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Survival Guns: A guide to the selection, modification, and use of firearms and related devices for defense, food gathering, predator and pest control, under conditions of long term survival
Survival A guide to the selection, modification, and use of firearms and related devices for defense, food gathering, predator and pest control, under conditions of long term survival.
- GenresSurvival
458 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 4, 2012
I would have given this book four stars if I had read it 30, or even 20, years ago. It was published in 1976 and the information is quite dated in some parts, but "Survival Guns" is well worth reading for anyone from gun nuts to anyone interested in emergency preparedness. Tappan's book is focused on long-term survival in extreme conditions, such as a societal collapse, but the principles that the author discusses are applicable to a wide variety of circumstances and conditions. For example, the author goes through the advantages and disadvantages for handguns (semi-auto and revolvers), shotguns, and rifles in various circumstances and for different tasks. This hasn't really changed.
The most outdated part of the book probably is the section that talks about self-defense handguns. Tappan argues that their is really only one REAL combat handgun--the Colt 1911 and its various clones. He then goes on to discuss the various extra work that this pistol requires before it is really ready for combat duty. Thankfully, the firearms industry has made great strides in this area and there are now at least several good options for a very reliable, high-capacity, powerful combat handgun. These options are combat ready out of the box and many are cheaper than most 1911s would be.
I have a couple minor criticisms: first, Tappan's views on calibers, and second, Tappan's views of preparedness and the tone they convey. In Tappan's view, the .45ACP is the only suitable caliber for defense (he doesn't think revolvers are suitable weapons). In my opinion, the first rule of gunfighting (bring a gun to a gunfight) overrides any debates on caliber. It would be great if I could carry a pair of .44 Magnum revolvers with 8-inch barrels, but the problem is that I would never carry them. They are too big, too heavy, and too awkward. Obviously there is a compromise to be made between the most effective weapon and convenience. Tappan also seems to regard many mainstay cartridges as mediocre. For example, he regards the .30-30, THE classic dear-hunting cartridge, as marginal at best. I would argue that millions of dead dear would disagree. My second quibble is that Tappan is a hard-core survivalist and his attitude reflects this. He recommends something along the lines of 29+ guns to be "properly" prepared during a survival situation, and he regards anyone who is not willing to sacrifice to make this possible a slacker. This could be somewhat of a downer to some readers I would think. Most people don't have $20,000 to drop on just one aspect of emergency preparedness.
Despite my minor criticisms and the fact that some of the information is outdated, this is a worthwhile book and I plan to keep it for reference. If only I could find a similar book published in the last couple years.
The most outdated part of the book probably is the section that talks about self-defense handguns. Tappan argues that their is really only one REAL combat handgun--the Colt 1911 and its various clones. He then goes on to discuss the various extra work that this pistol requires before it is really ready for combat duty. Thankfully, the firearms industry has made great strides in this area and there are now at least several good options for a very reliable, high-capacity, powerful combat handgun. These options are combat ready out of the box and many are cheaper than most 1911s would be.
I have a couple minor criticisms: first, Tappan's views on calibers, and second, Tappan's views of preparedness and the tone they convey. In Tappan's view, the .45ACP is the only suitable caliber for defense (he doesn't think revolvers are suitable weapons). In my opinion, the first rule of gunfighting (bring a gun to a gunfight) overrides any debates on caliber. It would be great if I could carry a pair of .44 Magnum revolvers with 8-inch barrels, but the problem is that I would never carry them. They are too big, too heavy, and too awkward. Obviously there is a compromise to be made between the most effective weapon and convenience. Tappan also seems to regard many mainstay cartridges as mediocre. For example, he regards the .30-30, THE classic dear-hunting cartridge, as marginal at best. I would argue that millions of dead dear would disagree. My second quibble is that Tappan is a hard-core survivalist and his attitude reflects this. He recommends something along the lines of 29+ guns to be "properly" prepared during a survival situation, and he regards anyone who is not willing to sacrifice to make this possible a slacker. This could be somewhat of a downer to some readers I would think. Most people don't have $20,000 to drop on just one aspect of emergency preparedness.
Despite my minor criticisms and the fact that some of the information is outdated, this is a worthwhile book and I plan to keep it for reference. If only I could find a similar book published in the last couple years.
March 12, 2009
Solid information. I first read this book 32 years ago and the information is as valid now as it was then. A must for those who would be prepared.
May 12, 2021
My copy is worn out from reading and rereading. I don't agree with everything he presents, but learned a lot from it.
July 1, 2010
Seems I need a bigger arsenal. Working guns, defense guns, revolvers and automatics...it's a big list
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews