For the last couple of decades, the firearms industry has been selling preppers and survivalists a slick story: you need a specialized gun for every possible scenario, and if you’re not upgrading to the latest model, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable. They’ve convinced folks that one firearm can’t cut it—you need a tactical shotgun for home defense, a lightweight carbine for bugging out, a high-capacity pistol for urban chaos, and so on. And don’t forget the “game-changing” new releases every year, promising to make last year’s gun obsolete. I’m calling it like I see it: this is pure nonsense. For most preppers, one to three guns are plenty. An AR-15 can handle almost any situation, a .22LR rifle is a great sidekick, and a shotgun or a 9mm pistol can fill specific gaps. Anything more is just the industry fleecing you.
How the Industry Hooks You
The firearms industry has turned fear into a marketing machine. They’ve spent 20 years pushing the idea that a single gun leaves you unprepared. Home invasion? Get a shotgun. Wilderness survival? You need a compact rifle with all the trimmings. Riots in the streets? Better have a pistol with a fancy optic. They lean hard into this idea that every scenario demands its own firearm, and if you’re not buying the newest version with the latest gizmos, you’re behind the pack. It’s a tactic that plays on your desire to be ready for anything, and it’s worked like a charm—for their bottom line.
But let’s get real. Survival isn’t about having a gun for every what-if. It’s about simplicity and reliability. You’re not going to lug around a dozen firearms in a crisis, and you won’t have time to fiddle with niche setups when things hit the fan. The industry’s push for over-specialization ignores what preppers actually deal with: limited space, limited budget, and the need to stay sharp under pressure. You don’t need a safe full of guns. You need a few that work, period.
What You Actually Need: One to Three Guns
Most preppers can get by with just one to three firearms, chosen for versatility and ease of use. Here’s the rundown:
The AR-15: Your Go-To
If I had to pick one gun, it’s the AR-15, hands down. It’s a workhorse that can do damn near anything. With a 16- or 20-inch barrel and 5.56/.223 ammo, it’s solid for defending your home, engaging at medium range, or even hunting smaller game. You can tweak it with a scope for distance or a light for close quarters without needing a whole new rifle. Ammo is easy to find, cheap enough to stock up, and the gun itself is straightforward to maintain. Whether you’re holed up or on the move, an AR-15 has you covered.
The industry will try to sell you a short-barreled rifle for tight spaces, a long-range rig for sniping, and a tricked-out carbine for everything else. Don’t fall for it. One solid AR-15 can handle most of what you’ll face. Spend your cash on ammo and range time, not another rifle you don’t need.
A .22LR Rifle: The Quiet MVP
A .22LR rifle is a perfect second pick. It’s lightweight, low-recoil, and ideal for hunting small game like squirrels or rabbits, or dealing with pests around your property. The ammo is so cheap you can stockpile thousands of rounds without blinking, and it’s light enough to carry in bulk. In a long-term survival situation, where every shot counts, a .22LR lets you put food on the table without dipping into your 5.56 stash.
Something like a Ruger 10/22 is reliable and easy to customize if you want, but a basic model gets the job done. The industry might push “survival” .22s with fancy features, but you don’t need the extras. Keep it simple and focus on what works.
A Shotgun: For Specific Jobs
A 12-gauge shotgun is a good third option if you want a tool for specific tasks. It’s great for close-range home defense with buckshot and unbeatable for hunting birds or waterfowl with the right shells. A pump-action like a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 is tough, affordable, and versatile—just switch between birdshot, buckshot, or slugs as needed.
But let’s not kid ourselves: shotguns aren’t the cure-all the industry makes them out to be. They’re heavy, their ammo is bulky, and they don’t have the range of an AR-15. If you’re tight on money or space, you can skip the shotgun and still be fine. It’s a luxury, not a necessity.
A 9mm Pistol: The Mobile Option
While not essential, a 9mm pistol like a Glock 17 or Smith & Wesson M&P9 is a smart add-on for certain situations. It’s perfect when you’re moving around, driving, or working—say, gardening or fixing a fence—where a rifle is awkward. It’s also a reliable backup if your main gun goes down. Modern 9mm pistols are dependable, hold plenty of rounds, and use ammo that’s widely available. Pick a proven model, get a good holster, and practice. Skip the hype around custom handguns with all the bells and whistles; they’re just a money pit.
Why More Guns Hurt More Than Help
The industry’s obsession with selling you multiple guns ignores the realities of prepping. First off, every firearm you own takes time and effort to master. In a real crisis, you’re not going to cycle through a half-dozen guns like some action movie hero. You’ll grab the one you know inside and out and make it work. Second, juggling multiple calibers is a logistical headache. Sticking to 5.56, .22LR, 12-gauge, and 9mm is doable; adding .308, .45 ACP, or some obscure caliber just complicates your life and eats up storage.
Then there’s the cost. A decent AR-15, .22LR rifle, and shotgun will run you about $1,500 total. Toss in a 9mm pistol for another $500. Compare that to the thousands you’d drop on the industry’s “essential” lineup of specialized guns, plus their must-have optics and upgrades. That extra money could buy you a year’s worth of food, a first-aid kit, or a water filtration system—things that’ll keep you alive a lot longer than another rifle.
Cut Through the Noise
The firearms industry has spent 20 years convincing preppers they need a new gun for every scenario and an upgrade every season. It’s a lie designed to keep you spending. An AR-15, a .22LR rifle, and maybe a shotgun or 9mm pistol will handle just about any survival or defense situation. Buy quality, train hard, and stock up on ammo. Being prepared isn’t about owning the most guns—it’s about having the right ones and knowing how to use them. Don’t let the industry’s sales pitch distract you from what really matters: staying ready for whatever comes.
Got thoughts on this? Hit the comments to talk it out. If this post is useful, share it with other preppers to help them see through the industry’s hype.
Take care all –
Rourke
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I’m happy to see this article. I don’t have as many guns as I’d like, but I do have more than I can shoot at one time. Maybe it’s me being female, maybe it’s being older and classified “disabled”, but I’ve always focused more on food, water, and behind-the-scenes support. I do wish we were like Switzerland(?), which requires every household to have a gun and know how to use it. Even if I had more guns, I wouldn’t be able to single-handedly hold off a horde of screaming marauders, but I’d feel a whole lot better if I knew for sure that my neighbors were armed.
Thanks SingleMom. You mentioned being female. I’ve been an advocate that with modern weaponry gender simply doesn’t matter. That doesn’t change culture and perspective for sure. Community and knowing your neighbors is certainly beneficial for sure.
a very good article Mr John,
i might add a good bolt action like a Savage in a common calibre that you already have ammo for, i like .308s or 06’s. a bolt action will always work. autos of any kind can be finicky about dirt and ammo.
the fewer different types of ammo that you need means that you can stock more of what you really DO need. i have many different firearms in different calibers only because i have been a collecter of older ones for over 50 yrs. mostly pre 1960 items. it’s a passion of mine.
Agree Geezer. The lever action and bolt action are often underrated. I love my ARs, but, I love my Ruger Ameerican in .308 as well and my old faithful Winchester 94 in .30-30.