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Firearm Essentials For Your Bug Out Bag
Everyone should have a bug out bag ready to go at a moment’s notice. In these uneasy times, you never know what can happen. One day you can be peacefully grocery shopping with your family, and the next, there could be rioting and looting of the same exact store and a wave of crime spilling into the suburbs.
Stocking your bug out bag takes a lot of research and thought, which can take many hours to complete. And to cover every type of product you could possibly include would make for a lengthy article that you’d likely stop reading by page ten.
Staying organized can help your reaction time. Source
So, we’ve decided to cover all the firearm-related essentials that you should consider including in your own bug out bag. Of course, the exact products will differ from person to person based on what firearms they own, but the ideas are universal.
Magazines
You’ll want to carry a few spare magazines for several reasons.
First, magazines can break. You’ll want a couple of spares in case your primary fails. Additionally, the more magazines you have, the more ammo you can have loaded and ready to go. Those should be reasons enough to throw a few in your bag when you get done reading this article.
Whatever magazine(s) you need, we have them!
Lastly, I always recommend packing a loaded AR-15 magazine and a double-stack 9mm Glock magazine. Why? Because those two types of firearms will likely be the ones you come across when you are out and about. Whether you use them or trade them for something you need, I don’t believe you’ll regret packing them.
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Ammunition
You’ll need to fill those magazines, so ammo is a must. Within reason, you’ll want to pack as much as possible without taking space from other critical items. I believe you should have a minimum of a hundred rounds per caliber that you’d see yourself needing, but the more, the merrier.
Defensive ammo is always a good idea. Source
Don’t forget that ammunition takes up space and adds weight to your bag. To help you decide how much to pack if space is not an issue, you’ll want to walk with your bag once it’s full to ensure it’s not weighing you down too much.
Spare Parts, Tools, and Batteries
Unless you’re carrying ten backup guns…which I will assume you’re not, you’ll want to have a few spare parts, batteries, and the appropriate tools to keep your gun, optic, and weapon light running.
Tailor the following to your specific needs, but consider items such as:
- Various springs, extractors, firing pins, slide stops, etc.
- CR123, AA, CR1632, and CR2032 batteries
- Hex key set
- Universal pistol or rifle tool
- Standard multitool
- Universal travel cleaning kit
You can never have too many spare batteries. Source
Backup Gun
There is no reason you can’t fit a backup pistol in your bug out bag, when there are ultra-compact options such as the Glock 26, M&P Shield Plus, and Sig P365. These can provide that extra piece of mind that you won’t be defenseless if your main gun gets lost, stolen, or breaks.
The Glock 26 is compact enough to fit in a backpack pocket.
A backup gun will also provide the ability to arm a friend or family member, mitigating the potential of being outgunned. There is power in numbers.
Medical Supplies
Even your standard EDC loadout should include some medical supplies, but with the extra space a bug out bag provides, it’s the perfect reason to beef up your med kit. You’ll want to be able to treat everything from minor scratches to sever burns or gunshot wounds.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of items that you can pack your med kit with, but consider some of the following:
- Tourniquets
- EMT Shears
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Medications
- Chest seals
- Gloves
You can buy pre-assembled medical kits or build your own, but having one is critical. Furthermore, you need to know how to use the supplies; simply having them is only part of the solution.
Tourniquets can save your life…literally. Source
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the exact products that you stuff your bug out bag with, the important thing is that you have one. Having anything ready to go is better than nothing.
If part of your bug out plan involves a firearm (which it should), be sure to think ahead. Yes, it’s always better to have a gun than not, but you’ll want to ensure you can service and maintain it to keep it running properly.
Lastly, don’t feel you must pick something and stick with it. You can always change your gear up as you go.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
