Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.
Interesting post over at TSLRF regarding standardization of firearms.
If you read the comments, someone suggested that all you really needed was to agree on a caliber and let everyone get what they wanted based on their needs and budget.
Lemme tell you a story. Many years ago I went to visit some friends. We were planning on doing a bit of shooting so I packed up my guns and flew out to visit. On my return trip, there was some difficulty and my guns didnt make it back. In fact, it was several months before they finally came back to me. So when I returned home, I was essentially unarmed. Sure, I had a 10/22 in the safe and probably a .38 somewhere, but no AR, no autopistol. (Keep in mind this was before I had the level of redundancy I have now.)
One of the LMI, who was in a position to have spares of his stuff, came by and dropped off a rifle and pistol for me. No mags, no ammo, no optics, no slings. Just a couple guns. Because we had standardized on a particular platform, I already had everything else I needed…already had plenty of mags, ammo, slings, optics, holsters, etc. Thats pretty much a classic example of how standardization has benefits.
Standardization isnt the exclusive domain of the thundertoy. I’ve standardized on things like battery sizes (AA, D and CR123), sheath knives (Glock), canteens, Nalgene bottle sizes, etc, etc. It streamlines logistics and allows for discounts through bulk purchases.
People who are into preparedness tend to be a fairly…individualistic…lot. Getting several of them to agree on something (especially something like firearms) can be a challenge at times. But, ideally, in addition to being rugged individualists your associates are also reasonable and logical beings as well. People who can appreciate the advantages and disadvantages presented to them on this issue, and come around to a decision thats mutually acceptable to all.
Even if your ‘group’ is no larger than you and your spouse, its still an excellent idea to have commonality in these matters. Similar models of GPS, similar models of flashlight, similar models of backpacks, etc, etc….it really does make things easier. Just be sure to think things through and be willing to accept that maybe your idea of what should be the adopted [firearm/flashlight/tent/pack/radio] for your group of like-minded individuals may not stand up under arguments from the others. Be flexible, be open minded but always keep your eye on the big picture – your goal is a commonality that meets your anticipated needs. What are those needs? Thats for you and your buddies to decide.
