Page 216 - The Lost Ways

Rifles

When it comes to a rifle that you want to be able to rely on, you may want to consider a

quality single shot chambered in 45-70. We chose this cartridge for its range and power
level, and like the straight wall revolvers we talked about, it is quite easy to reload.

The Ruger Number One, Thompson Center line of single shots and even the reproduction
Sharps rifles from Pedersoli, Cimarron, and others make great candidates.

(Ruger No. 1 single-shot with custom barrel with action open – photo credits Arthurrh)

As in the case with the semiauto handguns, we are not saying to discard your modern
equipment, but having a few “Old Tech” designs on hand is just a safe bet.

Ammunition

As was witnessed in the first half of 2013, firearms can become useless without a steady

supply of ammunition. It does not take an act of war, alien invasion, zombie apocalypse,
Congressional writ, or Executive Order to halt the ammunition supply; the market can
easily suffer as a result of speculation and panic buying.

When big box discount stores have to limit customers’ purchases to two boxes a day, it is
a pretty good indication that it has gone beyond the warning stage.

Most shooters and those with a preparedness mindset could see events like these coming
months if not years in advance and built their supply steadily. However, it was noticed
that as the supply situation did not resolve within a reasonable amount of time, these
prepared shooters had to resort to using ammunition that was saved for a rainy day with
no signs for replenishment in sight.

Even dedicated reloaders of ammunition faced the same pitfalls as the companies that

make ammunition also make reloading components. The major manufacturers saw their
components going right back to their own production lines to feed the consumer demand
for more ammunition.

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