Tropical Z
Member
Saiga .308 AK!
No "weird" calibers with NO hope of resupply should be considered.
No "weird" calibers with NO hope of resupply should be considered.
Only ONE all-purpose SHTF rifle, which one?
- Thread starter Tim Currie
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TheLastBoyScout
Member
Saiga's .308 AK takes the exact same ammo that the FAL takes, otherwise known as 7.62x51mm or 7.62 NATO. This is in no way an uncommon caliber.
If you meant that parts for a .308 AK could be hard to find, its just something to deal with. Despite the fact that my AR is among the most common weapons out there, I still would like to have enough spares to replace whatever's likely to break and would not like to have to scrounge for vital parts post-SHTF. Having a less common weapon config just makes this more important.
If you meant that parts for a .308 AK could be hard to find, its just something to deal with. Despite the fact that my AR is among the most common weapons out there, I still would like to have enough spares to replace whatever's likely to break and would not like to have to scrounge for vital parts post-SHTF. Having a less common weapon config just makes this more important.
Tropical Z
Member
I wasnt talking about FAL's-more like 5.45x39 or the like.
TheLastBoyScout
Member
Ok, I thought you were referring to a Saiga in .308 as being a "weird caliber with no hope of resupply"
Sven
Senior Member
I'd say M1A, but that's because I'm obsessed with building my own M1A right now.
I love the idea of a semi-auto in .308, with accuracy to boot. 20-rounders are available (outside CA).... and getting expensive, but they are more reliable (from what I've heard) than the Mini14 mags.
Chances of finding ammo for .308 on the home front in a SHTF scenario are greater than many - if not most - rifle calibers.
Just guessing.
I love the idea of a semi-auto in .308, with accuracy to boot. 20-rounders are available (outside CA).... and getting expensive, but they are more reliable (from what I've heard) than the Mini14 mags.
Chances of finding ammo for .308 on the home front in a SHTF scenario are greater than many - if not most - rifle calibers.
Just guessing.
i'm thinking the most common calibre would be 5.56x45mm because all you have to find are military or LE supplies.
at least on the west coast, it seems that the 7.62x39mm is more available then the 7.62x51mm. it has to do with the proliferation of sks/ak-clones and the cheap ammo. there are loadings available from most major domestic ammo manufacturers as well as imported ammo from the former soviet bloc countries.
it is unfortunate that my favorite (5.45x39mm) is the least available, but if i have to reload all my mags more then 10 times (to exhaust my ammo supply), i figure i've got big problems.
at least on the west coast, it seems that the 7.62x39mm is more available then the 7.62x51mm. it has to do with the proliferation of sks/ak-clones and the cheap ammo. there are loadings available from most major domestic ammo manufacturers as well as imported ammo from the former soviet bloc countries.
it is unfortunate that my favorite (5.45x39mm) is the least available, but if i have to reload all my mags more then 10 times (to exhaust my ammo supply), i figure i've got big problems.
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teppo-shu
Member
Saiga in .308! OK in Kali + cheap + cheap ammo = FUN + FUN + protection.
Bada-bing!!
Bada-bing!!
Tom C.
Member.
SHTF rifle?
Lots of opinion. Little facts. Your choice has to reflect the scenario you envision. Currently, I see a possible terrorist strike that could cause collapse of much government control. Unlikely, but no more so than the old nuke scares from the ‘70s. Pick your own.
My choice is still the M-1 Garand. Get one from the DCM. Stock ammo in 8 rd. clips. Learn to use it.
Lots of opinion. Little facts. Your choice has to reflect the scenario you envision. Currently, I see a possible terrorist strike that could cause collapse of much government control. Unlikely, but no more so than the old nuke scares from the ‘70s. Pick your own.
My choice is still the M-1 Garand. Get one from the DCM. Stock ammo in 8 rd. clips. Learn to use it.
Matthew_Q
Member
I'd personally grab my M4 clone, but those Gibbs rifles, or #7 Enfields look like they'd be a good grab and go rifle. Being .308/7.62, ammo would be cheap and available. The Enfield action would be strong and durable. Being bolt, it would help eliminate jams, and be ultra-reliable, and will kinda help reduce expenditure of ammunition.
I'd like to get one to use for hog hunting trips, instead of using a full length Enfield, like I do now. I know the shorter Enfields like the No5 Jungle Carbine and the Ishapore No7s are short and light, so they must kick like a mofo, but I have seen someone mount a muzzle brake from an SKS on an Enfield (same diameter projectile.. .311), and says it works great.
I think it might be neat to look into.
I'd like to get one to use for hog hunting trips, instead of using a full length Enfield, like I do now. I know the shorter Enfields like the No5 Jungle Carbine and the Ishapore No7s are short and light, so they must kick like a mofo, but I have seen someone mount a muzzle brake from an SKS on an Enfield (same diameter projectile.. .311), and says it works great.
I think it might be neat to look into.
If you choose an Enfield, I would stick with .303. I have had problems with the #7 that I have. I did get the ejection problems almost fixed, but not enough that I want to trust it with my life.
But suprisingly, the #7 doesn't kick that hard. I shot mine from the bench last time until I ran out of ammo, and I still wasn't sore. In fairness, the reliability thing is most likely just a screw, but I just don't feel like messing with it anymore.
But, I am getting the sense that they guy who started this thread wants something non-PC. In view of that, I would suggest something that has as many evil features as you can afford.
Ammo for the eastern bloc calibers might be more difficult to get in a pinch, but it is also only $80 for 1K of 7.62x39mm shipped to your door. For that, you could squirrel away a pretty good supply relatively cheaply.
If something big did happen, any ammo for any caliber would probably be sold out, so the resupply would be a moot point. And anything that happens will only last for a few weeks or so before the authorities get things under control. The up close sting of the AK is a very good advantage.
Like I said, a bolt action 308 would be my choice, but that doesn't mean that I would want the guy with the AK shooting at me. Even with my more powerful, accurate, scoped rifle, it would make me nervous.
I would avoid the 5.45mm. It isn't as common as the 7.62x39, 7.62x51, or the 5.56, so it may be hard to stock the same amount of ammo as easily.
That, and for long term, I think that the other rounds will be around longer. Something to consider if you plan on shooting it for many years.
So, if I felt the need for a non-PC rifle, I would start with the AK.
In fact, I did.
But suprisingly, the #7 doesn't kick that hard. I shot mine from the bench last time until I ran out of ammo, and I still wasn't sore. In fairness, the reliability thing is most likely just a screw, but I just don't feel like messing with it anymore.
But, I am getting the sense that they guy who started this thread wants something non-PC. In view of that, I would suggest something that has as many evil features as you can afford.
Ammo for the eastern bloc calibers might be more difficult to get in a pinch, but it is also only $80 for 1K of 7.62x39mm shipped to your door. For that, you could squirrel away a pretty good supply relatively cheaply.
If something big did happen, any ammo for any caliber would probably be sold out, so the resupply would be a moot point. And anything that happens will only last for a few weeks or so before the authorities get things under control. The up close sting of the AK is a very good advantage.
Like I said, a bolt action 308 would be my choice, but that doesn't mean that I would want the guy with the AK shooting at me. Even with my more powerful, accurate, scoped rifle, it would make me nervous.
I would avoid the 5.45mm. It isn't as common as the 7.62x39, 7.62x51, or the 5.56, so it may be hard to stock the same amount of ammo as easily.
That, and for long term, I think that the other rounds will be around longer. Something to consider if you plan on shooting it for many years.
So, if I felt the need for a non-PC rifle, I would start with the AK.
In fact, I did.
Solinvictus70
Member
I guess if I were in your situation, I would take a long look at either the VEPR or Saiga in .223. The Saiga's list on Gunsamerica for about $220-250 in .223. Yeah, it's only 10 rounds, but the average looter/rioter/hooligan is not going to keep trying under fire.
cslinger
Member
Just a thought.......
Wouldn't the old "Liberator" route work just fine if need be.
I don't know what kind of SHTF scenario we are talking about but if a few hundred rounds doesn't cut the mustard then you are most likely experiencing armed confrontation. Therefore kill a straggler and take his weapons and so on and so forth.
I mean most of us keep a little ammo for each of our firearms so if you plan on staying put and defending the homestead a few hundred rounds should be just fine and chances are you have more ammo than that. If you are forced to move then avoidance should be the SOP of the day, should ammo get low just go get another weapon, ie after a long hard day of killing the enemy take some time to relax and loot their bodies.
Wouldn't the old "Liberator" route work just fine if need be.
I don't know what kind of SHTF scenario we are talking about but if a few hundred rounds doesn't cut the mustard then you are most likely experiencing armed confrontation. Therefore kill a straggler and take his weapons and so on and so forth.
I mean most of us keep a little ammo for each of our firearms so if you plan on staying put and defending the homestead a few hundred rounds should be just fine and chances are you have more ammo than that. If you are forced to move then avoidance should be the SOP of the day, should ammo get low just go get another weapon, ie after a long hard day of killing the enemy take some time to relax and loot their bodies.
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