So, I've been hunting and shooting for years.
But I've never really looked at my (small) collection of firearms with a critical eye towards which (if any) would last for very long when SHTF.
I have several bolt action rifles, and it would be my stance that they are the most simple, robust and reliable firearms available. I've figured them all out and figure that i could maintain (even repair) 2 of them to keep them usable for a very long time.
However, when i break down my shotguns (pumps and semis) I realize they're more complicated and I have no idea how to repair them if anything goes wrong.
Anyone have deeper knowledge about which system would be more desirable for SHTF life, and explanations why?
Thanks
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
An interesting quandary OddMott,
In my opinion, the pump shotgun is by far the simplest of the systems, as it uses your actions to move and complete the guns action, where the semi is mechanical and operates off the recoil. A semi will have more parts naturally and the also tend to be somewhat harder on those parts...
But like anything, as long as they are looked after, cleaned, oiled etc. there is no reason why they should fail in the first place.
As an example,I have a 1967 Model 77H 12 bore pump that has had many, many rounds through it...it has been used alot and still is....it had never had any repairs before and none since I have owned it.
I 'm not sure I understand WHY you believe that your shotties would fail after SHTF?.....unless you where firing in excess of 200 rounds every day...I couldn;t think why they would require fixing...but maintaining them now, the same as after SHTF is the answer....
If you are concerned, I would suggest that you buy some spare parts for them now, keep them in your gun box ( or where ever)...things like a spare slide arms ( attach the forestock to the action in your Pumps) maybe a spare firing pin, extractor pawl and an assortment of springs. Really a Pump gun is very simple, and would take a substantial amount of abuse to break ( in my opinion).
Now the Semi?..I am less familiar with them, but again, familiarizing yourself with it;s workings now, acquiring some spare parts, perhaps the sear, springs firing pins etc. Practice breaking it down and methodically cleaning every internal piece...grease and oil where needed and look for cracking and wear.....
A decent Shotty should have little to no problems...I have actually in my life never had a shotgun fail. I;ve had a Lee Enfield N0.4 mK.1 shed a king pin on me, I;ve had "other" systems failures with various loadouts.....but never a shotty...
In my over all opinion, a Pump gun is simpler to maintain and repair, especially in a "field" situation. There is a reason why the Militaries, world wide for the majority use pump guns, reliability, ease of maintenance and cleaning, and easier to repair....
This is of course only in my opinion, others may have differing views......I won;t even attempt to select a better brand etc....they all do what they are supposed to....:)
Cheers,