What is your "survival" gun?
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glockman19
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I have it already a Remington 700 CDL in .30-06
oregonhunter
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My win m70 featherweight in 30-06.
Flfiremedic
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Hurricane gun is an AR (just bought a Colt 6520), as far for anything else....308...prefer my 7mm08, BUT lots more 308 ammo around.
ThomasT
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I'm still hung up on my newly bought and as of now unfired Savage 24 with a 22 mag over a 20 guage barrel. The mag round will kill deer and people, same as the shotgun.
My ammo choice for the 22 mag would include 22 WRF rounds also. They make a good subload for smaller animals. I use to load a double ball load for my 20 guage guns. I used a Winchester wad that allowed 2 54 caliber round balls to be loaded in a shot shell. They hit about 2" apart at 20 yards. I used load data for a 1 1/8 oz load. I think the wad was an sp20. I can't find them since i have moved.
My ammo choice for the 22 mag would include 22 WRF rounds also. They make a good subload for smaller animals. I use to load a double ball load for my 20 guage guns. I used a Winchester wad that allowed 2 54 caliber round balls to be loaded in a shot shell. They hit about 2" apart at 20 yards. I used load data for a 1 1/8 oz load. I think the wad was an sp20. I can't find them since i have moved.
casio02478
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My arsenal milled AK in 5.56
dispatch55126
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Assuming this is the "nuclear winter whats in your bag is it until the day you die", then I'd say my fathers single shot .22lr. The reason is reliability and accuracy.
That .22 will hit anything you aim for. The only moving parts are the trigger spring and the bolt. I'm not sure of the make, but the bolt has a fixed firing pin and the whole bolt locks back on recoil. Pulling the trigger releases the bolt. With survival, less is more and simpler is better.
The reason for the .22 is weight. I can bring bricks of .22's for the weight of 100rds of 7.62x54r rounds.
A .22 will take anything down with proper placement, including SD.
That .22 will hit anything you aim for. The only moving parts are the trigger spring and the bolt. I'm not sure of the make, but the bolt has a fixed firing pin and the whole bolt locks back on recoil. Pulling the trigger releases the bolt. With survival, less is more and simpler is better.
The reason for the .22 is weight. I can bring bricks of .22's for the weight of 100rds of 7.62x54r rounds.
A .22 will take anything down with proper placement, including SD.
Landlocked Pirate
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Either my Marlin 1894 in .357 or my Marlin 336W 30-30.
Legionnaire
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Given this definition, I'd grab my 1960s vintage Savage 24 E-DL .22WMR/20gauge combo. Could take lots of .22 mag ammo in very little space, which would be quite good for small game, and could even do the job on a deer if need be. Take a bunch of #6 shot loads and a few slugs for the 20 gauge, and I'd be good to go. Can't vote, though, because the 24 is a break action.
kennedy
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second vote for the savage over/under, in .22mag over .410
If I had to choose just one long gun, I'd probably go with a 12 gauge Remington 870. A shotgun is a great defensive weapon AND a great hunting weapon. You can use it to take small game on the move, birds on the wing and with slugs it'll reliably take down any animal on North America. I don't think any other weapon is as versatile.
I think that the #1 defensive weapon is a good pistol however. As civilians, we just don't have the option of packing around a rifle or shotgun as we go about our daily lives and that's when we are at the highest risk of being attacked. Personally, I'm of the opinion that when the S does HTF, that we won't be facing a Mad Max post apocalyptic version of the future, but rather just a crappy and dangerous version of the present. We'll still have to pay the bills and we won't be able to pack an AK to the grocery store or to work.
I think that the #1 defensive weapon is a good pistol however. As civilians, we just don't have the option of packing around a rifle or shotgun as we go about our daily lives and that's when we are at the highest risk of being attacked. Personally, I'm of the opinion that when the S does HTF, that we won't be facing a Mad Max post apocalyptic version of the future, but rather just a crappy and dangerous version of the present. We'll still have to pay the bills and we won't be able to pack an AK to the grocery store or to work.
surviving out in the wilderness for a long time? How many primers are you going to be carrying? How many rimfire rounds?
Maybe you all took more chemistry classes than I did and can make your own primers, but without a modern ammo factory around I would be looking at a flintlock muzzle loader.
Zombie hordes of course must be met with repeating arms.
Maybe you all took more chemistry classes than I did and can make your own primers, but without a modern ammo factory around I would be looking at a flintlock muzzle loader.
Zombie hordes of course must be met with repeating arms.
jpwilly
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I agree. Survival is much more than choosing a rifle but it's a start! BTW I voted Semi Auto because I'd be found with an AR in 223, a 1911 and a 22lr SA Pistol for small game. I already have a vest rig set up with strong side leg holster, cross draw holster in the vest and rifle on a sling. Lets not forget a couple of good hunting knives, firestarter, and water purifacation.
ThomasT
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Wraith i started to say something about a muzzleloader myself. The mountain men and early explorers certainly did well with them. Make up your loads on the spot as needed. Tuff guns. A smoothbore would add more versatility.
I think everyone here thinks surviving means having lots and lots of ammo. Shoot large game and you don't need a lot of loads. I understand though, no such thing as too many bullets.
Most round balls will stay in the deer you shoot. If you have a mold you can recast. I remember a story i read about a fellow in Alaska that had an old 94 in 30-30. He used a nail to knock out a spent primer, set the case on a flat suface and used a dowel to tap in a new primer. He had a coffee can full of powder that he dipped the case in and filled it to the neck. Then he wedged in the bullet and was good to go. He tried to not hit bones so he could reuse the bullet. Some folks just know how to make do.
I think everyone here thinks surviving means having lots and lots of ammo. Shoot large game and you don't need a lot of loads. I understand though, no such thing as too many bullets.
Most round balls will stay in the deer you shoot. If you have a mold you can recast. I remember a story i read about a fellow in Alaska that had an old 94 in 30-30. He used a nail to knock out a spent primer, set the case on a flat suface and used a dowel to tap in a new primer. He had a coffee can full of powder that he dipped the case in and filled it to the neck. Then he wedged in the bullet and was good to go. He tried to not hit bones so he could reuse the bullet. Some folks just know how to make do.
Vicious-Peanut
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I like the .22 magnum over 20 gauge as well. Could do the job against bears too if need be with some 20 gauge slugs.
QUOTE:
If you had to live out an entire winter in the high Rocky Mountains with minimal shelter, in hostile climates, having to kill your own food and defend yourself from becoming food as well. A gun that doesn't have to be constantly cleaned and pampered. One that can "survive" the hostilities of nature and continue to endure.
Does that cover it?
I would agree on all the choices for shotgun...mine would be the Rem 870 in 12 gauge...Mel Tappan's first choice for all purpose survival gun.
If you had to live out an entire winter in the high Rocky Mountains with minimal shelter, in hostile climates, having to kill your own food and defend yourself from becoming food as well. A gun that doesn't have to be constantly cleaned and pampered. One that can "survive" the hostilities of nature and continue to endure.
Does that cover it?
I would agree on all the choices for shotgun...mine would be the Rem 870 in 12 gauge...Mel Tappan's first choice for all purpose survival gun.
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XD-40 Shooter
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I would take my SKS, although its on the heavy side, its damn near indestructible, shoot's a good round (7.62x39), very effective inside of 200 yards, and it could go thousands of rounds without cleaning. Its just a rugged, tough, rifle that will always go bang.
I would load mine with 154 grain softpoints, that will take care of deer sized game and really do a number on any human predators.
I would load mine with 154 grain softpoints, that will take care of deer sized game and really do a number on any human predators.PhrankKastle
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Since my only rifle atm is a 92 lever in .357 that would be my choice.
dispatch55126
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Legionaire-
My father has the same rifle. Yours is the first I've seen besides his. The hammer has a selector switch for the top/bottom barrel. His isn't scoped but still.
Who makes the scope base? It has to be custom as theres no mounting points there.
Its a very fun rifle but the weight is a downside. Beautiful rifle.
jimmyraythomason
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My Choice...today's version!
First choice-I would choose a Marlin Model 1894 in .44 Rem.mag. A lever gun is more dependable than an autoloader, has a higher magazine capacity(10+1 in the 1894 Marlin) than most bolt guns,more manuverable and can be brought to bear very quickly. A hundred rounds of .44 Rem.mag doesn't take up much space or weigh very much(relativly speaking) and is capable of handling MOST needs. Second choice-Ruger Mini 30. Third choice -Mossberg 500, 12ga.pump action,generally better suited for havesting game for food.
First choice-I would choose a Marlin Model 1894 in .44 Rem.mag. A lever gun is more dependable than an autoloader, has a higher magazine capacity(10+1 in the 1894 Marlin) than most bolt guns,more manuverable and can be brought to bear very quickly. A hundred rounds of .44 Rem.mag doesn't take up much space or weigh very much(relativly speaking) and is capable of handling MOST needs. Second choice-Ruger Mini 30. Third choice -Mossberg 500, 12ga.pump action,generally better suited for havesting game for food.
Since "survival gun" is a wide open topic I chose semi auto. When I read these, "survival" or "shtf"...etc threads I always revert back to a basic root question.
"If I had to get rid of all my guns and choose to keep only one for the rest of my life... what would it be?"
The answer for me is simple... one of my ak's. More than likely my Lancaster.
"If I had to get rid of all my guns and choose to keep only one for the rest of my life... what would it be?"
The answer for me is simple... one of my ak's. More than likely my Lancaster.
survival gun to me is defined IN PART by portability (weight, size) adaptability (different game different ranges), availability of ammo (223/308/.22), and flexibilty (change to different configurations, uses).
One firearm that I find lends it self greatly to each category (after a great deal of time, research, and trial in the field over many years) is the Contender platform. With a minimum of fuss, and a modicum of expense I can change in about 30 seconds from .22 to 223 to 308. I can carry all three calibers in 14 inch barrels, so I can reach from right up close to over 300 yds, with excellent accuracy.
With the .223 I can hit center of mass of a 180 lb + target every single time out to 400 yds. that kind of reach allow for engaging hostile targets at a far enough reach to make a change in location (fire and maneuver) feasible for a single fighter with limited resources.
it makes a great scout arm, and a superb hunter. Being at scout level, means never having long drawn out fire-fights, and practice makes you a rather rapid single shot firer. In fact after long years of practicing and teaching "Controlled fire" I just can't see a need for full auto (every wanna-be's wet dream, I know) on that level (survival/scout/hunting/foraging rather than combat infantryman in a platoon size or bigger unit).
I hunt extensively from late August to late fall, and do long range varminting in all months, especially in spring for ground squirrels (.22 at up to 100 yds) and Prairie dogs (223 up to 250 or even 300 yds) , as well as coyotes (300-350 Max Prefer to call in to 100 yd)).
If I had to leave camp suddenly, the contender would go with me, If I had to make a jump into the back country, the contender would go. When archery hunting in Oregon, I take the Contender in 7TCU for bear in a shoulder slung holster.
If this is a planned excursion, I'd take all three barrels, 100 rounds each, and plan on trapping, snaring, foraging, etc without shooting.
the three barrels weigh far less than any two guns.
Sudden notice? the contender resides next to the bug out bag, in a canvas bag with spare barrels, 100 rds each and cleaning kit.
One firearm that I find lends it self greatly to each category (after a great deal of time, research, and trial in the field over many years) is the Contender platform. With a minimum of fuss, and a modicum of expense I can change in about 30 seconds from .22 to 223 to 308. I can carry all three calibers in 14 inch barrels, so I can reach from right up close to over 300 yds, with excellent accuracy.
With the .223 I can hit center of mass of a 180 lb + target every single time out to 400 yds. that kind of reach allow for engaging hostile targets at a far enough reach to make a change in location (fire and maneuver) feasible for a single fighter with limited resources.
it makes a great scout arm, and a superb hunter. Being at scout level, means never having long drawn out fire-fights, and practice makes you a rather rapid single shot firer. In fact after long years of practicing and teaching "Controlled fire" I just can't see a need for full auto (every wanna-be's wet dream, I know) on that level (survival/scout/hunting/foraging rather than combat infantryman in a platoon size or bigger unit).
I hunt extensively from late August to late fall, and do long range varminting in all months, especially in spring for ground squirrels (.22 at up to 100 yds) and Prairie dogs (223 up to 250 or even 300 yds) , as well as coyotes (300-350 Max Prefer to call in to 100 yd)).
If I had to leave camp suddenly, the contender would go with me, If I had to make a jump into the back country, the contender would go. When archery hunting in Oregon, I take the Contender in 7TCU for bear in a shoulder slung holster.
If this is a planned excursion, I'd take all three barrels, 100 rounds each, and plan on trapping, snaring, foraging, etc without shooting.
the three barrels weigh far less than any two guns.
Sudden notice? the contender resides next to the bug out bag, in a canvas bag with spare barrels, 100 rds each and cleaning kit.
George Hill
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Marlin 336C .30-30.
Blue Brick
Member
I would prefer to have my NEF single shot 12ga, I would be able to shoot everything (shot, buck, and slugs), yet it would be light enough to carry all day.
Lever gun in 44mag.
However I too voted Auto w/ a .22 in mind, but now I'm scared and want a little more... I would go w/ 30-30 but I wouldn't want to lug around all the ammo... aaah who knows, might still go w/ the .22, probably just die of starvation trying to decide...:banghead:
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