Standardized Weapons.

[EX121]

Well said Matt about functionality. Also of importance is cofidence. I have faith in my Hi-Point .40 it has gone boom every time I have pulled the trigger. The only malfunction was fromm operator error, I failed to insert the the magazine fully. My carry guns are a Taurus .40 or .380 depending on clothing worn.
Hunting rifles are 30-06

[Klayton]

I have still not found a pistol for her that I like or trust that will fit her hand... The compact .380's fit, like the new Ruger LCP, but I am not 100% on its reliability, nor am I big fan of .380 for SHTF use. So I am still looking in that dept...

Rmplstlskn: may I suggest the Ruger P95 (if buying new) or a P89 (if buying used) both 9x19 and more than enough rounds. My former boss at the gun store I worked at had "girly hands" and he swore by his P89.

Just food for thought.

[groovy mike]

Like the first 3 posters and Jerry I've decided on the HK91 / Cetme / PTR91 flavor of 308. They are functionally identical, share magazines, and ammo so I have no problem with both Cetme's and 91s.

My back up weapons / force multipliers to hand out to everyone unfamiliar with the HK design are SKS carbines. They are just plain reliable and effective out to beyond 100 yards.

Close range is shotgun territory and I have standardized on 12 gauge.