Rifle choice for all around use.

[gamestalker]

I would go with a 700 in .270 win. because it will give you the ability to reach out and touch something. Is totally capable of stoping just about any thing on the North American soil. I've killed black bear and elk with mine and lots of other smaller game, one shot kills. But if that's not enough for you then go with a 7mm rem. mag. and don't look back. I have a couple of those and wouldn't hesitate to hunt anything with one. Shooting a bullet that is just .007" larger in diameter than the .270 win. but delivering a 145 grain. projectile at 3400 fps and even better if you learn how to use the slow burning powders to their full potential. I'm not a heavy bullet kind of guy, but I have loaded a 3300 fps 160 grainer from mine with excellent accuracy.

 

[mac66]

I guess I would suggest a Saiga in either 7.62x39 or 308. Robust, reliable guns that make a good all around beater or with tons of options available to make them into whatever you want.

 

[CraigC]

I am seriously surprised by the cavalier attitude of the answers given...it will never happen, quit playing video games etc.

I'm not saying it won't or couldn't happen. I'm just saying that it's silly to procure a rifle, that is a supposed "do all" and tailor it to the one need that is so statistically unlikely. I'm sorry but I use rifles every day for myriad purposes. It would be utterly stupid to utilize a 10lb battle rifle, day in and day out, simply because some day the world might end. Not when I can do everything I need to do with a 6lb levergun. Not to mention do a lot more shooting and become far more proficient with the thing. Like I try to get across in all of my posts regarding actualy usage, familiarity and proficiency vastly outweigh the chosen equipment. In essence, you'll be far better off if something ever does hit the fan with a lightweight and portable 6lb levergun, that you've used day-in and day-out for years than the 10lb battle rifle sitting at home because it's too damned heavy and cumbersome for every day use. Get real.

just get a 357/38 carbine length lever action, for California or anywhere
(and maybe you can afford enough ammo to actually practice with it)
or... if that's just not quite a big enough bang for you, a 30-30
spend a little more time on the practice range, and/or go shoot bambi and mr piggie with either
and spend a lot less time worrying about combat and battle
(any rifle is a battle rifle, if/when used in battle)

if ever the planet stops spinning on it's axis, have lots of duct tape on hand
to tape yourself to the biggest tree you can find
(carrying too many bullets on you will just throw you into outer space faster)

The most sensible post so far in this thread.

I DO see the need for a battle rifle...

Explain exactly how a 6-10shot levergun would not have done equally well, in this hypothetical gunfight.


It is unfortunate that people place so much faith in capacity and the ability to spray the countryside with bullets than their own ability to place a single projectile with precision.

 

[surfinUSA]

In California I'd go with an M1A, SKS, mini 14/30 in that order. I'd also have a Remington 870 with a 20 inch and 28 in barrel set, any medium to large caliber handgun (357 mag-45 ACP) and a good 22 rifle and handgun.

I'm a real believer that everyone that can legally own a gun should have a high power rifle, shotgun, centerfire handgun, a 22 rifle and hand gun. You pick the make model and caliber. You're the one that will be using them. And by that I mean you will more than likely using them for recreational shooting so they should be something useful to YOU. These 5 guns will cover everything a single person will need.

As far as SHTF goes, any of the above described guns will do fine. But if I have to go, I'm taking the 22s. Even with restraint, you'll never carry enough rifle or shotgun ammo to get you through the crazyassed senarios people on the internet dream up.

 

[Motega]

"Explain exactly how a 6-10shot levergun would not have done equally well, in this hypothetical gunfight"

Because 20 is twice of 6-10? Because pulling trigger is faster than working a lever? Also, consider just for arguments sake that maybe there is actually a much larger drum on said weapon that the OP doesn't want to advertise as owning in a state where said item is in a gray area of the law?

 

[336A]

Because 20 is twice of 6-10? Because pulling trigger is faster than working a lever? Also, consider just for arguments sake that maybe there is actually a much larger drum on said weapon that the OP doesn't want to advertise as owning in a state where said item is in a gray area of the law?

Because as law abiding citizens us gun owners should be following the letter of the law and setting a good example to follow. Not trying to beat around the bush playing in some "gray area". Otherwise if the above (your example) were the case then such a individuals' integrity is no better than that of a common criminal.

 

[Afy]

Well I will go out on a limb here.

If a bolt action gun is what you're looking for then would reccomend a K31 in 7.5x55 Swiss and all the GP-11 ammo you can lay your hands on.

Semi Auto: Vz 858 in 7.62x39 and all the ammo you can lay your hands on.

Like mentioned earlier, would add a shotgun to the list. With a 2 K budget you should be able to get all three with some ammo to boot.

IMHO in any gunfight scenario where you need more than one magazine, indicates there arent enough guns on your side shooting at the enemy.

 

[Picher]

First, I wouldn't leave any guns in a camp. That's asking for repeated break-ins. If you need to leave a gun, disable it by taking out a critical part, like the bolt. (You can even fly commercial carriers with a bolt in your bag, though a firing pin is even less weight.)

Next, for minimal (but adequate) care, I'd recommend a stainless bolt-action by Remington, Savage, Weatherby, etc. A 3-9x hunting scope gets more game and other critters than anything else and is more reliable than those with big knobs lots of power and adjustable objectives.

With practice, it's possible to work the bolt quickly from a firing position and hit what needs to be hit, not everything else. I've competed in running deer shoots and 50 yard 3-shot rapid fire shoots with my .270 Win, besting all the levers, autos, and pumps.

Practice, practice, practice!!! You can practice working bolt guns without firing and most can be dry-fired without damage, especially with snap-caps.

 

[Ruddie]

I'll admit thinking of zombies and whatnot attacking is silly but if realistic urban unrest were to occur, I don't want to be a sheep..... My goal in life is to stay living....

As far as ammo cap, more is better. That doesn't mean spray and pray. Once that bullet leaves the barrel, you own it.

As far as what type/kind of gun to get, to each is own. Everyone is going to have a different prospective due to geographical location, experiences (hunting, guns, etc). I've hunted with my AK-47 before and was successful. Around my location, when hunting, there are few areas where one would be taking a 150yrd + shot.

Trial and error I would say would be your best bet. I hunt with a Mosin Nagant that was most likely used in WWII but wouldn't hesitate to bank my life off of it. It's all in what your comfortable with.

 

[memphisjim]

I didn't read that you were in California , aren't y'all limited to 10 rounds? If that's the case I'd go m1 garand without hesitation.

 

[jeepguy]

i would go with the m1a/m14 series of rifles in the 18" configuration. second i would look at m1 garand, .308 saiga or fal. i bought a used m1a bush rifle for $1250 last november so you can find used ones between $1000 to $1300. but for all around with a .30 caliber rifle. 2nd. a 22lr for small game. 3rd a shotgun. 4th. handgun you have a 7.62x39 defensive carbine so you could either go bolt or semi-auto rifle for your .30 caliber rifle needs. imo in this kind of scenaro i think you would need a battery of firearms, as well as water, food, medical supplies, and family/friends & a plan. i believe in the time we live in it is conceivable to have a temporary breakdown in law & order. whether it be from natural disaster, terrorist attack, or some sort of social unrest. whcih would require people to provide for themselves water, food, medical, power, and security untill law and order are restored. don't just focus on one asspect of these needs. to me it would be no different then not preparing for your financial retirement. it is just like buying car or fire insurance hoping you never have to use it, but it provides you some peace of mind knowing you do. for further reading you may want to check out survival blog by jim rawles he is an author & former army intelligence officer. some good fictional writing would include patriots by jim rawles & one second after. i read one second after it is about a father of two daughters and how they cope after a terrorist emp attack. which although fictional gave me a lot to think about. i hope my post doesn't violate our policey concerning this topic.

 

[mdauben]

You have gotten a lot of good answers but I'll still offer my 2¢

I'm not really clear of you are looking for one (1) long arm to do it all, or recomendations for a whole arsenal? I think for a one-gun-to-rule-them-all, I would offer the following three choices for your consideration:

• M1A Garand semiauto - An excellent battle rifle, can be superbly acurate, chambered for an excellend and flexible hunting round and very reliable. About the only down side is that its a bit heavy for extended field carry; or
• Ruger Gunsite Scout bolt-actiuon - Not a true "battle rifle", but still adequte for most probable SD scenarios that might require a rifle. Chambered in a good all around SD/Hunting round; or
• Remington 870 Pump Shotgun - Honestly, a good, reliable shotgun is likely to be more appropriate to any sort of real world SD scenario 99.99% of us are ever likely to face. Its also a decent medium game gun with slugs (within its range limitations) and is also suitable for bird, close range varmint and small game hunting.

If you are in fact going for the full arsenal, I would consider something along these lines:

1. .223/5.56 Semiautomatic - Any of the better AR clones are suitable. One of the 7.62×39 AK clones would be a suitable substitute, but I would not buy both unless ever other "slot" in your arsenal is filled with at least one gun.
2. .308/7.62 Bolt Action - Again, anything from one of the quality manufacturers (Remington, Browning, Savage, etc.) is suitable. Add a good scope and you are ready for any medium game in NA and even large game with good hunting and marksmanship skills.
3. 12 guage Shotgun - Pump or semiauto from a reputable maker are both suitable. You mentioned a 20 guage which I think would make an excellent second gun, but if you have just one shotgun the 12 is really more useful and flexible IMO.
4. .22 Rimfire Rifle - A bolt action or accurate semiauto makes a good practice rifle and small-game getter.

 

[JTH]

This is a post that could go on for years. I believe that most will agree one weapon is not enough. You need to pick specific pistol/rifles for a specific function. Trying to keep it limited to 4-5 weapons that shoot 2-3 common rounds(won't be easy once you start). Everyone should have a decent 12 ga. shotgun, for max capacity either an AK, AR, or CETME variant or the ever dependable SKS, next a good Bolt action rifle for hunting but the semi auto-rifles could cover that situation, just not as accurate, a couple of quality hand guns. I think it would be very smart to get a good .22 rifle.

In my small but limited collection I've kept my ammo to these calibers, 12ga. shotgun shells but various loads, 7.62x39mm, 9mm, .22. but I have a large ammo stash. I still wan't a Draco AK pistol, probably smarter to get a 45 caliber handgun that accepts a high capacity mag. I should get both while I can afford them or before a situation beyond my control develops. The situation in America is becoming more iffy everyday and we all know or should know that we can't depend on the Fedral Govt. for quick assitance in disasters. Just be prepared to take care of yourself and loved ones for at least 6 months -1 year. Most don't want to think about but they'll end up being the victims. I'll never live in a large metro area!
JT

 

[SHWilliams]

Explain exactly how a 6-10shot levergun would not have done equally well, in this hypothetical gunfight.

Motega raised a good--and real--scenario. Let's suppose the following apply: it wasn't a million miles from the border, the intruders were cartel runners, the things worth ransacking are spread out so that one or more might be beyond reliable handgun range, the bad guys were still there, there were 4-6 of them, and they were all armed (a given with drug runners).

With a ~6 shot lever-action rifle, it would be no problem to dispatch the bad guys if 1) there were no more than ~6 of them, 2) they would obligingly line up in a row at 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards as at the rifle range, 3) not move while I take aim and fire, and 4) not shoot back.

Battle Rifles are called Battle Rifles because they're used in battle--circumstances very different from blind hunting or range practice.

Shot placement becomes a tad more difficult when both you and your target are moving and you have to worry about keeping your skull intact. Even taking the time to aim is no guarantee for our soldiers (with lots of range time) to fire every shot with instant-kill placement. Probably why they're not all issued lever-action rifles.

Regarding practice: no, equipment can't replace a lack of skill, but skill is no good without minimally sufficient equipment. Practice is crucial, but practice won't let someone with a derringer be Rambo.

Someone referred to using the rifle "day-in and day-out," and maybe this was a generalization, but I'm not patrolling my grazing lands against cattle rustlers. I work at my client's office out of town and I'm lucky if I can make it to the gun range once every two weeks. And even then, my range frowns upon taking one shot downrange, ducking behind the next lane partition and shooting twice out the door, then scrambling across the floor to situate oneself in lane 2 while firing at lane 9's target.

Therefore a relatively quick action gun, with higher-capacity, quickly exchangeable magazines seem like a prudent measure for a dual-purpose rifle when I can't bank on being able to always put down multiple hostile moving targets with a single shot each without having to reload.

Would like the capability to do that with something that is also accurate and powerful enough for reliable and humane hunting of medium to medium/large size game. Really I don't think I'll come across any game larger than an elk. Have to consider mountain lions though.

A couple of people have also mentioned zombies. Can we please be realistic? Zombies shamble so slowly that the time taken to reload wouldn't be a concern unless surrounded by dozens of them, in which case a rifle would be too unmaneuverable anyway.

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I personally like to tinker with my firearms so it would be very easy to build a scout rifle. I would base it off a Mauser which would allow fast reloading with stripper clips but five round magazine allows me to hunt with it. My Mauser and Enfield scout are about one inch longer and half a pound heavier (Enfield may be one lb. I forget) than Coopers guidelines.

These rifles are very handy and light which makes them perfect for carrying around a lot yet are powerful and accurate enough for five hundred yard shots. This makes them great general purpose rifles usable for good enough precision at long distance and quick shots on moving targets at close range. In a SHTF pinch one can be used to acquire more weaponry if needed.

For two thousand I would get a home built scout rifle as GPR, Keep the SKS or upgrade it to a WASR AK for a conflict/defensive rifle and then magazines and ammo. I would also want a Marlin 795 with scope which is good for practice and small critter getter, Mossberg combo for a hunting / riot shotgun and a handgun with 22lr conversion kit.

This covers every possibility and can then concentrate on food, meds, water, and training. This is of course if you want to plan for these possibilities or on what scale you envision.

 

[4895]

Cool Topic

I think it is great that you have vision to plan for disasters. Most people will probably act as sheep to the government waiting for a shepard that is likely sleeping. When hurricanes strike, floods, blizzards, etc., it is best to be prepared. IMHO, get the AR-15, m4 style short barrel, good optics, and lots of cheap ammo. You will never have a problem hunting deer, rabbit, turkey with one of those. In a drastic, somewhat unrealistic scenario, .223 ammo will be the new currency. There are so many of those rifles out there that it would be the best bet. The poster that suggested self defense classes, hand2hand combat, survival training, desert school, navigation courses, medical EMT courses, etc., is right on track. Take care and don't forget to stock up on twinkies!

 

[slowbutsure]

I would carry a Rem. 700, in 7mm. In fact i do just that when I am out in the wild, but, not hunting. Defense only!! sbs

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you are serious in your quest and not just using it as an excuse to buy a cool gun (not that there's anything wrong with that) I'd recommend 3 SKSs, 10 cases of ammo, and a training class or 2.

No I'm not trying to be funny.

All these "end of whatever" threads talk about some very cool firearms, but the truth is that if you are in a situation like that spare parts and repairs will be very difficult, round count needed for most things will be relatively low, and ammo may be unavailable.

You will want to be absolutely 100% familiar with the weapon and have spent hours and thousands of rounds with it, you want to know it like the back of your hand. Because when those things happen, the gun is just one part of keeping yourself alive, fed, and sheltered.

It's not sexy or tacticool at all. If the SKS just doesn't do it for you, the AR would be next on my list. 2 basic no frills identical ARs and 10 cases of ammo, and a training class.

The Gunsite Ruger does look promising for this sort of thing, but .308 ammo is expensive and heavy so that's something to consider. You want 4-5000 rounds of whatever caliber you decide is the one you'll have once Wal Mart isn't available and that's quite expensive with .308.

Training too is so important. Standing out on a range on a warm day plinking is NOT training. You need to see that weapon perform under some nasty conditions; rain, darkness, dirty, etc. before you bet your life on it.

 

[Motega]

How Naive "letter of the law" HAHAHAHA you are kidding RIGHT? Read about the entire police dept here in NJ that jailed a 19 year old for having a LEGAL shotgun in his trunk and then denying him a jury and the only thing saving this guy from DOZENS of cops/chief/JUDGE that didn't know the law was the givernor commuting his sentence of 7 years because he was rescued by the lawyers of our gun club.
It is pure fantasy to think there IS a "letter of the law" when the law doesn't even know what the law is!

 

[40nascar]

For $2000 I would buy these three, and they are are Ca. PC

1) Hunting of 2 or 4 legged beasts and big game: Remington 750, synthetic stock. .308 and half a dozen 10 rnd mags.

2) Only big game/varmet hunting enjoyment: Browning BLR short action, .243 or larger.

3) Bird, bunnie hunting and home protection : Pump action shotgun 20 G, Rem 870 or mossberg 500. ( 20 gauge shells take up alot less room and are just as effective as 12 G for home defense.)

Accessarize to your heart's content

Option for #2) New Model (580-) mini-14 if only for varmets (2 or 4 leg), home perimeter security (up to 250 yds.) For Ca. residents, over 10 rnd. mags not permitted.

 

[TonyAngel]

The most handy gun to have is the one that you are likely to use or have with you when you need it. As much as I like my ARs, I've found myself leaving them at home in favor of a trapper style lever action, just because it's so darned handy and easy to tote along.

If you wind up facing half a dozen drug runners, all of whom are armed, it's likely that an AR isn't going to be enough either. Don't discount a lever action rifles ability to act as a self defense weapon. One of the most important things to use in a gunfight is cover. This provides opportunity to top rifle off. If you are preparing for war or want to be prepared for war, then you'll find yourself walking round with an AR and ten or so loaded mags all of the time. If you just want to be prepared in a manner that won't leave you helpless, then a good levergun and a small bag full of ammo is all you need.

I know that if I find myself in a situation where I'm trading gunfire with others, I am not using my firearm to win the fight. I'm using my firearm to cover myself during a hasty retreat.

Still, if you have a $2000 budget, you can actually get one each of the firearms that everyone should have. A good bolt action in .308. A Stevens 200 can be had for around $300. A Remington 870 in 12 gauge. Another $300. A good .357 revolver. $350-$600. A good lever gun. It's hard to put a price on this. Used lever guns are easy to find at good deals, especially 30/30s. You'll likely have a couple hundred left over for a decent .22.

 

[goon]

I like the FAL as a do-all rifle, but it's not legal for hunting in my state and it's a bit on the heavy side for some - and .308 ammo is not cheap! Truth be told, if I didn't have a good .22 rifle I'd almost never get to practice. If you don't have a good .22, make that a priority too. It's not the most combat effective choice, but it's definitely what I get the most use out of. Second most used is a concealable reliable handgun. You pick it - but I think that anywhere that it's at all practical to carry, you should have a gun for CCW.

Back to the topic, in my state I'd probably just choose a used Marlin 30-30, stick a decent long eye relief scope on it, and call it a day if I truly only wanted one "do-all" rifle for my purposes. A 170 grain 30-30 still only drops about 24" at 300 yards with a 100 yard zero so walking them in on an aggressor at that range isn't impossible. Leverevolution ammo closes the gap even more. And they are cheap enough that you can own one while you save for your FAL or AR, then resell it or retire it to back-up use when you own one of them.
Having said that, when you factor in the cost of large quantities of ammo, even relatively current production 5.56 ammo with an AR starts to look like a more competitive option than you might think at first glance. Just do the math yourself to see what you think will work best for you.
In my ideal world, I'd like to have a handy bolt action .308 with a CRF action, a charger guide, and an integral magazine. With stripper clips you NEVER need to worry about losing a magazine. But a 30-30 is cheaper and "close enough" for now.

On picking up ammo after a crisis, I doubt that it's even a possibility. I know that 12 gauge, 22LR, and 30'06 are very common, but if you're suddenly in even a short term scenario where people need to use their guns defensively, they are not going to want to give up their ammo to you. Make it a point to get what you think you'll need before you need it.

I'm considering building an AR as well. I've had one of about everything except for the HK series and the AR isn't nearly as sickly as some make it out be. I've seen M-16's take some seriously hard raps and come away just fine. Plus I have found them very shootable. I'd use a good AR and sleep just fine.

Lately I've reconsidered the shotgun as well. I'm not one of those guys who thinks a pump-action shotgun is the best thing ever, but for my uses I can see how a 18" barrel 12 gauge with rifle sights and a folding stock could make a very portable defensive weapon with adequate power to stop anything that would want to harm me. And again, I could have a good quality weapon for a decent price if I shop around a bit. I like this idea as a "truck gun" that's useable, effective, and economical enough to not worry about much, but I accept that range will be limited to about 100 yards max.

And FWIW, I consider the implications of the "rainy day" when I buy most of my guns. I don't blame anyone for wanting a capable weapon for whatever situation that might arise that you'd need it for. If enough of us own them hopefully they'll never to be need to be used as weapons. Personally, I don't see how having an AR with a few cases of ammo could ever be a bad thing. Even if you are preparing for something that's statistically unlikely, who cares? You still get a good rifle to enjoy and pass on to your kids and you have the peace of mind of knowing that if it's ever needed, it's there.

 

[M1key]

Marlin 336 in 30-30 is a great all-around rifle (what ever that means) and a bit less "evil" looking as someone pointed out.

Or Saiga in the caliber of your choice...and CALIFORNIA LEGAL...a point that seems to have gotten lost in this discussion (?).

M

 

[snake284]

If you do go to California, All bets are off. They have some ridiculous laws. Here in Texas the sky is the limit within the constitution and laws.

For me, I like bolt guns. I also like Mausers. Control Round Feed Rifles are my favorite of which class Mausers are. Also, the current Winchester Model 70 and Ruger 77s are Control Round Feed. Older Rugers and post 63 Winchesters up into the 90s are push feed. However the old Rugers, even though classified as push feed are similar and have the large claw extractor. I like them and they are dependable enough for me.

Remington 700s can be made VERY accurate. They are very strong too. And Savage is probably the most accurate out of the box. For an all round do it all caliber I have to give the nod to the 30-06, it doesn't get more versatal than that. And the .308 is a great one too. I personally like the .270 Win. They say they don't make many bullets for it, but that's a crock nowdays. You can get all kinds of bullet weights for a .270. However the two most useful are the 130 Gr. and the 150 Gr. I've had one for what will be 45 years this coming August and I have used 130 and 150 exclusively. I bought that rifle when i was in high school in 1966. It has killed upwards of 70 deer. I have killed about 40 with it and my nephews, my kids, and my dad and brother in law have all killed at least 30 more. The .270 has served me well. Also my .280 Remington is a great caliber too. It and the .270 are actually almost identical in performance. Another good caliber to consider is the 7x57 Mauser. Also the 7mm-08 is nice. There are so many great calibers out there it almost comes down to what rifle you prefer and what caliber it happens to be in. Anyway, again, that's my .02 cents worth for what it's worth.

 

[BikerRN]

I might be moving to California, so I'd like the ability to make it California compliant, but this isn't a hard requirement since I might be staying in Texas.

With CA in the equation that rules out the AR, FAL, and AK.

If it were me, and you are leaning towards the .308 caliber which is a great choice IMHO, I'd look at the Ruger Gunsite Scout. The ten round magazine is a plus eventhough it's a bolt action. It's not a "battle rifle" but it is a good all around practical rifle. I find mine to be very adaptable, much like the AR. For me I equate it to the LEGO Building Block of Bolt Action rifles much as I refer to the AR as the LEGO Building Block of battle rifles.

I've found the Scout Rifle to be a tack driver and have yet to hear a bad report on the rifle's accuracy. Mine wore a red dot optic on the rail for a bit. Then I went with the iron sights. Now I'm mounting a traditional scope on it. Later I'll probably put a Scout Scope on it. Another good rifle, but not so good for hunting, like what is done in many western states given the long ranges game is taken at, is a lever action rifle. I have a .38 Special that I shoot CAS with that doubles as my CA Compliant Battle Rifle.

BikerRN