armoredman
Member
gbran, only Crossfire I ever saw, at the gunshop/range I worked at, was poorly made, and almost impossible to operate. If you have one, I hope it works well for you - I wouldn't have given $20 for the one we had.
If you could only have one long gun for all purposes
- Thread starter jkmurry
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Am I able to also have a handgun? This will change the equation. With a good sixgun chambered in .357, .41, or .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt, which can reach out and bit and also serve for defensive use, the long gun could be a budget rifle able to shoot cheap .22 LR, or an inexpensive shotgun, possibly even a single-shot.
If there is going to be no handgun in the equation, I would want the rifle to be able to do more with its cartridge, and fire multiple shots fairly rapidly. Keeping in mind the OP is on a budget, I would look into a pre-owned centerfire lever-action rifle, chambered for a magnum handgun cartridge, or the good ol' .30-30.
For the purpose of this exercise, I factored out my job situation, as I must buy my own duty firearms. The one long gun I virtually NEED for the job is a Remington 870 shotgun. (The other PD-authorized choices are the Benelli M1 or M2.) Of course, an 870 would not be a bad candidate for the one long gun. I think, however, I would rather my only long gun be a rifle.
If there is going to be no handgun in the equation, I would want the rifle to be able to do more with its cartridge, and fire multiple shots fairly rapidly. Keeping in mind the OP is on a budget, I would look into a pre-owned centerfire lever-action rifle, chambered for a magnum handgun cartridge, or the good ol' .30-30.
For the purpose of this exercise, I factored out my job situation, as I must buy my own duty firearms. The one long gun I virtually NEED for the job is a Remington 870 shotgun. (The other PD-authorized choices are the Benelli M1 or M2.) Of course, an 870 would not be a bad candidate for the one long gun. I think, however, I would rather my only long gun be a rifle.
inSight-NEO
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First choice: AK47
Second choice: .308 rifle
Third choice: 12 gauge shotgun (pump)
Second choice: .308 rifle
Third choice: 12 gauge shotgun (pump)
gbran
Member
armoredman
Saw the MKI at a gun shop shortly after they came out. Great concept, but about $1895 then. If it's a POS, glad I didn't buy one.
Saw the MKI at a gun shop shortly after they came out. Great concept, but about $1895 then. If it's a POS, glad I didn't buy one.
wow6599
Member
Marlin .357 Mag
22-rimfire
Member
I agree this is a reasonable choice. The extra barrel will run about $150. But I am not a shotgun guy so I would lean toward something else.
Another option might be a Savage Model 24 rifle/shotgun combination in something like 12 ga and 223. One of those guns covers a lot of potential applications except sensible defense.
offthepaper
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Another vote for the Marlin 336 (in stainless.)
One purdy rifle.
One purdy rifle.
The_Pretender
Member
If you can't get closer than 1000 yards, you need to work on your hunting skills.
If you're referring to something in a wide open area, you need to devise a different tactic.
Besides, not too many here on this forum have ever even shot 1000 yards, let alone do it successfully on a regular basis.
The shotgun is the most versatile tool for one gun.
If you're referring to something in a wide open area, you need to devise a different tactic.
Besides, not too many here on this forum have ever even shot 1000 yards, let alone do it successfully on a regular basis.
The shotgun is the most versatile tool for one gun.
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In order
1st choice: Pump shotgun 870 or Mossberg 500/590. Probably the most versatile weapon going. Well suited to HD loaded with buck shot. Will take anything from bunnies to bear with the right load. Good out to 100 yards with rifled slugs if you do your part. Price point $350
2nd choice: Saiga in 7.62x39. Pretty good choice for HD. Good out past 200 yards. Plenty of power for deer sized game. Price point $350
3rd choice: Wasr AK-47 same reasons as above. Not as accurate and more money. A Good alternative to this might be the EAA Zastava PAP. Seems like a real good deal to me.
1st choice: Pump shotgun 870 or Mossberg 500/590. Probably the most versatile weapon going. Well suited to HD loaded with buck shot. Will take anything from bunnies to bear with the right load. Good out to 100 yards with rifled slugs if you do your part. Price point $350
2nd choice: Saiga in 7.62x39. Pretty good choice for HD. Good out past 200 yards. Plenty of power for deer sized game. Price point $350
3rd choice: Wasr AK-47 same reasons as above. Not as accurate and more money. A Good alternative to this might be the EAA Zastava PAP. Seems like a real good deal to me.
Ignition Override
Member
For a semi-auto, my original SKS. Affordable ammo and the magazine is always there.
A semi-auto in .308 might be best, but not with those ammo prices, unless cases can easily be reloaded multiple times.
A semi-auto in .308 might be best, but not with those ammo prices, unless cases can easily be reloaded multiple times.
outlander0129
Member
I'd have to settle for my Marlin 1895CB lever action 45-70. You might not be able to get many squirrels with it, but you can certainly live off the land and take care of business with it. Up close and at a good distance.
It would be a close one, and if money was an issue. Well. It was, and three guns come to mind that were under $150.00. Two new, and one used.
1) Marlin Model 60. it was $129.00 new
2) Maverick 88 12 gauge. It was $140.00 OTD New
3) Marlin 1972 336. $140 used
Between these three... That is a tuff choice. I would have to say the Model 60. I can carry 2000 rounds or more in a shoe box. It is very accurate out to 50 yards. Anyone in my family can handle it. It is light and reliable, and is a very simple gun to operate. Although in our sh_t and get kit we have another Maverick 88 with a 18.5" barrel broke down along with a Heritage SA .22LR/.22Mag. Again not expensive firearms.
These aren't the only 3 in the cabinet, but they are 3 of the best I have. I have another Marlin 336W. A gift from my daughter. It is dressed nice with brass front sight and receiver sight. Shoots good, but the '72's action is glass, and it has the thin forearm and a thinner pistol grip stock without a hammer block safety.
I could go round and round on these three, but the .22 LR as small as it is just seems to be the most logical even though I would want more fire power. I could be satisfied with a Marlin Model 60 and a few thousand rounds.
1) Marlin Model 60. it was $129.00 new
2) Maverick 88 12 gauge. It was $140.00 OTD New
3) Marlin 1972 336. $140 used
Between these three... That is a tuff choice. I would have to say the Model 60. I can carry 2000 rounds or more in a shoe box. It is very accurate out to 50 yards. Anyone in my family can handle it. It is light and reliable, and is a very simple gun to operate. Although in our sh_t and get kit we have another Maverick 88 with a 18.5" barrel broke down along with a Heritage SA .22LR/.22Mag. Again not expensive firearms.
These aren't the only 3 in the cabinet, but they are 3 of the best I have. I have another Marlin 336W. A gift from my daughter. It is dressed nice with brass front sight and receiver sight. Shoots good, but the '72's action is glass, and it has the thin forearm and a thinner pistol grip stock without a hammer block safety.
I could go round and round on these three, but the .22 LR as small as it is just seems to be the most logical even though I would want more fire power. I could be satisfied with a Marlin Model 60 and a few thousand rounds.
You never said what your limit was on cost, so I'll give you one. If you can put $500 together you can have a decent Rem. 870 12 ga. shotgun with two barrels (short and long) and, if you shop well, you could add a Ruger 1022 in .22 LR. Neither is great for long shots or heavy rifle work, but they can be very versatile and the ammo is cheap. If you really only want one gun, buy the best quality .308 bolt gun with iron sights you can afford, and stay away from cheap foreign stuff or semi-autos that can break easier.
Tacbandit
Member
Quote: by KodiakBeer
"A shotgun with an extra rifled slug barrel is probably the closest compromise."
Sounds about right to me...You can take a lot of stuff with that..from the smallest game to some really big critters...And not too rough on just about anyones budget.
Tac
"A shotgun with an extra rifled slug barrel is probably the closest compromise."
Sounds about right to me...You can take a lot of stuff with that..from the smallest game to some really big critters...And not too rough on just about anyones budget.
Tac
armoredman
Member
I can't see a normal target at 1000 yards. 200-300 is max for me, unless it's simple suppressive fire, and I don't have that much ammo to waste.
Redneck with a 40
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.308 semi-auto, such as an FNAR. I reload, so I would have plenty of ammo on hand.
Also, with bullets from 110 grains to 180 grains, you can handle anything from fox to black bear, maybe a grizz at close range and a very good shot, but I wouldn't want to risk it.
Also, with bullets from 110 grains to 180 grains, you can handle anything from fox to black bear, maybe a grizz at close range and a very good shot, but I wouldn't want to risk it.NJGunOwner81
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Tough but ...
If I had to pick one long gun I think I'd have to agree with Slabuda and say a shotgun. I also must agree with the other posters who hailed a shotgun's versatility and simplicity. From a scattering effect when loaded with Bird or Buck shot to a single devastating shot from a slug I think a shotgun has the potential to be a really GREAT survival gun. Regardless of whether your using it with bird-shot to bring down small game to eat or using buck or slugs to fend off attackers it gets the job done.
That being said I LOVE my Kimber 1911 but if we're strictly talking long-guns I'll take my Benelli S/N any day!
Take Care & Be Safe Everyone!!!
Frank
NJGunOwner81
If I had to pick one long gun I think I'd have to agree with Slabuda and say a shotgun. I also must agree with the other posters who hailed a shotgun's versatility and simplicity. From a scattering effect when loaded with Bird or Buck shot to a single devastating shot from a slug I think a shotgun has the potential to be a really GREAT survival gun. Regardless of whether your using it with bird-shot to bring down small game to eat or using buck or slugs to fend off attackers it gets the job done.
That being said I LOVE my Kimber 1911 but if we're strictly talking long-guns I'll take my Benelli S/N any day!
Take Care & Be Safe Everyone!!!
Frank
NJGunOwner81
Winchester or Marlin .30-30. Plenty of power for hunting, rapid enough follow-up shots for self-defense, accurate, durable, ammo is available everywhere, politically correct and legal in all 50 states. Can be had for $200 used in almost any gunshop. The old SKS is a semi-auto equivalent.
Artiz
Member
My AR-15, that I built myself OR my 870 tac. Probably my 870 tac, since I can kill flying little things to walking big fat things.
It would have to be a semi auto, either Marlin or Ruger 10/22. Ammo is cheap, accurate, and lethal beyond limits most people think that it is not. Those are the people that do not really have much experience with this ammo. You can buy ammo buy the thousands's for practice, self defence, and hunting and you won't spend over $100.
You don't specify a price but you can find a 30.06 rifle for 250 dollars and it can be loaded to take anything from rabbits to Moose. Ammo is everywhere. Reload if you want to get ammo cheap.
The best all around gun to hunt most everything is a 12 guage shotgun. You can take squirrels to elk. They can be found in single shot that cost only about a hundred, I think, new. There are numerous 12 guage shotguns out there and finding a decent one for 150-200 is possible. A 30.06 and a .22 would be ideal imo.
The best all around gun to hunt most everything is a 12 guage shotgun. You can take squirrels to elk. They can be found in single shot that cost only about a hundred, I think, new. There are numerous 12 guage shotguns out there and finding a decent one for 150-200 is possible. A 30.06 and a .22 would be ideal imo.
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You didn't say how much money is "inexpensive" so it makes it a little difficult to suggest the one and only long gun.
My thoughts are similar to several other suggestions already submitted. A 12 ga. shotgun. It will handle bird shot for small game all the way up to buck shot for medium game and home defense or slugs for large game at 100 yards. BYW. ANY 12 ga. shot gun load at the average home defense distance is going to stop an intruder.
As far as cost, you can buy a used single shot for $100 or less and figure the ammo at .25 each for bird shot and about a $1.00 each for buck shot and rifled slugs. At my local gun shop I can buy a box of 5 rounds of slugs or buck shot for $3.99 and a box of 25 bird shot in various shot sizes for $5.99. This gives you a lot of options for a small investment.
If you can afford a few dollars more you can buy a new 12 ga. pump for around $300+. I would much prefer the the heavier pump to the single shot because you will experience a lot of recoil in a light weight single shot when using the buck shot or slugs. You also have the option of quick follow up shots with the pump. Several shotguns now come with 2 barrels, 18" for home defense or close hunting or a 28" barrel for longer range shooting. I would want rifle sights for my longer range slug and buck shot hunting.
IMHO the shotgun is the best choice weapon for the person with only a single long gun. However if you are like the rest of us you will eventually buy more guns for more selective uses. Those critters just seem to multiply no matter how hard you try to resist.
My thoughts are similar to several other suggestions already submitted. A 12 ga. shotgun. It will handle bird shot for small game all the way up to buck shot for medium game and home defense or slugs for large game at 100 yards. BYW. ANY 12 ga. shot gun load at the average home defense distance is going to stop an intruder.
As far as cost, you can buy a used single shot for $100 or less and figure the ammo at .25 each for bird shot and about a $1.00 each for buck shot and rifled slugs. At my local gun shop I can buy a box of 5 rounds of slugs or buck shot for $3.99 and a box of 25 bird shot in various shot sizes for $5.99. This gives you a lot of options for a small investment.
If you can afford a few dollars more you can buy a new 12 ga. pump for around $300+. I would much prefer the the heavier pump to the single shot because you will experience a lot of recoil in a light weight single shot when using the buck shot or slugs. You also have the option of quick follow up shots with the pump. Several shotguns now come with 2 barrels, 18" for home defense or close hunting or a 28" barrel for longer range shooting. I would want rifle sights for my longer range slug and buck shot hunting.
IMHO the shotgun is the best choice weapon for the person with only a single long gun. However if you are like the rest of us you will eventually buy more guns for more selective uses. Those critters just seem to multiply no matter how hard you try to resist.
OregonJohnny
Member
Brand-new Remington 870 Express 12 gauge w/ 28" Rem-Choke barrel - $279
18" cylinder barrel and 2-shot mag tube extension - $150
23" rifled barrel with scope mount - $200
Total: Less than $700, for a reliable, proven, American-made long gun with extensive after market support, that can do anything from HD, to bird hunting, to big game hunting. An obvious choice.
18" cylinder barrel and 2-shot mag tube extension - $150
23" rifled barrel with scope mount - $200
Total: Less than $700, for a reliable, proven, American-made long gun with extensive after market support, that can do anything from HD, to bird hunting, to big game hunting. An obvious choice.
outlander0129
Member
After giving this question more thought, I would agree with some people on their answers. Although I'm not too sure about shotguns. This is the reason, I the SHTF tomorrow, knowing the other types of people out there ( the ones with the attitude that since they don't have, they will just take ), unless I know you I wouldn't want anyone that close. The shotgun just doesn't have that much range. I like being able to reach out and touch an animal ( any legged ), at a good distance. Alll the rifles mentioned have that distance shot. How close do want someone you don't know to get?,,,,,,,Just a thought. I'll still keep my 45-70. Squirrels and rabbits would lose a lot of weight but there is bigger game out there.
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