I was recently asked for my opinion on someone’s survival pack list.
They had the usual item such as food, a flashlight, and shelter.
The one thing they did not include in their survival kit was a weapon of any kind.
They owned weapons, yet did not have any in their ready-to-go survival bag.
This made me start thinking of the best survival weapons to include in a survival kit and I came up with the following suggestions of 5 weapons to own and add to your survival kit.
Importance of Survival Weapons
Having a survival weapon is a non-negotiable item to bring while participating in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or practicing bushcraft.
They are also important when preparing for a potential apocalyptic catastrophic event.
There are so many types of weapons and then even more categories inside of each weapon type.
Picking your weapon can be overwhelming, but it is important to do your research so that you have a reliable weapon that you are comfortable with.
You cannot rely on just one weapon because if it malfunctions, you need to have a backup.
Weapons also serve different functions, which is why you need to have several different weapons ready to go.
For example, you wouldn’t use a gun to cut down firewood. So that is why you would also want to make sure you have something sharp like a knife or ax.
You may be wary to own certain weapons, but when it comes down to it, you will need a weapon for practical purposes such as hunting and making a shelter, but you will also need one to be able to defend yourself and your loved ones.
It all comes down to self-preservation!
Survival Knife
There are so many types of knives to choose from.
First, you have to choose between a fixed blade versus a folding knife.
This is a tough one because there are benefits to owning both.
I like the Gerber Prodigy Survival knife when it comes to fixed blade survival knives. (read my review on this knife here)
The benefits of a fixed blade knife include a longer blade length, strong, and they also typically don’t break. Fixed blades are also easier to clean and maintain. A fixed blade is great for tactical use and for self-defense. A fixed blade knife is very versatile and can be quickly accessed in a self-defense scenario.
I like the RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool for a folding knife option. (read my review on this knife here)
The benefits of owning a folding knife are that they tend to be more compact and easier to conceal. Folding pocket knives also tend to be a more popular option as an everyday carry knife. A con to owning a folding knife is that the spring mechanisms can easily break. They can also be harder to clean than a fixed blade knife.
A con to owning a knife in a self-defense situation is to remember not to bring a knife to a gunfight. This is why I suggest owning both.
You can read more about how to choose a reliable knife by reading my top 10 knives post.
Survival Gun.
Guns tend to be a go-to when people first think of a weapon.
When first researching and buying your own gun it can be very overwhelming to choose which brand and caliber are best for you.
Guns are great in survival scenarios because they can be used for both hunting and self-defense.
Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns are just a few types of guns out there. Within each category, there are even more differences.
A gun is defined as any weapon which is designed to be readily converted to expel a projectile (bullet) by the action of an explosive (gun powder).
Do your research and find out what works for you. I suggest owning two to three different types of guns. Be mindful of the availability of the type of gun as well as the availability and pricing of the type of ammo needed for that gun.
I HIGHLY suggest that everyone at the bare minimum gets a handgun and their concealed weapons permit. These two things will come in handy in the future and can be lifesaving!!
One con of using a gun in a survival scenario is that they are loud and can draw a lot of attention. Another con is that you can easily run out of ammo. To combat running out of ammo I suggest you begin stocking up on ammo as soon as you can!! Have you seen the recent price in ammo?? This should be a huge red flag to you and signal you to go and buy some ammo for yourself!
I like the MTM Ammo crate to store my ammo because it can hold a lot of ammo. You can get this ammo crate on amazon by clicking here.
Note: Please be a responsible gun owner! Learn safety practices and never point a gun at something you don’t intend to get destroyed!
Survival Pepper Spray and Stun Guns
The BIGGEST advantage of owning pepper spray and a stun gun is that you DO NOT have to be in physical content with the person in order to defend yourself and use the weapon.
I know that you can get pepper spray and a stun gun separately, but my mind always goes to owning a multi-functional item, which is why I suggest purchasing a Pepper Spray Stun Gun which has both defense tools in one product.
I like the Sabre Self Defense Kit which has a flashlight, pepper spray, and a stun gun all in one device. You can learn more about this device by clicking here.
Carrying a stun gun and pepper spray can provide anyone with confidence and allows them to be prepared. It allows you to fight a threat that is multiple feet away.
I also like how portable and lightweight stun guns and pepper sprays are. You can easily attach them to your key ring or keep them in your bag for easy access when the time arises.
Stun guns and pepper sprays aren’t just for your survival preparations, I suggest you carry one everywhere you go. They are a simple self-defense device that you will be happy you have with you if you are attacked and need to defend yourself.
Survival Crossbow
Did you know that the crossbow was the first-ever handheld, mechanical firearm?!
I like crossbows over other bow and arrow options because they are easier to use.
Crossbows are designed with horizontal limbs which allow them for easier resting and increased stability.
They also reduce muscle fatigue which allows you to have longer and more accurate holding time on your target.
Crossbows are also more powerful than other bow and arrows.
Crossbows are a great weapon choice because they are very quiet.
They are also useful for both self-defense and hunting purposes.
I like crossbows because you can reuse the arrows and not have to worry about running out as long as you are diligent about retrieving your arrows.
A con to using a crossbow would be that they do not have the same range as a gun does. Another con is that crossbows are HEAVY! They aren’t the best choice for being on the go because of their weight and bulkiness. They also take more time to reload which can be a big issue in a self-defense situation.
The Barnett TS380 crossbow is great for beginners. You can learn more about this crossbow by clicking here.
Which One Is Best For You?
I honestly could keep going on and on about suggestions of various weapons to purchase.
The point is to do your research and find what works best for YOU.
Once you get your weapons make sure to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
You don’t want it to just be another item to clutter your closet. You need to be familiar and comfortable with your weapon if the time comes to use it!
Another suggestion is to not go blabbing and boasting about all the weapons you own! Weapons are expensive and can make you an easy target for theft if you are boasting about owning tons of expensive items.
Please be a responsible weapon owner and learn the best safety practices for your weapon!
Which weapon do you prefer?
Let's Stay Connected!
I didn’t have much knowledge of survival weapons before reading this post. I’m glad I did though as I now know a lot more about them. I enjoyed learning about the weapons and appreciate how you go into detail for each one.
I think this website is very helpful for those looking to become more knowledgeable about survival gear. I’ll be sure to keep this website in mind should I need more tips.
Hi Samuel,
I am glad that you found this post useful. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about various weapons!
-Lily W.
I’ve always been into survival equipment, but I have usually stuck to knives. The other weapons are not ones that I am particularly well acquainted with, but considering the situations in which I would likely need them, they deserve some further consideration. The crossbow is also intriguing, as it is always something that I have wanted to learn to use. I think it would be very good for hunting quietly, and the fact that you can refuse crossbow bolts I find to be a significant advantage.
I’m glad that you have an understanding of knives. I agree that learning how to use a crossbow would be a great addition to your weaponry skills.
I have also been building my list for several years. I have tested all of these.
Here are my 10 best SHTF guns
S&W 686/586 357 Magnum. It is made to bear heavy usage and designed with an L-frame, which Smith & Wesson.
Glock 19.
AK-47 (semi auto shotgun variants-Krebs, Mossberg, CAI, Kalashnikov, Saiga, etc.)
AR-15.
Mossberg 935 Magnum.
Kel Tec Sub 2000.
Ruger 10/22.
Mossberg MVP.
Wow! You have a great understanding of the different types of guns. I believe the Glock 19 and Ar-15 are great guns to have experience with. What brand of AR-15 have you shot?