Parts Availability Issue

Question
I was planning on buying a VEPR .308 caliber rifle for an all-out worst case scenario survival weapon. One can buy them used but the Russians have stopped importing them and I'm concerned about there not being any spare parts around,(and maybe no one qualified to repair them), during an extreme survival situation.
I do want to buy an AK 47 variant due to their ruggedness and reliability. Since the original AKs didn't come in a .308, I feel my only choice left is an AK variant and that would seem to be the "Saiga" rifles.
My question is, In an extreme survival, SHTF, doomsday scenario, (in the U.S), what are my chances of finding spare parts for the Saigas and could any gunsmith repair them as well as an American made rifle? Also, would the same thing go for the VEPR rifles?

Thanks Christopher.

Mark E.

Answer
Hi Mark,

As you may have noticed, when SHTF situation comes up it will be each individual for himself unless he can team up with others, which is ideal. If you or someone that you know can work on weapons, it will be the only way that you would have a shot at getting repairs without the inevitable confrontation with the "enemy".  If you go shopping for gun parts, you will be caught up in some nasty situations really fast!

Now with all of that said, the VEPR is not a cheap chinese knock off. They are actually quite reliable and easy to maintain. I have always suggested that you shoot whatever gun you can easily find ammo for. I prefer the .223, simply because I know where to get my hands on loads and loads of ammo should the SHTF. I am also very comfortable in shooting the .223 caliber rifle(s) at a variety of targets and distances. A .308 is not a bad choice, but around here finding .308 ammo is slim to none on a good day.

Don't overlook a good quality hunting rifle, either in bolt action or single shot. These guns will be invaluable when SHTF comes up due to their adaptabilty to almost any situation. You can go from shooting a deer to feed your family to sniping off targets at 400+ yards with no real training or skill except for basic marksmanship skills. Ammo for most common hunting rifles such as .270, .30-06, etc all are easy to come by at most places. Just remember though, whatever you don't have when SHTF, you will either have to improvise or do without as everyone and their brother's will be thinking the same exact thing "gotta get ammo!" What I found to help was to buy cans of surplus ammo for the .223, I am pretty sure you can do the same with the .308. What I like to figure in is 6 months worth of essential supplies. You can always hunt for food, kill frogs, fish, deer, etc. You will never be able to take a rock and turn it into lead and then make black powder out of sand.. It just won't happen! He who has the most guns and the most ammo will ultimately be able to take food and water from those that did not prepare.


Best of luck on your weapon choice, sounds like you have good taste in guns!