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My Disaster Gun

 (10 Photos)

If you had to choose one gun—and only one gun—to get you through a disaster (be it traditional or zombie-related), what would it be? If you could have one firearm (that’s realistically available) to protect yourself, your family and your assets, what would it be and why? Here are 10 choices made by some of the editors and contributors in NRA Publications. What would you choose? Let us know.

  • Springfield Armory SOCOM 16
  • Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle
  • M4 Carbine
  • Remington VersaMax Tactical Shotgun
  • Ruger Mini-14/20GB-F
  • Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .30-06
  • Ruger 10/22
  • SRM Arms Model 1216
  • M134 Minigun
  • Any Black Powder Rifle
M134 Minigun
Posted by: Ed Friedman, Shooting Illustrated

M134 Minigun

In a truly horrible disaster, where all semblances of law and order and society have broken down, why settle for anything less than the best option for fixed-position defense? Sure, the rare transferable model runs about $250,000, and your ammo stockpile better have a minimum of the same number of figures, but you’ll be able to repel almost any assault on your home. A mass of looters, an adrenaline-crazed lunatic—and even some rogue aircraft—are no match for this 7.62 NATO motorized Gatling gun capable of 4,000 rounds per minute without overheating. And, while some might claim the sound of a pump shotgun’s action is enough to scare off evil-doers, I’m reasonably certain the sound of a burst from this baby will scare off anyone inside a rather large radius. Just be sure to have a generator handy if the power goes out, because the M134 requires electricity to run its motor.

  • Peter Kutrubes

    12/6/2012 3:55:25 PM

    I would choose my faithful M1 Garand. It is potent enough to hunt with and fast enough to fire rapidly and reload. The en bloc clips are more reliable than the box magazines and when your are out of ammo, you can use the bayonet or the heavy butt of the rifle. Ammunition is pleantiful and it is tried and true.

  • Spencer

    11/28/2012 9:39:01 PM

    Can't believe the AK-47 is totally overlooked. Easily available, spare parts everywhere, powerful cartridge. I keep mine ready at all times.

  • Shiftee

    11/27/2012 2:35:21 AM

    This would be my last choice...ever. Sure, it looks, sounds and even bites hard BUT it's completely useless without support or mobility. After the first chainsaw burp this thing lets loose everyone knows what you have, where you are and exactly how easy it would be to flank you. Then they'd have two guns. However, if I had 10 or 15 guys with me I'd absolutely set up a mini for a last ditch defense of my home.

  • John H

    11/23/2012 9:28:06 AM

    Having my old standby Remington 870 pump would be my choice. Take the plug out and load it up. It could be used with my long barrel for hunting and switch it off to the slug/riot barrel for home and family protection. Cycle a pump and it's a sound any predator would dread.

  • George Richter

    11/20/2012 11:45:07 AM

    Remington 870 Police magnum with #4's in an suburban/urban setting. I have a Socom 16. Great for shots where I will not hit my neighbors house. Since the cars and houses are made so cheaply and thin a milball round would literally go flying through a modern tract house and vehicle. everyone has great opinions but the last thing I would want to do is hurt the friendlies.

  • Richard

    11/17/2012 2:36:54 AM

    "I’m reasonably certain the sound of a burst from this baby will scare off anyone inside a rather large radius." OR that sound could be a beckoning call to someone who likes a challenge and is good at long-range shooting!

  • Davehd2009

    10/20/2012 8:53:46 AM

    This IS a joke, right? Obviously not taking the question seriously. I assume you are not planning on hunting to aquire food. I can't even go on as to why this is SOOO WRONG! LOL

  • Ron

    9/28/2012 12:45:21 AM

    I thought part of the exercise is they gun has to be "realistically available." That is not the case with a mini-gun.

  • Hawley

    9/24/2012 10:39:28 PM

    I apologize to everyone here. After posting what I thought was a good, common sense response, I reviewed the ten (10) disaster guns offered up by the editors/writers here. I did not realize that this was a "tongue-in-cheek" article. The firearms suggested as disaster guns ranged from practical/affordable/common sense weapons to the absolute, fantastical and absurd. Yes, I'd love to have an M134 Mini-gun for about $250,000. After reading that and one or two other outlandish models, I realized that this article was designed to garner entertaining comments or to stimulate some sort of bizarre, intellectual debate. To the credit of virtually all readers responses were grounded in common sense and practical suggestions supported with sensible explanation for their choices. My hat comes off to the readers but has caused me to question the credibility and sincerity of these writers. And yes, I am a Life-Patron member of the NRA.

  • REEDO

    9/24/2012 5:33:48 PM

    THIS IS PERFECT FOR ME!

  • SGT Dan

    9/18/2012 9:32:32 PM

    Exactly. First, "you can't cut loose without that juice", second, have fun trying to walk with it if your fixed fortification becomes untenable.

  • Stan Wagner

    9/14/2012 7:36:13 PM

    Come on; let's get SERIOUS. This critter (& I've been up close & personal w/ same) is gross overkill, & good for one thing only; turning Big crowds into Little crowds. Isn't portable, sucks ammo like a thirsty horse, & (as noted), requires electricity & a truck & trlr to haul ammo & generator & gasoline.