Topic: Bugging Out: Pistol or More Rifle Ammo?

[Tomac]

With the weight limitation of what one can carry, which is more useful: 100rds additional ammo for the rifle besides what is already planned (ie: rifle only) or a pistol w/2 mags and appx 90rds of ammo (ie: rifle and pistol)?
Tomac

[Kcboats]

IMHO, rifle...its always better to keep your enemies far away.

[Orbital-Burn]

just me, I'd go for the pistol and about 45 rounds of ammo, then rest in rifle bullets.

But I can't agree with your initial premise.  There is not that much of a weight limitation, unless you are already carrying too much.  Cut back on water weight by carrying a filter and refillable bottle.  Wear that pair of pants an extra day.  Do something so you can carry the rifle ammo you need as well as a pistol and appropriate ammo for it. 

[e11charlie]

I remember in the military we could live out of a large Alice pack for just over a month.  That was with 1000 rounds of ammo.  All you would need to do is have an extra ammo and food hide and you would be fine.   

[Keebsley]

If your primary weapon is a rifle, carry more of that ammo.  Hence why your pistol is called a secondary weapon.  If your only weapon is a pistol...well...that's a no brainer because your secondary weapon doesn't take ammo but it keeps a fine edge.

[Michael N]

I actually leave my Glock and several loaded mags in my BOB when I am at home . I figure if I have to get out in a hurry I may not have the time or access to the safe . As for ammo for a rifle it would depend on caliber and configuration of your Bug Out rifle . A .308 bolt gun would probably be fine with 100-120 rounds whreas an AR platform it would be pretty easy to pack 300-400 rounds neatly organized in magazines .

This also would depend heavily on what you think you may have to Bug Out for ? Natural disaster versus collapse of civilization as we know it makes a big difference .

[Idaho Corsair]

Like Michael said, it really depends on WHAT you're planning for. But really, my first question is: why don't you ALREADY have a pistol and extra mag(s) on you? 

[Tomac]

Like Michael said, it really depends on WHAT you're planning for. But really, my first question is: why don't you ALREADY have a pistol and extra mag(s) on you? 

I have a pistol & extra mags available but am wondering if its more advantageous to skip the pistol entirely in favor of more rifle ammo. I can do either but am considering all options.
Tomac

[fj40mojo]

Don't ditch the pistol, never hurts to have a back up defensive weapon, but I would just carry whatever mags you have for it loaded and not any additional ammo.  If I'm packing loose ammo, it's for my primary weapon-the rifle.

[Jeff]

It all depends on the situation.  You can always cache stuff on the way if you don't want or can't carry it.

[tgibson]

Like Michael said, it really depends on WHAT you're planning for. But really, my first question is: why don't you ALREADY have a pistol and extra mag(s) on you? 

Good point!!  You know what the other name for your pistol is don't you?  It's your rifle retention weapon!!!
Adios,
TG

[Nomad]

If for some reason the rifle go down aawww the pistol back up......
 Just a thought......

[e11charlie]

If for some reason the rifle go down aawww the pistol back up......
 Just a thought......

...dont forget about the knife back up, followed by the last and final means of resistance, harsh language and the finger.

[tgibson]

...dont forget about the knife back up, followed by the last and final means of resistance, harsh language and the finger.

Adios,
TG

[Idaho Corsair]

Ok, so here's my "expanded version" of why you should have a pistol. 

1. you should already have it 
2. if your rifle goes down you still have a firearm
3. if you need to go "covert" "grey-man" you can hide the rifle (in a bush or your backpack - the point is, it will not be easily accessible) and still have a firearm ready
4. if you have the pistol concealed, you might (theoretically) get disarmed and get lucky to still have the handgun
5. if you need to do certain types of E&E, you're gonna loose the rifle and pack (think river), but you'll still have your pistol!

[Tomac]

Ok, so here's my "expanded version" of why you should have a pistol. 
1. you should already have it 
2. if your rifle goes down you still have a firearm
3. if you need to go "covert" "grey-man" you can hide the rifle (in a bush or your backpack - the point is, it will not be easily accessible) and still have a firearm ready
4. if you have the pistol concealed, you might (theoretically) get disarmed and get lucky to still have the handgun
5. if you need to do certain types of E&E, you're gonna loose the rifle and pack (think river), but you'll still have your pistol!

Very logical & thought out, thx!...
Tomac

[e11charlie]

I actually consider my rifle and pistol married.  Where the one goes so does the other.  I would feel naked with out one or the other.  Allthough the pistol gets jealous when the rifle is out all night then starts the fight about why dont you spend more time with me your allways out drinking then I say hey leave me alone...  oh never mind.

[Nomad]

 A relationship made to last, shouldn't break them up....
 One goes they both go working as a team..
 Shown at up coming Patrol shoot both can become hot and well
you know the rest.....

[Michael N]

Just for your consideration but 102 rounds of 9mm loaded in Glock magazines weigh's 3.75 pounds . 100 rounds of .223 in 20 and 30 round AR mags weighs 3.63 pounds . I don't know if that helps or not but I found it interesting that pound for pound and round for round I was almost dead even .

[Precise]

And I thought your pistol was just there to fend off those too close for you to reload your rifle, or to fight your way to another rifle? 

[Norton1]

As a radio operator in Vietnam they always wanted me to carry a pistol. I never did. Some Mariens used the pistol as a groin protector. I humped my M-14 just like the rest of the grunts. And I never ever found a reason to wish I had a pistol. Yeah it was heavier. But I found that the VC could be kept a lot farther away with the rifle than the pistol.

If I had to "bug-out" I'd take my rifle. And all the ammo I could hump for it.

[SNAFU]

100 rounds of .223 in 20 and 30 round AR mags weighs 3.63 pounds .

A little Less if you use PMags.

[quadidaho]

From "Book of two Guns"-- a pistol used for fighting your way to a rifle.......

[Idaho Corsair]

From "Book of two Guns"-- a pistol used for fighting your way to a rifle.......

I'm not baggin on you at all quad, but that quote is SOO overused and while it can be true, it doesn't cover ALL (or even most) that a pistol is used for... in fact, it's probably only applicable for military situations in 90% of cases.