If you could only have one long gun for all purposes

[skipbo32]

the M14 platform is the jack-of-all-trades rifle in my opinion. it is an assault rifle, machine gun, sniper rifle and battle axe all in one.

 

[ballbags(again)]

The man said he was Cash Strapped
In that Case an SKS or an AR15

 

[GIJOEL]

I would get a cheap bolt gun or even a H&R single shot probably in .308, and a decent .22 lr.

 

[happy1]

My Remington 7MM mag

 

[cajun47]

on a budget?

HI POINT!!!!!!!!!

seriously, mossberg 500.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

Lancer from Gears of War. Full auto assault rifle w/chainsaw bayonet.

 

[degunner]

how close?

how close I want them and how close I have to let them get are two entirely different questions. If I "defend" myself at the distance I want then then its not defense, I have to wait untill they are close enough to be an actual threat! Remember in anytype of shtf most people will be in varying states of shock/disblief even tramua. Fear and panic will be across the board. If the shtf is a katrina type event the number of human predators were / are in the minority % of the population. There are likely to be people looking and asking for help wether you can give is something else. It has been said it took 3 days for the "veneer" of society to was away after katrina.

just my .02 fwiw

 

[Maverick223]

I love rifles. Pistols and shotguns are fine, but nothing beats a nice rifle...the only one that is truly capable of precision fire at long range, but in this case the 12Ga. pump shotgun (a gun that I do not own) is probably the best option. It is capable of taking small quarry (bird shot), varmints (light buckshot), large game (preferably slugs but heavy buckshot will also work), defense (light to medium buckshot), and even longer range (up to 150-200yds) hunting tasks with a rifled barrel and sabot slugs. It may be crude, and in many cases ugly, but it has a well deserved reputation for getting the job done.