Survival Rifle Choices

Status
Not open for further replies.

DogLegArms

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
67
Location
GA
I was checking out the Henry .22 LR Survival rifle. I've read mixed reviews on the accuracy but I like how compact it is when stored. Anyone have any other suggestions for a compact .22LR survival rifle?
 
How about a 10/22 with a folding stock? Even more compact with a SBR stamp and a charger barrel.
 
The Savage Model 24 camper would be my choice except that you can't find one. I suppose a gunsmith could shorten the barrels of a regular m.24. If you aren't interested in the versatility of having a shotgun barrel, the Marlin papoose would be good. Or if you want to spend the big bucks....the BEST .22 is the little Browning automatic takedown model.
 
How about a Ruger 10/22 with an aftermarket folding stock like a butler creek it's light, compact, accurate, and reliable on virtually all ammo I have a 10/22 in this configuration and it resides as my "truck gun".
 
My old cheapo Mossberg 702 Plinkster would be more than good enough for any foraging situation, or any other task a "survival rifle" needs to perform. I even have about 100 rounds of .22lr, and 25 rounds of CB shorts tucked away in the buttstock, just in case!
 
I'd second the Marlin Papoose. Very compact rifles. I actually have a Savage 24 is 22LR/.410, and it is an extremely accurate, versatile rifle, but maybe a bit big and definitely pricey for a survival rifle.
A while back I thought I had to have one of the Henry survival rifles then I handled one and they have strange handling characteristics. All that bulk yet they weigh almost nothing.
35W
 
For a "survival" gun I'd get an H&R Handi-rifle or Rossi matched pair in .22 and 20 gauge. It's a simple break open single shot with two barrels fitted to the same stock. The .22 can take rabbits, squirrels and many other types of small game and the 20 gauge can take grouse, ducks, pheasants etc. with shot shells and deer with slugs.
 
The Rossi also has a 3 barrel combo in many configurations. There are full length combos as well as youth combos. My wife has a youth combo and fits in a case that is about 2 feet long. All three barrels and the stock fit in the case. It is a single shot, but can be loaded quickly with practice. Hers has a 20 guage barrel, as well as a .22 LR, and .243. Some of the combos also have black powder barrels in .50 cal.
 
For a "survival" gun I'd get an H&R Handi-rifle or Rossi matched pair in .22 and 20 gauge. It's a simple break open single shot with two barrels fitted to the same stock. The .22 can take rabbits, squirrels and many other types of small game and the 20 gauge can take grouse, ducks, pheasants etc. with shot shells and deer with slugs.
I would second that
Or the M-6 survival rifle, but there aren't many of them around.
 
I like the Marlin Papoose! And the Ruger 10/22 with a folding stock is an awesome idea. Thanks for your suggestions!
 
Are you buying the rifle as a range toy, or for actual use in the woods?

Have never heard of someone, in a survival situation, who needed a .22 to get by. Replace the weight of the rifle with a Glock 17 and a few magazines, which has actually been proven in situations where lives were on the line. You're a lot more likely to run into bandits out in the middle of nowhere, than being stuck for a length of time where you would actually need to hunt your own food (go a week, or a few times that, without food).
 
I'll second the vote for the M6 survival rifle. It is, short breaks into two pieces, and stores a good supply of ammunition in the stock. The one I have shoots better than I would have expected.
 
Of course, there are a near infinite number of options to the question posed by the OP, and many great answers already...

For the given task, I'd be tempted to try out my T/C Contender with 14" .22LR match barrel, Nikon 4x scope, and Harris bipod -- it's a pretty handy package.

Now, in a TEOTWAWKI scenario, with no ATF (no government, in fact) to enforce order, I'd consider sticking on my Choate folding stock for even more versatility. Again, this is presupposing some catastrophic scenario in which all existing governance and law has ceased to exist for the foreseeable future.

But for simple "survival," I'd give the configuration in paragraph 2 a shot (no pun intended...).


.
 
Since the idea of a 10/22 with a Butler Creek folder seems to appeal to you, might I suggest using the nifty little Compact version instead of a standard carbine? All of the design's inherent virtues in a smaller, lighter package plus it comes equipped with a set of easily adjustable Williams FO sights.

It's an idea I've been toying with myself for a while. I've owned at least one example from all of the several different makers of the AR7 design. IMHO, a brilliant concept and design, but all-too-often dismally executed due to changes to the original component materials specs to cut costs and notoriously wretched QC.

I really like my Springfield M6 for its very compact design, ruggedness, mechanical simplicity and potential for versatility. Unfortunately, they have been out of production for some time and nice examples have become fairly pricey. Still, for a "just in case" firearm to be stashed with other emergency gear in the trunk or tucked into your backpack while camping or trail walking it offers an awfully lot of valuable features for what little space it takes up.

Personally, I took an excellent condition Norinco-made Browning .22 Auto copy that I picked up very cheaply and used it as a base to try out some ideas.

I had the receiver drilled and tapped for a Lyman 66 receiver sight, replaced the rather crude factory open rear with a Marble's folder, replaced the front with a Marbles FO bead and added attachments for QD swivels and a carry strap. I also bought a padded cordura case for it from Galati.

All parts, labor and accessories included, I still have a bit less than $275 total in the project. It's working out extremely nicely for me so far. About 5 lbs., 9 oz. fully loaded with the strap, a tad over 21" long taken down and cased, excellent functional reliability and (even with my 63 year-old, bifocal-clad eyes) delivers 7/8" five shot groups at 50 yds from the bench with CCI Mini Mags or WW/Super X Power Points when I do my part well.
 
The folding stock 10/22 would be a great option, with the addition of Tech Sights. Using the little 16" version is a good idea. The Handi-rifle with the addition of a shotgun barrel would be a good option as well. It will add weight but also add a lot of utility. As would a good .22LR handgun if you're proficient with it.

The Glock suggestion is, umm....interesting.
 
I have a Walther G22 its short light accurate and holds and additional clip in the butt. So long as you keep it clean it shoots great. Plus underneath the fore arm the little rubber grips pop off and you could put stuff like paracord, fire starter etc...Russ
walther2.jpg
walther3.jpg

Action: Semi Automatic
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Capacity: 10 Round
Features:
Fire control And Magazine Integrated Into The Rear Of The Stock
Variable-Length Stock For A Custom Fit To The Shooter. (A 20mm Extension Is Included)
Weaver Style Universal Rail At Sight Mount
Weaver Style Universal Rail At Front Sight Mount
Weaver Style Universal Rail At Forearm For A Bipod Or Other Accessories
Barrel Length: 20 Inch
Overall Length: 28.8 Inches
Sights: Adjustable Sliding
Weight: 6 Pounds
Stock: Synthetic
Finish: Black

...Russ
 
Last edited:
Every rifle is potentially a survival rifle. Look at your area, decide what you think you need your rifle to be able to do, pick one that does that, and you're done.
 
For me "survival rifle" means putting dinner in the pot. Small game is plentiful and easier to find than larger game. I'd want a .22 and a shotgun, preferable together in a single firearm. The Savage 24 mentioned above would be ideal for me, the M6 is another option, and there is a Russian import in .22 over .410 available new. I have done a lot of hunting with a single shot .410 and single shot .22s and they get the job done while being light, handy and damned near unbreakable.

But there are no predators here bigger than a coyote, which is easily dispatched with the .410 slug or buck. If you have to worry about something larger, then you might consider the .22 over 20 gauge.
 
^ This.
If I were roughing it for, well, forever, I'd get a drilling in 12 gauge, 8mm Mauser IRS, and .22WMR. Of course, it would have to be custom made...
Otherwise, Anything light and bolt/break/lever/falling-block actioned.
 
Anyone have any other suggestions for a compact .22 [strike]LR[/strike] caliber survival [strike]rifle[/strike] gun?

Kel-Tec PMR-30 pistol. Gives slightly higher performance than .22 LR from a rifle, holds 30 in the magazine, is much more compact and weighs less than 20 ounces fully loaded. Very accurate as well, and not much more expensive.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top