Marlin 336, 1911, and an 870. good all-around combo?

[Erik Jensen]

I've been thinking. I've had plenty of guns in the past, and I'm sure I'll have more in the future, but is there anything I really couldn't take care of with a .30-30 with a detachable scope and maybe ghost rings, a 1911, and an 870 with a short barrel and a long barrel? realistically, as fun as EBRs are, those three would take care of just about anything, wouldn't they? even as far as SHTF? only drawback I can see is ammo capacity and perhaps extreme long-range ability, though you'd be lucky to get a shot over about 150 yds here in Michigan.


what say you guys and gals?

 

[tubeshooter]

It lacks a true "long range" (say, > 200 yds.) component, but it looks fine to me. That is not a knock against you, I don't have anything long-range myself.

If you are happy, that's what matters.

 

[RDavidP]

A gun that is in your hand is worth more than the high capacity super long range rifle in the display case at the gun store.

 

[TallPine]

Seems like a revolver would fit in better with the 336 and 870.

And everybody needs at least one .22 rifle.

 

[FXR]

I'd say you're covered just great. Nice selection of traditional firearms that have stood the test of time. I don't see mag capacity as an overwhelming issue in most SHTF-type scenarios anyway -- the capacity of the ones you listed will be fine. Now all that's left is training and practice!

 

[B36]

I also would sub a revolver for the 1911, not because i have a dislike for the 1911. I just like tha ammo versatility of a revolver, and would choose a S&W 44 of some sort.

 

[mustanger98]

.30-30 with a detachable scope and maybe ghost rings, a 1911, and an 870 with a short barrel and a long barrel?

On the .30-30, lose the scope and stick with a Lyman or Williams aperture rear sight. The .30-30 round, according to Jim Carmicheal in Outdoor Life... some of those loads have a point blank to around 250yds. Hornady's new offering stretches that some.

The 1911... if that's what you like (me too) run with it. Somebody else mentioned a revolver as fitting it better, but one's as good as the other.

870 with interchangeable barrels... good idea; you can select your barrel depending on where you're going and what you'll be doing when you get there.

 

[MikePGS]

Sounds like a great example of each category

 

[obxned]

Add a .22 and you are set for most anything!

 

[Dave Workman]

It lacks a true "long range" (say, > 200 yds.) component, but it looks fine to me. That is not a knock against you, I don't have anything long-range myself.

Not necessarily so anymore. Hornady LeverEvolution cartridges put the .30-30 on the long range map.

 

[Cosmoline]

Excellent choices, though I've gone with a '92 levergun in .44 and a matching revolver. It's nice to have them eat the same food, so to speak.

 

[tubeshooter]

Not necessarily so anymore. Hornady LeverEvolution cartridges put the .30-30 on the long range map.

Well... it does get it "in the game" at least.

It's still no '06 or anything, but I know what you mean, and it's good to have the offering and the option! I am glad that Hornady decided to do it. My .30-30 has always been an old favorite.

 

[Sistema1927]

While the new Hornady rounds allow you to kill deer cleanly out to 200 rounds, just about any .30-30 load will suffice to keep a man's head down out to at least double that. I think that he has all his bases covered.

 

[LoadedDrum]

It is a lot more coin, but I would change the 336 for a AR with 5.56, 6.8, and 22lr uppers and get a 22lr upper to go with your 1911. Those three guns could take care of any thing you would likely encounter in Michigan barring an dangerous game escape from the zoo.

 

[mustanger98]

Post #14 would have to include a .22 upper.

 

[sm]

Yep.

Hard to beat what is proven, and has a history of being so.

 

[Radagast]

Needs a good sub calibre rifle in 22, 22 magnum or .17hmr; and a decent revolver, probably a 66 or 686.

 

[martinc64]

Excellent choices, every one of'em.

The Constitution of the United States of America, The Holy Bible and the code of the Boy Scouts of America direct and require that you must own each of the following:

.22 lr
12 gauge
30-30
30-06

Proof of ownership of a 1911 may be used to waive the requirement of either of the centerfire rifles (.22 and 12 gauge are non negotiable).

You only lack the .22 and if I may be so bold I would recommend the Marlin model 60 or ruger 10/22 because either of them fill the role and are remarkably affordable.

 

[Old Dog]

I could easily live with that combo, if I absolutely had to go down to 3 firearms.

My first four firearms were an old Win. 94 in .30-30, a '50s-vintage S&W Model 10, an old Colt's Gov't Model and an 870 ... BTW, I grew up in Michigan, and never took a shot at a whitetail over 75 yards ...

 

[ArfinGreebly]

No Problem

I see no problem with your selection.

As others have pointed out, it's good to have a .22 in the mix.

The .30-30 with Hornady's 160 gr pointy stuff is good to go pretty much out to 300 yds. Almost justifies a scope. With my eyes the scope would be required past 100 yds.

You could quibble about the .357 vs .45 ACP, but you're fine. Myself, I have both a carbine and 586-7 in .357 mag, so that might be a thought.

Your selection is just fine, though. They're all classics. You're gonna find ammo everywhere.

You may, however, want to add the affordable plinker.

 

[happy old sailor]

there is much much more to surviving in the wilderness than guns and ammo.

i consider guns to be for self defense for you can harvest more food with a fishing rig and a few snares than you ever could with firearns, and, silently. very important.

put on your go to hell clothing, shoulder your pack, look at those guns and wonder how and where you are going to carry them plus the ammo. guns and ammo are heavy. a pound of snares and fishing line and hooks is a bunch and a much more effective way of feeding yourself. and far less expensive to procure. don't get me wrong here, i love my guns, but where survival is considered, facts is facts. pounds is pounds and food is at the top on your list.

if you are interested in this method, see Buckshot.com. he is in Michigan and a very knowledgeable person and a great guy to boot. his website is a pleasure to browse and has more info than a dummy like me can comprehend. he also offers how to videos that have no hype, just the facts with moving pictures.

and, yes, i have a 336 in 30/30, a 12 guage pump, Win, and a few good handguns in various calibers. plan to take a lightweight .357. i feel naked without a gun.

all for now.

.

 

[Mannlicher]

There is nothing wrong with any of those three, Erik. Other than the 1911, they are not really "combat" arms, but they will do in a pinch.

 

[Red Tornado]

I think it's a great all-around combo. Trade that scope on the 30-30 for a .22 rifle and I think you can handle any situation, including plinking. Most people underestimate the importance of plinking, just for general peace of mind if not the practice.
RT

 

[MinScout]

Your combo looks pretty good to me. I'd add a .22lr, though. Maybe a Marlin 39 to match your 336. Just a thought.

 

[unrealtrip]

Proven weapons, a most excellent selection.

I also personally stick to tried and true items. An M1A, 1911, 870 and a Marlin 925 round out my collection so far. I also consider the ammo as far as being a proven round. .308, .45, 12 guage and .22LR

Why I have each:

The 925 .22LR -
Honestly, if I had to head for the hills and I could only take one gun. It'd be the .22. Because in my 2 front pockets I can carry 1000rnds with no problem, it is light weight and reliable. I can take small game to live off of and it is still powerful enough with enough range to provide defense against 2 legged animals.

The 1911 .45ACP -
Talk about a proven design, it is nearly unchanged for 100 years. The .45ACP cartridge has a solid track record and the gun is extremely reliable. Oh and it is all metal. For a concealable firearm, it is hard to beat the 1911. Powerful, proven and it will stop a man. You can even hunt with it. I have it for home defense as well as CCW and open carry in the backcountry.

The M1A .308 NATO -
Yet another proven firearm. Though the Discovery channel special ranked it at #10, I found it amusing that all of the benefits that made the AK47 #1 were the same that the M14 had. Their issue was that it had the "shortest deployment life" of any battle rifle at ~4years? Of course, this is not accurate, because it never left service and is still in use today in Iraq. It provides accurate long range shots, it fires under almost any conditions, it is semi-auto with a detachable mag and is a battle rifle that will hold its own if we are ever have an alien invasion.

The 870 12 gauge -
In my opinion the 12 gauge shotgun is probably one of the most versatile weapons ever developed. Pump action allowing it to have an extremely reliable cycling action. It can fire buckshot, birdshot, bean bags, incidiary devices, sabots and slugs. You can use it for close quarters engagements like a home or building and you can take 50yard shots with just as much ease. Taking a target out to 100 yards with a smooth bore barrel is no problem with a modern rifled slug. The 12 guage proved its worth in the trench warfare of WWII and is still in use today in Iraq. I chose the 870 because of build quality and a proven record. I have mine loaded with buckshot and slugs nearby.

You have selected a fine assortment of firearms.