Build a Survival Arsenal You can be Proud Of

by Jonathan Hunt

Some time ago I wrote The Poor Man's Survival Arsenal and The Poor Man's Survival Arsenal Revisited, both articles detailed a bare bones set of firearms – this basic set of firearms would cover everything from foraging to self defense, yet be low cost.


This post expands on the concept of building an arsenal while considering different budgets and needs. For some (myself included) spending $5,000 or more for a set of firearms is impossible, for others this would be no problem.

Below I’ll outline five arsenals covering a broad range of tasks, needs and budgets. If nothing else my suggestions should generate discourse.


I work at Wal-Mart Arsenal

1. Mosin Nagant 91 rifle
2. Single Shot .12 gauge
3. Smith&Wesson model 10

The Government Welfare Arsenal

1. Short Magazine Lee-Enfield
2. Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge pump
3. Smith&Wesson model 10
4. Ruger 10/22

I have a full time Job Arsenal

1. Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle
2. Mossberg 500 12 Gauge
3. Glock Model 19
4. Ruger 10/22

Two Jobs and Maxed Credit Card Arsenal

1. Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle
2. Reminton 870 express with spare riot barrel
3. Glock 19
4. Ruger 10/22
5. Winchester Model 70 in .308 Win.
6. Taurus CIA Model 850 .38 SPL. Revolver

And Finally the Yuppie Survival Arsenal

1. L1A1 Rifle chambered in .308 Winchester
2. Remington Model 7 bolt action chambered in .223
3. Winchester Model 70 in 308 Win.
4. Remington 870 express with spare riot gun barrel
5. Colt 1911 A1 .45 ACP
6. Taurus CIA Model 850 .38 SPL. Revolver
7. Savage Model 24F .223 Remington over 12 gauge (if you can find one used)
8. Ruger 10/22


"So - what do you think? What would you add or take away from the suggestions given above (had to ask)?"