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I don’t really want to open a can of worms here so please remember I am just expressing my opinions based on my training and experience.

The weapon you have is much better than the one you don’t. Having said that if you looking for honest answers, here goes. As mentioned earlier I would stick to nato or military calibers. 9mm, 556, 308 and 12ga. They are plentiful and comparably cheap. Either in loaded form or in components for reloading. Also in a post apocalyptic scenario they are likely to be the most plentiful. I would imagine there are more of those calibers stock piled than any other on earth.

Find the standard for whatever class weapon you are looking for. Then buy the highest quality available. If you are in a communist or ban state, do the best you can.

For example shotguns, I am guessing that the Remington 870 is the most prolific shotgun in the US. There is a reason for that. When properly cared for it will withstand anything you put it through. When selecting the right one, remember that Remington has produced several grades or different levels of quality over the years. You get what you pay for and when it comes to you and you’re loved ones lives, only the best will do. If something does break, the odds are it being the most commonly found shotgun out there drastically improves your chances of finding replacement parts.

As far as carbines go, a Colt AR15 is it. Yes there is a difference. All brands shoot great when they are new, but several thousand rounds later the lower end stuff starts to fail. Again when properly maintained a Colt will last forever without fail.

Either spend the money for a nonbattery operated Trijicon optic or learn to shot really good with iron sights. I think open sights are best for shorter range stuff, but not everyone has the money or time to learn and maintain the needed level of proficiency with open sights. Heads up or red dot sights can make a weak shooter very effective with very little training.

If you live in a ban state then the Mini 14 is as close to a Colt AR15 as you can get. But only use Ruger Magazines. I know they are expensive, but from everything I have ever been told about them the aftermarket magazines are the weak link.

As for rifles, again I think the most common bolt gun in the US is the Remington 700. The same rules apply as far as quality as with the 870. Be prepared to spend some money on a high quality optic. I am a big fan of Leupold because of the warranty and because they are made here in the US. Having said that there are several other very high quality rifle optics on the market. I would recommend a rifle capable of shooting a half inch group at 100 yards. If you have your fundamentals together at 100 yard that all carries over to longer ranges much easier than you think. Once you understand bullet drop and learn to estimate range 600 and even 1K yards are not that far out of reach.

The only hand gun you will ever need is the Glock 17 or 19. Again I would guess the most prolific hand gun in the US. Gen 1 thru 3 parts are all interchangeable within their own models. They are cheap and capable of withstanding remarkable abuse. The magazines are plentiful, high capacity and I have rarely seen them fail. I don’t want to get into the 9mm debate, because frankly I just can’t talk about it anymore. That part of me is dead inside and I am just not going there. If you are a 45ACP or God forbid a 40 S&W follower knock yourself out. (side note, on duty I carry a 45, off I carry a concealed 9mm)

If you will be defending a position it may not be a bad idea to have a battle rifle. I am pretty flexible here. A high capacity semi auto 308 in the right hands can create a very formidable influence. The M1A is well known, but high quality magazines are expansive to acquire in large numbers. If you’re looking for the very high quality M1A’s the price can be staggering. I have heard good things about the FAL, but know little about them. The G3 semi or HK91 is a very solid platform, parts are cheap and magazines are almost disposable. Quality varies greatly in the knockoff market so do your homework here before laying out your hard earned money.

Once you have acquired the weaponry you are satisfied with, go buy a second one or at least a complete parts kit. Buy gunsmithing tools and become well acquainted with your weapons. Find armourers manuals for them or at very least read the owners manual. Maintain them and shoot them. A safe queen that never gets shot will have the most important part fail at the moment of truth, the operator.

Take some, all or none of what I have written. What works for me may not work out for you because of a verity of different reasons. I certainly don’t know it all, but I am too old and pissy to change my mind about much anymore.