survival firearm

If I had time to grab it, I'd take my Mini-14 which has had a complete accuracy "make-over" by Accuracy Systems Inc. I like the idea of the shotgun too but I have finally retired my L.C. Smith double. It's around 100 years old and has put enough meat in the freezer to feed an army. Between me and my grandfather it has seen a LOT of use. I always carry my Wilson Combat .45 so that would be available for close-in SD. There's a good argument for a nice little .22 as well. Good thread! Best Regards--Jim SEMPER FI
 
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Right this minute this is my pick, it may change in the next few minutes though. :D
 
That one is a 20 so it doesn't kick too bad at all, the 12s will knock a chew out of your mouth especially with slugs. Chris
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I used the Steyr as a prototypical example of the breed, understanding that it's well outside the price range of most folks who are barely considering a rifle at all. It's hardly a precision rifle, though. Something around 2 MOA and below is commonly reported. The point of the rifle is to make it easy to be accurate with, not that it have some magical intrinsic accuracy. If the caliber isn't your flavor, there's a .223 type as well.
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2 grand for a 2moa rifle, I don't think so.:confused: what does it offer for that amount of money. The reports I have read have all rated this rifle with custom ammo with much better accuracy than that.

The scout is a very real option, with ghost rings IMO, the only problem I have is the caliber. As I said a 527 carbine in .223 with peeps would be very hard to argue with. Chris
 
runningboar said:
That one is a 20 so it doesn't kick too bad at all, the 12s will knock a chew out of your mouth especially with slugs. Chris
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I don't chew, so the 12 ga. model should work fine fer me. :D

very nice, that piece and a steady aim will put meat on the table, for sure.
Just don't spit that chaw on my shoe when she kicks! ;)
 
FULMTALJKT said:
The scout rifle is a great concept but in the case of the styer its a rich mans toy. Now the Ruger frontier rifle is another story cost alot less, same concept ect. Also savage made a scout rifle a few years ago I don't know if it is still in production or not. It also was alot cheaper and was said to shoot very well.
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I have an old ruger 77 (tang safety type) in .308 which i am very happy with but i lusted after the savage scout as well. Great gun! The specs were -Savage Model 10fcm Scout, 6.1 pound, detachable box magazine, one pieces scope mount, 20 inch barrel, in .308 with Ghost ring sites.I think it was in the 500$ U.S range.Sadly they are now out of production.
Hmm i'm not familiar with the Ruger Frontier rifle. Guess i better download a new Ruger catalogue!
 
tholiver said:
I have an old ruger 77 (tang safety type) in .308 which i am very happy with but i lusted after the savage scout as well. Great gun!
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God, I wish I had that gun. What an excellant gun. Used to sell them all the time when I worked in the gun store as a kid but couldn't afford it. Excellant caliber also. I also considered it in 7mm mag would be an excellant choice also.

Of course as a kid working in the gun store as it was I just signed over my paycheck to my boss every week for some gun I always had on layaway. :o :D Just never got to the M77.

KR
 
Many of the .22 target pistols are great choices. I prefer the ruger and S&W autos, they pack easily, can take game at reasonable distances, and in the hands of experienced shooters can make acceptable self defense weapons. The S&W autos with 6" barrel are as accurate at 50 yards as my 10/22 with open sights. I have a 10/22 upgraded with muzzlelite stock which puts the trigger gaurd at your shoulder and relocates the trigger and a pistol grip closer to the end of the barrel. It is great for backpacking, but the trigger pull is much sacrificed over factory setup. Savage 24c over/under 30-30/20ga. is a great gun for camp if weight is not an issue. It is a do all gun, small & large game plus VERY effective for self defense. As habit dictates, my daily carry goes with me everywhere, yes, even the woods-springfield micro compact 45 with tiny tac light in uncle mike's suede in the pants holster (velcro retention strap) Hides well, rides well, and is a complete package for self defense; could take game if needed, but not recommended for small game-nothing left to eat!
 
David E said:
We need parameters. Circumstances are WHAT, exactly ?
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+1.

You are where? You want to hunt what? You want to defend yourself from what animals? The caliber must be approriate.

Ever shot before?
Good with a rifle? No, think shotgun (if you weren't already). If yes, maybe think .22. You can carry many many cartridges in a pocket.
Good with a pistol? Maybe a .22 pistol.
 
This is my 22 LR Henry survival rifle. I take it canoeing. The receiver and barrel fit in the stock. It is very compact and very light weight.

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James Falor said:
If I had time to grab it, I'd take my Mini-14 which has had a complete accuracy "make-over" by Accuracy Systems Inc.
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For that money, you could buy an accurate, military grade rifle to begin with.

All you old.....errrrrrr.... former Marines just love anything with a wood stock. :)
 
Parameters indeed.

For pure survival such as food gathering a .22 will do almost anything. If you're smart, and bear isn't an issue, .22 will do it all.

If you've got bear or large carnivores to deal with, a good 12 gauge will do it all, since you can shoot buck and slug. You can kill doves or other small game with shot, and deer/cows/pigs/bear/elk with slug.

Once you get into possible interactions with hostile people, then the longer range guns start to make sense, such as the 30-30's, 308's, and others. I don't consider .223 to be good for much beyond shooting people, which might be a possibility, but then the .308 or other .30 cal's do a great double duty.

So that being said, a .22 is a must. Beyond that, it's all about terrain, population, and culture.

Oh yes. MY Savage .308 Scout is wonderful! But there is one on gunbroker right now for a great price.

http://www.gunsstore.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=70862683

I can't believe it's still there!
 
I really like the versatility of the .22 but another advantage to a shotgun is that you don't have to wrry (as much) about excessive range...you never know whats a couple hundred yrds away when in the woods and aiming a .22 at a squirrel in a tree could be a recipie for disaster for some quiet hiker a short distance away, with shotshell you don't have that problem...although spitting out shot is never fun...I think 20 gauge might be the ultimate compromise with slugs it'll handle just most large game, and is more than adequate as a self defense round...with shot it is a great, and forgiving small game gauge, and the shells are lighter than the 12's...something like running boars is almost ideal...personally I'd probably cut the barrel down past the choke, and put another bead on it. short enough to make it real compact but long enough for legality. an open cyl 20 is still an adequate small game getter (just got to get a wee bit closer, and it'll handle slugs for mid to large game better, and will allow buckshot to spread at a closer range in a S.D sit..but this is all theory I haven't tried it yet.
 
With a brick of 500 rounds and a 22 rifle one can live good in the wilderness for a while. And also a good knife.:thumbup:
 
I saw the Ted Nugent hunting show and he was showing the power of a Glock 10mm. He said it was the Alaskan guide, and outdoorsman firearm of choice up there.
 
I was thinking a survival gun would probably have to handle being wet, dragged through sand, mud, dropped on rocks and otherwise abused to hell. So maybe something that the barrell could be cleaned with at most a piece of cloth and a branch. Im thinking a double barrel in 12 or 20 would be able to take a lot more abuse than a .22. esp a semi-automatic. Just a thought
 
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