[Sir Galahad]

Back in the 1980s, "survivalists" were always talking about the best rifles to have in case of the big nuclear war everyone thought was coming. Except, they didn't have the internet.:D Ok, I'm sure the whole "SHTF" has been flogged to death here, but how about this scenario:

You wake up to discover that a nuclear exchange is impending. (For those of you in target areas, you'll probably be vaporized, but what the heck, play along.) You don't have time to run out and buy ammo or supplies. You figure on getting as far away from fallout as possible using backroads. This will entail hunting for food and possibly defending that food. Count on not gettng resupplied for ammo. But, possibly, you might run across abandoned stores. Based on what you have on hand, how would you choose 4 rifles and all their ammo that you can pack into a vehicle and carry? The two duties of the rifles are hunting and self-defense.

My Choices:

1.) Ruger M77 International .308---For hunting, it will drop most big game animals I will encounter. I have a scope for it, but it also has iron sights. I always keep a few hundred rounds for it on hand. Ammo can be found many places. Can be pressed into self-defense if necessary. Light and compact and stows easy.

2.) M-39 Finnish Mosin Nagant---What am I thinking?!?! Ah! It is what we have ON HAND! Accurate and of substantial caliber for hunting and defense (if need be) and I happen to have several hundred of rounds of ammo for it. I can also pull the bolts and trigger/mag assys from all my other Mosins and have plenty of repair parts for it. The liability is the uncommon caliber, but it would be a waste to leave it, all the ammo, and parts behind. Especially with ammo in sealed containers.

3.) AK---This is for self-defense. Ammo is pretty common all over these days and I have lots of mags for it as well as ammo. Reliable and will still take deer. Still fairly compact for stowing. Lasts under harsh conditions.

4.) CZ 452----This is for small game. Rifle is light and has superb iron sights. Solidly built, should last a lifetime. Very accurate. I had thought of my Remington 513-T, but it is a lot heavier and a larger package overall. The sights on the CZ are not as likely to get damaged as the Redfield peep on the 513.

Other thoughts:


1.) AR-15s and Mini-14s make a lot of sense from the standpoint that abandoned military ammo stock can be used. 2.) The .30-30 makes a lot of sense from the standpoint of the availablity of ammo.
3.) The M1A and M1 Garand make a lot of sense from the standpoint that they can defend and drop big game both very well.
4.) The AR-7 makes some sense in that it could be kept stowed in it's buttstock and the extra room could be used for another light carbine such as a Bushmaster.
5.) The M1 carbine makes sense as a defensive weapon since it's light and stows easy.

What are your choices and thoughts?

[Devonai]

Does this scenario assume that one can have any rifle they wish, or only what is currently owned?

If the latter is true, I have little choice. My M1 Garand, my Enfield #4, M1 Carbine, and my H&R single-shot 12 gauge. I have no other long arms.

The Garand would be used for ranges of 15 to 500 meters (about the limit of my skill) on open terrain and light to medium density forest.

The Enfield would be used for exactly the same thing, but only if I ran out of ammo for the Garand. Otherwise it goes to a buddy or stays in the car.

The Carbine would be used for ranges of 15 to 200 meters in close quarters or heavy forest.

I currently have about 100 rounds of .30-06, 50 rounds each of .303 Brit and .30 Carbine, and 25 rounds each of #7 1/2 lead 12 ga and 00 3" buckshot.

The H&R would be used for hunting birds with the #7 1/2 shot, while the 00 buck would be saved for self-defense in the event that I'm completely out of ammo for the other three.

I would also have plenty of use for my Beretta and Glock (both in 9mm) if all else fails.

I also happen to have over four hundred rounds of .223 left over from my days as an AR-15 owner that doubtlessly could be traded for other calibers.

Otherwise, I would have to say that this damn holocaust caught me quite with my pants down. Maybe it's time to buy some more ammo...

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd go with one of my number4s, and my 20 gauge single shot. the number4 weighs 8.5 or so pounds, the single shot weighs about 5.


I could add the chipmonk to that, it weighs 3 or so pounds.


i'd be carrying my 1911, as well.


that's 21 pounds of just guns.

[Sir Galahad]

I'm sorry, I should have said, yes, limited to firearms you have on hand. Though you can certainly mention afterwards firearms you think are a good idea. Kind of does make you think about how much ammo is enough, doesn't it? I've always felt nervous with less than a hundred rounds for each caliber. Kind of like being on I-40 between Barstow and Needles in July and seeing the gas gage getting close to empty.

[roscoe]

This is my all-time favorite thread topic. Just seems to bring out the creative best in people. Really, it never gets boring to me.

I would get a BLR in .223 - light, rapid fire, accurate, and no concerns about jamming or reliability (as w/ a semi), plus ammo is light (very important) and readily available.

Pump action 12-gauge shotgun w/ an assortment of shot, slugs, sabot slugs, etc. Your most versatile weapon in my opinion.

The fact that these are not military weapons may play in your favor if the government decides to clamp down under "emergency measures".

Then you could add any good scoped bolt gun in .308 for bigger game, and a AK/AR for when really serious gunplay is needed, but I bet you could get away with the first two.

The tough question is: what if you were limited to ONE rifle and you had to carry everything and live without commercial resources for a long period of time?

[JShirley]

Uh...do my company's weapons count? :) If so, I'll take my personally owned G1 and 1917, my M4, and one of our Mossbergs.

For personal weapons alone, I'd take my Single-Six (yes, I know it's not a rifle), my Mossberg 500, my G1, and my M1 Carbine. That gives me capability out to 300 meters or more, while using 3 common cartridges.

[Dr.Rob]

A .22, a .223. a 30-06 and a 12 ga. pretty much covers all uses needed for long arms in the lower 48.

[JShirley]

Yep. You could even pare that down to .22 LR, .308 and 12 ga.

[MAKOwner]

I'd bring a pair of AKs, to arm another in my party or for backup/spare parts, along with several cases of ammo and a couple dozen mags. I only currently have one in 7.62x39 and one in 5.45, but for my imaginary situation I'd buy another 7.62 model...

3rd would be a .22lr, all I have that is in shape for duty is my 10/22, however I think a nice ruger bolt .22 would be better (77/22 is the model right??, the stainless one with the synthetic stock?) Whole crapload of bricks of ammo for whichever...

4th would be a longer range rifle, I have a mauser and a enfield to serve that role, I'd feel better with a .308 like a G3 or FAL with a scope setup, but I don't own either yet...


If I could only take one weapon it would be an AK. Very versatile IMO, serves good for defense, decent deer/varmit gun, mags/ammo cheap and plentiful, etc. A few potential looters and such might see it as a deterrent too.

[SteelyDan]

God help me, but these threads always bring a smile to my face, too.

Okay, four long guns. This one is pretty easy:

1. 12-gauge pump shotgun. I don't actually own one, so I'm bending the rules a bit here. Note to self: Get 12-gauge pump shotgun. This may be the "if you could only have one" selection.

2. A .22 rifle. All I've got is a 10/22, so I won't bend the rules further. Just for ammo capacity alone (i.e., when every cubic foot counts) it's a "must have."

3. A scoped .30-06. My choices are Browning or Remington, and I don't much care which I'd grab. For when you care enough to send the best, especially at some distance.

4. An AR-15 or AK-47 variant. Again, I'd be happy with either. Right now I've got more AK ammo, so maybe I'd grab that.

[JShirley]

Or, cheat a bit, and take an AR w/ both uppers.

For that matter, one could take an AR lower and uppers in .22LR, .223, and, say, .243 WSSM. This would enable using common ammo while taking deer-sized game out to 300 meters or so. Hell, one could even get a .50 BMG upper, for the crazed elephants running loose. The upside to this would be taking less space than traditional firearms. Downside, of course, would be that only one person could use the arm at a time, and if it somehow went caput...ah, well.

John

[Skunkabilly]

Call in an airstrike. :cool:

[FireInTheHole]

I think 4 rifles would be redundant if I was alone. Here is what I could bring along if TSHTF and I had to get out of dodge.

STG58 (FAL)
Maybe now would be the time to scope it.... *cough* anyhow, 600 rnds SA 7.62 FMJ, 400 rnds Indian surplus

Mossy 500
25 00BS, 20 magnum slugs, and 100 #8 shells.

Backup#1 (military type gun)
My stainless beretta 92fs approx. 500 rds FMJ and 100rds of hydrashocks (a .22lr conversion would be very handy right now...) With the complete spare parts kit I just got :)

or

Backup#2 (police type gun)
My G22. I only have 100 rds of .40 SW FMJ ready to go.... No JHPs. If I had another 2-3 hours I could cook up another 500rds on the press though.

I think I would do OK.:scrutiny:

EDIT:

I like those AR-7 rifles. Might buy one someday.

Note to self: Maybe I should lay in more shotgun supplies. 25 bs and 20 slugs wouldnt last all that long. :uhoh:

BTW this is all based upon the availability of a vehicle to transport my stuff. If I had to pack it on my back I'd only bring 3 loaded mags for the fal, a spare 200rd battlepack, 2 loaded mags for the pistol and another 100 rds for that as well. Thats about 20 lbs. I wouldnt part with the shotgun easily, but I would rather retain my ability to reach out and touch somebody. :D

[C.R.Sam]

Long guns, quick grab with plenty ammo....
FAL
10-22
12ga
FAL

Sam

[Skunkabilly]

I'm not in a target area, but we were the only unimportant city in Independence Day the aliens bothered blowing up.

...rifles...heck....probably the SLB2000 that was supposed to show up today but didn't :banghead:....I trust my M1A about as far as I can throw it....

[Kaylee]

So far, in every major "panic" type incident 9/11 and after, the common response is to band together, not start popping each other in a panic.

I like that development. :)

That makes me think that running around with an AK in my hands would be just plain, well... unneighborly.

Seems to be a discreetly carried pistol while leaving town and a couple hunting irons out of the way would be just fine. Anything else... might as well give or trade it where it do the most good.

(like there's anybody in Idaho that doesn't already have a gun.. shyeahh... :D)


-K

[FireInTheHole]

Guess it depends where you live too. If I was in LA or any of the larger southern cities I'd head for the hills-literally!

9/11 and the people of NYC banding together was a big surprise for me too.....:cool:

[OEF_VET]

Ok, limited to what I've got on hand.

1) AK-47 for self-defense. Currently, I have 10x30, 1x40, 1x75, 1x10, and 1x5 round mags. All of them are fully loaded at this time. I've also got 200 rounds on stripper clips in a chest harness (This ammo supply is normally for the SKS though.)

2) AR-7 for small game. Must buy ammo though, as I currently have less than 50 rounds. The 2 mags I have should be sufficient. If you don't have one of these rifles, get one. They're inexpensive, $150 - $200 NIB, and fun to shoot. They're also very compact and fairly quiet as well. The fact that they'll float, either assembled or disassembled, is another nice feature about them for this type of scenario.

3) M-44 for longer ranges / big game. Currently I have 75 rounds on stripper clips and 10 more loose. I actually have 80 on clips and 10 loose, but one clip and its' ammo are bring-backs from Afghanistan, so it would only be used as a last resort.

4) Mossberg 500 for birds / CQB. I have two to choose from, one with PG and side-folding stock, second with full stock. On hand, I have just over 90 rounds of ammo, mostly #6, with some 000Buck, some slugs, and a few tracers.

If I were able to throw in a fifth longgun, it would be the aforementioned SKS. Of course, since the SHTF, the standard stock would be lost and the folding stock would be put on. This would make a good back-up to the AK, and would also allow me to arm a compatriot. In addition to the stripper clips, I've got a 30 round and a 5 round mag loaded, ready to go.

Frank

[Newton]

M1 Carbine for the wife.

SiG 551 for me.

Beretta Urika 12 gauge, and ummmm, ohhhhh a Remington 700 Police in .308 with a free floated and fluted 18 inch barrel, stock mounted bi-pod, Leupold Vari X III optics.

And a Cabelas Red River flintlock in .50Cal, just to see if I could make my own flints, gunpowder (like Kirk did in Startrek in 15 minutes) and cast my own Minies from scavenged lead in the zombie stricken cities :D

Speaking of Baltimore........ :uhoh:

[iamkris]

Well, I won't bite on the 4 rifles either, since this is about hunting and the ability to defend the food, I'd take (assuming I have a vehicle at my disposal and am limited to what I have currently in the armory)

* Scoped HK G3 7.62x51mm (or maybe the DSA STG58 once I get it this week and wring it out) -- Rationale: powerful and accurate enough to take most large game in North America, extremely viable as a primary defense weapon, highly reliable now that I've exercised the demons from it, lots of 7.62 in my personal stash, easy to get 308 by raiding sporting goods stores. 2 cases of Port 308, 5 mags

* Mossberg 500 Persuader, synthetic stock, 18-1/2" bbl, 12 ga -- Rationale: excellent close-in defense weapon with buckshot / slug, adequate to take birds / small game with birdshot. 100 rounds 7-1/2 birdshot, 200 rounds 0 buckshot, 50 rounds Fowler slug

* Mossberg 42(a) .22LR bolt action -- Rationale: perfect for small game and as a utilty rifle. In a pinch, its a specialty defense rifle. I've been shooting this rifle since I was 10, its amazingly accurate, ultimately reliable. 2 bricks of Stinger HP 22 LR

* Witness TAC II 45 ACP -- Rationale: .45 is what I want in a handgun for up close and personal work, I use this gun in 3 gun matches, so I'm comfortable with it. 250 rounds 230 gr JHP, 4 ten-round mags

[DMK]

I'm going to assume a single localized nuclear detonation since a full exchange between any of the superpowers would make the entire planet unlivable due to Nuclear Winter and the amount of radoactive dust released into the air. Even a single detonation in the continental U.S. would probably throw us into a stuation that would make the 1920s economy look like happy times.

I doubt I'd be traveling alone, so I'd take one of my Mosin-Nagant 91/59 carbines for a primary. I know what it can do, have it ready with soft points on the buttstock and have a bunch of bandoliers with ammo loaded on strippers. For a sidearm, I'd take my CZ-75 9mm with all my loaded 9mm mags and the spare .22lR Kadet slide along with a box of each ammo.

Companions could be equipped with a CZ40, Mossberg 500 12Ga, various .38 and .357 wheelguns, SAR1, a number of SKS carbines and other various semi-auto handguns. Rule of thumb would be one long gun and one pistol each.

I doubt that I'd take any heavy battle rifles like Garands, FALs, full size Mosin-Nagants or Enfields. Size, and rifle weight would make them more of a liability than benefit IMO.

If I was alone, I'd take just the 12ga. and the CZ-75.

You'd have to pack light on ammo though. You'd want to bring all the canned food and water you could scrounge.

[AZTOY]

Well it we get nuked in the next 4 year, i will be carrying a M-16 or M-4!!:neener:

If i was at the house i would take.................

SAR-1

Mini-14

Rem 870

10/22

[Sgt]

Dear Sir Galahad,

Where do you come up with this stuff? I'm glad you did though, as it made me think about it....haven't done that for awhile....hmmmm

Following the guidelines you set and not making up my own set of rules, as others have done in this thread....here are my choices.

1. A .22LR, probably go with a bolt, but if my BL-22 lever was closer, I'd grab it. Plenty accurate enough for small game hunting and fast followup shots.

2. .223 Semi-Auto for defense and scout work.

3. TCR-83 singleshot, with both the .308 and .223 barrels for it. Good all around hunting rifle for both small and moderately large game. Not to mention, accurate at hell and could be pressed into duty for long range defense applications.

4. Win. '94 30-30.

All of these choices are in my safe and because of ammo availability, are what I would choose. Given the options you set forth, I'd be in my vehicle....so hauling the ammo would not be a problem. With what's currently on hand, I'd have 100 plus rounds of 30-30, 4, or 5 bricks of .22LR, 500 rds of .308 and about 3000 rds of .223. This should last awhile, given that I'm not assaulted continuously and resupply/raiding any store/ammo dump I find in the Lower 48, should yield at least some of one caliber, if not all. Of course I'd also have several sidearms and shotguns if given the choice, but that wasn't part of your scenario ;)

I gave this all some thought many years ago, hence the caliber options I've chosen. No matter the scenario, our Military uses .223 and .308...so they should be available in good quantities, no matter how we have to go about getting it......I assume that the good ol' "Midnight Ammo Supply" will be doing a great business in such a circumstance :D

Semper Fi, Sgt

[Joe Demko]

What? Only four? Clearly, man, you don't grasp what TSHTF is all about:
Shooting people!

When the balloon goes up, the only proper response is to begin shooting. Shoot the blue helmets. Shoot the black helicopters. Shoot the commie infiltrators. Shoot any unfamiliar people. Shoot your neighbors (never fully trusted them anyway). Shoot any family members who don't follow orders in a prompt and dilligent fashion.

With that now firmly in the forefront of your mind, you should understand why I consider this to be the minimum necessary armament for TSHTF: Each person in your compound (you do have a compound, don't you?) will require
1 .30 NATO semiautomatic rifle w/ minimum 20 round capacity
1 5.56 NATO semiautomatic rifle w/ minimum 20 round capacity
1 12 gauge shotgun w/ mimimum 8 round capacity, autoloader preferred
1 .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol
1 .357 magnum revolver
1 .32 ACP pocket gun
1 taktikewl-type combat folding knife
1 big honking bowie knife (kukri is acceptable substitute but must meet big honking requirement)
1 Spetznaz shovel
1 Piano wire garrotte

Figure an absolute minimum of 10,000 rounds of ammo per man per day for the long guns and 5,000 rounds per man per day on the handguns. If these levels aren't at least being met, then you aren't shooting enough people. All personnel are to have all weapons on their persons at all times. When people need shot, they need shot NOW!

Hope this was helpful.

[Kaylee]

Golgo... :D

thanks. :)

-K

[Dionysusigma]

Since I'm restricted to what I have, I'd be able to take 3 but would only want 2.

1) Marlin 60 for small game

2) SAR-1 for defense and larger game perhaps

I'd leave the M44 at home due to its excesive weight... plus I don't have much ammo for it on hand anyhow :)

[Sgt]

Golgo has gone Gonzo!!!!

Jeez man, maybe you should try decaf :D

[Sgt]

So far, in every major "panic" type incident 9/11 and after, the common response is to band together, not start popping each other in a panic.

Kaylee, not to get off topic here.......
But the key to what you wrote was "So far"......
In a major encounter and 9/11 was minor in comparison to a Nuclear Strike....Don't expect anything so civilized.....The authorities will not be in control for days/weeks/months....if ever. It will be everyone for himself, even though there will be those of us who band together....there will be those who will try to take what we have....By Force....and we will need the tools to handle the job of removing them from the gene pool. No one really knows what would happen, it depends on "who" survives and where you happen to be. Too many if's and but's......and we could argue this forever. My point is, with all the variables...there's no telling what might happen and where. So stockpile ammo and practice :)
Sgt

[Devonai]

What? The Garand is too heavy?

Time to hit the Nautilus, guys! :D

[goon]

Out of what I have right now...
Finn M-39 with the 700 rounds I have for it
Arsenal AK-47 with the 1400 rounds I have for it
CZ-75 9mm with the six fifteen round mags and the 1500+ rounds of 9mm ammo I have
CZ-452 and the several thousand rounds I have for it

In an ideal world, I would have two of each in case something breaks.

In the event that I would need to go defend my country against invading Mongol hordes, it would be the Finn and the CZ.
AK's are cool but they lack accuracy and range.

[Sir Galahad]

I guess those who don't see the need for personal defense in a situation where, shortly, people will be starving to death don't pay much attention to what happens in much of Africa these days. The situation of 9/11 was a pretty localized event, as tragic as it was. Now, make EVERY building in every major city do what the WTC did and compound that with no government and add to that disruption of the food supply (especially since our ICBMs are smartly located where we grow all our grain.) Of course, most people will sit around and wait for help...and wait...and wait. But to think 9/11 is anywhere near even a limited nuclear exchange, well that's the same as saying the Grenada invasion was just the same as WW2. No one is here saying, the balloon goes up begin shooting neighbors (unless you're planning to eat them.) The point is in the event you become permanently self-sufficient, that means you must procure your own food supply, defend it if necessary, and defend yourself if necessary. How is that the same as declaring yourself Joseph Stalin Jr? Yes, some people will form their own de facto collectives and/or communities. And there will be some that see the easiest method of procuring food is to take it away from people that have it. But if you fail to see the need for personal defense in such a situation, why do you own a personal handgun/shotgun/rifle for defense now? Shouldn't 9/11 have brought us all together to where we could have thrown our weapons away, if the point is made that defense was rendered null by the community spirit in the aftermath? On the contrary, people purchased more firearms immediately after 9/11. I'm talking about the reality of human beings here, not what we hope would be. Liberia had lots of hopes and dreams when they first started that nation and look where they are today.

[CZ-100]

M-1 with the ~1000 rounds on hand
SAR-1 with the ~1200 rounds on hand
.22 LR with the ~1000 rounds on hand
CZ-85 with the ~600 rounds on hand

[Moparmike]

Golgo---Holy Mother of God. Put down the crack pipe, coke straw, and thermos and step away slowly.:scrutiny:

Only one rifle, and I pray that S does not HTF till I get more practice, more ammo (only 135rds now) and more guns, and lots more prepared (like food, etc).

My Yugo 24/47 in 8mm. Only thing I have.

[TODD3465]

Ok four rifles? Easy

1). National Match M1-A

2). Colt M-4 Sporter(6400c)
w/.22lr conversion kit.

3). SAR-1

4). This one is a toss-up. Either my Rem. Sendero in .300mag or my BRNO '98 w/ Parker Hale .308 bbl.

[Warner]

I'm glad that a Golgo-13 mentality isn't mainstream. Yes, some people may have to be shot, maybe even many people, but we shouldn't drool over the prospect. I also like to believe he's only semi-serious......but I don't.

My choices:

.22lr

.223/5.56 - hesitantly chosen only for any available ammo, and make mine a bolt-action.

.308 semiauto

.308 bolt-action w/scope

THANKS

[JShirley]

Golgo is joking, poking a little fun at the "the sky is falling!" survivor mentality seem sometimes.

If everything else hadn't given him away, his 15,000 rounds per day requirement would have.

:)

[Sir Galahad]

I know Golgo is joking. Besides, if you shot as many people as he was talking about, you'd have to have access to a lot of wood to make proper jerky-drying racks. Couldn't see letting all that good meat going to waste. Follow "for pork" recipes for fresh, dry the rest.:evil:

[Kurt]

FYI - Golgo has a reputation elsewheres.

Over here he is supported by moderators.

For my choice in guns, I'd like to stay with popular/common calibers.

So for rifles it's 30-06/.308, a 30-30 lever gun, 22LR boltgun and a reliable 12GA repeater of some sort. For the rest I'll have some overlap with my handguns.

[Gordon]

Huntings over so here goes my SHTF plan . In my canyon there are about 6 properties with houses on a private road. These are little ranches of from 10 to 160 acres. We have flocks and gardens and good wells . The canyon is deep, not good for helicopters what with the redwood trees along lower areas. The majority of people are good conservatives or libitarians. I am the property on the county cross road . I would drop 4 foot diameter trees in a very hard to remove fashion across roads. I know a D-6 could not remove them. Anybody trying to chainsaw them would die, and die, and die. Now the blue hats could flatten us with arty or smart bombs.Have a bunker! I keep for my neighbors ( the ones who volunteer for squad duty) 4 european AK's with 4 1400 rd cases of ammo and 25 thirty round mags each. Also 4 S&W sigmas in 9mm and 40 (2 each) with 6 mags each and LOTS of 9mm and 400 .40's. I have for my family and training partners: Barret 82 and 400 or so rounds at any one time, 3 AR Colt's series guns with 30 mags each and 3000+ rds , NM M-14 with 25mags , HK91 with 15 mags (5 30's!) , HK 93a2(colaspsable) 10(note: some weapons noteably HK's have been moved to my Oregon place) mags, 2 FNFAL(1 metric one inch) with 40mags, M-1 carbine(for wifey) with 10 fifteen and 8 30's and 800 rounds, And the 'stash' of .308 which must be at least 5000 rounds.Four 870 12ga, and couple 1100 comp guns with "Buck and Brennekes" Couple of my old IPSC .45 rigs and LOTS of mags and ammo and 200+ assorted other guns of varyiing versatility and maybe 50,000 rds of ammo.A few 11 and 3 vests and 6 masks with lotsa filters, 3 NODs,Solar and diesels with fuel stashed since Y-2k! Fast jeep rock crawlers,horses, LEO buddies and neighbors like minded. I been a disciple of Mel Tappan for almost 30 years and been preparing for that long. Got 2 of my son's still living on my property who are well trained and willing. BTW I fastidiuously obey ALL laws , everthing registered and legal , I pay ALL my taxes, am non-violent and believe in turning the other cheek BUT .... MOLON LABE!!!!! :neener: :neener: :neener:

[Covey Rise]

Ruger 10-22, 2000 rounds of ammo, 4 little boxes hold all that ammo too.
Ruger Synthetic M70 30-06 for deer jerky, 200 rounds
Remington Super Mag 12 ga. with assorted bird shots and 00 buck
SKS Folder with 1000 round case for an enemy assualt

Who needs a handgun with those long guns.

My personal prefrence would just be the 10-22 and the 30-06.
A sniper training book and survival book are probably more important than the other 2 guns.

[six 4 sure]

OMG not another SHTF thread.:D Can I take my reloading equipment? Since you’re allowing me to use my vehicle, there would be room and it might come in handy. If I can only choose four that are on hand I guess this is what I’d pick.

1. Winchester Mod 70 .243. About 100 rounds on hand and enough brass, primers and bullets to load another 300.
2. Colt AR-15 HBAR 500+ rounds
3. CZ-452 .22, 3000+ rounds
4. Winchester Mod 12, 200 rounds loaded, enough hulls, wads, primers, and lead to load another 500.

Looks like I need some more ammo. Or maybe I should get motivated and load some.

six

[Sir Galahad]

WOW! I haven't heard the name Mel Tappan in years! You have a great set-up Gordon. Those with remote homes, solar panels and wind turbines are a good way to go.

[iamkris]

Note to self...

...do not try assault on Gordon's place.

[mechanic66]

Personally, I LOVE these threads!! I know that if you hang out on a board long enough a lot of topics get rehashed ad-nauseum but for a newbie like me they're still interesting and thought provoking.

[Dorrin79]

what we have on hand, hmm?

I'd have to go with my

10/22 Standard, 2500 rds assorted ammo. Use? Small game hunting, pest animal whacking.

Yugo SKS, 800 rds ammo, 200 on strippers. Use? Self-defense, hunting if neccessary.

Yugo M48A, 400 rds ammo. Use? Hunting, self defense if neccessary.

Lessons?

I need a scoped rifle in an intermediate caliber for distance shooting.

I shold get more ammo for all of my guns.

Love these threads, BTW.

Ideally, I would want a .22, an AK or AR, and a scoped & accurized rifle in .308.

[Dr.Rob]

Darn it! I forgot my spetnatz shovel!

And hey the ONY reason I have a .223 on my list is that my 30-06 is not a BAR.

"Geez, Rob, them zombiebikerwerewolves is hiding behind that 46 dodge and I cain't get to em with mah poddle shooter."

(sound of 8-track sized magazine being slapped into 20 pound automatic rifle)

"Well, Bubba, guess you are lucky I packed a can opener!"

[telomerase]

>I'm going to assume a single localized nuclear detonation since a full exchange between any of the superpowers would make the entire planet unlivable due to Nuclear Winter and the amount of radoactive dust released into the air.

You need to read The Effects Of Nuclear Weapons or the Swiss equivalent. All the nukes in the world can't even make one continent unlivable; there just isn't that much energy. Most of the US would be livable two weeks after a full Russian strike.

Twenty thousand megatons just isn't that much energy. And one would hope that at least a few nuclear weapons would destroy other nuclear weapons.

>Even a single detonation in the continental U.S. would probably throw us into a stuation that would make the 1920s economy look like happy times.

That is completely true, for the same reason that the 15 billion dollars of damage caused on 9-11 has been leveraged into hundreds of billions of dollars of extra government. But it has nothing to do with the effects of 25 megatons, and everything to do with the effects of cowardice.

Now if you want to worry about engineered bacteria or viruses.... OK, I'm with you.

[Denny Hansen]

Bugout with four long guns and thousands of rounds of ammo? OK.

Reckon I'd take one .22 rifle and a couple bricks of ammo. Make myself scarce. Push come to shove and I'll take someone elses four long guns and thousands of rounds of ammo.:uhoh:

Denny

[Sir Galahad]

"Nuclear winter" was one, among many, of the things hysterically screamed about by "Dr." Helen Caldicott and Physicians for Social Resposibility to show what an evil bad man Reagan was for wanting to put more Pershing 2s in West Germany and build neutron bombs. Caldicott never could get her story straight. First she claimed there would be a "nuclear winter". Then she said a thermonuclear war would result in a mega-"global warming" with loss of ozone causing sunlight to be magnified to the point of danger. Huh? Well, now you know the history of the same Physicians for Social Responsibility seeking bans on handguns and semi-auto firearms.

The fact is, several nuclear weapons were detonated above ground from 1950 to 1962. The fallout swept across Nevada and Utah and, at one point, was tracked clear to upstate New York where it allegedly entered the milk supply via grazing cattle. At one test, coal was piled under the shot tower to make the fallout "dirty" and, allegedly, easier to track. The "Sedan" shot, a test of the Project Plowshare song-and-dance scooped out plenty of fallout, though the AEC claimed it did not (see "Sedan Crater".) From Upshot-Knothole to Buster-Jangle, these atmospheric nuclear tests proved that fallout, while deadly, is not the all-killing power everyone thought it was. Though they will never admit it, one of the reasons behind some of those tests was to determine if a nuclear war was survivable. (Indeed, one test was done to try out different concepts of shelters for Civil Defense and what would happen to certain types of houses and cars.) Of course, these tests were individual tests and not a series of simultaneous detonations. But wind patterns are what they are and the deadiest fallout deteriorates in two to three weeks. Now, a biological attack of epic proportions by an unknown virus or bacteria could indeed be the whimper and not the bang by which mankind exits stage left and leaves earth to the next stage of evolutionary progress by some other species. Is man that dumb? Probably. We see what man did with unlocking the secret of the atom. What will he do with the secrets of DNA? Smallpox alone is bad enough to kill millions, especially now with all these Luddites who fear the vaccine more than the disease. (Geez, they never ASKED us in army basic training if we wanted the smallpox vaccination. They just said, "Hold sill recruit! Geez, I'm sill alive! I was too scared of the drill sergeants to let a couple little pin pricks make me sick!)

[CTI1USNRET]

Long guns I have on hand:

A 1977 Ruger Mini-14 with original sights, a Ruger 5-round mag and 3 Ruger 20-round mags, and 3,000 rounds of 55 gr ball. That should do for the self defense part.

A Marlin lever-action Guide Gun in 45-70 with ghost-ring hunting sights, and 300 rounds of 405 gr handloads. Great for hunting.

A Marlin lever-action Original Golden 39A with a Weaver 4x scope, and 4 bricks of Remington Hi Speed Hollow Points. Great for hunting.

And a N.E.F. Pardner single shot 12 GA . Great for hunting. But I've only got about 20 rounds of 2 3/4" 4's and 10 rounds of O buck.

But in a pinch I'd just grab the Mini-14, the 22LR lever-action, and the ammo. Oh, and the wife. She's a pretty good shot.

[goon]

Who needs a handgun with those long guns.

A handgun would be good to have if you had to stash your rifles and go into a hostile area.
Not as good as my AK, but still better than a ballpoint pen.

[bad_dad_brad]

SHTF threads have been done a hundred times but who cares? Always fun Sir Galahad!

I'll bite. Long guns that I have on hand if the SHTF.

Mini-14 - I have an AR-15, but I think the Mini would be more reliable regarding post-apocolypse maintenance. This rifle could take deer and small game, and defend as well. Plentiful NATO .223 ammo.

AK-47 - My SAR-1. Absolute reliability. For defense, and I bet you could take game with it as well. Plentiful Commie ammo.

10/22 - The .22 - nuff said - ultimate small game meat on the table cartridge. Incredibly cheap and plentiful ammo.

12G Shotgun - Pick one, I have several. Plentiful ammo. Meat on the table. Close quarter self defense.

Pretty clear that my choices center around availability of ammo. If the SHTF, it would be important to choose guns that you could readily scrounge ammo for. And ammo that you could stock up on cheaply before the SHTF.

[J-Man]

Yeah, nuclear warfare is one of those subjects full of what-ifs. Granted if Russia launched all its nukes at us were still talking at least 5000 warheads. Average that out between 50 states and you get a lot of inhospitable areas. Yes, the worst fallout (from the ground blasts) will dissipate in a couple weeks or so. Of course most people in any nuclear exchange would die from starvation and civil unrest.
And yup, there have been quite a number of tests conducted over the years. Something like 1010 for the US and 730 for the Soviets. Amazing how most people never really knew of them....

[Solinvictus70]

Well, if the s@#$ hits the fan in about 10 days, I'll have:
A Yugo M24/47 with about 500 rounds of ammo, a CZ 70, a 12 gauge bolt action with about 100 rds buck shot, and a Chinese Tokarev in 7.62x25 with about 450 rounds. If it happens now, everything but the Yugo.

[goon]

Depending on who causes the S to HTF, I may just use my M-39 to get myself a matching AKSU-74, AKM, or whatever else the enemy is carrying.
:D
The Finn is great, but it lacks firepower.

[Gordon]

I would guess, at this point , "THEY" would be using a .223 Bullpup of some persuasion.. Probably President Her Excellency Hillary supplementing ATF sodomites with UN 'Peacekeepers'. :evil:

[Sir Galahad]

No. The subject was a nuclear war. Hillary wouldn't use nukes because that's not "environmentally friendly" and even against her enemies in this country would be a "non-sustainable" method of execution. She'd have to find some eco-friendly way of killing her enemies. Probably something along the lines of handcuffing you to a chair with one hand free and a straight razor and making you listen to Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Madonna, and Phish over and over nonstop until you slashed your own wrists with the razor. In a nuclear war, though, Hillary and company would die of starvation after all the "Seeds of Change" and "Amy's Organic" vegan microwave meals ran out. If she ever came to power, maybe that would be a way to starve her out of office. Blockade the incoming organic veggies and bottled water. Massive airdrops of pork rinds and Genetically Modified Foods over the White House.

[Revolver]

With what I have on hand for rifles I would take my
AR-15
SAR-1
Lots of hoodlums with SKS and AKs in my area I'd have no part of gun fights if I could help it, but I have no problems with picking up lost mags and stripper clips.
As for pistols I'd use my GP-100, for blowing chunks out of crackheads that are basiclly zombies. A Browning High Power to use the tons of 9mm I would probably find thanks to the gangs that are all around me.
My reconditioned Mauser and Remington 700 in .308 for a bolt gun. The ancient 9 shot NEF .22 LR revolver of mine and of course a 10/22 and my Mosseberg 500 in 12 Ga.
Then my Toyota SRX to drive out my town ASAP.

[Sven]

Man, nuclear war used to give me nightmares as a kid. Likelyhood? I don't know, North Korea is going to sell their nukes, but I'm not going to live in constant fear.

Regardless, I'd want to have:

10/22 (.22LR) for gathering food
2 M14s for dealing with problems at a distance, large game
-one sniper configuration, national match
-one scout with Trijicon optic
High-capacity Pistol (Glock 17) for last ditch defense

All this at a remote cabin deep in a cave in the woods, stocked with food, water, shortwave radio, radiation/temperature meters (inside and out), fresh seeds, parts, and books. Of yeah, with at least 10K of the .22 ammo (non-reloadable), with tons of components and a reloading setup for .308. Maybe a bolt action in .223 would be nice too.

Man, if I really had enough money to have such a setup that would be cool. Frankly, besides trying to 'complete' my firearms collection, I'm still saving for my first house. Because of this, I see the vacation/hunting/survivalist retreat as a long-term dream...

....never hurts to Be Prepared.

[seeker_two]

My list in the possibles bag....

Rifles:

.303 SMLE sporter....
.22lr Romainian Trainer...
(only 2 rifles b/c I only own two right now. Hope to get a combo rifle (i.e. Savage 24) soon... :D )


Handguns

Blackhawk .357/9mm combo...
Buckmark .22lr


(My other guns will be safely hidden away just in case the SHTF during the SHTF situation mentioned... :what: )

Anything else I'll pick up along the way as needed... :evil:

[fnforme]

I think commonality and availability of parts would be a big issue to me as well as ammo supply. Since I live in South Florida the biggest animals I'd be hunting is the 300 pound gang members from Overtown, so I wouldn't bring any magnum hunting rifles. I'd drive out to the Everglades and camp out there.

My weapon cache:
1. RRA M-4 with ten 30 mags and a little over a thousand rounds.
2. AK (7.62x39) with 1,000 rounds of ammo and four 30 round mags (I just bought it so give me a break, yeah I know I need more mags :) )
3. Ruger 10/22 SS with folding stock and four 30 round mags.
4. FAL for peace of mind :D .

Since you never gave a limit on pistols.......
1. My trusty SIG P220 .45 on my pistol belt with 6 spare mags.
2. Steyr SPP slung around me with a 15 round mag inserted and 2 extra 30 rounders on me.
3. CZ 52 for long range shots and hassling with armored enemies.
4. P-22, hey I'm gonna need something to do! :cool:

[Sir Galahad]

CZ-52 YES! I was just out shooting mine today, in fact. I'd take mine. And I was shooting my Finn M-39. I listed it as one of mine and I reiterate, DEFINITELY my M-39. Yeah, definitely M-39. Mine will shoot the hairs off a flea's backside at 200 yards.

[Sir Galahad]

This has been a test of the Emergency SHTF Rifles System. Had this been an actual emergency or attack, you'd now know what rifles to load up into your fallout shelter or vehicle. We now return you to our normally scheduled broadcast.

[surfinUSA]

12 gauge pump with rifle sights. Slugs, Buck and bird shot, will cover everything out to about 150 yards.

4inch S&W 357 mag m66 or 686.

maybe a 22 rifle.

Nothing glamorous here just good reliable takin care of business tools.

[longeyes]

I'll bring a couple of servants for portage along with two llamas in the trailer. This stuff gets heavy.

Oh yeah, guns...

Mini-14. Two-legged.

Mossberg 12-gauge. Winged. Four-legged. Persistent two-legged.

Marlin 336 .30-30. Poor man's AK.

I don't have a .22 rifle but really need to learn how to trap, I think.

Will there be Starbucks in a post-nuclear world?

[longeyes]

"You need to read The Effects Of Nuclear Weapons or the Swiss equivalent. All the nukes in the world can't even make one continent unlivable; there just isn't that much energy. Most of the US would be livable two weeks after a full Russian strike."

And, remember, your pets will be waiting for you at home.

Or if not your pets, Mad Max.

I love an optimist.

[Gabe]

CZ 550 (30-06, scoped with irons), plus my Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. That's all I got right now.

I'm ready to set sail for Central America with 8 hrs notice. Too bad my fancy .243 DSA FAL with aimpoint is in my cousin's locker in another state.

[telomerase]

>I love an optimist.

I'm a biologist, not an optimist. Most of the continent will be livable two weeks after the worst possible attack. Now, YOU probably won't be alive, because you'll be killed in a glass skyscraper or a burning crackerbox suburban house. And only people with radiation meters will be able to tell whether they're standing on the livable parts of the continent.

Anyway, The Effects Of Nuclear Weapons is a pretty good reference book. Check it out.

[Gordon]

Right on Bro.!!!!!!;)

[rolltide]

@@@@@@ 1 @@@@@@@@

Top 4 long guns:

1. Savage Mod. 24 223/20ga over and under with a variety of ammo (slugs, buckshot, bird shot, rabbit loads) Would also carry chamber adapters for to shoot 22lr and 22 mag in the 223 barrel and a 410 adapter for the 20ga

2. AK 47 with a couple of 75 round drums and several 30 round mags with chamber adapters for 22LR and 22MAG.

3. Savage 110 3006 with chamber adapters to fire 32ACP, 30 CARB, 32 H&R, 308 and 7.62X39 (along with a broken shell exctractor to remove the last 2 when needed.)

4. EAA double barrel 12ga with 2 45/70 full length rifle inserts and a chamber adapter to fire 45 ACP in the 45/70 rifle barrels. Chamber adapters for the 12ga in 410 and 20ga. In addition I would bring 10 inch chamber inserts for the 12 guage in 22LR, 22MAG, 38 Special, 44 Special, 9mm.


******* You could make do with the AK47 (for anti personnel applications) and any one of the other 3 for small and large game hunting and dangerous game protection. If I had to choose 2 it would be the AK47 and the EAA double barrel with all the inserts and adapters. You wouldn't have to carry ammo in every caliber, but you could use almost anything you could scrounge up at either civilian/police/or military locations.*******


@@@@@@@@ 2 @@@@@@@@@@@

Top 4 hanguns:

1. NAA mini revolver in 22LR/22MAG

2. Ruger P89 with plenty of 15 round and 30 round mags.

3. Dan Wesson 357 mag with 2 1/2", 4" and scoped 8" barrel.

4. Dan Wesson 445 Supermag (also fires 44 Specials and 44 Mags) with 4" and scoped 8" barrel. With 6 chamber adapters each in long 22LR and 22MAG. In addition to I would have plenty of custom 445 Supermag shot shell ammo for hunting birds and small game out to 25 feet.


******* Likewise you could make do with the 9MM (for anti personnel applications) and the 445 Supermag revolver for all the hunting and dangerous game needs. ******

@@@@@@@@ 3 @@@@@@@@@

If I were limited to only one gun under the scenario proposed, I would take the AK47 with 22LR and 22MAG chamber adapters.


@@@@@@@@ 4 @@@@@@@@@

If I were limited to only one handgun it would be the 445 Supermag setup.

@@@@@@@@ 5 @@@@@@@@@

If limited to 4 guns total, they would be:

1. AK47 with adapters.

2. EAA 12 ga double barrel with inserts and adapters.

3. 445 Supermag with adapters.

4. NAA 22LR/22MAG.

[iamkris]

...so I'm guessin' that rolltide likes adaptors???;)

[Art Eatman]

Down home, we wouldn't even know--or care--about SHTF until the Budweiser truck didn't show up...I'd move my recliner to the south end of the porch and keep an eye on the only approach road. Ten minutes lead time oughta be sufficient for any needed decision making.

Claymores are good. Even the homemade variety.

:), Art

[Kurt]

I hope at least the dog had his eye in the other directions for anyone doin' the "careful crawl". ;):)

[45R]

If SHTF I'll press my litte communicator and say "Scottie Beam Me Up" :)

[AV1611]

long guns:

1. Ruger 10/22 (stainless) .22lr
2. Mosin Nagant M44 7.62x54r w/ 4x scout scope
3. VEPR K 7.62x39
4. Mossberg 590 Persuader 12 gauge

handguns:

Glock 17 9mm
Glock 26 9mm
Ruger Blackhawk .357/9mm
Ruger MKII .22lr 5 1/2" bull bbl (stainless)

...... and friends to carry all of my guns, ammo and supplies. :)

[Dave Markowitz]

(1) Mini-14 5.56mm. I have a bunch of good PMI mags (5 20 rounders and 4 30s) and mucho ammo. Reliable, light, and takes common ammo. Basically for defense but could be used for game up to deer size with proper shot placement.

(2) No.4 Mk.I .303. For big game or reach out and smack someone. I have a good stock of .303 Mk.VII Ball. For those unfamiliar with it, Mk. VII .303 has an aluminum filler under the tip, inside the jacket. This makes it longer than normal for the bullet weight and enhances tumbling upon impact. :evil:

(3) Savage Model 93 GL .22 Magnum. For hunting. If push comes to shove, a .22 Mag is not something anybody would want to be hit with, either.

(4) It's not a rifle, but an H&R Topper single shot 12 gauge. It's my only shotgun. Fun hunting.

Once I shoot my Century G3 and verify its reliability and accuracy, that would get my nod over the Lee-Enfield. Probably.

Aside from the rifles and shottie, I'd be packing at least one handgun, probably my S&W Model 15, maybe my BHP.

[ReadyontheRight]

Any good highpower rifle with a scope.

AND

A bunch of .22 pistols for you and your friends. At least a few autoloaders with bull barrels and scopes.

And a boatload of ammo. The amount of .22 ammo you can bring will keep you hunting rabbits and deer to feed the family longer than anything else.

A nice recurve bow and some knives would also be handy.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

This is fun, and exactly what I am outfitted for!

Reach out and touch, defense, hunting large and small game, and more defense. Being neighborly is alright so long as they mind their manners, and I will mind mine.

SA SAR 48 with 4-16 x 40 scope (me)
L1A1 with original sights (Wife)
Galil SAR 5.56 (Daughter)
Ruger 10/22 (Son)

I have a big truck, so hauling ammo is not a problem. Already have the spot picked out in the Mountains. I will provide for my own civil defense, thank you.

[natedog]

Four rifles is too many for me to choose. Of what I have now, I would take my Mini-14 and Marlin 795, for defense and hunting, respectively. If i were to choose something that I don't have right now, it would be a HK-91 or a HK-53.

[pangris]

Four rifles -

Savage 110 FP with Leupold glass
M1A
AR-15
10/22

Then two shotguns
11-87 Police
870 26"

Then handguns

Custom Para Ordnance P-14.45
Glock 21
Glock 22
Glock 17
Glock 36 (x2)

Then ammo -
1200 rds .308 mil surp
250 rounds .308 GM308M
1200 rounds .223
5000 rounds .22
800 rounds .45
50 rounds .40 (I'm phasing out the .40)
500 rounds 9mm
200 rounds 00 Buck
500 rounds #6 Shot

Then dog - 200 lb Mastiff. He eats a lot, but he's worth it.

Then pack it all up in my Volvo wagon, and I am safe.

Paul

[Sgt]

Kaylee, Here's the original question posed by Sir Galahad.......
You wake up to discover that a nuclear exchange is impending. (For those of you in target areas, you'll probably be vaporized, but what the heck, play along.) You don't have time to run out and buy ammo or supplies. You figure on getting as far away from fallout as possible using backroads. This will entail hunting for food and possibly defending that food. Count on not gettng resupplied for ammo. But, possibly, you might run across abandoned stores. Based on what you have on hand, how would you choose 4 rifles and all their ammo that you can pack into a vehicle and carry? The two duties of the rifles are hunting and self-defense.
And here Kaylee, are your answers......
So far, in every major "panic" type incident 9/11 and after, the common response is to band together, not start popping each other in a panic. I like that development. Huh? I don't remember ANYONE asking for your "PC feel good" opinion on what will happen in regards to human nature....:rolleyes:
That makes me think that running around with an AK in my hands would be just plain, well... unneighborly. Well, heaven forbid!!!Do you see what I'm saying? The question was...what (Rifles) you would take?Seems to be a discreetly carried pistol while leaving town and a couple hunting irons out of the way would be just fine. Anything else... might as well give or trade it where it do the most good. Like I said....RIFLES!! You must be a teacher, 'cause you sure don't follow directions worth a darn....and you seem to be trying to teach us the error of our un PC ways.....Hey, no one here would promote Nuclear War, or killing everyone....except "golgo" and you patted that clown on the back for his comments....(like there's anybody in Idaho that doesn't already have a gun.. shyeahh... So, I take it you won't be running for Governor of California....once the Supreme Court makes their ruling? Good Luck, you might survive up there in a shtf scenario.....but don't come to LA......well....we've got enough blondes on the freeway now;) This is my last post being honest about kaylee, I've made my point, if you don't see it, it's because you choose not to......which mod is next.....who needs it the most? Please don't be afraid to make suggestions.....

[Marko Kloos]

I'll take you up on that.

Please check your email.

[wanderinwalker]

Well, if the SHTF, I'd probably just grab one of the ARs and a .22 pistol. Which AR would it be though? Maybe the Armalite NM, but it needs to jettison about 6 pounds of stock weights to be portable enough for me. The old Colt psuedo-SP-1 would work well enough too, and I don't feel bad about using the Ciener conversion in it to have a .22LR longarm also. Actually, with the Ciener and one of the ARs, I could grab the Glock 17 and be good to go.

[Art Eatman]

The narrow focus of Sgt's comments illustrates the problem inherent to "One size fits all" thinking for a scenario. "City" is different from "country"; "near a town" is different from "way out yonder". Two vastly different styles of rifles might well be equally useful in two different settings.

The particular usefulness of any particular choice of rifle is meaningless without some description of one's probable scenario. Further, in any one setting, some pre-planning as to cooperation among neighbors will affect a choice. Last, some understanding of human nature is quite useful in any violent situation. There is a lot of difference in the reactions of a scared Yuppie versus an experienced GangBanger. A variant would be that city folks tend to stay to the roads; country people are quite comfortable on foot crossing through woods and pastures.

Art

[Moparmike]

country people are quite comfortable on foot crossing through woods and pastures.Ok, suppose I pass thru a slightly trigger-happy farmer/redneck/whomever's pasture/'wooded back 40'. Then what? I am all for staying away from the roads (its much easier to be found on common paths of ingress/egress), but what about that? I personally could be the trigger-happy joe shmoe on watch during that particular SHTF scenario. I would hate to shoot some innocent who happened to be in the wrong field/back 40 when I am all hyped up on adrenaline and rage/anger.

Any ideas?

[Futo Inu]

Instead of theoretical, since I don't have that many choices, I would grab:

1. Winchester 69A turnbolt, .22lr, 16" bbl, with it's Weaver Classic 4x28 and buku ammo - small game.
2. Mec-Tec carbine with 1911 frame, .45acp, buncha mags and ammo - medium game, close range. Maybe some CQB defense.
3. Swede (sporterized) 6.5x55, with its 21"bbl and Nikon 3-9x40 - large game. Maybe some long range defense.
4. Bushmaster M17 Bullpup, customized, .223 Rem, with it's Trijicon TR21 1.25-4x24 and backup irons (Ashley Outdoors peep rear, and A2 front), buncha mags and ammo. Self-defense and small to medium game.

If we're choosing 4 "long guns" instead of 4 rifles as was the question, then replace number 2 with Remington 870 12 ga pump, with 2 bbls - my 18" and the 26" (slight cheat, sorry, but hey the xtra bbl IS easy to grab as well as utilitarian in that it's easy to swap out too - makes for both defense and getting tasty meat that moves fast when alive, from the same gun). Lotsa ammo - slugs, 7.5 shot, number 4 buck. I'd also sub out one pistol (Springfield .45 1911) for number 3 if the question were changed to 4 guns, instead of 4 rifles or 4 longguns. It's a tough call (since this forces me to give up my only long range and large game weapon), but the reason for the pistol is, if you need to blend into a portion of society which remains relatively unscathed and civilized, or a gov't facility perhaps, and need to do some dirty work in order to get subsistence food, you may just need a concealable sidearm. Numbers 1 and 4 would remain the same.

Others have covered good choices for theoretical ideals. I'd pick for ideals a Springfield scout in .22lr/.410 bore (or maybe a Marlin model 60 .22lr), a DSA FAL in .260 Rem, the Springfield pistol, and the 12 ga.

Uhh, CR Sam, were you having a senior moment, or did you mean 2 FALs in addition to the 10-22 and 12 ga? I'm guessing the latter - one for backup right?.....

Those who went beyond 4 guns or did not choose 4 rifles (first at least) must be the same people who take Mulligans or pull their balls away from the tree when playing golf, huh? :) Stick with the question asked, or at least answer it before making up your own question, please. It's more fun that way, since you can then later make your own thread extending the parameters and thus prolonging the fun (see, I have the sickness too). :)

Golgo, you're just plain evil. I like that - not just 10,000 longgun rounds per person, but per person PER DAY. LMAO.

And BTW, Gordon wins! (if he's not yankin our chains)

[No4Mk1*]

"You figure on getting as far away from fallout as possible using backroads."

Well if it is a big exchange, then I doubt I would really be able to get away from fallout, so the best use for all your guns and ammo is to use it as a shield from radiation on the ground outside. Lead makes a good shield. How is that for an excuse to buy more cases of ammo?

[Art Eatman]

Moparmike, that's just part of the thinking about the "what if?" that is an endless list of varying probabilities. If you're the hiker, you try to avoid being seen. If you're the watcher, you do some sort of threat assessment.

Nowhere is it written that SHTF means "Throw out common sense." If anything, just the opposite. :)

Art

[wardog]

Rifles

1. .308 Remington 700 Police w/Leupold 4.5-14 Tactical (long range defense and hunting)
2. .308 DSA SA-58 Medium Contour (defense, hunting)
3. .223 Bushmaster Dissipator (defense)
4. 12 G Beretta 391 Urika (defense, hunting)

Handguns
1. .45 HK USP (defense, common ammo)
2. .45 Kimber 1911 (defense, common ammo / parts / mags)
3. 9mm Taurus (defense, common ammo)
4. .22LR Browning Buckmark (hunting small game)

[keederdag]

Armalite AR-7, L1A1 With SUIT/trilux, Ithaca 37 d.s. police with surefire forestock+choat side folder and of course my tiny .22 Walther. :evil: