The most important thing for SHTF, is to ensure that you will be the most lootable corpse on the field. If someone doesn't open up your bag and go "he's so loaded" then your gear ain't gucci enough.

The most overlooked important thing for SHTF is community building

Super short version: Use what works best for you ; Carry for your mission goals ; Silence is golden ;

I watched the whole 2 hour long version, now i am watching the short version. Simply because i enjoy Paul's videos.

Who is the greatest guntuber of all time, and why is it Paul Harrell?

This was certainly a useful presentation, but one thing I don't think that people have sufficiently considered: MURDER is going to be the main threat -- as opposed to "gunfights." IMO you're more likely to be shot exiting your domicile when going out to pick berries than you are facing a "road warrior" type of situation. IMO a wonderful tool in that regard is thermal imaging -- which today can be had fairly cheaply (in the most economical form). Such a device provides a very effective way to scan your surroundings and pick out those who may be lying in wait for you.

Even before the gun segment it's already clear that Paul is packing some serious heat.

You sir are a national treasure. Much peace, grace and love to you and God bless brother

This was well thought out just like I expected. I went through 17 days in 2009 without power, without anyone able to travel, and one gas station in an entire county able to pump gasoline for days and emergency vehicles and ambulances needed it. A crank radio let us know what was going on in the world. I charged a cell on a car in the driveway. We cooked on a Coleman camp stove, used the front porch as refrigerator in coolers and kept from freezing in an all electric home with a kerosene heater. One old man froze to death in a trailer hugging a water heater wearing 5 coats. There were no ruts in the highway, no footprints in the snow, and no where to go. Oxygen systems in patients homes stopped working and EMT and fireman lugged on their backs oxygen tanks when the battery packs ran out. Krogers had all their dairy ruined by the generator failing. There was no milk to be had and no one could get deliveries in an area with 3100 power poles down. I never actually worried about needing to shoot criminals who also could not easily travel. If one came a simple 22 in a knee and they freeze to death. Caliber meant nothing and no police would be coming until there was a thaw and paths opened up. Every choice Paul talked about made sense. In our case wildlife was denned up and some animals were not seen for days even as tracks in the snow. Dens in trees were frozen over in many cases. We burned a candle for light. Flashlights were important. We almost ran out of cat food for pets. We could not get to the horses. My elderly mom was sleeping by the kerosene heater under 5 blankets. We could melt snow if the water stopped. For those 17 days no one came until a National Guardsman came to see if we were alive. We were better prepared than many and like many friends had to cook and eat meat in freezers thawing to not waste anything. The Coleman cooking stove and my camping equipment became essential fast. Everything Paul said made sense. In this emergency in 2009 between trees falling down from the weight of ice, roads blocked by poles and downed wires, and ice patches on roads it was quiet most of the day and strange to look at town in the distance and it was dark. If it truly goes bad live in the country and be safer than in an apartment building with no water, power, and in the city you have limited storage in thin walled apartments. I would not want to be in a city when it all goes bad. Go where it is safe may be wiser than what firearm. Most of my neighbors would be helping each other than a threat. In a real emergency thinking before the problem is more important than what you are packing in some emergencies. You might have to depend upon grandfather's 1931 shotgun because that is all you have and it is defense, and hunting. I found a dead skunk frozen behind my garage where it went to sleep in the cold and froze to death. We were not yet that desperate and I knew help was coming. Power was restored first in town and then out into the county. I had an end game I could hope for, but some emergencies that go longer than 17 days could mean your medicine runs out etc. If on insulin if the pharmacy stock was ruined and none were coming in by truck and you run out then you are a patient after the last shot and not an asset to your family. An emergency in August in hot weather had different problems to deal with from heat stroke, faster ruin to freezer food and infection issues go up. Elderly will be quickly vulnerable when a fan won't even run. It may be easier to get a car to you or drive out of a region and power issues would be more of transformers blowing knocking out sections. Sometimes you do the best you can and put the rest in the Good Lord's hands.

You don't know how proud I am for figuring out what TEOTWAWKI stood for.

One bonus of revolvers is that you'll never be stuck with no magazines in the event of mag losses/failures. Worth having at least one in a scenario like this.

I think something that needs discussed more is how to handle other people in a non violent way to rebuild a safe community during times like this. I’m all for the doom and gloom but eventually we need to come out the other side. And sometimes the best weapons and tactics don’t involve shooting but thinking and knowing how to handle personalities. If that fails, lead talks with a language everyone will understand.

You always hear about bugging out with these SHTF scenarios. What's ideal is being able to "bug in" or shelter in place. Bugging out means being out in the open with countless people who are panicking and/or looking to victimize you. Easier said than done. Obviously, living in or near a big city is generally considered a no-no but that's the situation most of us are in, myself included. So, which is worse? Being stuck in or near a city during SHTF or being on the road among a fleeing mob during SHTF?

I always held the belief that NATO calibers are the way to go for TEOTWAWKI. Thanks for a solid short video.

I remember when Twinkies were to stop being made, they dried up within a matter of hours of the news. I can only imagine what would happen to anything that could be "scavenged". Everything will be quickly claimed by someone ready to defend it. This video is insightful.

Makes me smile to see Paul making videos around doing what he likes. Always insightful and always genuine, thanks Paul.

Guns and ammo should be like 5% of your stuff for TEOTWAWKI, the other 95% needs to be stuff like toilet paper, food, water, soap and other mundane things.

'No, you haven't won a prize" always gets a chuckle out of me.

Paul is the best. That 70s jacket outfit action pistol shot in the titles cannot be bested! 🙌🏼

Uhhh.... so who else went ahead and watched the whole "short version" to complete just to go on and then watch the "long" version?

Having reliable friends will be more important than anything: solidarity!

Only 10 seconds in but I'm already saddened that the phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range wasn't listed... 😂😂

An excellent subject, Paul ! Thanks for exploring it.

Excellent as always, Paul. Thanks so much for sharing your experience-based thoughts.

Paul Harrell says : I could discuss this all day. My response : when can we do that!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who watches both short and long versions :D Enjoyable, thank you always for making these!

You are so hilarious and fun to watch. Love your sense of humor.

Well thought out and presented as always, Paul. Nicely done.

Well, I can't miss any presentations by Paul. So, now I'm going to watch the long version.

My guesses before the video really starts: Ruger 10/22, Beretta 9mm, 12 gauge pump action, .223 AR and some form of hunting rifle like a 308 or 30-30. You're the man Paul!

Thank you, Paul! Always come to your videos when I want to get the best information

Ok, you've peaked my interest. I watched this short version as my time was thought to be limited this morning. But considering the state of the world, and this country in general, and the fact that Paul Harrell himself is spending 4+ hours out of his day to bring important information such as this to us all, I think it responsible to go watch the 2 hour version.

I always enjoy Professor Harrell's lectures.

My choices are Keltec EVERYTHING. That way you don’t have people trying to kill your to take your gear. They’ll also not engage with you out of sheer pity at your choice in armaments.

Great video Paul, thanks a bunch for making it!

Solid and reliable breakdown of good info for newbies and rookies. Use it if you don't know anything because it is solid info that won't let you down.

Glad you’re still kicking man. I can’t wait to check out the long version!

"The hardest part about the apocalypse will be deciding which guns to bring" As much as I love my ACR, I have a strong feeling that parts availability will be far more valuable than "cool factor" ;)

Thanks Mr Harrell. Well presented besides well thought out.

Great food for thought...and action...for these times...will definitely watch the long version!

Thank you for offering a short and long version, I've watched you so much that you've earned enough trust that I don't feel the need to "check your work" by watching everything but I also love how you dissect things in greater detail with damn near scientific precision. I may end up watching your longer stuff sometimes just to get that too.

"Brevity is the soul of wit." Thank you for your wit and wisdom in this short format. Now, on to the long haul...

Excellently done! The best thing about this vid (and MOST of Paul's vids) is that even if you don't agree with everything Paul says, he puts out enough useful information that you can learn things of value regardless, provided you keep your mind, eyes and ears open. And I'd like to than Paul for that!

Love your content. Always informative and always fun. And a lot of your picks in firearms and ammo are things I really like.

remember that knowing how to use a bow and arrow might be quite useful, as it would allow you to re use your arrows for hunting and keep your ammo for situations where you really need it (ie: self defense)

Great presentation as always. Very well thought out. I respect your thoughts and have learned so much watching you over the years!

Thanks for great videos as usual, Mr. Harrell!

Thank you Sergeant for putting this up. I’ve been waiting for it.

Love your videos, Mr. Harrell. I'm so thankful that you share your wealth of experience and knowledge with us.

In the early part of Vietnam war my dad would carry the M1 Carbine and 1911. He was a medic. He hated the M-14 because of getting in our of the helicopter. M1 Carbine was effective for him.

Thanks Paul. I always appreciate your perspective !!!

I watched both versions of the TEOTWAWKI videos , and was extremely impressed by your knowledge and rational . I think you're an authority on the subject and sensible people should take heed . GREAT VIDEOS , Mr. Harrell !

Sorry in advance for the essay this has become. Huge thanks to Paul and the team for everything they do as a lot of this is the conglomeration of and inpiration from their work... here goes. Before anything make sure you have available methods for storing, carrying and purifying water and also cooking food. Preferably these solutions will be reusable even without fuel/chemicals - like a Lifestraw water purifier and a Trangia stove can use wood if necessary. After that worry about defence. Without knowing anyones particular skill level, physique or country of origin I'd definitely recommend a 22LR rifle - preferably a compact repeating or semiauto action or even a folding prepper-style single shot. Then a 12 gauge shotgun. Then a .223 rifle or (insert "widley used military caliber of your country" here) also in bolt action. A pistol would also be beneficial, I'd recommend 9mm self-loader. Those are not in any particular order of preference. Now thats the list for most everyday people. For everyone else (likely **you** seeing as this is a Paul Harrell video) read on. I would HIGHLY suggest a handheld loading press (such as the Lee) and a small stash of important items such as dies, primers, cases, powder, powder dippers, projectiles... and I'll go out on a limb and say bullet molds as well. These will keep you self sufficient even in the long term. You don't need a massive store of them but if you can whittle down what you need into a backpack or even better a shoebox then that is enough. The less calibers you have to maintain the better in this scenario, however being able to barter or trade would be of great benefit. There is not much better use for dead car batteries after all. If you live somewhere you can't have semi-auto rifles then a lever action in 357 Magnum would be highly recommended. I'll go out on a limb and say that I'd be comfortable with one in most scenarios, especially paired with a revolver in the same caliber. If thats the pair you have then its a lot better than nothing. People will scream "why no semiauto / box magazine rifle?!" but if you cannot obtain these items legally then its hard to promote going about that, plus you have a far greater chance of getting caught prior to having to use them in a TEOTWAWKI scenario. Another advantage (long term) is that they are mechanically simple and have no magazines to lose. Some would notice my recommendation at the start for bolt-action rifles. If you don't know how long the turmoil is going to run then a bolt action will be a good thing. No seals to wear, no gas ports to clog, no springs to break. Ammunition conservation is also an issue. Ideally you'll be able to pair this rifle with a reasonbly powered optic, too, which in open country or from a vantage point is a defintite force multiplier. For close quarters work a semiautomatic rifle is far superior, however. Last word? Get good at stuff. All the stuff - be able to fix/maintain cars and firearms as well as able to cook, grow/hunt food, triage (in a medical sense) and perform basic surgery. I'm not talking organ transplants here, but identifying the source of a major bleed and being able to stop it and then treat it will definitely be handy. Many people can't even begin to perform two out of that list of six things. You don't need a degree in them... but if you can shoot, dress and cook game animals, get an old mower running, plug a tyre and also disassemble, clean and service a rifle & sight it in then you're better off than most people out there. The rest is just icing on the cake. Wow, maybe I should make my own video.

I've always seen being ready for "doomsday" as being ready for any major events. Just looking back at this past winter where in parts of the country people were exiting their homes on the 2nd floor, having a few months of food and basic medical knowledge/medication tucked away isn't a bad idea.

I really like your approach, have watched so many of your vids. Glad you're out there.

Really appreciate how comprehensive and well organized this guy is and I'm only 5 minutes into the video

Paul, personally i think you post fantastic + not only educational but genuinely helpful life advice. Please continue creating sir. Thank you for your time!

Thank you for a short version. I sometimes struggle with sitting through extra long videos. I really appreciate the effort

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to this channel!

GREAT VIDEO!!! And THANK YOU for presenting the concise version for oreview and review!

Thanks for the video Paul. Watching this makes me realize I haven't thought about these scenarios in depth in a while. A couple of years ago here in Texas when the ice storm hit we were without electricity and running water for a week. But we had "prepped" enough to make it through without issue. We keep at least 10 cases of bottled water on hand at all times, have firewood and some "extra" food, as well as plenty of firearms and ammo. Most people don't think of doing any kind of "prepping" as daily items are usually so readily available and close at hand. The thought of a societal breakdown a terrifying because I think it would be far worse than most people can even comprehend.

I tried it at home. My card table collapsed! Listen to Paul!

Thanks, Paul, great as always!

Just watched the full version… now I’m watching the short version. Two hours and twenty-five minutes isn’t too much of Paul Harrell.

One thing that can never be stressed enough- if you don't have a place to go where they are expecting you, if you bug out you're just a refugee. If you're thinking about this kind of thing, you need a plan before you need anything else.

Thank you Mr Harrell for all the enjoyable content! Merry Christmas!

Very good commentary, thanks for sharing.

Interesting video. Never thought about it and didn't know the acronyms. Thanx. Closest I've every come is riding out hurricanes on multiple occasions where services (e.g. police) were disrupted for several days. Most people in the neighborhood did not have guns and I found conceal carry to be extremely helpful for the same reasons I find it helpful under normal circumstances.

A good presentation as always by Paul. Avoiding crowds or people in general is your best defense. You are the weapon if something goes sideways. The firearms are just tools. I agree with Paul pick the tools that make sense for you, and buy quality tools.

Thank you, Paul! Very informative!!

Good stuff. Will eagerly await the long version.

15:08 Good point about checking the fine print on high-capacity magazines. Here in Canada, magazine capacity limits don't apply to rimfire rifles, irrespective of if it's a detachable or fixed mag - except for *specifically* the Ruger 10/22.

The man, the legend, the way of life.

Si, great content as always!

Paul talks n I listen n learn!! Knowledge is power!!

Thank you Paul for being a reasonable person about this topic and not a end of the world nut

18:20 I started laughing when he said ladies had many places to hide a really small gun 😂 just make sure there’s not one in the chamber

Great Video as per usual! God Bless... Bill

Best video in a while. Enjoyed it

*Ruger is my choice to ride out the Apocalypse* Ruger 10/22 for little varmints, Ruger Deerfield Carbine for hunting and Ruger Mini-14 for 2 legged varmints. And your choice of Ruger sidearms (preferably a revolver) Affordable, reliable, weather resistant and long lasting with their synthetic stocks and coated barrels, plentiful spare parts, they are the end of the world dream.

Timestamps ho! I'll post the long version's timestamps on the long version after I'm done watching it. - 00:00: Start - 00:15: This one shouldn't be too long, as it's the short version. - 01:10: Disclaimer: Paul Claims Dis (though I Claim Dis comment) - 02:12: Complex acronyms are complex, and you should think of the big picture instead of specific scenarios when prepping. - 04:00: Paul's criteria for preparedness guns. - 06:03: And now we get to the Top 5. - 06:40: Autoloading carbines with 10/15+rd magazines (examples provided: M1 Carbine in .30 Carbine, Beretta CX4 in 9x19mm, Ruger LC in 5.7x28mm, AR-15 A2 in 5.56x45mm) - 11:04: Handguns (examples provided: Beretta 92FS and SIG M17, both in 9x19mm) - 14:00: Autoloading rimfire rifles (example provided: Ruger 10/22 Takedown in .22 LR) - 15:45: Autoloading rimfire pistols (examples provided: Ruger Mk III and Beretta M9-22, both in .22 LR) - 17:19: Pocket pistols (examples provided: Ruger LCP in .380 Auto, S&W 36 in .38 Special, Ruger LCR and SIG 365, both in 9x19mm, and Ruger LCP-2 in .22 LR) - 20:51: Outro, and watch the long version when you have time.

Just gotta say thank you Paul I’ve been watching your videos for what feels like forever and you have always been 100% honest and transparent never shilled for anyone and gave FACTS I appreciate you my friend and god speed your videos have made a mark on a lot of people and I for one appreciate you!

Thanks Paul 👍. Great Advice 👍...and now for the Long Version ⏳. Cheers 🙏🇨🇦.

I acquired a 365 with manual Safety a while back. Other than getting used to the safety, it’s been a good experience. Easy to carry and still very shootable and accurate.

We deal with some of the legal stuff here in Canada. We are limited to 5 rounds in a semi auto rifle and 10 in any handgun. Luckily the way they enforce this is to modify the magazine with a pin. Take my AR180 that has 30 round PMAGS, they are pinned to 5. So in a situation where law is out the window, the only thing separating me from a 30 rounder is a small push pin. 3 minutes with a drill and its a 30 rounder. But I can still stock up on them as I can keep them legal with the pin until such a situation occurs

I’ll be watching both versions thank you very much.

Great choices. I would also add a 12 gauge shotgun and a rifle capable of taking big game and shooting long range such as a .308/.30-06/.270/Etc.

Great video Paul! I was wondering if you could do a quick video on how to repair some of the more common failures on some of the more common firearm platforms. It strikes me that in a TEOTWAWKI situation you could very likely find yourself needing to fix broken firearms, if you live that long

Sensible words on a sensitive subject. Thank You, Sir!

Hi, I really enjoy your videos. and I always learn something form them. Thanks

Love the short version and I can't wait to see the long version

Its TEOTWAWKI and I feel fine

Excellent video Paul. Thankyou.

Paul, thank you for your insight!

The Ruger 10/22 Equipped with the MAGPUL Backpacker Stock is a game changer; when it comes to a lightweight, easy to pack anywhere firearm. It has storage compartments (one of which is waterproof). With 22LR ammunition you can carry a lot of ammo without adding much weight. Example: An empty/clean 12oz Powerade bottle will hold 325 rounds of ammo and keep it completely dry (even if you drop it in water); and it fits in most pockets. Another tip for 10 round capacity states. They make couplers to attach 10/22 mags to each other. in 2 or 3 magazine configurations. I prefer the 2 mag versions because they fit in pockets easier. With 10/22's if you get clear magazines it, gives you the ability to see how many rounds are in each magazine. I like to keep at least 5-6 pairs of 10/22 magazines coupled together and ready (pre loaded).

Top 5 with 15 guns on the table... Hehe!

Great vids all the time 😊

Great information, thank you Sir!

I’m going to be breaking one of the “rules” because I’m going to be a 3 caliber guy with healthy amounts of 5.56 and 9mm along with a small amount of 380 or 38 Special. Just the way it works out for me. Excellent video as always and I’ll be setting aside the time to watch the long version this weekend, thanks much. Also, I’ll be “bugging in”, unless my home no longer physically exists.

Great list. I’d include a 12ga shotgun. Looking for the longer version to see if that’s addressed.