The scenario is rarely about firearms. Usually it's about survival, and firearms are just one tool.

And the comment about waiting meant "why did you wait so long to bug out?"

And, yes, I've some experience in several types of disasters. Only an earthquake caused widespread disruption because it was unexpected and very strong.

No, if I'm mobile, that mobility is life. Maybe a sidearm. But being able to scoot is key. Longarms attract too much attention. And I know that I'm not shooting my way out of a mob, that's just the way it is.

If I'm digging in, ie not bugging out, then I dig in deep, and the mark the fields of fire for each position on the family map and get out tbe boer stones at 100 foot distanced.

No firearms.

With a fifteen mile hike ahead, I'd use the pack space for extra water, jackets and food.

Fifteen miles of hiking with full packs on the back of two middaged persons on a hot day -- that's between 8 and 12 hours of hiking. Knowing this we will need water food and protection from the elements.

Ala heinlein, I'd rather move stealthy than bold.

TRO

seems the smartest thing to do would be to go around and avoid the most dangerous areas of the city. i would think gangs would be a much more of a problem than anything else. if you must go through questionable areas i'd say travel at the crack of dawn (around 5:30am). most "crazed out" people will probably be asleep by then and you might be able to slip by with little notice. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> of course if you're going to wear a disguise to not be bothered your best bet might be to paint large sores all over your face and hands, let snot run down your lip and act like you've got a nasty contageous cough.

a .32cal colt hammerless in my back pocket, a colt .45acp behind my belt, a .357mag/.38spcl carbine, & a Navy MK V Mod BO (uses 12ga flares) flare pistol, in a bag

Chris, You must be a retired "Coastie"! Only a Coastie would have such a simple solution to avoid a really potential complicated problem. Avoid paperwork at all costs!!
Semper Paratus!

"Let's discuss options for just one scenario."

In keeping in your scenario, we would stay with the 4x4 Yukon as long as possible, streets be optional. Yards, sidewalks, parks, medians would be used for egress if needed.

Her bag Glock 17, Kel-Tec 9mm folding carbine, uses Glock 17 Mags, Springfield M6 .22/.410
My bag Glock 17, Kel-Tec SU-16C folding 5.56mm carbine, Ruger 10/22 folding stock.
Long guns hidden in our packs, with reasonably fast access.

There is a firearm bag for the vehicle with additional options, situation dependent.

I'd read this post when it was first written and hadn't seen a reason to respond. Now that it's come up again something has occured to me. Most people's responces have either been some type of non-responce (I'd stay at home, or I don't need a gun) or a responce geared towards fighting one's way through rioting, drug crazed looters. What makes people immediately assume that in an emergency lower income areas will turn into war zones? Sure after Katrina a few scared, angry citizens took pot shots at helos and a few were stealing sneakers from Walmart. Mostly after the major disaster had struck and they were stuck in a foul situation with not much to do but fume. But on the whole the responce no matter who you are is to either try to get out of dodge lickety split or try to ride it out as much as possible. I don't think (even in the worst part of town) too many people will be worried about victomizing other people more then trying to save their own skins.

So, my answer to the surface question is my pat responce to almost any not self-defense survival gun question: a light and accurate .22 pistol. It packs light, weapon and ammo. Its easy to shoot. It can take almost any game. It doesn't destroy small game. It is low profile. And it causes anamolously effective wounds compared to other calibers. Not that it is as effective as a .45 ACP against an attacker by any means, but for the size and weight of the weapon it is very effective and much more versatile.

I wouldn't necessarily spend the weight on another weapon, but assuming I'm with someone and they are also carrying, next weapon choice would be a shotgun which can readily be broken down to fit in a pack or packs. Sorry everyone, I love rifles, I'm a decent marksman, but for the weight and space vs. usefulness and versatility the shotgun wins for this situation. The shotgun provides a wide variety of ammo; birdshot, buckshot, slugs, salvo rounds, etc. Ammo would also be distributed between the two packs. The shottie is for when we've set up camp and can take the time to hunt. But, I dont see the need for a reasonably heavy weapon I won't in all probablity need or want. With your specs of fifty pounds between two packs (or was it fifty pounds per pack) the shotgun likely weights 1/5th to 1/10th the overall weight of all the rest of the equipment probably more.

The original question was about what firearms I would carry, so...

As my primary weapon, my Ruger Mini14 (tricked out and tactical) w/ four 30rd magazines. I carry a Ciener .22LR conversion kit in my BOB.

As backup, my Glock Model 22 in .40S&W w/2 extra magazines. I have a Ciener .22LR conversion kit for the Glock in my BOB as well.

The .223/5.56mm will handle anything on the North American continent at reasonable range and with proper shot placement (head shots). Arguably, the .22LR is equally capable. The advantage of the .223 over a .22LR is that stopping power is much greater in "center of mass" shots. The .22LR may kill but unless you can reliable and consistantly make head shots iin high stress situations on moving targets, what you shot may escape or be finished eating you before it dies. (ie; If you shoot me with your .22 and I find out about it, I'll kick your butt.)

The reasons I carry the Glock in .40S&W are much the same as above.

One factor, not mentioned that I've seen, is the fact that a rifle (all scary looking with a flash hider, folding stock and long high-cap magazine) in my hands and a pistol on my hip will make any possible trouble maker in this unfamiliar urban area think at least twice about any confrontations.

Spiritwalker,

Welcome to the forum! I think you'll like it here.

How is the accuracy of your Ruger Mini14? I've heard stories about them having problems. Some are tackdrivers out of the box and others may as well shoot sideways.

Also, how well do your 30rd mags feed? Any problems?

One other question:

Do you have someone watching your back? It seems like you have a good selection of firepower but not all bad guys go for the frontal assualt.<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> One shot from behind and now someone else has your stuff. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Looking forward to hearing more from you.
-Blast