So, since I moved back from Cali and am starting over with SHTF gear, I am trying to decide best way to set up as concerns firearms. I thought I would ask those here who are better prepared and more knowledgeable than I.
Here's what I have atm;
1 - Hi-Point 995 Carbine w/6-15rnd mags in pouch ready to go(90rnds total) plenty of 9mm in ammo cans.
1 - SKS limited to 5 rnds specifically set up for hunting(scope only, mag can obviously be changed out)
3 - SKS in OEM format each with a 180rnd bandolier and 300rnd ammo box. All ammo on stripper clips.
1 - SKS(my daughter's) in Tapco stock w/5-20rnd mags and 1-10rnd mag. (Currently enough ammo to load the mags.)
1 - SKS scoped in Choate conventional w/detachable 30rnd crap mag.
1 - MC-5D w/1-5rnd mag and 7-20rnd mags in a bandolier.
Here is what I have been asking myself;
1. Should I get another pouch and 5 more mags for the 995 which would give me 165rnds on hand?
2. Where I live 10rnd capacity is legal for hunting(and if SHTF who cares) should I trade the hunting rifle for more ammo as I've distributed most of what I have? OR, keep it and sell something else?
3. Concerning reliability, clips vs. detachable mags, and the MC-5D. Known issue with the MC-5D is that larger cap mags are heavier and tend to drop out of this SKS. The 20rnd KCI mags seem to work well and stay, but getting them inserted is definitely a learned process and a bit awkward.(it is a lot easier to insert a Tapco duckbill for me) SO, do I sell/trade off the MC-5D for more ammo or a regular SKS?(reference question 2)
4. Also as in #3, I can restore the SKS in the Choate stock back to a box mag and stripper clips thus setting it up with a loaded bandolier and 300rnd ammo box or was thinking of getting the ProMag LVX 20rnd mags which are highly reputed and QD even more than other duckbill mags??
In all this I am also thinking consistency and ease of use for other members of the family who may need to borrow one.
Thanks for your input fellas.
EDIT: Something I thought of, while reading Justin's last comment, concerning ease of field pickup, etc. AK mags probably, SKS Duckbill mags not so much. This also brings up stowage of used/empty mags to reuse them vs. stripper clips. This, I would think, would give clips the advantage as they are much easier to stick back into the bandolier pocket to preserve for later reuse whereas an empty detachable mag of whatever type will be heavier and more awkward to lug around. And it is hard to beat the reliability of the OEM box mag.
Hmmmm, more food for thought.