backup.

Now, notice those are 'common calibers;' i.e., 45 ACP/9mm, .223/5.56, .22 LR, .30-06/.308, and 12 gauge. For the 'basics,' you don't want unique or hard-to-find calibers. You want to focus on those which any 'podunk nowhereville Wyoming' type of shop is going to have between the instant coffee and the ice cream sandwiches. It may not be the bullet weight of your preference, but it will go 'bang' in your firearms. Likewise, each will do yeoman's work insofar as hunting, personal defense, and limited 'combat' if necessary; i.e., all but the .223/5.56 and .308 has been around for over 100 years doing just that. Meanwhile, even .223/5.56 and .308 have been doing their thing for 60 or 70 years and more.

Finally, don't get too caught up with 'diversity' of calibers or firearm models. They are 'fun' to play with, but if you're thinking about TEOTWAWKI, then logistics becomes an issue in terms of repair/replacement parts, magazines, familiarity, stockpiling ammo, etc. Once you feel you have 'sufficient' for each of the above, double your inventory in terms of ammo and critical parts. Only then do you start entertaining things like a .22 LR handgun or 7.62 x 39 in a Mini-30 or AK, etc. Then, once you've 'entertained' the thought, go back and double your inventory of ammo and critical parts for the above calibers.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer which will satisfy everyone.

[acaligunner]

Survived the LA Riots and Northridge earthquake ~

In a disaster or riot or shtf ~ your going to have looters / gangbangers / criminals riding around in vehicles looking to jack / take over what you have ~ so 308, 7.62x39 that can penetrate into vehicles, 5.56 will also work but I like something with more mass.

Getting supplies / going to rescue family ~ on the road - folks are going to be driving like crazy and becoming angry ~ you may have to shoot while driving away or becoming stuck in a blockage- so pistol in 9mm is gtg ( Glock or similar) and then having a backup long gun in the ride just in case you have time to use it when you go to cover - but remember the inside of a car when people are trying to ram you / or are blocking your way is going to take some skill.

I also think something like a big canister of spray is good just to have next to you as you drive. I also had a family member just drive and I handled what I needed at the time of the LA Riots.

Going out in public with a rifle / sg is going to draw A LOT OF ATTENTION!! either the bad guys are going to see ya or the police / sheriff is going to be watching you - so a medium / full size pistol ( like the Glock ) iwb with standard mags is best.

At home almost anything will help keep all lights off at night and post some folks around property that will signal you ( not scream ) is gtg.

Riots or shtf is BETTER when you have family ( a team ) store water heater supplies and meds on hand - gas and food will be limited as well as emergency services.

[homelessdude]

I think you are heading in the right direction. If I were you I would add a 22 pistol and rifle first. I think the Marlin 60 is a great 22 and have had a least one for over 50 years. There are lots of 22 pistols just stay away from the cheap ones. I am going to add a stainless Colt King Cobra for X-mass but thats a luxury item that will work in most scenarios. Stock up on LOTS of ammo. 22. 9mm, 12 gage and 223 are cheap compared to a lot of other calibers. Good luck and enjoy the journey.

[orangejesus]

Again, thank you for the input - quite a bit to consider. I've been looking at the Ruger 10/22.
I'm a big believer in 'two is one, one is none,' so the idea of having duplicates (as someone suggested) sits well with me.
Regardless, seems as though a dedicated ammo safe might need to go at the top of the 'to-buy' list.

thanks -

[Warbonnet]

Have you shot your mini 14 ? Is it accurate ?
If so. Pickup extra mags.

It's as accurate as what I may need it for to defend my house out beyond my front door or windows, plus I don't have to worry about it's "features" being a constant annoyance, flag, or bother to the nanny state of Kali.

Actually have a mini-30 too, so I can use it to hunt deer with too in a SHTF bug out situation.

[Coolguy101]

I'm fairly new to all of this, so apologies if this has been discussed before. I'm looking to fill my safe within the next six months, and was curious what I should be looking for insofar as caliber. My main concern is that - were things to go complete sideways (SHTF/zombie apocalypse/etc.) - ammo may be limited to what I can find. Currently I have:

9mm - Glock 17 and 26
5.56 - Mini-14
12g - Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

I'm thinking that something in .45 would be useful, and so looking at picking up a Glock 21 SF. I was to understand that this could easily be converted to 10mm with the right barrel (and magazines) - thereby expanding my capability.

I'm very happy with my Mini-14, and figured a Mini-30 would make sense, though unsure about 7.62x39; but aren't most AKs chambered this way?

Seems as though there a quite a few offerings in .308/7.62X51, so perhaps I should have something in this caliber?

Any thoughts/opinions/criticism would be greatly appreciated; I want to quickly procure all I should have, then divert time/energy/funds in to becoming proficient.

The question is how much can you personally carry? Can you personally carry more than 3 guns while on foot? During a zombie apocalypse, you can't assume you will always have access to a vehicle. How much ammo can you carry in addition to other supplies, such as food and water?

[Zenderfall]

That is precisely why .22LR is important in these situations: lb for lb, you get much more rounds in a lighter, compact package of .22LR than anything else like 9mm and 5.56. More rounds = potentially more game taken = more food.

[FNGGlock]

Lots of good input, add me to the list to recommend 22LR rifle and pistol.
I would also suggest to get a good AR-15 in 556 or 223 wylde
Make sure to have mags and ammo, and some spare parts for all.

Glock 17/19s and ARs are the standard now, so parts, mags etc will be much easier to source.

[SilveradoColt21]

For me it is quite simple, I am only interested in 3 calibers: 9MM, 38 Super, and 45ACP, though 38 Super does get quite pricey to shoot....

[isntzen]

That is precisely why .22LR is important in these situations: lb for lb, you get much more rounds in a lighter, compact package of .22LR than anything else like 9mm and 5.56. More rounds = potentially more game taken = more food.

By the end of the first month, all of the game will have been harvested.
Prior to that, hunting will be one of the most dangerous things you can do.