2024 AR-15 SHTF Loadout Series, Part I: Introduction

I've been wanting to post this for a really long time. Putting together a Loadout article is always a daunting task. It involves evaluating every single item related to that setup, and that takes a lot of time. Three years, in this case.

A mountain of brass and a pandemic later, I proudly present:

The Zombie Hunter's 2024 Tactical Loadout

In this series, we shall examine the ecosystem that supports our selection of primary weapons. 

Starting with the AR15, I will feature three configurations that can cover a wide variety of scenarios.

Other primary weapons are the Benelli M3T, and the JP Enterprises JP-5. They will have their own section as they excel in more specialized roles. 

For simplicity's sake, the secondary weapons are comprised of our various handguns. 

Versatility is key

Capability vs Limitations: "The Mission Drives the Gear"

I designed these three configurations to address the most likely scenarios where I will need to whip out my main fighting rifle. From heavy assault, static defense, recon, and everything in between.

Of course, like in all video games or RPG, I am primarily limited by Encumbrance (weight) and concealability.  For the latter, there will be times when I do not want to be too overt about my intentions. 

The Crye JPC plate carrier setup weighs the most but is best suited for combat. It has everything I need for a real fight but this is also the most conspicuous to wear. 

On the opposite end, the Savior Equipment magazine pouch is a bandolier that carries a fair amount of ammo and medical while being the lightest and most concealable of the three. 

In addition to all that, I will also be carrying on my back an Assault Pack that will weight around 25 pounds and has mission-related and sustainment gear.

Why The AR Platform? 

The first part will feature the AR-15. This firearm uses the most capable round for SHTF. Its effective range is ideal for urban combat and weighs a lot less than other options like 7.62 or 12-gauge shells. 

5.56 NATO can defeat armor, it has a lot of rounds on tap, its trajectory is flat thanks to my 50 meter zero. I can even hand-load this caliber. 

The firearm that we own is also reliable enough to shoot thousands of rounds without issue, and we have the parts to keep it running for a whole lot more. 

Line 2 Gear: The Battle Belt

This has seen a lot of use since 2018. Trial & error has brought me to where everything is arranged to be comfortable in any position. My battle belt supports my rifle and sidearm which can also be pressed into a primary fighting implement. 

I can sit in the car all day, go supine without hurting my lower back, lay flat on the ground and access everything I need without a hassle. Most importantly I can draw my pistol magazines and tourniquet very easily. 

I am also cross-eye dominant. That explains the placement of my rifle magazine. Go figure it out :-P

Going Forward

Various trends in the "tacti-cool" scene have came and gone from when this blog began in 2010. Battle belts, chest rigs, optics, assault packs, and armor have all undergone significant changes in that time. This blog did not follow blindly, we chose our kit wisely. 

Stay with me for part two of the 2024 Tactical Loadout Series as we examine in closer detail our three configurations for the AR-15 Ecosystem starting with the heaviest setup of the three: The Plate Carrier. 

Stay vigilant!

7.4 Magnitude Quake Hits Japan on New Year's Day

what a way to start 2024...

First Things First

The power of this quake and the devastation Japan had sustained was unreal. Japan is close to my heart, we have a house over there in Chiba, and we made a few very good friends. We know a few locals, and I feel privileged that we had exchanged more than a few pleasantries with the locals. I am charmed beyond expectations every time we visit. 

I really hope that people can get the help they desperately need over there. The whole world has taken calamity upon calamity, but I will never tire of trying to send support in however way I can. 

Choosing the right charity will make sure that anything you send will not be wasted. I tend to favor the Red Cross and have been so for more than two decades. 

Let us not despair in the face of these trying times. Helping others definitely helps us, even if the recipients are far away. 

A New Year

It is January 1, 2024. I the Zombie Hunter have been quite busy these past two years. My family has made a lot of great strides in the realm of preparedness.

We have become a lot healthier. Our fitness goals are becoming a reality. We even joined the IPSC World Shoot in 2022! 

We have new Skills, Weapons, and Tools. 

We have also overcome a lot of challenges in this Post-Pandemic World. For that I am grateful.

I would like to thank you dear reader for staying with us all these years. I sincerely hope that 2023 had been good to you as was for my family. 

A recap is always fun to write. Documentation is important after all, so we remember and benefit from our experience. Perhaps I will do so in the coming days. 

*****

New Threats

Our mission remains the same, despite the heightened peril that the world faces. 

Ukraine stands. Its allies are beginning to feel the strain of the constant support they are sending to Kyiv. I for one hope that they continue to do so, so that the invading orcs would see a defeat in the soonest time possible. 

Israel was viciously attacked by the terrorist group hamas. The death and suffering inflicted on innocent civilians shall never be forgotten. As a result, global terrorism has become a heightened risk all over again. 

Yemen's Houthis are now stepping up their attacks on the world's shipping industry. The West has responded by forming a coalition to put an end to their terrorism. Too bad it had taken the US this long to find its resolve. Could this widen the conflict across the Middle East? 

Africa remains unstable thanks to Wagner & Co. 

The chinese invasion of Taiwan is becoming a possibility this year. Their window for a successful invasion is rapidly closing. The key issue however is that the chinese themselves might not be aware of their ever-diminishing chance of success. 

                                                                            *****

Coming Soon to This Journal

• 2024 Assault Pack: What to bring on a 3-day trip when you need to do something very important or potentially dangerous. 

• HRT Maximus Placard: Our PCC loadout

• JP Enterprises JP-5: The world's best pistol caliber carbine? 

• Plate Carrier, Chest Rig, and Bandoliers: we compare three tiers of gear to suit your mission

• Radio and Comms for SHTF

Stay tuned, there's a whole lot more in the works. 

Stay vigilant!