Survival Firearms - The Perfect Pair?

i would go with .30-30 or .223 break action single shot pistiol like those ones from thompsion center arms. I havent had much experence with them but they could probaly take any thing from rabit to elk (i guess).

just a side note, .22 have taken animals as large as deer so skill is the most important part, a larger bullet is just a plus.
 
I am partial to my browning BLR in 30.06. I can hunt with it and put a few rounds down range pretty fast if 2 legged threats should arrive. +1 on the 1911 just because of familiarity. I'd throw a good slingshot in my pack for small game (not a firearm but still the widowmaker for squirrels in my yard plus ammo is not a problem) JMO!
 
In the wilderness-lost scenario, taking a deer with a .22lr might be possible with properly placed head shot at close range, but, not necessary the best way to feed yourself. Squirrel and rabbit would probably be easier all way around. More plentiful per square miles, easier to skin and cook.

If I was hungry I certainly would take the shot at the deer, but it would be a Hail Mary aiming-for-the-head-and-praying shot.

If it were long-term wilderness survival, then the skins of larger game become much more important for shelter and clothing. Then it may call for at least a small centerfire like a .223.

Side note: I do not own either of these rifles, but, I thought I would mention the utility of an M1 carbine or an SKS in 7.62x39. being Carbines, they are lighter than full size rifles, it is easier/lighter to carry their ammo as compared to a 30.06. They are compact making them good in thicker vegetation, but have enough power to take down deer all day long. if they lack anywhere, it would be in the accuracy department, but as long a you weren't trying to make deer-killing shots at 300 yards with iron sights, they would certainly fit the sitaution, lgiht, compact, but still pack a punch for defense and larger game taking.
 
i had my hand on a scout 7.62x39 bolt this past weekend. owner claims that it's very accurate. Might be a thought.
 
koyote said:
i had my hand on a scout 7.62x39 bolt this past weekend. owner claims that it's very accurate. Might be a thought.
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Koyote, no reason it wouldn't be, being a bolt gun, as long as it has a decent bore. the limiting factor on the 7.62x39s is some of the crappy ammo out there. For an SKS plinker or AK variant, it's fine to fire the steel-cased BS surplus ammo at beer cans, but, in a bolt gun, I'd feed it a diet of higher quality ammo to gain the accuracy.
 
koyote said:
i had my hand on a scout 7.62x39 bolt this past weekend. owner claims that it's very accurate. Might be a thought.
Click to expand...

I really want a CZ 7.62x39mm bolt carbine, but my Savage Scout in .308 is so much more practical (needs a better scout scope though). Very light, compact and still delivers a good punch. I've shot mostly with the ghost ring sights which are great!

ROCK6
 
What is with the short barreled centerfire pistols? What are you going to do? Scare the game to death with the noise? Basically a centerfire pistol would limit your "meat" to deer/elk. If your talking about survival in a non-hostile enviroment a .22 rifle will bring in the meat, always birds around after all. They will kill a deer within 100 yards pretty easy. Just have to track them a bit. If your worried about weight I would get a stainless .22 pistol like the Ruger auto. Put a nice scope on it and have the irons as a backup. Should keep you fed. Shotguns? Are you trying to survive in the Walmart parking lot? No way you can carry enough shotgun ammo for any long term survival. Now if your talking a hostile SHTF scenerio then that would be completely differnent. If your talking middle of big bear country in Alaska it would be different also.

My choice for survival would be a nice light ax. Two good knives. Some braided fishing line with several hooks. My S&W 41. Trying to survive won't make you a better shot. In fact, I would imagine it would make you far worse. The same things that make these guns a nice target pistol will come in very handy in a survival situation. Function, accuracy , trigger pull and nice sights. If weight is not much of a issue a Marlin stainless steel bolt rifle with a GOOD 4X scope would be my choice. Oh and a Leatherman tool.
 
Just an additional comment/trivia on Castner's Cutthroat's: I've never seen the documentary, but once had the true pleasure of meeting and talking with Mr. Jim Rearden at length (he wrote the Saga of the Alaska Scouts). He had a twinkle in his eye telling stories of that time and his fellow men. Colt Woodsmen were the issued .22s. Most men brought and used their own hunting rifles, generally Winchester or Remington 30-06s. Men selected were skilled woodsmen, or tough soldiers with a necessary specialty. As expected, they each had tricks to teach each other.
 
It's interesting that the two major faults of the 12 gauge that never gets mentioned is the WEIGHT and BULK of the ammo.

Once the OP put "traveling" into the mix, which I presume is on foot, suddenly the weight and bulk of the 12 gauge ammo becomes a major factor.

For strictly "surviving a protracted wilderness excursion," I'd choose a good .22 rifle and a Glock model 20 in 10mm.

The .22 for quiet small game gathering, proably a lever action as it is self contained. No magazines to lose. It would also allow for shorts or CB caps for extra quietness, if desired.

The Glock 20 for concealment, high capacity defense and .41 magnum level power for large game. Although a S&W Mountain Gun in .44 magnum could also work.

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