The Perfect Survival Rifle?

[GS Rider]

Is their an ideal survival rifle and if so why? I like the FN FAL but the AK system may be better suited to all around survival rifle. Maybe a Galil or Siaga,Yugo ak variant. I also like the Socom 16 and old school AR180. How about a bolt gun? Any of you use a bolt gun as your go to rifle?

[MdlMkr 7.62]

There was a thread on The FAL files about the AR180B's front receiver pin hole breaking. I was interested in one until I saw that. I understand that Aramalite will repair them free but who wants a rifle that has a seriously flawed design no matter how well the company stands behind it.

7.62

[jrayborn]

Nothing wrong with a hardy bolt gun for a SHTF rifle. An 8mm Mauser or 7.62 Mosin Nagant or an Enfield fits the bill very well and costs next to nothing in relation to a nice FAL. These rifles are STURDY powerful and accurate. With only reasonable care and non-corrosive ammo I can't see how one in good condition won't outlast most of us.

Any of the other rifles mentioned are fine and could likely come in mighty handy as well but cost is significantly higher, and more care needs to be taken to keep them 100% operational.

I have a pair of ultrlight AR's set up with red dots and a couple FAL's and M1A. I would not at all feel under gunned with one of my 8MM Mausers. Avoiding contact is what I consider a good plan so a bolt gun would be a good choice. The only thing a semi has up on a bolt gun to me, is the ability to help you break contact with a large volume of fire. I suppose they would also be a lot more effective on the assult, but that is in my opinion, highly unlikely to happen in most any scenario I can think of.

Another fine rifle would of course be a Garand. They are a bit heavy and have a lot of moving parts subject to wear and are all at least 50 years old or so, but still a very good choice. Or an SKS. Wow there is a ton of good rifles.

I guess the best idea is to have a rifle. Any rifle beats being unarmed. Just remember to become proficient with it.

[sparkky]

I don't think there is a perfect "one". just too many variables to consider.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

I don't think there is a perfect "one". just too many variables to consider.

+1 on that. The closest thing to perfect is probably the one I can get my hands around when I need it. It'll be a "run what you brung" situation.

Having a bolt gun will get you a MBR :cool:

7.62

[GS Rider]

The old AR180 or original 180 has a steel lower. So no breaking there. I can swap out my old 1 in 12 barrel for my new AR180B 1in9 barrel. The old 180 also has a folding stock where as the new 180B has a solid stock only. Another great rifle is the Daewoo. I would love to see a side by side comparison between the Woo and the Colt M4.

[Bidah]

I think y'all are missing the point entirely. The best survival rifle is a .22LR with some high caps. You can carry a lot of ammo, it is quiet, and you can get food with it. You could even defend yourself if need be.

Now if you are talking a defensive SHTF rifle, then any of those that were mentioned would work fine.

-Bidah

[MdlMkr 7.62]

The .22 is under rated. Any gun collection without a few is sorely lacking. The .22 is unique in that purchasing one is the most expensive part of owning one. What else can you buy 500 rounds of for less that $10?

7.62 :p

[funfaler]

As said elsewhere, if I could only have one rifle, it would be the M1a or FAL in that order. Both well proven, accurate out to 500+ yards, can do 90% of what you will need a rifle to do. Parts a plenty, mags a plenty, common ammo type. AR types would be my choice of a carbine, parts and mags o'plenty and cheap. A bolt gun would be secondary in my thought process, any increase in accuracy will be far surpassed by the ability to put accurate, multiple shots on target.

A complete arsenal would include M1A, Handgun, semi-auto 22, AR15 or 2nd M1A, shot gun. In that order, if it was me. Getting a brand of rifle/carbine that will be difficult to support is asking for trouble. Honorable mention on the firearm hit parade are the SKS (cheap and tough), M1 Garand (with their prices, for a good one, you might be better off getting something else). Many of the others that get bantered around are fine (HKs, AR10s, AKs) are fine, just not my choice for primary weapons. Either you can do better for the same amount of $$ or they don't offer the level of reliability/support that I would like.

The key will be to have a rifle, and be able to use it to its max effective range. For this I highly recommend the Appleseed program, it will be a good primer in getting you the skills to put lead on target out to 500+ yards with a standard rifle, surplus ammo, and iron sights. These skills are transferable to any rifle, so the one you find in your hand at the beginning of SHTF, you will be able to put it to good use.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Training with your chosen weapons system is essential.

" Beware the man who only has one (type of) gun. He may know and be much more proficient than you......"

7.62

[Oswald2001]

Stamped AK underfolder with a Chinese 3 mag chest pouch and 5 mag shoulder strap pouch.

Light, lethal, compact, cheap.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Stamped AK underfolder with a Chinese 3 mag chest pouch and 5 mag shoulder strap pouch.

Light, lethal, compact, cheap.

I agree.

Not cheap though. Inexpensive!

7.62

[Dr. X]

Let us not quibble over trifles...the perfect SHTF rifle is the one ya got when the sh*t hits the fan.

as ever,
Dr. X :cool:

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Let us not quibble over trifles...the perfect SHTF rifle is the one ya got when the sh*t hits the fan.

as ever,
Dr. X :cool:

I couldn't agree more

7.62

[GUN SNOB]

When I first thought about only one the Mil. Surp. clones made sense to me. Semi auto, mag fed, pruven durable.......

When the Ar's went threw the second coming, the A2, A3 era I got cough on the band wagon, built 2 and remembered what I did not like about them. (not starting that debate again please)

I got rid of them and replaced them with Fal variants. My MBR is a SLR, a frankin Fal for a carbine. Its a 308 thing and I don't mind, in fact I prefer the weight. Yes you carry it more than shoot it, but you carry it to shoot it. A little weight shoots better for me all things being equal.

I also have a .45 carbine Fal to complement the 1911s and I'm building a Fal pistol for CC and in the truck. (not crazy for folders, don't want to pay for the SBR tag) Not bad, a Rifle, carbine and pistol in the same round and action with a pistol cal. carbine in the same flavor.

No not just one but we are not there yet. Guarantee if I only grab one I'll wish I grabbed the other before its threw.

I got a balanced blue printed, tricked and tuned Rem. 700 with good glass in 30-06 for the long stuff. Guns better than me. I was torn when I planed it out. .308, 30-06, 300 mag.? Settled on -06 for several reasons. A little more than 308, cheaper and more available than .300 mag. with out giving up to much. So it was built on a compromise.

870...Nuff said?

That makes .308, .45 acp, 30-06 and 12 gage. All what I call Wal-mart rounds, You can get some any were.

But now I wounder, is the evil black rifle the best choice? Yes, if its a plane load of killer clown zombie paratroopers that are the s^*& that hits the fan I want my Fals.

But if its a depression or extended weather thing and I'm trying to eat more than fight and I have to/ want to Carrie in public (without starting a panic) then maybe I'm better off with a more traditional sporting arm.

Yes my Fal will feed me. With the B.S. going on with the Fudds it is what I will hunt with until they stop pissing me off. (piss them off or educate them) But I'm keeping my options open.

So I'm working on the other, people friendly, survival guns. The Raman collection if you will.

This set is lever Winchesters in .45 colt, 45-70 and if I can before the end 30-06. (just cuz its cool and I have brass and dies for it. The only one I don't own now) The 870 and A-5 cover the shotgun (18 and 24/28 inch barrels) and a 10-22. Paired off with Ruger SA in 45 colt and a Mk II government.

Yes 45 colt and 45-70 are not Wal-mart rounds but these are for hunting and I don't see needing 1000s of rounds to feed my self .(unless the eyes get worse) Several blocks of lead, primers and powder, pick up the brass and it should not be a problem. Both of these rounds can be as hot or mild as needed for the application. Loaded in black powder if need be. Brass will last if not maxed loaded.

Any way thats my plan. Tools in the tool box while its still here. If I gata bug out Ill pick then. Plan is to bug in.

[Bawana Jim]

I picked an M4 with a suppressor and an Acog (so I can see what I am shooting at) with a full stock (to hold it's cleaning kit that must be "with the gun"). Just my choice is all:D and it is a great shooter.

But over the long years of life I have learned most systems and can run them well enough.

jim

[GUN SNOB]

with a full stock (to hold it's cleaning kit that must be "with the gun").

That might be a better question,' What do I need to suport the gun I got for SHTF?'

[MdlMkr 7.62]

How about a 2nd one of the same make / model or a parts kit?

7.62

[GUN SNOB]

Thats why I went all FAL for my 'combat' arms.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

good plan there Gun Snob

7.62 :cool:

[Bawana Jim]

I am no expert but I read alot. I have studied survival all my life and have formed opinions that fit my life. I offer no challenge to any mans choice of weapons cause it is always a personal choice.

I do believe that a person who chooses to go on the survival route must look at things as to being on your own in a SHTF and scenarios that might involve your choice of weapons.

On your own you must look at weight and maintainence of your weapon and ammo. You must look as to how you will carry everything. Heck if you have to move and you can only carry so much ammo then what do you need spare parts for? Or if you have to move and your gun gets full of dirt how ill you clean it if you left your kit at home cause you didn't have it with the gun.

Anyone notice that some systems don't have a place on the gun to carry a cleaning kit?

Heck if you stay home you can build a set up that will keep your running for years but when you got to leave it better be well thought out. How much weight can you carry day in and day out while you look for safer ground? How many calories of food will that take and how much will you carry?

jim

[MdlMkr 7.62]

I am no expert but I read alot. I have studied survival all my life and have formed opinions that fit my life. I offer no challenge to any mans choice of weapons cause it is always a personal choice.

On your own you must look at weight and maintainence of your weapon and ammo. You must look as to how you will carry everything. Heck if you have to move and you can only carry so much ammo then what do you need spare parts for? Or if you have to move and your gun gets full of dirt how ill you clean it if you left your kit at home cause you didn't have it with the gun.

Anyone notice that some systems don't have a place on the gun to carry a cleaning kit? jim


The M1A and the AR15 both have provisions for carrying a cleaning kit. The AK has a cleaning rod - you have to carry the brushes elswhere. Too bad the FAkl doesn't have provisions for that. I like the Otis cleaning kits. The pouches are big enough to keep some spares in them too.

7.62