BOB Firearms, Why Big Center-fires?

[dbeeksci]

Devil's advocate here......"The need for centerfire arms in a BOB or PSK is driven by fear and one's need to feel prepared". There's a pretty strong statement.... >:( I know, I hear ya, "I'd rather have a gun and not need it, than need a gun a not have it".........I'll have to agree with that cliche', BUT, when it comes to preparing a BOB/PSK for survival situations, do you really want to lug around 20 pounds of shotgun, .45 pistol, and ammo on your back, along with real necessities, gallons of water and maybe 20 pounds of other survival stuff? :'(
And just how proficient are you with that pistol? Do you shoot once a week? Once a month? Can you hit a 3" circle at 50 feet? :coolsmiley: I know many of you can and many more cannot.

Here's some simple weight comparisons of just ammo.
Five hundred rounds of:
.38 = 16+ pounds,
.45 = 24 +pounds.
.22 = 5 pounds* ;)

Think about it, small game, rabbits, fowl, squirrels, are not going to be very appetizing after being vaporized with a centerfire. And even if you cut these weights by 75% there's still a lot to carry.* :(

IMHO, for long term survival it is worth while to become very proficient with a .22 rimfire pistol (or rifle). There's high velocity and hollow point ammo that will take larger game and work for self defense if need be. So, if you have to ditch your vehicle and make good on foot to a 72 hour or longer safe-place, leave the heavies back at home or in the car.* O0

Discussion?

[Bravo 25]

You have a valid point. I do have a .45 in BOB, but not nearly that ammo. My BOB is based on one criteria. Worst Case Senario. I want the biggest, and best round I can get. The BOB is to get me to a place where I can 1. Hole up with other supplies. 2. Get me to where I can aquire other supplies. I trade off by not carring much water. Consider water is roughly 7.5 lbs per gallon. I therefore carry a a water filter.

You do have a valid point though, and I will have to give consideration to the point you make. It would be nice to have something that shoots both .22, and .22mag.

However lets consider that there are 4 legged critters they may not respond well to .22. Something larger may be needed. For smaller ones I recommed snares, and traps.

Just my thoughts.

[JonSidneyB]

One thing to consider. A bob bag is for all possible problems. If you are lucky enough to be from a CCW state, you will already have your sidearm with you. Possibly a bug out bag candidate would be a singleshow thompson contender with two barrels. One barrel for deer sized game and larger and only 20 rounds of ammo, the other a .22 rimfire with lots of ammo. You don't get as many shots at large game as small normally.

[AirForceShooter]

I'm from Florida in hurricane country.
BOB's here aren't something to be taken lightly.
My wife has her Ruger .357 and I have your basic Springer .45.
LOTS 0f Ammo.
There's also a .22 wheelie in the bag.
As we have found out it's hard to run from a hurricane. Most likely you're going to wind up stranded or at some nasty place. There's a very good chance somebody who is ill prepared or not prepared by design is going to try to make you "share" what you have. Big guns pay off.
If you don't run and stay home even BIGGER guns pay off. Ever seen the signs of "You Loot, We Shoot??"
Those are very real.

Yeah even if it's heavy bigger can be better.

AFS

[Glock19]

BOB is not for long term, it's for geting TO your "long term" place. That being said, I haven't seen too many people really recommending "big" center-fire rifles in a BOB. Lots of people use an SKS as a "trunk gun" but that's still different than a BOB. Personally, I ccw my Glock 19 and one spare mag daily. No other firearms in my (as of yet incomplete) BOB. I don't envision a lot of gun battles erupting during an icestorm! (the most likely natural disaster in my area requiring an evac.) YMMV of course.

[tnrdnck]

My BOB has a sig 210-2 that I picked up a few years ago. It's been used but not abused, also I have the 22 LR conversion kit. I consider this to be quite adequate for this particular use. I don't know how much 9mm ammo weighs, but 400 rounds is whats in the bag. My bag total weighs about 60 pounds. I don't carry water, I substitute water purifier tabs and a filter. I do have 2 spare camelbak bladders if needed.

[AirForceShooter]

having been through a few hurricanes I'll say this. you're not getting to your safe place. Last hurricane, Wilma, it took some of my friends 4 hours to go 20 miles.
If I stay home, which is what I'm planning to do this year, forget the BOB and just pull out the mini-14 and the mossberg 12 ga.

AFS