Why a 22 LR rifle is considered by many the ultimate survival firearm?
- Thread starter saturno_v
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Bailey Boat
Member
IF you plan to use a .22 (as I do) it should be something with an action (working parts) that YOU have the skills and parts to repair. Most semi auto have too many little parts that could break and render it useless.
I have settled on the following arms for 2 people: 2 Marlin 25's (bolt guns) both with 4X scopes but also with the iron sights left intact, a small ziplock with 2 complete rebuild kits (mostly the springs, pins and screws) and 2 sidearms. The sidearms are both .357 (one is a K frame and the other is a J) and shooting the same load. Suitable ammo in rimfire and centerfire.
THAT is the plan for my clan......
I have settled on the following arms for 2 people: 2 Marlin 25's (bolt guns) both with 4X scopes but also with the iron sights left intact, a small ziplock with 2 complete rebuild kits (mostly the springs, pins and screws) and 2 sidearms. The sidearms are both .357 (one is a K frame and the other is a J) and shooting the same load. Suitable ammo in rimfire and centerfire.
THAT is the plan for my clan......
Dehughes,
I mean overall.
Honestly not bragging but I would guess conservatively that I have $20,000 in rifles and optics (not including shotguns or handguns) and without question the Marlin Mountie is my favorite. It just fits me perfectly and the 20 inch barrel balances perfectly. In short it feels like an extension of my arm.
One of my hunting partners flips me crap because I have more effective small game guns (tricked out ARs and high end optics) but I just enjoy the old Mountie.
I tend to hunt jackrabbits in the coldest part of winter in the Rockies and cover miles and miles in the snow. There is virtually no one out in the high desert and mountains during the vast majority of the time and that Mountie cradled in my arm feels just right.
BTW, if you want a workout do half a dozen miles up and down the hills in deep snow. You will burn some serious calories and work up a sweat, no matter how cold out it is.
I mean overall.
Honestly not bragging but I would guess conservatively that I have $20,000 in rifles and optics (not including shotguns or handguns) and without question the Marlin Mountie is my favorite. It just fits me perfectly and the 20 inch barrel balances perfectly. In short it feels like an extension of my arm.
One of my hunting partners flips me crap because I have more effective small game guns (tricked out ARs and high end optics) but I just enjoy the old Mountie.
I tend to hunt jackrabbits in the coldest part of winter in the Rockies and cover miles and miles in the snow. There is virtually no one out in the high desert and mountains during the vast majority of the time and that Mountie cradled in my arm feels just right.
BTW, if you want a workout do half a dozen miles up and down the hills in deep snow. You will burn some serious calories and work up a sweat, no matter how cold out it is.
stchman
Member
If civilization were to collapse I would want to have a good .22LR rifle in my possession. My Ruger 10/22 would be ideal for hunting small game for food.
Would I want to go bear hunting with it? No.
I don't think you can pin down ONE rifle to do everything for survival.
An AK-47 or Mini-14/AR-15 would be an excellent candidate for hunting larger game and self protection.
That said .22LR ammo is cheap and it is easy to store 20K rounds. That many rounds will last a good long time.
Would I want to go bear hunting with it? No.
I don't think you can pin down ONE rifle to do everything for survival.
An AK-47 or Mini-14/AR-15 would be an excellent candidate for hunting larger game and self protection.
That said .22LR ammo is cheap and it is easy to store 20K rounds. That many rounds will last a good long time.
Very cool, IV Troop. I see that the Mountie version isn't made anymore...bummer. I like barrels in the 20-22" range for a .22....hence my gravitation towards the CZ452FS (21", I believe). I've also been eyeing the Marlin 981T and 925...
Have you compared the Mountie to the "regular" Marlin 39A, and if so, is there an appreciable difference should I go that route?
Have you compared the Mountie to the "regular" Marlin 39A, and if so, is there an appreciable difference should I go that route?
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
The Mountie is a 20 inch barrel and the 39A has a 24 inch barrel and a pistol grip stock. I prefer the straight stock and the shorter barrel. Mountie's can still be found, I got mine a few years back for $300. I would really like a 39T with a 16 inch barrel because the 2 parts when taken apart are the same length and make for easier packing.
I also have a Lyman receiver sight on mine with a Merit Peep Disc.
I also have a Lyman receiver sight on mine with a Merit Peep Disc.
Twocrows, Jframe, his knife was Colonel Bowie 21-cm molysteel blade and a fine balance. Lady Macbeth was his sister's [Helen] which she loaned him for the test. If anyone else is wondering what the heck we are talking about, it's a book 'Tunnel In The Sky' by Robert A. Heinlein, copyright 1955. Deals with survial in primative conditions, by a "modern" teen. Well worth reading if only to remind you to grow eyes in the back of your head and to beware of the Stobor
dehughes,
I very much prefer the Mountie to the standard, that being sadi, it is not a particularly difficult task to have a gunsmith chop one down to 20"s.
I too like some of the better bolt action .22s as well, but there is just something about the Mountie that workes perfectly for me. The weight and balance have a lot to do with it.
Handle a few and see what works for you.
I very much prefer the Mountie to the standard, that being sadi, it is not a particularly difficult task to have a gunsmith chop one down to 20"s.
I too like some of the better bolt action .22s as well, but there is just something about the Mountie that workes perfectly for me. The weight and balance have a lot to do with it.
Handle a few and see what works for you.
The .22 LR is a game getter. Have you ever shot a rabbit with a .308? Not to smart, if you plan to eat it. You'll get more animals with a .22 LR carbine than any other gun. And, it won't cost that much either. Plus, if you are on foot, you can carry more gun and ammo, if it's a .22. And, besides, it's dumb to think you're going to be able to take on an army of zombies with an AR anyway. The best strategy will most likely be to hide, escape and evade more than anything else. So, it's obvious that a .22 LR is the best choice - isn't it?
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AStone
Member
That's exactly what I intend to do with my 39A.
(Have been planning to for well over a year, so far prevented by finances.)
My smith will do a cut and crown for under $100.
lamebums
Member
If I'm heading for the hills, I'd like to be going for an AK/AR (probably AK at the moment) and one of those .22 rifles that break down into pieces.
I don't know what people have against the .22. You can carry enough with you (read: a brick) to last you a long time.
And for all those that doubt the killing power of a .22, I've never heard any bad guy in the world say "You shot me with the wrong damn caliber" after he's been shot.
I don't know what people have against the .22. You can carry enough with you (read: a brick) to last you a long time.
And for all those that doubt the killing power of a .22, I've never heard any bad guy in the world say "You shot me with the wrong damn caliber" after he's been shot.
mosinmadness
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not trying at all to plug another forum but a crude lethality test with the 22lr
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=503007#Post503007
as for survival the 22lr to me would be a very viable. Do not doubt the little bugger.
my self i would load my h&r single shot break action that ive drilled and tapped, topped with a nice little 3-9x40 and 1k or so of decent .22 ammo [target grade]. Hell i like thiss rig so much ive even sewn up a case for it and 500 rds the attaches to my pack, it even has a knife, a few lighters, 10snares, and a fishing kit all in its little pack and weighs MAYBE 15 lbs and thats pushing it[ closer to 10]. That ould go in the pack for defense and larger game prolly a .357 lever gun, or my scoped out mosin. jus my 2cents from my time afield, and as you may way be able to tell from my poor spelling grammer and sentence structure thats quite a bit of time
i think the reason for the 22lr being brought up is not only that it is viable, but its most likely one of the most common cartridges around. Even non hunting folks may have papaws ol .22 laying around the house. I was told by my great grandfather before his passing too stock up on nails and .22 shells i the economy ever went bad, because there always needed and would be in short supply. He also said that a brick of .22 during the deppression was almost as valuable as a brick of gold
seriouslly im dyslexic dont knock my spelling and grammer please
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=503007#Post503007
as for survival the 22lr to me would be a very viable. Do not doubt the little bugger.
my self i would load my h&r single shot break action that ive drilled and tapped, topped with a nice little 3-9x40 and 1k or so of decent .22 ammo [target grade]. Hell i like thiss rig so much ive even sewn up a case for it and 500 rds the attaches to my pack, it even has a knife, a few lighters, 10snares, and a fishing kit all in its little pack and weighs MAYBE 15 lbs and thats pushing it[ closer to 10]. That ould go in the pack for defense and larger game prolly a .357 lever gun, or my scoped out mosin. jus my 2cents from my time afield, and as you may way be able to tell from my poor spelling grammer and sentence structure thats quite a bit of time
i think the reason for the 22lr being brought up is not only that it is viable, but its most likely one of the most common cartridges around. Even non hunting folks may have papaws ol .22 laying around the house. I was told by my great grandfather before his passing too stock up on nails and .22 shells i the economy ever went bad, because there always needed and would be in short supply. He also said that a brick of .22 during the deppression was almost as valuable as a brick of gold
seriouslly im dyslexic dont knock my spelling and grammer please
If you doubt the lethality of the .22 just look at the previously posted pictures.
All those critters did not die from fright.
A solid grounding in the fundamentals of marksmanship and shooting from field positions coupled with an accurate .22 rifle (preferably with a low powered optic) will get things done.
All those critters did not die from fright.
A solid grounding in the fundamentals of marksmanship and shooting from field positions coupled with an accurate .22 rifle (preferably with a low powered optic) will get things done.
pgeleven
Member
the day i am reloading rimfire ammunition is the same day i check myself into a head doctor
A more likely scenario for me is trying to get home after an earthquake or natural disaster. A small pistol, two good knives (one folder) and a Henry 22 or a Marlin Papoose would be most useful. The breakdown rifles will fit in a small backpack. You might be able to hitchhike after you get out of the city -- difficult with a battle rifle slung over your shoulder. Getting near a National Guard water trailer or shelter will be impossible with a visible weapon. Remember the betrayal by authorities after Katrina. There were forcible rapes inside the shelter at Houston after people were disarmed.
I routinely carry an emergency pack in my compact AWD SUV. It contains water, meds, first aid, a Mora 2000 sheath knife a flashlight, a yawara, walking shoes, energy bars, a spare cell phone battery, B-ball hat and warm vest/jacket. It might also contain a small pistol.
BTW -- the cell phones are useless for voice messages during a catastrophe. You will have to text to get a message through. The cell phone towers will be busy and your attempt to call will be timed out over and over until your batteries are dead. The text message goes into a long line until there is an open packet.
I routinely carry an emergency pack in my compact AWD SUV. It contains water, meds, first aid, a Mora 2000 sheath knife a flashlight, a yawara, walking shoes, energy bars, a spare cell phone battery, B-ball hat and warm vest/jacket. It might also contain a small pistol.
BTW -- the cell phones are useless for voice messages during a catastrophe. You will have to text to get a message through. The cell phone towers will be busy and your attempt to call will be timed out over and over until your batteries are dead. The text message goes into a long line until there is an open packet.
U.S.SFC_RET
Member
The 22LR is way underrated. It is a rifle cartridge and will serve that purpose beautifully. Has the means to keep people at a distance. That 22 is more than powerful enough.
If you don't believe me then get a power hammer and drive a concrete nail with one of those 22 blanks straight into concrete. You will get the idea fast.
A 22 is a confidence builder. I have met many who are gun shy. 22lrs are good medicine to fix that kind of problem.
As far as my gun collection goes the last one to ever get pried from me would be a dependable 22 rifle. I value a 22 far above all else.
If you don't believe me then get a power hammer and drive a concrete nail with one of those 22 blanks straight into concrete. You will get the idea fast.
A 22 is a confidence builder. I have met many who are gun shy. 22lrs are good medicine to fix that kind of problem.
As far as my gun collection goes the last one to ever get pried from me would be a dependable 22 rifle. I value a 22 far above all else.
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