Survival Debate: Build a 1911 or a 300 Blackout?

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

To build or not to build, that is the question. Actually if that is the question then we say build, build, build. There are few greater joys in life than to build and customize your weapon platform starting from an 80 lower to match your unique needs. The famed rifleman’s creed which says, “This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine” will never ring more true if you decide to build. So let’s jump right to question everyone wants ask. Namely, what do I build? Within the space of Blackout rifles you will find a fairly vibrant debate as to whether a 300 Blackout is what you need and is it worth the cost. This stems from the notion that a subsonic round fired from a 300 Blackout over long distances carries with it the same energy as a .45acp. While you can’t argue the science of ballistics this simply does not tell the whole story. So let’s have it. A survival debate on whether to build a 1911 or a 300 Blackout.

Survival is about options!

First of all, when it comes to debates on guns we always like to preface that you do you better than anyone else. Regardless of where we take this conversation if you are in love with the 1911 or the 300 Blackout then pick what you love. Feeling comfortable with your own weapon is often as important as the weapon selection itself. But if you want to talk about weapons choice then we have to address this 1911 vs 300 Blackout debate. If at this point you are a little unfamiliar with the 300 Blackout you can catch up by reading, “What is a 300 Blackout?”

The 300 Blackout is a fantastic weapon in a survival situation because it gives you power, lethality and most importantly, options to adapt. One of the great attributes about the 300 Blackout is that you can cycle from supersonic to subsonic ammunition with a simple change of the magazine. Moreover if you like to pew in the quiet then you can even add a silencer to the mix. Yet the comparisons to the .45acp only fit within a certain scenario. Yes, if you are trying to reach out and touch a target, deer or zombie from over 50 yards out with subsonic ammunition fired from a 300 Blackout you will indeed strike with the equivalent of a .45acp.

But if you can say that scenario where it applies three times fast we got a cookie for you. Survival is about options and making your decision on weapon choice based off of one unique scenario is poor form. The 300 Blackout simply gives you more options. You can load subsonic ammo for an up close and quiet fight one minute and then swap it out with some quality supersonic ammo to reach out and touch someone the next. Most importantly when you do so with the right ammunition at the right distance you will pack a lethal punch. But let’s talk options when it comes to 300 Blackout Build Kits!

Assemble to Survive

Lastly, the versatility of the 300 Blackout is highlighted by the amount of build options you have before you. From barrel lengths to handguards and good old fashioned aesthetics, you can build a 300 Blackout for every occasion. But the best part about the 300 Blackout is that even when constructed it is still just an option. Let’s say you need to channel your inner Marine and hit a target from the 500 yard line with precision accuracy like they do in recruit training. Great, just pop off the upper receiver and throw on the old fashioned 5.56. Then, when the zombie hordes are closing in on you and you need a powerful punch throw back on the 300.

This 300 Blackout Buyer’s Guide is linke here to help you understand your options. The important thing in a survival scenario is that you indeed have options. We’re not knocking the 1911 as it is a fantastic weapon. Moreover, no one said you can’t rock both weapons when your life’s on the line. But in an uncertain survival scenario, consider us a fan of the 300 Blackout. If the 1911 is how you want to survive the future then happy hunting and we’ll meet you there.