Should I get a survival rifle?

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Ash_J_Williams

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I am more of a pistol and shotgun person, I don't own any rifles. I don't hunt, I don't really shoot anywhere that'd make them very fun to shoot, so my uses for rifles are limited. However, the Survival Rifle has always had a coolness factor to me. I'm seeing them on sale a lot recently, considering snagging one.
 
What do you plan to survive?

In general, the "store in the stock and float" ones often don't work that well, and aren't that accurate when they do.
That is probably why they are on sale a lot.

Buy all means, I'd suggest everyone own at least one .22 rifle & .22 handgun.
But there are way better choices in .22 rifles then that one, if that is the one you are asking about.

rc
 
yeah, I'd second the question...what do you plan on surviving?

You've "survived" this long, doing the things you do, without said "survival tool"...I'd say you'll last a fair bit longer, sir. :)

Those that have something like an M6, AR7, Marlin Papoose, or similar generally want to bring something other than a pistol along with them, just in case.

All three are better than a spear or rocks as far as game getting, and will do their part deterring 2 legged varmints if you do yours.

That said, you'll likely want to identify any threats that wouldn't be fazed by your pistol and/or your shotgun...

Know what I mean, Jellybean?
 
I'd get an M4 (AR15 carbine). It's great for what you are asking and a damn boat load of fun to shoot at all ranges. With iron sights I have fun shooting mine at silhouette targets at 25 yards.
 
It's good to have a rifle, even if it's just a .22 rimfire. Especially if its just a .22 rimfire. They're inexpensive, and something nice to introduce a new shooter on. Pistols are much more difficult to shoot than a long gun, and shotguns just beat people up. Having a .22 around is just the ticket for inexpensive practice, and to expose a non-shooter to the sport.


So I guess a Ruger 10-22 could double as your "survival rifle". Or any of the less-expensive bolt rifles.
 
Sounds like you've determined that you have no use for one and just think they are cool. If you just want some authentication to buy something that looks cool to you, then here ya go: Go buy one. :cool:
 
The gimmicky "survival" .22s look cool, but I don't think they really do much to warrant going that route. The Marlin Papoose is a pretty good little gun, but for my money the Marlin 795 brings more to the table. Sure, it doesn't break down and store away, but the 795 is a little gun to begin with.

As I'm sure you know, there isn't much to a .22 rifle. The barrel and action are pretty light, factor in a plastic stock and the barrel only be 16", it's a sub $100 gun that I can throw in the truck when I hit the range, or one that could be indispensable should I need to bug out. a 500 round box of .22 and the 795 with a few preloaded magazines could net me a lot of small game.

That said, if there could be only one rifle in a survival situation, as in "the house is coming down around our ears, the sky is as blood, head to the hills and may God be with ye so grab ONE gun and run" it's really tough to beat the AR platform. While not as cheap to feed as a .22, cheap plinking .223 can be had for sub $5 per 20 rounds, and even that ammo has plenty of oomph for game and defense.

An AK is another gun to consider, but if you are talking about a "worst case scenario" where you may need to feed you gun off what you find, .223 out saturates 7.62x39 in the US...but that's getting a little too tin-foil-hattish for my taste.

In short, a cheap lil .22 is never a bad thing. If you want one with a survival flair, go for it. They sure look cool. However, I think a 795, Model 60, or 10/22 (if you want to pay a bit more or customize) is a more practical bet. If you want something that can help you "survive" both by getting game and offering enough personal defense firepower the AR platform is a good one. If you want a robust beater, it's tough to beat the AK.
 
Surviving what and shooting what? Varmints? Burglers? Shooting the neighbor's cat for food because it's the end of society? Shooting hungry neighbors because they came asking for food?

On the level of importance, a gun is fairly far down the list:
1. Food and water.
2. Dog, as alarm and defense.
3. A safe room.
4. Cell phone next to bed.
5. Gun.
6. Aluminum foil hat...

When a heavily-armed survivalist runs out of food, does he become the problem?
 
Ash, what survival rifles are you seeing on sale these days? Maybe you could help me understand what kind of rifles you view as survival rifles?
 
Growing up, I was taught the axiom, "Every man should own at least one good rifle, and know how to use it".

That's the attitude that resulted in Americans being called "A Nation of Riflemen". Sadly today, most young people entering miltary service have never held, much less learned how to accurately use a rifle.

Should you get a "survival" rifle. No, but you should get a good one and learn to use it.
 
I'd just get a good quality .22, like a 10/22 or a CZ. You can learn rifle marksmanship with it, and it will serve you well in a survival situation. And plus you may find out that you like rifles more than you thought!

The best advice I can give is to buy a .22 and take it to an Appleseed marksmanship clinic. You won't regret it!
 
I bought the Henry version of the AR-7 earlier this year. Mostly for fun and I always wanted one. With that said, I'll stick with my Ruger 10/22 or my Remington 581 as my primary .22 if I need to use it as a survival rifle. The Henry AR-7 is decent but the least accurate rifle I own and probably the least rugged. That alone would turn me off. I'd consider a bolt action too. It would give you the flexibility of using CBs, Shorts, Longs, and even hyper velocity Long Rifle. And possibly something in stainless. Besides, .22s are just fun to shoot and you can carry a lot of ammo with you.
 
I'm not sure how well the current generation of AR7 rifles are running, but they've had teething problems in the past and can be a little picky on ammo.

I really think the best option is the Marlin Papoose...it's been 100% reliable, bolt hold open and extremely accurate. Of course, I wouldn't trade my M6 Scout in for one, but having both is a win:D

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ROCK6
 
I think the AR-7 looks cool, but I agree that a normal rifle would serve just fine. If you take my Savage 64 out of the stock (two allen bolts), you can store it in a padded bag no longer than 24"... a good truck gun you could assemble in literally a minute or two. Or you could pack a Rossi Youth .410/.22 combo. It comes with a case.
 
It can't hurt to own a rifle or two (rim fire and centerfire).

As for the rimfire, something compact and portable is nice. I'm a big fan of the single shot Cricket rifles. They come with a ghost ring rear, a nice short LOP, and weight 2.5 lbs.

As for the center fire rifle, there are lots to choose from. I like the Marlin 30-30 lever action, the semi Springfield M1A scout in 308, and the Ruger Gunsite Scout bolt aciton in .308. All of they are good solid rifles.

One other way to go would be to get a single shot H&R rifle and there are many to choose from. I suggest the H&R becuase their costs are often under $300 so if you don't think you need/want one, it has a nice price point.
 
I've got an AR-7 by Henry, and it could be better. Jams frequently, but I suspect one of the mags it came with. Next trip to the range will confirm that or disprove it. Other than that, it's accurate and easy to carry in a sack.
 
An older Savage 24 over/under is a much better package. More practical, actually shoots well. I'd look for the older generations, though. I had one of the newer ones, with the synthetic stock, and it was horrible. I have a .22 rimfire over .410, and it's enjoyable. My FIL has one as well, and a .222 over 20 gauge. They make great turkey guns.
 
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