There are lots of ways the S can HTF. Think of it as Hot SHTF or Cold SHTF. With the HSHTF, you have a complete breakdown of civil order with widespread looting, murder and rape taking place. In a HSHTF situation, your neighborhood would possibly form some sort of security function and being in a shooting situation would almost be guaranteed eventually. With HSHTF, you would want an AR/AK or other combat effective weapon.
In a CSHTF situation, you still have civil order, but everything winds down with little municipal support. Streets are no longer repaired. Barter becomes the main form of local economy. Crime rises in some areas as police become scarce. In this situation, a good .22lr will help feed a family. An AK or AR would be good to keep around in case things go hot, but would not be of much use otherwise.
Considering only SHTF is too broad to be useful. Think of it as either HSHTF or CSHTF and it's a little easier to get your head around.
In a CSHTF situation, you still have civil order, but everything winds down with little municipal support. Streets are no longer repaired. Barter becomes the main form of local economy. Crime rises in some areas as police become scarce. In this situation, a good .22lr will help feed a family. An AK or AR would be good to keep around in case things go hot, but would not be of much use otherwise.
Considering only SHTF is too broad to be useful. Think of it as either HSHTF or CSHTF and it's a little easier to get your head around.