Female SHTF rifle that needs to be filled

[Texasred]

My female companion is in need of a long range rifle that can be carried on long journeys, doesn't kick to hard, and still have reasonable killing power.

My weapons are as follows:

1. Uzi carbine for urban and in house issues.
2. AR-15 should the blend of urban and rural be encountered.
3. M1A for strictly country and long range counterattacks.
4. Glock 20 for backup on all situations.

Hers are as follows uses are in respective orders:
1. USGI M1 carbine
2. Norinco SKS
3. ?
4. Walther PPK/s

What do you all think? Ammo similarities are of no concern but a plus if possible.

 

[Alphazulu6]

SHTF you will probably be walking ... ALOT... so 2 guns, M4 style is a great firearm for any female w/ that pistol backup. And you both will have the .223 caliber in your line-up.

 

[gp911]

KelTec PLR-16...

.223 and small for easy handling... I'd recommend another pistol caliber carbine, but you wouldn't want to confuse ammo for the PPK with it... Maybe a 10mm carbine (MP5 copy)?

If the SHTF for real I think it'll be a moot point, you already have plenty of guns for that... Stock up on ammo...

gp911

 

[taliv]

i find it very difficult to maintain my desired level of competence with just a single gun. having 4 for 4 different scenarios seems unrealistic.

I mean, i have a ccw pistol that i rarely get to shoot in steel challenge, an ar15 that's full of lead for CMP competitions, another AR15 that i'm trying to figure out how to shoot in practical matches (my first one was last month), a bolt gun for NRA long range competition, and a PS90 i keep by the bed.

if i spend the time to get competitive with one of those, when i pick up another, i feel like i'm learning all over again. in reality, i'm spread so thin i'm not in any danger of winning any of the competitions (but they sure are fun). i wish i could be competitive with all of them at the same time, but i'm just shooting competitions...

if i was really concerned about SHTF (boy these threads are amusing), the last thing i'd want would be to pack 4 different guns and all the ammo around. I'd much rather pick a do-it-all gun and be good with it.

as for friends (female or otherwise) in SHTF, i'll be happy if they just manage not to shoot me or themselves

 

[GunTech]

AR15/M-4 type rifle. You can build a really light one using a cavalry arms lower and an M4 barrel. 223 has much better killing power than any pistol round, and you've already got an AR so you can swap mags an ammo.

Another possibility is the Keltec SU-16 in one of it's many versions. The CA is fairly compact, weighs around 5.5 pounds and uses AR-15/M16 magazines. http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/su16ca.html

I would not pick a Walther PPK for a handgun for SHTF. Too many sharp edges and not enough power. A Kahr is about the same size, is double action only and is available in 9mm or 40. For that matter, a Glock 19 or 23 is a superb pick, totally reliable and has plenty of firepower unless she has tiny hands.

The M1 carbine should only be considered as a plinker. Ammo can cost more than 223, and is pretty useless. A 223 can do anything a pistol caliber carbine can and more.

I note you have no shotgun listed.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Get a decent AK with a Romanian side folder so that the rifle can be fired in either folded or extended position and get a Glock 9mm for you handgun. That will cover you for 1-200 yards. If the situation requires you to shoot more than 200 yards, whomever you're facing will probably be skilled enough to kill you before you kill them.

For an urban/riot scenario, you're not going to shoot beyond 100-200 yards, if you do and accidentally kill someone innocent, you will be prosecuted for murder once the riot is over. It's also hard to justify defense at that distance. If you really need to shoot far and accurate, drop $10K on a 50 bmg. with a high-end scope.

 

[rangerruck]

i would think a keltec, both the plr model and the su 16 models(not the A) would be best suited, since they use a lot of parts and mags enterchangeable with the ar family. plus they are light.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Give her a 20 gauge pump gun and let her push the wheelbarrow!

HAHA!!! I have not seen something that funny in a long time! I could just see my wife and what crap I'd have to listen to while she did that one! HAHA!!

 

[GunTech]

FYI - a cpomparison. SU-16 vs AR-15 'M-forgery'. The SU-16 weighs about 6 pounds versus the AR's 9.

 

[Kaylee]

http://corneredcat.com/Men/gunforwoman.aspx

All you've said is that she's a she. How comfortable is she with weapons? What can she physically handle? How willing has she been to learn the art? And most of all.. does she even want it? There ain't no sense putting several hundred dollars on the table for an item that won't be used.

Further, what are you seriously anticipating that would require that kind of setup?

If the goal is truly a using battery then personally I'd dump half the stuff on the list already (the Uzi, SKS, M1, and Walther) buy her the handgun of her choice (though ideally a Glock that shares magazines with yours), and either give her your AR, get her one of her own, or let her choose something different.

If the goal is another item in a collection, doesn't really matter what we say.

-K

 

[Wedge]

Further, what are you seriously anticipating that would require that kind of setup?

Taking rounds to the trauma plates taped to the backpack while she assembles the .338 Laupa?

 

[GunTech]

LOL. Thanks for putting everything in perspective Kaylee. My wife is a better pistol shot than I am, but I am better with a rifle. Based on the original post, since the poster was asking what gun for his GF, I assumed she was less versed in firearms than he - or she'd be making her own pick.

My wife traded in Her MP-5 for an M-4 and copuldn't be happier. Her carry is a SIG P229. I like a Glock 23 myself, and the M1A is my SHTF rifle of choice.

My picks were based on rifles for a beginner (light weight and 223) and apply to either sex. Same for handgun, making the assumption that - like most women, she has smaller hands than most men.

Generalities are, of course, always suspect.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Now I am beginning to re-think my SHTF firearm! I think this is spreading like cancer. I mean lets face it, every THR member just needs a reason to go buy another firearm. ITS THE GUN BUG and I think I just got bit again (not that I didnt just buy 3 rifles this past week or so). haha

Ok I was really thinking over that damn berreta bulpup stock firearm in a 45 for a SHTF firearm for anyone including your wife. They are reasonably priced and honestly if SHTF I dont want to carry heavy crap as you would already have to lug provisions. I have carried alot of heavy crap in the Army and have always said I WILL NEVER BUY HEAVY BURDENSOME CRAP.... 15 miles later it all feels heavy but nice light equipment is a blessing in many many situations/circumstances as I think everyone will agree.

Kel-Tec has a few neato firearms out there worth taking a peek. But the M4 is tried and true so for your wife it would beneficial (or anyone for that matter).. Though the few times I have been in combat I have always wanted a nice automatic 12 guage instead of my M4... so that might be what I myself trade up for its just such a tough call as ammo is heavier for 12 gauge but in all the shootings I have been witness to or in, a 12 gauge would have done best (urban combat). SO..... :banghead:

Good luck!

 

[Brother in Arms]

The original poster wrote:

"My female companion is in need of a long range rifle that can be carried on long journeys, doesn't kick to hard, and still have reasonable killing power."


1. Long range
2. Light weight
4. Low recoil
5. Reasonable killing power

Using your original parameters a rifle chambered in .223 is probably a good choice. Presuming you are talking about a military style semi-automatic rifle there are several choices, but the an AR-15 variant seems like the most logical choice.

Long Range: Dependant on your opinion of what long is, the AR-15 is used at Highpower competitions that range from 100-600 yards and even further.

Light weight: Is also relative, I don't think that 9lb. M4forgery is a good weigh for a 16" barreled rifle made primarily out of Aluminum and plastic. The original M16A1 with a 20" barrel weighed only 7.8lbs. A much lighter rifle than that can be built by using parts selected for there light weight espcially if you use a polymer reciever and a light wieght upper.

Low Recoil: this is for certain I have never heard anyone ever claim an AR-15 had too much recoil.

Reasonable killing power: I would say that the .223 has this covered well enough.

As for your own setup between the two of you I would go with something like this

Your primary Firearm
M1A .308 (interchangeable with 7.62NATO)

Her Primary Firearm
AR-15 .223 (interchangeable with 5.56X45mm)

As for back ups something in 9mm or .40 caliber or .45 ACP and if you both have the same caliber and magazine that is a major bonus. Glocks are excellent but the thickness of the grip and shape may not fit the hand of your female companion very well.

Having two rifle calibers and pistol caliber is a feasible solution given the .308 can engage targets at longer ranges and has more penetration than the .223 but it serves excellently at close and moderate range. Both are compatible with military ammunition that you may be able to aquire.

A shotgun has been mentioned and while they are great for hunting and close range fighting but there ammo is heavy and bulky. If a shotgun is carried 12 gauge is the most common.

If you are on foot this is all you are going to want to carry, you may even opt to take an AR-15 yourself for ammunition and magazine commonality.

Brother in Arms

 

[MassMark]

I would initially suggest an M1 Carbine. Light, accurate, reliable and with the right loads, deadly. For longer range though, a collapsable stock AR-15, (CAR or M4) is pretty light. My wifle loves both her Inland M1 Carbine and her Kel-Tec SU-16, (which is my ultimate suggestion).....

 

[FuzzyBunny]

I was told a M1 Carbine with hollow points is close to the power of a .357 is that true?

As for light long range....AR-15. Depends on what you call long range

 

[Texasred]

Well she does like guns and were not asking you to point to what we will buy but wanted ideas.
As for the PPK, that was her choice and she seems adequate enough.
I would only grab each weapon as need be. The way I see it I'm not going to walk hallways with a M1A as this thing is way to damn long.
My glock might be traded with a CZ-P01 or CZ-97, might I add that I have a .40bbl for it that seems to function fine. But for now, I have the most magazines and ammunition for the glock(6 magazines).
The only thing I have thought of was maybe a short action remington or winchester in .243 or .308.

 

[Titus]

Taking rounds to the trauma plates taped to the backpack while she assembles the .338 Laupa?

I am a Master of three martial arts including ninjitsu, which means I can wear the special boots to climb walls. I don't think any of you are working as hard as I am to be prepared.

 

[Wedge]

The only thing I have thought of was maybe a short action remington or winchester in .243 or .308.

I would say .308 vs. .243. Ammo costs on the .243 will kill you and you are limited in your upper end in bullet weight.

I like the KT SU-16, especially because it is light and folds to fit in a pack. Don't have one yet, but would like one.

 

[GunTech]

If length is an issue the the M1A, get a SOCOM. They are loud, but darn handy.

 

[jerkface11]

You should shield her body with yours (since you'll be wearing all those trauma plates) while she shoots the .300 winmag NEF sniper rifle. (wheel barrow optional)

 

[MudPuppy]

I'd recommend shared platforms. One each AR-15 (although, you could vary barrel length, optics, and stocks--main thing would be shared magazines and ammo type).
Same with pistol.

Alternatively, I'd do one shotgun (with a mix of buck and bird/pheasant) and one rifle. And consider her pistol being a 22 for all the advantages that offers.

And remember as you're toting all that how much better off you'd be with some water!

 

[martinc64]

Taking rounds to the trauma plates taped to the backpack while she assembles the .338 Laupa?


I am a Master of three martial arts including ninjitsu, which means I can wear the special boots to climb walls. I don't think any of you are working as hard as I am to be prepared.
__________________

Best link ever! EVER!

 

[HorseSoldier]

M4gery, M1 carbine, or a 5.45x39 AK are all good for any woman who is recoil sensitive or otherwise has problems handling long guns with some thump to them.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

OK, we've all had our fun with the Gunkid references... now how about we get back on topic?
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I think you should consider reassessing some of the basic assumptions you have made regarding your needs.

For example, you list four separate categories of weapons that almost always can be handled by a single long gun and a sidearm. The time and money you spend amassing equipment for four different types of weapons is time that would likely be better spent learning how to use one of those weapons proficiently. Training is probably the single biggest factor in determining survival in a defensive situation, so whatever else you do, budget for some training.

As a further example, I'm curious what assumption you made makes you feel that a nine pound 9mm carbine is more suitable for urban use than an 8lb AR15?

There also seems to be an inherent assumption in your selections that women somehow need a "smaller" firearm instead of one that works for them. Personally, I don't find the PPK all that pleasant to shoot. Given the choice between the two, I imagine more than a few women would take the Glock 20. Have you taken some time to determine which of all of the firearms she likes to shoot? That would be a good indicator on its own.