Author Topic: one rifle? (Read 17680 times)

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #90 on:** February 15, 2009, 08:44:54 AM »

Ya need to take into consideration where you are at the time as well. Large urban areas are different than where I live. Here in Montana there are types of animals that can do alot of harm to you in a very short amount of time. As I have a family, I will have several different weapons available, 22 up to 45 caliber. If a situation arises where we have to leave town to go to our land 2 hours away, we will go in vehicals and once there will have what we need. We have alot of game as well as some dangerous animals there. We are stocked up on ammo and enough reloading supplies to last the rest of my life as well as food products for several months. DP

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #91 on:** February 15, 2009, 09:08:41 AM »

what happens if you can't go home or have to leave to fast to "load up " ?
We are talking worst case ?

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #92 on:** February 15, 2009, 09:45:59 AM »

Supplies at both locations, but since part of my family will be at home, I WILL get there. DP

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #93 on:** February 15, 2009, 09:50:09 AM »

I hope you don't ever have to find out .

cwlongshot · « **Reply #94 on:** February 15, 2009, 10:21:44 AM »

Holy cow Joe.. Lookie what you started!!!!!

When I first read your post, my very first thought was a bolt action 30/06 but the 308 would be just as good.

Many posters bring up valid strong points. Some are just off on a tangent...

IMHO, as previously mentioned, that 44 can and will do the lions share for you in a survival situation. We can load it for about anything you may need. Same can be said for that 10/22. But both have multiple parts that can break, neutralizing that firearm until replacements can be made or found. That being said and thinking more along those lines a simpler action type might be in order. A single shot comes to mind.

As for the Ducks and geese, you have multiple 12Ga shotguns. Any can be easily pressed into service for that task. If one is a Rem 870 or Mossberg 500/835 you have a good base.

CW

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #95 on:** February 15, 2009, 10:31:34 AM »

I would stick with a bolt action . The fireing pin spring can be replaced easy and extras could be srored easy . Even a Ruger no. 1 would harded to work on in the field . And if the mag. spring breaks on a bolt gun ya got a single shot anyway .

243dave · « **Reply #96 on:** February 16, 2009, 02:46:02 AM »

Wow, this topic has gone in a few different directions. Myself I feel a 22 rifle would be enough to survive with out in a wilderness. A man could carry enough 22lr ammo in a pack to last for years. If a man had to protect his family, home and the garden that feeds your family in a long-term survival situation you better consider a good auto rifle. People today(in desperate situations) will band together and steal anything of value(food,fuel,etc.). Don't think because you live out in a rural area you don't have to worry. If things get bad for a real long time trouble will find you, and when it does you'll wish you had a good auto rifle instead of a single or bolt action. Don't get me wrong I love all my bolts and handi's. But when it comes to a worst case senerio, I'll take my ar, and yes I have plenty of mags, ammo, and extra parts. Dave

gstewart44 · « **Reply #97 on:** February 16, 2009, 03:17:41 AM »

Quote from: lonewolf_one on January 11, 2009, 05:58:57 PM

Hi Folks,
I'm not looking to start a big argument, but I'm sure there will be differences of opinion here. I am looking to become as self sufficient as possible as time passes. I have a number of firearms. Disregarding the handguns, I have a 12 gauge pump, a 20 gauge sbs, a 12 gauge turkey gun , a .22 ruger 10/22, a .44 magnum lever action saddle gun, a 12 gauge slug gun and a .50 caliber muzzleloader. I'm thinking I need at least one more rifle to round out the collection. I know the .44 will handle anything, but it's got "a bit of a kick". My question is the thing that is going to cause the controversy. If you had my collection and were planning to add one more rifle, what would be your choice? I'm looking to add something that will handle any game in the lower 48. Or, do you think that it's necessary to add more than one rifle? Please consider, I'm on a limited budget, and am trying to round out the collection within a reasonable budget. Another thing that I may be missing is a goose/duck gun. I want to be able to hunt any game that's available in the lower 48 and would appreciate the suggestions of those more experienced in regards to what type of "arsenal" would be needed. Thanks for taking the time.

Back to the OP - he is not asking for a single rifle for EOTWAWKI situation. He is asking for one rifle to add to his collection of the above mentioned, wanting to hunt everything in the lower 48. He already has close range defensive capability with the shotguns, and short/meduim range with the slug gun and 44 lever. Also he has the 10/22.

So the question remains what 'one rifle" will round out his collection? And he is on a budget. I think the one thing missing is a long range capable rifle for 200 + yds out to 500 yds. I think a Handi in 3006 would fill that niche quite well. Also on a budget - the Marlin XS7 is inexpensive and getting many excellent reviews for accuracy and durability.

Many great options out there ...just wanted to add my $.02.

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #98 on:** February 16, 2009, 03:32:40 AM »

Quote

Lately I've been thinking about the Remington 799 in .223

If your going to drop the money, get a 700. In a survival state, you want something that has available parts and ammo. You won't get parts for a 799...

Basically, think to yourself, What are the local police using? What is the military or UN using? Here are the viable weapons and calibers that you should consider.

Rifles

Remington 700 - 7.62x51, .223, 30/06, .270
Remington 870 - 12 ga
Mossberg 500 - 12ga
AR15 - .223 or 556
AK 47 or 74 - 7.62 x 39 or 5.56 x 39
NEF or HR rifles in common calibers, .308, .270, 30/06, .357, .44mag
Savage 110 or 10 rifles in common calibers (yeah Swampy I know you don't like the tomato stakes)

Basically if your interested in looking for an item to buy that you might have to survive on long term, look in the midway cataglog and find what mfg has the most availble upgrades and replacement parts.

Pretty much they are Remington 700, 870 - Mossberg 500 - AR15

Oldshooter · « **Reply #99 on:** February 16, 2009, 05:36:51 AM »

Quote from: Oldshooter on February 08, 2009, 03:09:05 PM

I love the reading here!

Much better than TV

I like a lever gun but a bolt is the most dependable 308 is my prefered rifle caliber

Thought I had said this before but had to check

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #100 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:04:23 AM »

308 bolt action

Ahshucks · « **Reply #101 on:** March 01, 2009, 04:03:25 AM »

Lordy ... funny, a little mention of the word "arsenal" will bring many different responses. I agree with the versatilities of the NEF single shot arms. But I have never been able to satisfy myself that a single shot is going to save my behind when I'm faced with a charging bear. For that purpose, (3) shots would be necessary and I would like to have nothing but a repeater in my hands. The savage rifles can be changed out quickly to a caliber that would suit your immediate needs by yourself, no gunsmith needed.

*Your 10/22 is your auto rifle for medium range protection & small game
*Your shotguns are adequate for in home protection, birds, small game, large game
*I would recommend a 223 for long range protection abilities for any predator, and can be changed out to any short action caliber that suits you. Accuracy, lighter ammo, available inexpensive ammo

I am considering a Stevens in 223, an inexpensive ugly rifle that I can trick out, yet is very very accurate. I can use it for predator hunting, self defense, small to medium game, change out a barrel for silouette practice, and still have an option of many calibers to choose from to use for it's intended purpose.

243dave · « **Reply #102 on:** March 01, 2009, 05:10:58 AM »

Don't forget you'll have to change out the bolt head and maybe have to do something with the magazine on that 223 stevens/savage to go to the 308 size cases. Two guns may be a better option, not as cheap, but you can buy two stevens for $600.

Ahshucks · « **Reply #103 on:** March 05, 2009, 01:25:57 PM »

... Good point! and the 308 & 243 mags are the same I believe.

pastorp · « **Reply #104 on:** March 24, 2009, 04:53:30 PM »

I don't know aboutsome of the things you guys are talking about. But I can tell you what the native americans use in Alaska to feed themselves.

If they have 1 gun it will most often be a mini14 ruger. They hunt everything with it.

If they have a second gun it will most often be a 12ga shotgun.

If they have a third gun it will most likely be a ruger single six with both cylendars.

If they have a fourth gun it will then be a 30/06 or something in that class. Used only for moose and big bears.

Many only have one gun, they shoot everything with it. Even marine mamauls and waterfowel.

You will find other guns of course but these choices are very common with folks that live off the land. Just my observations.

teamnelson · « **Reply #105 on:** March 24, 2009, 06:17:22 PM »

Pastorp, thanks for reminding us that this is a real no-kiddin decision for many folks today. Not just an interesting topic of discussion.

Also makes me think about large calibers for big game ... Given the scenario I don't know as if I'd want to dress and carry bear or moose, unless I was in a large party, then multiple shots of 223 from multiple guns will do the trick. Neither efficient nor ideal, but works.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #106 on:** March 25, 2009, 12:25:39 AM »

Quote

Many only have one gun, they shoot everything with it. Even marine mamauls and waterfowel.

If'n them inuets are wing shootn ducks with a mini 14 in 223, then you can bet this coonass aint a gonna be swappin lead with em!

pastorp · « **Reply #107 on:** March 25, 2009, 04:37:11 AM »

Oldshooter, I didn't say they were wingshooting waterfowel with a 223. This is not sport hunting, no advantage is given to the game. They are hunting to stay alive.
A lot of the hunters would shoot larger calibers if freight was not so expensive to get the ammo into these remote areas. You will typicaly find larger calibers used closer to population centers where freight is not so expensive.

Regards,

Oldshooter · « **Reply #108 on:** March 25, 2009, 05:20:43 AM »

Quote from: pastorp on March 25, 2009, 04:37:11 AM

Oldshooter, I didn't say they were wingshooting waterfowel with a 223. This is not sport hunting, no advantage is given to the game. They are hunting to stay alive.
A lot of the hunters would shoot larger calibers if freight was not so expensive to get the ammo into these remote areas. You will typicaly find larger calibers used closer to population centers where freight is not so expensive.

Regards,

Pastorp,
Somewhere in your suitcase you will find an ole dusty box, dust it off and open it up, in there you will find your sense of humor.

This ain't my first BBQ I kinda figgered they weren't wingshoot'n ducks, but the way you put it I saw a little mischief opportunity. Don'T hurt to lighten up some now does it?

bilmac · « **Reply #109 on:** March 25, 2009, 06:09:29 AM »

I read that years ago, pre 223, some Eskimos carried a 22 hornet a Lee tong tool and some components. These are folks who really do it not theororize about it. But then Alaska is a lot different than Georga.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #110 on:** March 25, 2009, 07:53:20 AM »

there was an article in F&S or such in the 70's about a guy fishing up north . his guide was a Native American and allowed to shoot a Moose . They saw one so the guy went after it and shot it with a 22 mag. it took some time to die . the moose was in the water and the shooter in a boat . the fisherman ask why he had not shot the moose a second time and was told he had only one bullet . seems the 22mag was big up there where you had to carry what you needed .

pastorp · « **Reply #111 on:** March 25, 2009, 01:37:27 PM »

Oldshooter, My apology, sorry I offended you. My computer has been acting up and I was in a hurry. Did not realize you were joking. Just wanted folks not to think our guys are that great of marksmen, because there not. They just get real close.

Actually on the reserve where I live The tribe has no game laws for their members and state regs don't apply so the 22mag is popular here for deer.

Regards,

Oldshooter · « **Reply #112 on:** March 25, 2009, 04:08:39 PM »

No sir indeed I was not offended, you just "misunderestimated" my reasoning ability!

We have no problem here! One never knows when I might burst into a fit of unbridled wit!

When I grew up, and before, there were a lot of Cajuns living in the Atchafalaya Swamp that did the very same thing your tribesmen do now. They killed to eat and fished to eat. They also raised crops when the water was down. There still may be a few who still do the same. Unfortunately there came to be an animal some call a game warden, and forced those folk to go to town and get a job! They used a shotgun generally and sometimes a 22. So I know a little bit of what you speak. My Dad shot a browning auto 5 in 20 gauge to hunt every thing from dove to deer. 1 gun for everything, and you would not have wanted to bet your last dollar on out shooting him either.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #113 on:** March 25, 2009, 04:49:11 PM »

Here is a thread you all ought to read. http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,154155.0.html

It contains a lot of real wisdom. Dee is one smart man.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #114 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:51:53 AM »

well then - that's enough about that !

galster69 · « **Reply #115 on:** July 27, 2010, 11:47:37 AM »

Doubt anyone's reading this with over a year since the last post but I have to put in my .02 worth. I've read all of the posts and it looks like something was forgotten. Mind you, I'm no expert survivalist or anything but I here everyone talking about 22 rifles. I agree the 22 is an excellent choice...but if I were going to have to survive and carry multiple guns I would want to go as light and compact as possible. Therefore, as far as a 22 goes I would choose to carry my S&W 22A semi-auto pistol with a small scope on it. If you're shooting small game most likely you won't be shooting past 50 yards and my target model will shoot darn near as well at 50 as a 10/22 and weighs MUCH less. I'd also have to go with the Kel-Tec SU16 over the AR-15 for 2 reasons. (1)It shoots cleaner and cooler since it uses the ak style gas piston system but is made much better and shoots the .223 round using AR mags. (2) and more importantly is you can buy it with the folding stock option which will fit in a backpack. Add my trusty Mossy 500 with a sling and those 3 guns can be carried quite effectively along with food and other essentials. Personally I think I could take any North American game with a 223 headshot. It may not be ideal and possibly scary against bear but certainly possible. I'd much rather have my .270 but not sure I'd want to have to lug 4 guns through the woods with me. Just my opinion!

teamnelson · « **Reply #116 on:** July 27, 2010, 12:44:40 PM »

thank you galster for resurrecting this thread - it was one of my favorites last year.

Lots of folks have looked at the KelTec line for a one gun to take into the apocalypse. I think it has a lot of merit, although if I were going to go that direction I make look at the PLR16, and do a little reading on how to convert it to an SBR. If you want to do it now, itll cost you $200 for the stamp; but knowledge is free.

Lots of smart guys out there with some really great ideas on how they would solve the problem. I think it helps to know your a priori assumptions ... we all have them, even if we don't admit it.

For me I have to hold any selection up against the requirement of multi-generational use (my great great grandkids will use it to eat), with decreasing availability of parts or cleaning gear, along with decreasing availability of ammo. This eliminates a lot of options that have longer reacher, quicker actions, or higher capacity. It forces me to rethink my TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Protoccols for all the non-Marine Infantry types), which then regulates some other things like what else I am packing in my bag, and what my rules of engagement will be with other humans. I am okay with all of the "sacrifices" I will make in the short term, IFF (if and only if) I will have a useable and useful firearm to pass on to the future.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #117 on:** July 28, 2010, 03:24:59 AM »

I saw where poachers in Africa use AK-47's to kill elephants. The 7.62x39 round isn't an elephant load. However, with full metal jacket ammo and 30 round mags, enough holes are punched through the elephant to bring it down. That being said, I know of people who regularly kill deer with the .223. They use heavier bullets, but they can bring them down, usually head-neck shots, sometimes lungs. With fmj ammo, the .223 should be able to penetrate a bears head-neck area. Also, the ability to get multiple shots off on dangerous game helps. I also read in the American Rifleman a few months back that 20+% of all guns sold in the last couple of years are AR-15 platforms. Remington, S&W, Ruger, DPMS, Bushmaster, Olympic, and maybe others are making them now. I think parts and ammo will be around for a while. The AR-15 with the .223 ammo is today what the bolt action 1903 Springfield 30-06 was in the 20th centruy. If you have a family party to protect together, an AR-15, a 30-06 or .308 rifle, a .22LR rifle or pistol, and a 12 ga shotgun are an essential family arsenal. Add to that a .357/9mm convertable Ruger pistol and maybe a .357 rifle or a .44mag/pistol-rifle combo. This helps with ammo.

teamnelson · « **Reply #118 on:** July 28, 2010, 12:17:03 PM »

Quote from: Dixie Dude on July 28, 2010, 03:24:59 AM

I think parts and ammo will be around for a while.

DD, this is the only thing I might disagree with you about. I think the opposite will be true, but I'm jaded by living in the 3rd world as a civilian for a while, and seeing how folks respond to crisis. I read an article that gun sales, particularly ARs, semi-autos, tactical shotguns, have skyrocketed since the 2008 election campaign, mainly to first time gun owners, who come from both sides of the political aisle. These are not hunters, sportsmen, veterans, etc. These are people who are afraid of what is to come - interesting that so many feel it in their guts. They will go through ammo like water until someone else stops them; they will break a lot of potential parts. Public sector response will round up guns & ammo from the panicky populace whereve they are able to exert control. Then there's damage due to fire, flood, etc. Some guns start rusting the minute you take them out of the safe/box, and are super finicky about maintenance. All that to say, I think guns, parts & ammo will suffer an accelerated entropy depending on the nature of whatever it is we're surviving.

But I think your suggestions are valid. I would personally go an AK action in 7.62x39 over any AR just on the basis of reliability, maintenance and ammo. 23 years with an M16 variant and a personal M4gery did not win me over. But watching a Somali herdsman pull a dusty rusty AK out of the crossbeams of his "tent", pour coffee down the barrel, slap an equally dusty rusty mag in and shoot a hyena threatening his goats ... that said something. As did seeing the cracks in a SAAPI plate from a point blank shot from an AK on one of my pointmen - saved his life, but dropped him all the same with blunt trauma to the chest.

Swampman · « **Reply #119 on:** July 28, 2010, 12:25:24 PM »

Semi-autos have no place in a survival situation.