reduction of ammunition (stored)

[nosimij]

In #311 of the pod cast you were talking about the conversation you had been having on reducing the number of different types of ammunition.  I have been living this plan from the moment the wife and I added firearms to our preps.  I am sure that your shows assisted in that decision.  I have made similar decisions to yours.  I do not have all of the holes plugged yet, but I am starting to question that decision.  Not the specifics of which were to be chosen, but the decision to limit the content of my safe to the calibers I have chosen.

Having been one of the lucky members of the USCG during the late 80s when they took away our 1911s and gave us M9s, I was convinced that I did not want a 40CAL.  I am not a revolver man and my wife has not liked the 3 she has shot those were also off the radar.  However while we listened to 311 in the car this weekend we discussed the benefits of 40S&W, 38 SPCL, and .357.  We did not discuss them from a power or shoot-ability perspective, but from an availability of ammunition factor.  Here in N.E. Ohio when there was nothing on the shelf from January to April there was always 40Cal.  I just walked into a deal on some used reloading dies for 38/357.  We are reviewing the merits of adding a S&W J frame (or the like) and a Glock 40 just so that we have a wider selection of tools if and when the next ammo shortage or whatever comes along. 

That same could be said for long guns.  An AR is good an AK is good but both allows you to ride out availability issues, trade with more people take advantage of deals that fall in your lap.

I have also been rethinking my position on quick identification of a firearm in my safe for a common platform.  If the safety is always in the same place then you thumb knows where it is without thinking "which gun am I about to defend myself with?"  I am not sure I am willing just yet to go to a AR style shotgun, but I am considering adding a center fire deer gun of the pump variety.  If my Ohio gun and my PA gun are on the same action then all I have to think about is distance to target and venison is on the table, assuming I can get them in range.

Any thought on adding to your safe to allow for more Common ammunition?

P.S.  I hope you are having a great hunt in Africa.  May it be all that you dreamed it would be.

[tombogan03884]

It's not necessary to actually get rid of oddball calibers, but at least in your mind, break your collection down into 2 groups, dedicated emergency guns should be in readily available calibers that you have stocked up on, while the rest are seen for what they are, guns that you like to have and will shoot if you happen to find ammo.
Just because you are focused on survival doesn't mean you have to deny yourself that really sweet Spencer just because it's in 56/56 .
You just need to use common sense in your planning and storage plans, don't pile the 32/20's in front of the .223's.