Refocusing Preps

Restless28 · 02-04-2013, 18:48

I'm in the process of selling off my AK to focus more on silver, food, water, and debt.

It's tough to let it go, but I have a Mosin and a 10/22 for rifle work.

I ordered a Big Berkey today and I'm contacting a man tomorrow to till me up a new garden spot. I'm also looking into canning.

I'm also refinancing my home to free up cash each month to accelerate debt elimination and I'm buying silver coins weekly. I have stopped extra investing and supplemental insurance due to double coverage.

Thoughts?

countrygun · 02-04-2013, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless28

I'm in the process of selling off my AK to focus more on silver, food, water, and debt.

It's tough to let it go, but I have a Mosin and a 10/22 for rifle work.

I ordered a Big Berkey today and I'm contacting a man tomorrow to till me up a new garden spot. I'm also looking into canning.

I'm also refinancing my home to free up cash each month to accelerate debt elimination and I'm buying silver coins weekly. I have stopped extra investing and supplemental insurance due to double coverage.

Thoughts?

Good thinking. While we all like our guns they should actually play a small part in a person's life if SHTF. Being financially sound is every bit as important in the long run. You can't "shoot" your fresh water and you can't plant cartridges and grow an ammo tree.

As long as you can "work to your gun's capabilities" you'll do fine.

Catshooter · 02-04-2013, 19:41

That sounds smart. I would also want a defensive handgun.

But yes, there is much more than firearms to survival.

Cat

Restless28 · 02-04-2013, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catshooter

That sounds smart. I would also want a defensive handgun.

But yes, there is much more than firearms to survival.

Cat

Glock 19 and LCP.

Catshooter · 02-04-2013, 19:47

Very nice.

Cat

Restless28 · 02-04-2013, 19:49

Thanks.

ancient_serpent · 02-04-2013, 19:53

He that cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters.
Sounds like a good decision and I've no doubt you'll pick another one up when the time is right.

Restless28 · 02-04-2013, 20:25

Thanks.

***actionshooter10*** · 02-04-2013, 22:08

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter.

I love what you're doing with your preps but know you'll regret selling the AK.

It sounds like you could keep the AK and get all of the stuff done you're trying to do, albeit at a slower paste.

JMO...and congratulations

ArmoryDoc · 02-05-2013, 00:02

There's no hurry in prepping. Don't go overboard. Get several months of food and water. Make sure you have valuable barter and settle into the idea you've prepped for a reasonable duration. Don't let prepping control you. Oh, and keep the AK. You're gonna need it.

SFCSMITH(RET) · 02-05-2013, 06:22

Only you can decide what the need is for your family, situation, and worries..

Let me say this: I understand the need for "extra cash" in the monthly budget.. BUT.. If doing a re-fi based on "financial freedom" and "debt reduction", if at all possible, stay with your current payment level, and have a shorter term. Pay the house off as soon as possible. Believe me, that is freedom.

On a side note.. I considered selling her AK a while back.. glad I didn't but they were bringing crazy money.. (Pre ban Kassnar Hungarian AKM with everything as NIB as it gets, very low serial number) I did, when we first got married, sell a couple of colts to get a leg up on the extra gear and food needed when my family responsibilities doubled overnight.

John Rambo · 02-05-2013, 07:19

"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."

Any questions?

FriarTuck · 02-05-2013, 07:49

My grandparents who ran a family farm through the Depression said being out of debt is good.

Food, water, a garden, and a gun or two are important (I don't have an AK either).

Family and being right with the Lord are the priorities, IMHO. The bad guys may "win" on earth in the short run, but wind up in Hell for eternity: the Bible says those that are first will be last, and vice versa.

Some silver coins might be icing on the cake (I don't have any of those).

It sounds like you're on the right track. God bless.

quake · 02-05-2013, 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrygun

...While we all like our guns they should actually play a small part in a person's life if SHTF. Being financially sound is every bit as important in the long run. You can't "shoot" your fresh water and you can't plant cartridges and grow an ammo tree...

+1

Not necessarily saying that I'd sell an AK right now, but if my choice was between three rifles, or two rifles and a Berkey, that'd be a no-brainer choice for me personally.

Akita · 02-05-2013, 09:31

Its about Balanced Preps and each individual situation is different based on your personal life and what you anticipate facing in the future. Certainly listen to what others think, but then take that and apply those suggestions to your specific circumstances/beliefs and make the best decision for YOU.

Sounds to me like you have a good handle on things fwiw. (whats the payback time on that lower rate refi?)

Restless28 · 02-05-2013, 12:11

I'm shooting for 15 years. I am also towards working on a promotion at work.

countrygun · 02-05-2013, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless28

I'm shooting for 15 years. I am also towards working on a promotion at work.

Don't worry about it. It's not like AKs are "rare" or hard to find. Right now if you feel you don't need it then you don't need it it's that simple. Only you know your circumstances. You sound like you have a good instinct a good priorities.
The ability to make decisions at the appropriate time, for yourself and your situation, is an important survival skill.

Warp · 02-05-2013, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by quake

+1

Not necessarily saying that I'd sell an AK right now, but if my choice was between three rifles, or two rifles and a Berkey, that'd be a no-brainer choice for me personally.

Of course.

But from a defensive perspective, he is choosing between almost zero rifles and one rifle, IMO.

A bolt gun or a .22lr isn't really what you want.

Prices now suck so much for buying though. You can't just tell a person to buy a $150 SKS like you used to.

But I don't know his full situation and, IMO, what really matters is a good, dependable, reliable handgun that you can carry all day every day. Defensive firearms are worthless unless you have them on you or within arms reach when you need them.

As long as THAT is covered, selling other firearms isn't such a big deal.

Counter point: 'Nobody ever secured their liberty with a handgun', as I have been told. But that's a different topic than S/P, really.

Happypuppy · 02-05-2013, 13:36

Sounds good. Make sure you add some barter items, I see the dollar very weak moving forward and trades common. Maybe hold on some of the extra AK mags if you have them. Booze and cigarettes are always good.

***actionshooter10*** · 02-05-2013, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by quake

+1

Not necessarily saying that I'd sell an AK right now, but if my choice was between three rifles, or two rifles and a Berkey, that'd be a no-brainer choice for me personally.

Agreed.

I just think that there's a better chance of him needing the ak than the silver and that if he needs the silver, he'll probably need the ak...

He could probably buy the Berkey with the money for the silver.

Aceman · 02-05-2013, 19:56

I will always say - having enough water to stay in, will keep you from having to have enough bullets to go out...

I can avoid a gunfight a lot longer than I can avoid a glass of water.

That said, My Arsenal SLR 107FR is the LAST gun to go!!!!!!!!

But more food, more water, more living gear is more important to me.

One long gun and one handgun per adult shooter, good to go. 12g and a Glock - fine. Winchester 94 and a S&W wheel gun - fine. It doesn't matter as long as you can shoot it.

Aceman · 02-05-2013, 19:57

I'd still think twice about the AK....not that I subscribe to the insanity of bans these days. But I did say insanity. One never knows.

Catshooter · 02-05-2013, 22:40

It's a great time to sell.

I hate AKs. I tried to like 'em, even built a few. Couldn't do it. I'd much rather have an SKS. Or, and I know this is sacralious on a gun forum but I like a lever.

I wouldn't call a Mosin not a defensive rifle. I sure wouldn't want to go against one.

Cat

Stevekozak · 02-06-2013, 06:00

I think what the OP is doing right now makes sense for him. He has made an evaluation of his needs and acted to adjust to that evaluation. I actually think that he (or any of us) are more likely to need that silver than the AK in the most likely SHTF situation that faces this nation. A Mosin, a 10-22, and a defensive handgun are a pretty solid gun-prep base for that situation.

quake · 02-06-2013, 06:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warp

...IMO, what really matters is a good, dependable, reliable handgun that you can carry all day every day. Defensive firearms are worthless unless you have them on you or within arms reach when you need them.

As long as THAT is covered, selling other firearms isn't such a big deal...

Agreed. He mentioned having a G19 and an LCP, so I didn't go there; but you're absolutely right on that. If it came down to the so-often-discussed "can only have one gun" choice, it'd be a good handgun for me personally.