Pros and Cons of Packing a Firearm in Your Bug Out Bag

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True survivalists know the importance of having a bug out bag.

Just in case you are not familiar with the term, bug out bags are basically bags or kits that contain everything that you would need to survive, in the event of an emergency or disaster, for at least seventy-two hours.

There is, fortunately, a lot of good information out there on what to pack and what not to pack in your bug out bag. One of the most hotly debated items, however, is a firearm.

Some people absolutely think that you should pack firearms in your bug out bag, some even going so far to say that it is the most important item. Others, however, think that firearms are a big no-no.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pack a firearm in your bug out bag is up to you. But, as you make that decision, at least consider the various pros and cons.

Firearms are Heavy

One of the biggest issues with packing a firearm in your bug out bag is the fact that, more often than not, these items are quite heavy. And not thinking about weight is a huge mistake when packing and stocking your bag.

Since bug out bags are made to be used in emergency situations, you never really know the exact situation you might be in. And there is always a good chance that it might be a situation in which you can’t easily carry a heavy load.

For that reason, you may want to rethink packing firearms in your bug out bag. Remember, too, that you can’t just pack a firearm; you also have to pack ammunition, which can also weigh a lot.

At the very least, if you do ultimately decide that you would feel better and more secure with a firearm in your bug out bag, pack one that is as lightweight and easily portable as possible.

Firearms May Attract Attention

When deciding whether or not to carry guns in your bug out bag, another thing that you will want to consider is that some guns have a way of attracting attention, whether you want it or not.

For example, many people strap their rifles and/or rifle mags to their bags, which attracts attention easily. Some bigger shotguns (20 inch barrels and up) and common rifles like the AR-15 have a distinctive shape and unique scope mount, making it quite obvious that you’re carrying a gun. Even with smaller handguns, they often have a distinctive shape, even when inside of a bag, that alerts others to their presence.

For smaller handguns, like the new Glock 19 Gen 5, gun shape and scope mounts are less of a concern (though many Glocks, like the G43, can use fixed sights).

This can be a good thing in that it can make people wary of you and thus increase your security and protection. However, on the flipside, it can also be a bad thing, attracting potential thieves or even people who want to use your own firearms against you.

Really, at the end of the day, it is all about what will make you feel the most comfortable. If you do decide to carry firearms, though, keep your bag nearby at all times and be cautious and careful of your surroundings.

As you can see, there are both positives and negatives to carrying firearms in your bug out bag. You will have to make a decision on this matter for yourself, but, before you do, at least consider the advice presented here.

In : Blog

About the author

Learn More About Being a Survivalist. My name is Jack and my blog is a great way to get new and useful tips on how to get your house ready for anything, whether its a terrible storm or a really long power outage.

1 Comment

  1. James Forrester

    These are all great points to consider. Although having a gun may aid you in life threatening situations, it’s also important to note how heavy it is and how concealment can be a problem. Thank you for this post!

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