Inebriated
Member
Kick-Down-Doors said:I like the wealth of information I'm getting!
For clarification I do have an SKS, Yugo M59/66. as well as a MN91/30.
Both are great guns. Both have alternated as my Kit gun. However the first problem with these is that they are my only fighting rifles. Losing either one would hurt me more than a bit. Although the Mosin is currently with my Misc. tools in the back along with a Chinese chest rig of 200rds or so, it is a rifle I'd really like to keep safe as a back up fighting rifle if things ever get bad here in Idaho.
On a second note, although theres been a little dispute of whether or not MilSurps are horribly clumsy, I'm sure we can all admit that they are usually LONG AND HEAVY!
Now I'm a well built guy, but if I had to lug my MN or SKS 30 or so ish miles along with a survival pack AND a comfortable supply of ammo I wouldn't be the happiest camper.
Its no lie that American made guns are usually lighter than the MilSurp competitors, which is what I'm leaning towards.
It's also not supposed to be able to hold off a crowd or do street fighting, but should be able to hold its own against an attacker or two. I'd rather it not attract un wanted attention with my weapon. I don't need to look like anything tactical or intimidating. I'm not likely to encounter wolves or black bear on my way to my countryside home. So it only needs to do a good job of stopping a two legged attacker.
I like the .22mag bolt action idea. Don't like the loss in stopping power though.l
So you want a rifle that is lightweight, has good power for defense against two-legged predators, and costs around $300?
Savage Axis in either .308 or .223.
Both can get cheap Wolf and Tula (.308 is about $0.35/round with Wolf, and .223 is something like $0.25/round with Tula), and premium hunting/defensive ammunition. The rifle is lightweight, it comes with a scope, and you can treat it as a blind mag or take advantage of the detachable box mag, and carry a couple magazines. .308 would be my pick, but .223 would be just fine if two-legged predators are your biggest concern.