What guns to have when SHTF?

If/when the S*** Hits the Fan (SHTF), as in widespread civil unrest resulting from either natural disaster or invasion, what weapons should one have on hand for family defense?

There are as many opinions as there are weapons out there. Here's what I like. Sorry no links to pictures yet; for now I'm just getting down some thoughts.

First, there should be at least one firearm for each person in your family. If your kids aren't old enough to handle guns yet, they will be soon enough. You can't have too many, as long as you teach safety and responsibility along with shooting. A minimum of 100 rounds on hand for each firearm is a good start; at least 1000 in the case of .22 LR.

The basics:

Shotgun- A short barrelled 12 gauge pump is the well loved standard, and for good reason. I like the Winchester 1300 Defender, but most any brand will do. Use any buckshot from 000 to number 4. Even birdshot is fine at close range. Every household needs a shotgun. If you or your spouse don't like the 12 gauge's recoil, settle for a 20.

Pistol- one you can comfortably carry and conceal is best, because the whole purpose of a pistol is to have something on your person when long guns are not practical to haul around. I like the S&W model 60, 5 shot .38/.357 with 3" barrel. I LOVE my Springfield Armory 1911 in .45acp, but it's not near as comfortable to carry on a daily basis. (most states require a permit to carry- make sure you know the law)

.22 rifle- The bread and butter of every household. Great for teaching people to shoot, target practice, dispatching pests and small game. Ruger 10-22 is nice but over-rated and over-priced, Marlin model 60 is just as nice, under-rated and therefore reasonably priced. Don't overlook bolt and lever actions, though, especially for kids learning to shoot. For that purpose, a single shot is even better as it teaches beginners to make every shot count.

Centerfire Rifle(s)- now we're into the meat and potatoes, the Queen of Battle. Ideally one should have several, but if you could only have one, what would you get?

I would stick with my Savage 99 chambered in .308. Others may vary.

I do have others, and will probably get more, but the Savage is my go-to gun for all around use: highly versatile, accurate, reliable, powerful, fast handling and fits like a glove.

A better choice more specific for SHTF situations, however, might be either an AK-47 or an AR-15, not for their utility or firepower so much as the fact that these guns look scary. That can be a good thing, ie, nothing quite says "Go Away" to a bunch of looters as well as a gun that has "guerilla warfare" written all over it.

If you don't want to look like a bad guy, but still want semi-auto firepower in a handy package, consider the Ruger mini-14 or mini-30, SKS, or classy M-1 Carbine. If you have plenty of cash, a walnut-stocked Springfield Armory M1A Squad Scout would be totally sweet.

When more long range effect is needed: M-1 Garand, M1A/M14, FN-FAL, or CETME G-3.

I've gotta get away from this desk and go shooting!