On the issue of magazines. If you intend to buy only a few, then, buy all in the same brand and type. That way you can interchange parts between them and if one becomes damaged, you can still salvage the remaining good parts to use on your other mags. My 0.02c
it should be, get what mags you can when you can. they are cheep, usually. and when they crap out they are done. dont get married to your mags. just get a lot of them. i find 6 to be a ridiculously low number for the collection.
K Head, exactly right! You can pick up an extra small parts kit for not too much out of pocket on Brownells website. Its very important to be able to replace small parts now when you might not be able to get them later.
+john runner I don't do bore snake but I do love that m pro 7 stocked on my shelf. M pro 7 and Lubriplate grease lubricates all my AR's. Otis kit for out in the field. 🔫👍
+RINO711 ALWAYS good to have, but if you're in a "Please let me survive the next hour" SHTF situation, either some WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil and a rag can be used as an emergency substitute.
Great stuff! I'm glad you put ammunition first. It's easy to get caught up in gear and not actually train on the rifle. My only point of deviation would be moving iron sights up to the #2 spot. Irons are essential and should occupy a fair amount of training time. Optics are capability-adding extras (that are more prone to failure).
+The Social Regressive Lots of optics require batteries as well, and supplies can run out The operator must always be skilled with iron sights. I prefer the rugged tried and true carry handle, the optical extras can be mounted forward on a rail or swapped out.
Right now I'd agree on the priority of ammo vs mags. A month ago though I would have said mags first. But now you can get a case of 10 mags for around 100 bucks. Sling depends on your use. If it is only for the house, no point. Irons over optics. So while I disagree with some of the order, I do agree these are the essentials.
Good video. Adresses a lot of people who need to get their priorities straight. I personally have a hard time keeping 1,000 rounds per gun in stock - too much shooting and too many other things to buy. (survival eqipment, long-term food, tools, training... on top of the essentials for everday life.)
Great advice. I'm an old Marine who's finally getting back in the game. I'm very comfortable with the mil spec sights, although I did recently add a nice scope and everything on your list, which I agree is what's needed. So I guess it depends on whether or not you're preparing for simple home defense or a major breakdown in civilization. So for those who have all of these things and some extra money to spend, I would personally recommend buying a backup weapon. None of the upgrades are worth anything if your primary weapon malfunctions. One AR is good but 2 is better... ;-) Semper Fi....
I like your moral stance about being those that stand up and defend the oppressed. Feel sick when I see preppers talk about taking people out for their stuff..
Outstanding as usual. I would add a couple of notes. 1. make sure the ammo have stored has been tested in your gun, never use what hasn't been tried. 2. Small tool and cleaning kit. There are some great ones that fit in a small pouch. 3. I actually have two lights, one attached to my rifle and a small pocket one.
+d-rock What good is target ID when you can't see your sights? I think sootch is right on with optic first. The only thing I would change is to make sure that optic works in the dark.
+CountryBoyPrepper disagree, in a home defense lights easily give off your position at night. Night vision is the best option and give you tactical advantage.
Agree with most of it. I personally prefer iron sights on my GOTO AR, I would suggest a good training class on the list, before the red dots. Begin with the foundation of training, and then you can have a better idea on what your needs are are, and will work or not work for you. Thanks again for a good video.
I totally agree with what Sootch is saying, get your essentials up, then you can accessorize all you want. I practice to what Sootch was saying in another video, every paycheck, buy a couple boxes of ammo, and over time you will accumulate a nice stockpile.
Good review Sooch, but one note to add on spare mags ... keep 'em loaded. Unloaded mags are essentially paperweights ... and do you no good when needed most. Props bro.
+The Truth Movement ehh As a kid, I'd much rather shoot 5.56. I could shoot my airsoft rifle if I wanted to shoot 22lr. Of course 22lr is much less expensive, doesn't wear as much etc... I just prefer an actual round.
Great for hunting too, people like to think in a survival situation they're only going to be taking deer and elk, but in reality you're going to be eating a hell of a lot more rabbit and squirrel than anything else. 5.56 is going to destroy that type of game, and if you stumble upon larger game I have killed a moose with a 10/22 to the back of the head, you've still got plenty of gun if you get creative.
God bless you you are absolutely right when I was in the National Guard we kept about 16 magazines on us at all times in a minimum of three thousand rounds for every two soldiers so you're absolutely right and also a cleaning kit depending on what type of weather youre in because of AR-15 does get kind of dirty depending on the ammo you shoot we shot military Nato round so you need to have a cleaning kit on you also just a little small cleaning kit if we ever have a shtf or rwol situation any sling will work as long as it stays close to your body. 94 fox 378 National Guard.
I watch all of your videos on both channels. Being former military I agree with your top 5 all the way. I used the acog overseas and it really is the best optic out there even though it costs as much as a rifle. Having the right gear makes all the difference in the world.
Thanks buddy you are a true patriot like me we think so much alike that’s how I know I’m going the right way with what I’m doing too so thanks for what you do ! And thanks for sharing it with all of us preppers too !
One thing I have learned... buy a basic rifle then take a multi day class actually using it. You figure out really quick what accessories you like and what doesn't work for you. an example... I installed the Magpul ASAP sling attachment but found that it didn't work for me because it blocked easy access to my safety. I only found this out during training with the rifle. Great videos Sootch. Thanks for the great info brother!
Good of you to make this video. Ammo, mags, cleaning stuff, carry bag/case, rubber shoulder pad (so you can lean it against a wall/tree...like the protective rubber end on a pool cue handle), and the sling....when I see people with out one I think "you know you only have two hands, and setting that down may not be a good option." :>
I like the fact that you point me in the direction of so many quality products. I am new to arming myself for survival and am still shopping. Your videos are informative, I find myself pausing your video and looking up items and companies of the products that you mention. If these companies aren't sponsoring you they should be. Subscribed and Notified!
Always mark the month and year on you boxes of ammo as you buy them so you can shot the oldest first during range sessions and make a effort to replenish ASAP the ammo you use in training. Always try to store ammo in a dry climate controlled manner,
Stop by your LGS every week and buy a box of 20. Just one. Cash...don't need to leave a paper trail, do we. :) At my LGS, $12 week with tax and that's full price. You can get USGI 30 round mags at Palmetto State Armory for $6.99 on sale. 5 or more at a time, takes the bite out of the S&H. A couple of extra mags pay for themselves when range time is running around $20 p/hr. I'd rather pay for the boom, then pay to load mags. Time is money on a range.
I think that having a light is very important and a essential piece of equipment to have. You get into a low light no light situation and that's where it comes into play.
Great list. You just reminded me to order a couple of slings I've been putting off. A note about the ammo. While polymer coated ammo is great for plinking or other light target practice, it is not good for any serious rifle course or self defense. The polymer melts and the case will get stuck in the barrel. It's easy to tap out with a cleaning rod, or (sometimes) eject by pulling the charging handle after the rifle has cooled, but it will take you out of the fight.
Strongly reccomend a Otis cleaning kit. If you can score a good deal on the Elite package, you can clean almost every firearm and also includes the Otis tactical kit which you can take out in case of emergency, or range trip.
people. an AR15 isn't going to be an option for the paris scenario. What you need is something concealable and , lets' be real, you have to flip off the law especially if they're limiting you to 10 round mags. Better to have 30 rounders and save your life then ask for forgiveness vs be compliant and run out of ammo and be dead.
+ZFlyingVLover One more thing. The AR15 is the best all around options because A) It is 2 moa accurate B) It is accurate out to 600 yds with 300 yd is the sweet spot C) Ammo is cheap and mods are aplenty D) If full auto and SBR wasn't prohibitively expensive then it'd be the best option as a truck gun too E) Sure it shoots a high powered 22 round but you can get a Barns TSX or Vmax round to take out bigger game like hogs and deer with no problem so it's very versatile too. Probably the most versatile rifle out there. F) It's lightweight so it's good for women and girly men too. lmao Only things I don't like about the AR15 is that it's not concealable like an AK with a folding stock because of the damn buffer tube. Requires mods to make it look cool. Imho never had the old school cool going for it like an m1a, m1, tommy gun, AK or 1903 Springfield. So like a glock 19 the AR15 is the toyota camry of rifles. Once you own one you'll be happy you got it.
+ZFlyingVLover Ha ha. Last comment. If you're swimming in cash then buy a AR22 and get a slidefire stock too. You'll be able to practice accuracy with dirt cheap 22lr ammo and because the ammo is so cheap you also won't feel guilty spraying simulated fullauto either.
The amount of people that don't think iron sights are important is staggering. "Oh I have a red dot" well, if you can only shoot accurately at 100+ yards with a red dot and it goes out, you're fucked.
Not everyone can use iron sights. I have very old eyes. Iron sights are next to useless for me. Pretty sure there are lot of people in the same boat. We use what we can use
Huh, I was really surprised by the #5 essential. I was thinking it would have been spare parts and such. With the extensive video that you did on it on your other channel, I would have assumed it would be very important. I suppose that depends on whether it's a long term thing or a sudden event.
Personally I would put the weapon light ahead of the scope. Irons have worked just fine for centuries and they'll keep right on working. But a good light gives you a decided advantage in low light conditions. Yes, the scope is important, but a scope won't help you if you can't see what you're shooting at.
Sootch, i know you didn't want to go to what ifs, but I can't see where such a set up would have an impact in a Paris or Chatanooga situation. There's not much to prevent those if the plans are that far along. A discretely armed citizenry could probably help, but then again the perps don't care if they die. I think Nutn's recent vid on the usefulness of active shooter setups for civilians is well considered. In any event, thanks for a great channel!
On the other hand, shooting is always fun and 1000 rounds is a minimum. But then calculate in the cost of how much you shoot a month. If you shoot 200 rounds a month, that's 2400 rounds to be purchased through out the year.
+wpherigo1 First and foremost, this is a Prepping Channel, so anyone who is of that mind set is who this video is directed to. Secondly, after the Chattanooga, TN attack on the recruitment facility, many civilians armed with AR's and plate carriers guarded recruitment centers all over the country. If the threats made by Isis hold true, we are in for similar incidents that happened in Paris and Chattanooga. This is relevant for those who want to be prepared. It's not necessarily the answer for every situation, but sure beats a pistol with possibly an extra magazine when faced with multiple assailants armed with AK-47's or shotguns. Third, with the rioting that has occurred in many Urban areas and our Law Enforcement being under siege, many brave men took to the streets with AR's to protect businesses and communities. Chaos happens. There are no plans that can handle every possibility that can happen in the near future. Having your gear squared away is cheap insurance for "If only I had ..." I hope I never have to use any of this gear, but if I need it, I want it ready. Thanks for your insight and your comment.
+SensiblePrepper Thanks. I've watched the bulk of your videos over the years and all of your "bag" videos actually many times! I love what you stand for and was looking for a bit more info on exactly how your set up would work. I didn't know about the armed civilians -- that is GREAT and way better than just a pistol, as you said. Thumbs, way up!
+wpherigo1 Thanks Brother~ Also one big thing to consider is our nation was founded on Citizen Soldiers. The Founding Fathers warned against a Standing army for a number of reasons. Now I support our Military wholeheartedly because we live in a different world but the responsibility of our self defense rest on each individual. From Home Defense to National Defense. That's what really disgust me about this Syrian Refugee deal. Fighting aged men have no right to be refugees.... they need to fight for their homeland. We don't want those whimps here in our country. Arm them and send them back! I think you've inspired a video my friend! Lol! Rock on!
To anyone who says "if the battle gets that bad, there'll be more weapons around", First, I like the way my rifle is set up, and most of us had iron sights on our weapons before we had optics, so you may as well buy the flip up sights when building a rifle, and keep them on your rifle when you have an optic.
Something I do that I learned in a combat zone....the first mag in my gun is a 40 rounder with the rest being the typical 30 rounders. I often refer to this mag as a "break off" Mag, to break off contact if ambushed or if I suddenly have to engage. This allows for a high volume of fire without having to reload before the "opposition" (who will typically be carrying 30 rounders) has to reload. This gives you the chance to decisively end the fight right there while the bad guy is reloading, flank an opponent, or beat a retreat and regroup.
The old adage goes "Friends don't let friends buy tapco". For the price of Pmags, Hex mags (made by Magpul), and GI mags, there is no reason to buy tapco.
***** their G2 trigger is the exception, but even those have been known to break. I guess if you like the grips, then stick with em, but I know their stocks and mags turn to useless pieces of plastic under hard use (and sometimes normal use). Like I said, for the price of magpul stuff (especially their mags at anywhere from $8-$13 per mag), no need to skimp.
+TheCoolwhipped Hexmags are not made by Magpul. They do happen to be in the same city that Magpul USED to be in, and they're polymer, but the similarities end there.
Please come and help us here in New York. I would love to move but I'm not currently able to. My eyes are set on Texas but until I can move, I'm stuck here. We just need some help defending our Second Amendment here. We can use all the help we get. Thank you.
Years ago before I bought my first ar I had 1500 rounds of .223 I purchased. I told the wife I might as well buy the rifle since I have the ammo. It worked! Hahaha awesome vid sir. Thanks🍻🍻
I always seem to come up with a parallel comment to your video. Early last year I purchased a orange plastic water proof box at Walmart to test and see if it met my needs for a waterproof container. It was not waterproof, it leak very little, but it still leaked. So I set it aside while I looked for a Pelican box. After I got the dry box issue problem solved, I went back and noted that the Walmart box looked like it would hold factory boxes of .223 ammo. So I managed to put 6 boxes in in the Walmart box. The Walmart box only leaked 4 drops of water in my 72 hours test at 9 feet of water, that's good enough for Ammo, but not my original project so each box makes a very nice battle pack for ammo. Only one problem with the Walmart box it day glow orange, but. "Got spray paint?"
Wife and I each have a 380 bodyguard, .22 rifle, AR-15, 9mm compact, 9mm full size and a pump shotgun. Additionally, we have 1 K rounds for each firearm, and 4 to 10 magazines.
AR 15 real life mods from a 1973 Army soldier. Stag Arms model 3, 556/223 . 2 point sling, forward hand grip, not to hold like Hollwood but for hand back-up. Optics are AimPoint PRO red dot for up to 200yds, Redfield 3-9x40 200 yds +. Get off the bench and sand bags, walk and shoot, shoot off hand. Keep your gun clean, practice, practice and practice some more.. Forget the green tip surplus ammo and stick with Federal Lake City 556 ammo. Be safe, I am counting on all of you for our safety and success.
3 rounds a day for shtf ( per hunting rifle) handgun rounds 1000 overall. And bug out guns needs too be common 5.56 , 9mm, 45apc , 12 ga , 22 revolves and 357 mag. But don’t forget cleaning kits and oils.And black powder and air rifles can be owned by ex cons! You may have the drive to get one
I would like to see you do a review on the c93 rifle. When ever I need I review or knowledge on a new firearm, you are one of the first names I look up. Great videos and reviews.
Man sootch i love you man very very professional in every video and always giving good advice. Hope to plink with you one day. Keep up the good work man
I was just thinking, this is a great list for any rifle (hunting, target, defense, competition, etc.) , not just a "Go To". But for "Home Defense", got to have a good light instead of a sling
I like your pointing toward ammo stock. A rifle is nothing but a bad club without ammo. No ammo, no gun. Don't bet you will be able to get any more after SHTF. Stock up on ammo!!!!
Remember in a SHTF world there is no resupply, you run what you brung. If your running an AR15 minimum number of 30 round mags should be 50 and throw in a couple of Surefire 60 rounders. The military has a supply chain, you don't!
I would suggest preloading your extra Mag's with the "Winchester 5.56 x45mm NATO 62 grain FMJ rounds. They have a muz vel 3020 FPS... Fun to shoot and practice with. EVERYTHING you are looking for in a FMJ. Be well, be safe, be prepared.
Great information for the person getting into the AR15 platform, a good quality rifle 1st and foremost( hear great things about those Windham's BTW), ammo, extra mags, sling and the optic but one thing that you can easily do is overspend on the big name one's like the ACOG and other $1,000 optics that are great if you can afford them but if it comes to choosing between a better rifle, more mags and ammo with a $200 optic or a rifle of lower quality with the $1,000+ ACOG and less ammo and mags I'm taking the former everytime. Just my humble opinion, awesome video as always.
Great video, to the point without coming off like these bunch Neck beards telling you you must have that $2.5k Novesk that weighs 2 lbs fully loaded and a $300 paint job to boot. To the point and no nonsense!
I love these videos, I just wish I could go out and shoot when I wanted to. It's too expensive and a pain in the ass to go to a local gun range here in NJ. The closest one where I can shoot my AR-15, not be bothered by range personnel the entire time there and enjoy myself is a 45m drive away. That membership is $150 a year which is great but the distance is pretty far. In non-gun friendly states such as NJ it's difficult to get enough training and practice in without blowing your paychecks in fees and memberships or fuel. That and they do not allow us to shoot steel or "human shaped" targets.
Good video and I can see your reasoning behind each choice. But.. I believe the light source would replace the sling on my own top 5 list. A proper target identification in low light would keep accidents from happening, and possibly keep me out of jail if the worst happens. A sling I can make on the fly from a length of paracord or from a couple of old belts. Were as I cannot make any proper fighting flash light from the junk drawer in the workshop.
I have heard from sooo many people, it's so hard to start being prepared! Well I always say I'm not an end of the world fanatic. But I'm a prepared person. Any road I live on can be shut down by winter weather so I have food. Where I bought land and will be moving soon, there's deer to harvest if I'm hungry so I can shoot. I started with a 2 dollar bag of barley and a box of .22lr it cost me 4 bucks. To be ready is mostly in ones mind the other third is skill and the last is gear or product. So if you have the mindset and skill, you're already 2/3 of your way there!
My bud's keep asking me why I buy a box of ammo every week (I pay cash only). I tell them for two reasons. First, I want to help keep my LGS in business (Him and his two employees, all old vets), and second, if the world does turn to crap, I don't want the guy on my six running out of ammo. ;)
I'd have a light be higher priority than optics in that list. I'd also seriously consider an IR laser and helmet mounted night vision if one can afford it (even before an optic). Night vision is a serious game changer and is probably the biggest force multiplier an individual can get other than the rifle itself.
*If one can afford it*, it's seriously worth looking into. It's basically cheating if the enemy does not have it... its that good. So much so that If someone has multiple guns and are serious about prepping... I'd advise them to sell some stuff and setup one rifle for day/night.
Just my own personal opinion: if you are going to use GI mags for defensive/combat purposes, spring for the anti-tilt followers. Makes a big difference when the heat is on! :)
ha ha ha, I just bought my first rifle which happens to be an AR 15, and I've been looking at AR 15 videos. He literally depicted me at the beginning, 2 magazines and a little bit of ammo. ha ha, the odds.
+Jarred Little You're still a player with a lever rifle or a bolt gun, especially a milsurplus, try to take advantage of long range superiority and operate as a team member rather than individually. The Viet Cong and Taliban were quite effective with WW1 & 2 'obsolete' long arms.
