Colt's is seeking the same market for its revolver, saying it plans to target the Y2K niche in 1999 with the lightweight gun that adapts to fire any of 18 calibers of ammunition. Sales on almost every firearms-related product have been brisk throughout most of the first quarter, running well ahead of the 5 to 10 percent increases most market observers had predicted for 1999. Some wholesalers say business is about 20 percent ahead of the comparable 1998 period. Almost everyone involved believes the strong market is the direct result of consumer concerns about Y2K, which have prompted many individuals to buy guns and ammunition and store food, water and cash. Anything that has to do with Y2K is hot right now.
Home invasions happen faster than burglaries.
You'll want a handgun on your person somewhere, instantly accessible. The Los Angeles looters and, for the most part, those in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew were scavengers motivated primarily by greed. In a scenario in which people were starving and desperate, you might find yourself facing more committed groups of antagonists. High capacity semiautomatic military rifles would come into their own. But a 10-pound sniper rifle is awfully heavy and bulky if you have to range outward away from home, especially on foot.