How to Build the Ultimate Survival Shotgun

As a Survival and Preparedness instructor, I take my line of work very serious – sometimes too serious. Occasionally, though, I like to take on survival projects that are just down right fun. This article highlights one of those projects.

I’m fortunate in that I’ve been able to turn my passion into my profession – this being the study of Survival and Preparedness. I’ve always enjoyed building survival kits of all shapes and sizes. I enjoy the challenge of fitting life saving survival necessities into small compact containers. I’ve built survival kits using film canisters, candy tins, key-rings, boxes, bottles, tubes, bags and everything in between. For this project I decided to build a survival kit using a shotgun platform – creating the Ultimate Survival Shotgun. My challenge was that everything had to be included in or on the gun itself – no extra pack items or containers. Below is what I did as well as the survival logic behind each decision.

Ultimately your survival needs fall into 5 main categories. Your situation dictates the order. They are:
• Water
• Fire
• Shelter
• Signaling
• Food

Every survival kit must include contents that directly or indirectly meet these 5 basic survival needs. The shotgun platform I decided to use is the Mossberg 500 – PUMP. I chose a pump action because it is easier for me to troubleshoot and work on in the field compared to other models. I chose the Mossberg brand because it is a very popular gun and there are literally 100’s of aftermarket modification pieces and parts designed to fit this gun. I knew I would want to add on some of these ‘extras’ to increase ‘survival value’. In this step is a photo of the shotgun ‘off the shelf’ before my survival modifications.

Step 1: Ammunition

First thing first – the gun itself. A shotgun’s primary purpose is hunting. Clearly, you can use this shotgun as a hunting weapon to ‘restock’ on valuable calories. Humans can go for 3 weeks without food but it’s not fun. Lack of food leads to light headedness, weakness and poor decisions. In a survival situation, meat is the fastest and most effective way to replenish lost calories. Meat comes in all shapes and sizes. Carrying different shot shells designed for different applications increases your chances of a successful hunt.

For this reason, I chose to pack a variety of shotgun shells:
• BIRD SHOT: Designed for birds and other small game such as rabbit and squirrel
• 00 BUCK: Good for turkey and larger game such as deer
• SLUG: Designed for large game such as deer, hog or elk

Comments

[willowhavenoutdoor]

I sure do - here is the link to the resource/parts list:

http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/featured-wilderness-survival-blog-entries/build-the-ultimate-survival-shotgun-modify-your-pump-shotgun-survival-style/

[CapnTac]

Could you look into possibly doing a similar project with a Mosin Nagant or similar bolt-action rifle?

[gen81465]

For my "ultimate" survival kit, I like the one mentioned in the movie "Dr. Strangelove". As the bomber is approaching the target, the B-52 pilot, Major T.J. "King" Kong (played by Slim Pickens) does a check list of the items in the standard issue survival kit: "Survival kit contents check. In them you'll find: One forty-five caliber automatic,
Two boxes of ammunition, Four days' concentrated emergency rations, One drug issue containing antibiotics, morphine, vitamin pills, pep pills, sleeping pills, tranquilizer pills, One miniature combination Russian phrase book and Bible, One hundred dollars in rubles, One hundred dollars in gold, Nine packs of chewing gum, One issue of prophylactics, Three lipsticks, Three pair of nylon stockings. Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."

[dovehunter2]

Nice! a Bible verse! You should add a New Testament in the stock. I love the shotgun

[kgoetowski]

How about this one? It's my favourite!

Jesus sez 'Pack Heat' Luke 22:36: "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

[gen81465]

My choice of quotes for pump shotguns is: "Aim. Pull trigger. Pump. Repeat as necessary", but if the survival gun is a double-barrel shotgun, the following (per)verse may seem appropriate: "If thou hast given him all that is in thy left barrel, now give him the full measure of thy right barrel as well. Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition."

[BluesBayou]

Well, a few thoughts. As a nearly retired Infantry Marine (hence that lack of spelling/gramer), I can see the practicality in something like this. The autor did state that he likes to build survival kits and his challenge was to build one into a shot gun. Even though I do not agree to some of the things he did, you have to admit that his intent was met and the mission was accomplished...
- Weight issues putting all this stuff in there shouldn't be an issue provided you are comfortable shooting it - a shot gun is more an area fired weapon vice a point weapon like a rifle. A SG is a work horse, so it make for a good platform for this type of project..
-I think that saw is great, but I think it needs to find a new traveling home (along the barrel??) in the event you take a tumble, the blade will break...
- 550 cord - man ya'll love you some 550 cord.... Always something to carry, all my boys carry 150 feet in their assult packs... Once you start to use it the way you have it now, you won't have a sling - not a big deal though, just carry the SG..
- A handkerchief - fan-freakin-tastic! Hands down one of the best survival tools around that isn't a blade! Why do you think the Boy Scouts still wear them? I wish the mil still had them as a field uniform item, though most who live in the field a lot do carry one or two...
All in all, I wouldn't do any of this (my SG is all wood!) I am partial to a good fishing vest to carry most of my stuff, or my pack when I am at work.. But if you happen to bite it on Day 13 of a survival sit - I wouldn't leave it in the woods either - your legacy would live on!! Good job.

[gen81465]

Actually, I think he said he stored the saw blades in the buttstock with most of the rest of the items. As a backup, I'd also pack a small cable saw. It wouldn't work for large branches, but then again, for those I don't believe the sawblade would work either; it would need an axe or hatchet. And as for the 550 cord, I couldn't agree more; you will find more uses for it than you can possibly imagine. Personally, instead of making my sling out of paracord, I simply wrap multiple layers of it around the sling, over and over until the whole thing is about an inch thick. I can get several hundred feet of cord that way, and I can cut off just what I need without reassembling the rest.

[asphalt]

I expected at least half of the modifications to make the weapon illegal. Quite a pleasant surprise.

[ZacWolf]

Understand it's asking a lot, but is there any way you could list out part-numbers and if you used any specific suppliers? I'm new to firearms [as an adult, my father gave me a good overview as a child], so I'd really like to follow your project to the letter, as it speaks to multiple levels of my interest. :)

[ZacWolf]

Looks like all of the links in the "auto-response" are out-of-date as they no longer link to specific products. :(

[AJMansfield]

One other use of the ammunition that you may not have considered: A shotgun shell contains quite a large quantity of gunpowder. If necessary one could cut one of the shells open and use the powder to start a fire. As long as it stays dry, gunpowder can be a very effective firestarter, and if used properly, is really no more dangerous than alcohol or lighter fluid - it's only the primer that you really have to worry about. While perhaps not super safe, it is definitely safer than freezing to death, even if it means that you will have an elevated chance of eventually getting cancer .

[AJMansfield]

Or you could have the knife holder mounted farther up so it also works as a bayonet.

[djohnson63]

Great instructable. I hope the recent laws passed in Illinois allow adoptions for these uses.

[cashell01]

what kind of model/brand of shotgun is this?

[ckeogh]

Great work! Love it. The one potential criticism I might have though is the addition of a compass. Those little ones (even the best) are notorious for failing. Add to this that you have stuck it on a lump of metal. The compass will never be accurate due to this.

I am at a loss as to suggest some quick fix for this without making a magnetic compass binnacle such as those found on ships. I could only suggest making use of celestial navigation aids instead.

Once again, great work.

[onrecess]

I thought the para-cord sling was genius. I share the love of pumps, but a double lets you switch ammo instantly to shoot a rabbit, a deer, a dove, or a flare. I'd say a mag fed pump like that russian Saiga (but a pump and reliable, which it isn't) would be a great product.
Nice work.
PS: doesn't it pizz you off you can't buy strike anywhere matched anymore? I'm holding my last twenty like they are gold.

[ToolboxGuy]

I didn't know about the "strike anywhere" matches are gone now. I used to waterproof them with a quick dip in nail polish. Makes them flare up a bit more too.

[scuba03]

You look fing badass lol you should market ur idea to a few gun stores

[MakarovII]

Well Ready FOr zombie infection well done this is great and i appreciate it...

[olmon]

Boy - - this instructible sure brought the argumentative jerks out of the woodwork ! ! !
Personally, I would take an air rifle. A twin .177 & .22 caliber. minimal noise, easy to carry a couple thousand rounds & while it won't bring down a deer or a bear, it will certainly do the job for small game, which is what I'd be looking for due to lack of facilities to keep large quantities from spoiling. As for protection from humans, the air rifle shoots @ 1000FPS for the .177 & 800FPS for the .22. That matches the muzzle velocity of a .38 Police Special revolver. I certainly wouldn't want to get shot with one. They can be lethal in the hands of someone who knows how to use one & where to aim.

[cchiaravalli]

How did you affix the shell holder onto the side of the stock? If it is a product on the market currently could you post the link? If not please tell how to do that. thank you, and this thing is awesome.

[hunter-4-life]

very cool. i also have a mossberg 500 and its very reliable i hunt just about every thing with it i have a slug barell and birdshot barell.

[freeza36]

Man, if I came across someone with this thing, I think I'd soil myself.

[aattura1]

You really want to put fire starter so close to another source of ignition?? (the shot shells)

[zilcho]

The chances of the fire starting supplies being affected by the shot shells or the heat of the barrel is very small

[Vicsfury]

the chance of the ammo or the heat from the barrel affecting the fire starting materials is indeed low, however the shower of magnesium sparks next to the ammo and the fire you are building almost directly under it is a risk I personally would not be willing to take firearms safety is a must at all times. the gun/kit seems a bit heavy for my taste but as a poster on another step said you would get used to that, this being said if it is prepacked and you only have time to grab one item on your way to bug out it could certainly have its place. all in all its a good instructable.

[skaar]

solar charged e-book with survival manuals, educational materials and light entertainment on it, something really rugged, with long lasting batteries. in a disaster, the cell phone network and gps may still work fine, use it. a decent cell with a charged disposable phone card, enter some numbers in the phone, get a few hours of talk time, all automated. in a REAL disaster, someone may be able to fix the cell network to do free calls, the company that owns it wouldn't need money anymore. eventually the cards will expire, knowing how to activate them in store would be a good idea.

i spose someone could put a bible on an e-book, or smart phone, but it'd be rather useless, like, it was written by mid-eastdesert dwellers, what's it got on the plants that are safe to eat in north america, russia or the philippines? a smart phone or even a netbook with thousands of books can fit in the space a single real book would take.

a big enough netbook could be slung in a bag, under the barrel, a waterproof usb powered flashlight plugged into it through a gasket on the side of the bag to an encapsulated solar panel charger, add a flip down cover to keep it in the dark when you don't need the reflections. a spare few led throwies hung on a tree branch to distract someone that may be looking for you would be good too.

[deanlol]

If someone steals this while you're asleep, your screwed. Something about putting all your eggs in one basket comes to mind.

[skaar]

the grip on the pump... if it's aluminum, maybe it'd work as a pot to boil water in, less fragile than the baking pan.

[skaar]

are there any similar flashlights with isolated charge ports? if so, a small solar panel on top, or a generator radio could charge the flashlight.

[Marcos El Malo]

This option seems less useful for me personally. I'd rather keep my knife in my belt or boot. (Or as is usual, the pocket knife in my pocket.) I sometimes carry my machete in a back sheath when I'm doing ranch work or know I'm going to be hiking in heavy brush.

[mgalyean]

I have spare knives everywhere. I always have a folder or two on me. An extra on the SG would just be a bonus! About every pack, bag, case I own has folder of mediocre to good quality in it at least. A knife is just too central to have your only one break with or dropped in a crevasse or down a storm drain with no back up. A human without at least one sharp pointy thing and the ability to start a fire is just whining hairless ape in most survival situation.

[Lt.Greg]

"" A human without at least one sharp pointy thing and the ability to start a fire is just whining hairless ape in most survival situation.""

Now YOU sir - are an intelligent thinker also! LOL
(Just don't try to live in NY or NJ with those knives in your pocket or in your gear bags - the authorities around here tend to view anyone who carries a KNIFE!!! (OH MY!) as a de-facto criminal! Their attitude seems to be "Why would anyone carry a knife unless they were planning to cause trouble?" My answer has always been - "Why would anyone NOT carry at least one knife with them at all times?

[panzerfaust379]

Why would anyone want to live in NY? :-)

[Lt.Greg]

Well, Mein Herr (Panzer??) :-)P If you can get past the nitwit socialist mayor and the plethora of dingelberry Liberal sheep living there - You might consider that The Big Apple is the ONLY place in the world where you'll find: The NY Public Library, the MET, Broadway, Wall Street, The Gugenheim, The AMNH, South Street Seaport, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, ChiTown, Little Italy, Central park, SOHO, Trinity Church, Teddy Roosevelt's birth home,(and his summer place on the Island), Shea Stadium, Yankee stadium (in THAT order!) countless great places to eat, and all sorts of other cultural icons, then NY is a pretty darned good place. LOL!

[pudicobar]

i'd make such a bad comment, but nevermind, i'd offend many and show no respect for the good people... :-(

good shotgun! bad thing I live in a dummy country where firearms are almost banned (except in criminals hands) and we law abiding citizen have to pay lots $$$$ to have a low power weapons (yeah you can still have a 12, but it's a pain in the a*s, as a single shotshell costs about $ 4,00 (about 2,00 dollars) and limited to 200 a month. .22 lr is at about 20,00 dollars /50 rd, and can buy only 300 month...

[skaar]

i don't see how saying 'sheep are sheep, regardless of affiliation' could be bad... anyway, get some handload gear, save the shells, cast your own pellets from car batteries, tear apart some fireworks for powder if you're desperate. maybe toss a flare shell or two into the kit if you're intending to be 'rescued'.

[skaar]

never mind the flares, mentioned in the next section...

[Cdn Sapper]

About cops, knives and the nanny-state...(I'm in Canada so I know quite a bit about the tyranny of a nanny-state) one thing I can suggest is carry the ever -sharp Olfa knife, with snap-off blades. I'm a trades person now so I rarely am not wearing carrharts, but despite having gone through numerous security checkpoints and interactions with the authorities, no one seems to even question this handy little tool of my trade. With the blade retracted the tip is a great screwdriver and fantastic little wonderbar (especially the one inch Olfa). The worst that ever happened going through an airport style screening point at the local court house to pay a traffic fine. I tossed the knife in the little box it went through the scanner. The guard picked it up and said, I don't think you can take this in. I openned up the knife, took out the 50 cent blade gave it to him and went on my way with the knife body. Of course I don't know that it wouldn't get you in trouble, but it does everything a knife needs to and then some, requires very little maintainance and the yellow plastic knife seems not to fit into the paradigm of "bad guy knife" that triggers such a hostile response from cops...heck most of the time they seem amused by the useful little tool that they seem so unfamiliar with (for the life of me I can't understand why).