Survival rifle

[K9 jake]

What's a good little survival rifle that's not too $$, but great to have in a survival situation?
I'm thinking some sort of a .22, but you tell me.

[lunchbox]

What's a good little survival rifle that's not too $$, but great to have in a survival situation?
I'm thinking some sort of a .22, but you tell me.
Well its hard to say. First off where are you? That has alot to do with picking a survival rifle. Secondly, if you use the search feature you will come across many great threads covering this subject, that can help you make your decision.

[K9 jake]

Thanks LB, I'm in the Appalachain Mtns of VA/TN/KY.
I'm looking at the air force pilots rifle

[lunchbox]

Thanks LB, I'm in the Appalachain Mtns of VA/TN/KY.
I'm looking at the air force pilots rifle
Cool, never used an AR7 before, so uanable to help you there. Just out of curiosity why the 22lr there many other good cals out there. I mean don't get me wrong, I grew up on a 22lr like many a country boy did, I guess what im getting at is what kind of survival situation are gearing towards? Good 22 for camping trips, or weapon that has to do it all? Many choices heres another one http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RhtjHgNkwXQ

[K9 jake]

I'm looking at a small caliber packable
Hunting rifle for my 14 yr olds BoB

[lunchbox]

I'm looking at a small caliber packable
Hunting rifle for my 14 yr olds BoB
AR7, Ruger 10/22 takedown , http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/features.html the original takedown by Browning. All of these would easily fit in a pack.. My votes for the Browning Takedown (I've got one of the Belgium FN 1960s model), but the Ruger 10/22 has damn good design to follow.

[DTHN2LGS]

Savage Model 24, .22 LR barrel over a 20 ga. shotgun barrel.

Or, if you prefer more power, one in .223 Rem. over 12 ga.


.

[Straight Shooter]

K9 jake-
Allow me to give my opinion.
I really believe a Ruger 10/22 will fill the bill. Its just a PROVEN, reliable
rugged design that has A TON of "extry's" out there. Ive have 2 now, I have had several, and it was my very first rifle when I was 8 or 9.
The two I have now, my original first rifle, and a 24" bull barrel target rifle I built back in '92, have so many rounds thru each, I will not post the amount here as to be called a liar. Ive kept track of the target rifle, and its still " fly accurate" at 25 yards after all the rounds its had thru it. Myself, I would not get hung up on the "takedown" aspects, but if thats what you want, again the 10/22 is there for you. Get a few 25-30 round mags, find out what ammo the gun likes...for me its generally been 40gr. lead ammo, and get as good a scope as you can afford, and imo, your set.
As for the AR 7. MY experiance with one, well, I dont HATE it.. but it is not what I would want in a true survival situation. Before buying one, get some trigger time with one. I think youll quickly realize the shortcoming of the rifle...bad trigger, 7 round mag...not very accurate...a "toyish" feeling, ect.
This all my personal experiances, ymmv. Good Luck!

[VooDoo6Actual]

I have & use this all the time.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/2012-03-30_16-50-07_643.jpg

A brick 550 rnds is > $20.00. Excellent system, low weight, compact & surprising accuracy.

I use MagPul BUIS w/ Vortex RDS. Light weight & tac driver.

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Ares_22_RCU/129/c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kQxSPOP3c

here's a link to a previous post:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=102529

Shot placement is everything w/ this system.

[lunchbox]

I have & use this all the time.

A brick 550 rnds is > $20.00. Excellent system, low weight, compact & surprising accuracy.

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Ares_22_RCU/129/c


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kQxSPOP3c

I want one.

[n517rv]

I owned a Henry "survival" rifle (aka AR-7) for several months before selling it. I had horrible luck trying to get it to run reliability. It was very finicky on ammo and always had FTF and FTE issues.

I highly recommend a Ruger 10/22 with several of the new Ruger BX-25 magazines. They are rock solid. If you want something more compact take a look at the new take-down 10/22.

[LonghunterCO]

I owned a Henry "survival" rifle (aka AR-7) for several months before selling it. I had horrible luck trying to get it to run reliability. It was very finicky on ammo and always had FTF and FTE issues.

I highly recommend a Ruger 10/22 with several of the new Ruger BX-25 magazines. They are rock solid. If you want something more compact take a look at the new take-down 10/22.

I have a Survival Arms AR-7 that runs great, but reports (like the above post) of newer Henry's running hit-or-miss (mostly miss) are so common that I can not recomend them. I agree with the take-down 10/22 as the way to go. Other contenders are the Marlin Papoose, the new Savage M42 (new newest version of the, no longer produced M24), and the Springfiled M-6 (no longer in production and therefore very pricey on the used market).

Have you consided an accurate .22lr pistol?

[blade_68]

I've had one made by Charter Arms from early 80s Its best with the cheap 22 fed lightnings big box others jammed regular FTFs got 2nd one a few years ago. got the first one as a kid spent alot of time in/ on rivers so I chose it "if dropped it would float over the 10-22 been great for me knowing its weaknesses. finicky on ammo limited rnds cap only so so luck w larger cap mags. If I was looking now the take down 10-22 looks good but have seen problems w SS models. I personally have 10-22s and shot th crap out of one, the barrel block broke from use. I've been thinking about getting one of the take down ones too.
IMHO

[PA PATRIOT]

Start with a Ruger 10/22 and replace the stock with a folding one from Butler Creek. This makes the rifle very compact and reduces weight.

Also if you wish to take it a step further a super light Carbon Fiber replacement barrel would make the rifle truly portable both weight and size wise that your son should be able to carry/handle with ease.

[K9 jake]

I have & use this all the time.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/2012-03-30_16-50-07_643.jpg

A brick 550 rnds is > $20.00. Excellent system, low weight, compact & surprising accuracy.

I use MagPul BUIS w/ Vortex RDS. Light weight & tac driver.

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Ares_22_RCU/129/c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kQxSPOP3c

here's a link to a previous post:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=102529

Shot placement is everything w/ this system.

I love this system. Very light and packable.

[CReynolds]

I don't have one, but another option for a breakdown .22 is the Marlin Papoose.

Cole

[VooDoo6Actual]

I love this system. Very light and packable.

You are correct.
It is a very good, reliable, light, compact & accurate system.
Converts back to pistol for close concealed work as well.
You will not regret, better choice & more options than Ruger 10/22.

[Just a Jarhead]

Some very good suggestions in this thread. You may also want to check out Remington's 597 line of .22 lr. I have both a Ruger 10/22 & a 597 and I like the Remington better.

The 597 has a proprietary bolt-guidance system, which has a unique set of twin tool-steel guide rails that the bolt rides on for better stability, feeding reliability & accuracy. This thing is so reliable & accurate for it's intended range that I don't even see the need to run a scope on it.

For survival mode and small game I want a stock. They have all sorts of models from tactical with collapsable stock to the AAC which has a threaded barrel. I have the plain jane 597. I wish I had gotten the AAC but I found it sitting in a Pawn Shop for $100. 30 round magazines are around $20 at Brownells. The black 30 round magazines seem to be much more reliable than the clear ones from my experience. They're easy to field strip & clean after the first time you learn how to do it. http://www.remington.com/product-families/firearms/rimfire-families/autoloading-model-597.aspx

For ammo I prefer CCI Mini Mags for plinking and CCI Velocitor hollow points for small game. Both 40 Gr. Very good accurate ammo.

[Dave L.]

My Henry AR-7* runs like a champ. I had issues with some weak old 22LR but I only use CCI Mini-Mags in it. The springs seem to be the issue in that case; rounds fired but it would short-stroke the weak ammo.

Edit: With CCI Mini-Mags it has run 100%

*Not a primary survival rifle. I prefer my 10/22 with a folding stock.

[The_Count]

Ruger is now making a take down 10/22 in stainless. It's a little pricey, but you would have a wealth of aftermarket parts available to you. The availability of hi-cap mags is also a huge plus. I would be plenty accurate for shots out to 100. With the right ammunition you could stretch it even further in extreme cases. Unfortunately the standard stock does not fold, but you may be able to adapt one to the take down system.

With a picatinny rail on top you could go from a mini red dot/reflex to a variable power scope.


TC

[krm375]

http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/52/lid/3482

Not cheap, probably the most expensive survival weapon...

[Ready.Fire.Aim]

Back before SHTF and TEOTWAWKI were common acronyms and Mel Tappan was just starting to write a column in Guns and Ammo, I bought a Savage model 24C. The local gun store had to special order it.

The 24C was marketed as a Campers Companion, that is the C designation. No one back then knew what bugging out was. It easily breaks into two pieces to fit into a back pack case. They are chambered for .22 LR over 20 gauge, mine has a 3" chamber.

It has a hinged butt plate that is shown flipped open in the photo below with drilled storage holes for spare .20 gauge and .22 cartridges OR fishooks, matches, para cord, firestarter, etc.

With sub-caliber chamber inserts mine can fire .410 gauge, .44 magnum & .44 special, .357 magnum & .38 special, 9mm, and of course 20 gauge birdshot, buckshot, or slugs, and .22 rim fire. The subcaliber inserts gives a lot of versatility. I am sure there are now more sub caliber inserts than the few I bought years ago.

I can consistently cloverleaf 9mm Winchester 124g SXT hollow points at 50 yards using the iron sights and a prone rest on the ground . To be candid, the only thing I ever killed with it were English Sparrows in the back yard-shooting .20 gauge birdshot. I did replace the rear ramp style sight with a Ruger 10/22 folding sight.

There is one for sale right now on Gunbroker for a buy it now price of $230. I am not associated with that sale. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=304714572

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h368/Aggie84/9ed0b5ce9832774692e905a29e56c6bd.jpg

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h368/Aggie84/bf63b58177ec02489e16a7185eb8cab8.jpg

It is about the same overall length as a Ruger 10/22. It is a handy little gun.

Have fun
RFA

[Caduceus]

RFA, if you don't mind, how do you find accuracy with the inserts?

Are the inserts just a "bore only" so that the round fits, or a full length tube that fits the entire barrel?

I can't imagine accuracy would be great if you're bouncing calibers down the barrel ranging from 9mm (.35) to .44.

Thanks.

[Ready.Fire.Aim]

Inserts are rifled. They are same length as a 3" 20 gauge shell. That's all the rotation it takes for a pistol bullet, think derringer.

With iron sights at 50 yards, I am able to consistently get one to two inch groups with 9mm Winchester +P hollow points, cloverleaf groups are common. I was surprised at the accuracy.

Once I read inserts have to be put in the same way every time for consistent accuracy. So each of mine I engraved an index mark at 12:00.

RFA

[Redmanfms]

I have a Survival Arms AR-7 that runs great, but reports (like the above post) of newer Henry's running hit-or-miss (mostly miss) are so common that I can not recomend them. I agree with the take-down 10/22 as the way to go. Other contenders are the Marlin Papoose, the new Savage M42 (new newest version of the, no longer produced M24), and the Springfiled M-6 (no longer in production and therefore very pricey on the used market).

Have you consided an accurate .22lr pistol?

They've always been hit-or-miss, it isn't just the newer ones.



I'd recommend a .22 pistol of the target variety. You lose nearly nothing in velocity and in the hands of a decent shot the same is true of accuracy and the weapon is lighter and easier to carry than a rifle. You can then have the kid's rifle be something with a little more punch.

[bigghoss]

My henry AR7 worked great and was accurate enough but the trigger sucked and the stock is actually kind bulky. The novelty wore off and I sold it, but I never had any trouble with it.

I'm interested in a 10/22 takedown and the new .22 over .410 from savage.

I would also look at matched sets from someone like rossi that have .22lr and one or two other barrels that are easily changed.

[ASH556]

I'm about to jump on the 12ga adapter bandwagon myself:

http://www.gunadapters.com/

Check out the "pathfinder" kit.

22lr rifled
9mm rifled
.410 smoothbore

I already have an H&R Single shot 12GA, but even if you don't, they're easily found under $100.

I carry an M&P 9mm everyday anyway, so I've got that ammo. 22lr and 12ga are very common.

Not really a fighting gun, but that's not what a survival rifle is built for.

[krm375]

Those adaptors look pretty interesting, I like the longer rifled options, for a little more accuracy out of a break open double.
The 38/357 would be a nice addition.

[Dave L.]

I'm about to jump on the 12ga adapter bandwagon myself:

http://www.gunadapters.com/

Check out the "pathfinder" kit.


I have had the Pathfinder Kit on my wishlist for a while. My problem is, none of my single-shot 12 gauges have rifle sights on them. I'm not sure how much use the 9mm and .22LR would be.
Getting the 20ga and .410ga reducers seems like a no-brainer to me.

[ASH556]

I have had the Pathfinder Kit on my wishlist for a while. My problem is, none of my single-shot 12 gauges have rifle sights on them. I'm not sure how much use the 9mm and .22LR would be.
Getting the 20ga and .410ga reducers seems like a no-brainer to me.

Did you watch the video on the site? The guy is shooting one hole groups at 30 yds with the 9mm insert using a bead site. Accurate enough 100 yds and in if you ask me. I live in Eastern Woodlands...not much here is over 100yds.

[mike11]

i havent used them personally but i have heard nothing but good things about both the ruger 10/22 takedown and the AR-7. sometimes i hear people calling them bad guns and they arent accurate blah blah blah, this isnt a sniper rifle your trying to buy.. its a SURVIVAL GUN. i dont own either yet but i plan i buying at least one if not both models in the next year or two.

[Redmanfms]

i havent used them personally but i have heard nothing but good things about both the ruger 10/22 takedown and the AR-7.


sometimes i hear people calling them bad guns and they arent accurate blah blah blah, this isnt a sniper rifle your trying to buy.. its a SURVIVAL GUN.

Aren't these mutually exclusive statements?

The problem with the AR-7 isn't so much accuracy (which isn't terrible), it's reliability. They are hit-and-miss in terms of reliability and the problem is rarely caused by ammunition sensitivity. Some function properly, some don't.

[Smedley]

I'm looking at a small caliber packable
Hunting rifle for my 14 yr olds BoB

Add my one vote for the Ruger 10/22 with Butler Creek folding stock.
Overall length of the 10/22 with stock folded is 27"
Length of the 10/22 take-down, taken apart is 20" (the receiver/stock is the larger of the two sections and measures 20").
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-1022TD.htm
You can't go wrong with either of these choices.
I've owned the AR-7, and own the Marlin Papoose (both 22LR). .. The Marlin is a splendid little survival rifle and worthy of consideration.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/SelfLoading/70PSS.asp
I was not impressed with any aspect of my AR-7.

[SunTzu]

For a good take down rifle I would go with the Browning first followed by the Ruger. For a non take down I like the Remington Nylon 66. Super lightweight rifle and a fine shooter.

[Doc. Holiday]

I would go for the Ruger 10/22 just because it is one of the most popular 22s ever made. Plenty of parts, conversions, and success stories to back it up. I love mine. Just a great little gun.

[usmcvet]

Savage Model 24, .22 LR barrel over a 20 ga. shotgun barrel.

Or, if you prefer more power, one in .223 Rem. over 12 ga.


.

I've wanted one for a while. Wish I saw that add for $230 I would have bought it. Cool gun.


I have & use this all the time.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/2012-03-30_16-50-07_643.jpg

A brick 550 rnds is > $20.00. Excellent system, low weight, compact & surprising accuracy.

I use MagPul BUIS w/ Vortex RDS. Light weight & tac driver.

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Ares_22_RCU/129/c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kQxSPOP3c

here's a link to a previous post:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=102529

Shot placement is everything w/ this system.

So the upper is the serial numbered item on the Ruger right?


Back before SHTF and TEOTWAWKI were common acronyms and Mel Tappan was just starting to write a column in Guns and Ammo, I bought a Savage model 24C. The local gun store had to special order it.

The 24C was marketed as a Campers Companion, that is the C designation. No one back then knew what bugging out was. It easily breaks into two pieces to fit into a back pack case. They are chambered for .22 LR over 20 gauge, mine has a 3" chamber.

It has a hinged butt plate that is shown flipped open in the photo below with drilled storage holes for spare .20 gauge and .22 cartridges OR fishooks, matches, para cord, firestarter, etc.

With sub-caliber chamber inserts mine can fire .410 gauge, .44 magnum & .44 special, .357 magnum & .38 special, 9mm, and of course 20 gauge birdshot, buckshot, or slugs, and .22 rim fire. The subcaliber inserts gives a lot of versatility. I am sure there are now more sub caliber inserts than the few I bought years ago.

I can consistently cloverleaf 9mm Winchester 124g SXT hollow points at 50 yards using the iron sights and a prone rest on the ground . To be candid, the only thing I ever killed with it were English Sparrows in the back yard-shooting .20 gauge birdshot. I did replace the rear ramp style sight with a Ruger 10/22 folding sight.

There is one for sale right now on Gunbroker for a buy it now price of $230. I am not associated with that sale. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=304714572
That's an awesome price.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h368/Aggie84/9ed0b5ce9832774692e905a29e56c6bd.jpg

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h368/Aggie84/bf63b58177ec02489e16a7185eb8cab8.jpg

It is about the same overall length as a Ruger 10/22. It is a handy little gun.

Have fun
RFA

[Shorts]

I saw the Papoose mentioned. It is a worth consideration. I have had the updated 70PSS (stainless barrel & synthetic stock w/ LSHB feature) and currently have a 70P (blue barrel & wood stock no last shot hold back). Both shoot accurately and are a pleasure.

Now the catch, Marlin no longer produces these. Remington bought Marlin in '07 and this was pretty much the end of the line. This situation has to do with the Ceberus/Freedom Group buy.

Papoose (Papooses? Papi?) are pretty hard to come by in the 70PSS configuration, used being sold for a premium starting about $350. The 70P is a little easier to come by, you're looking at $230 starting price used. Replacement parts are what should be mulled over. Looking through parts sources, a few key pieces are discontinued. Marlin did carry over parts for several models but not all. If you've got fab skills and are determined to keep a Marlin going it can be done. But I don't think that is optimum considering other good options on the market.

That said I plan to keep my Papoose running as long as possible, even if it means buying a spare gun. I prefer to shoot it over my Model 60. It's a good rifle but I had the Papoose first and I love it.

[Dave L.]

I have been meaning to try out a Feather USA .22.
http://www.guns-rifles-firearms.com/
Anyone ever use one?

[Flamingo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/GregYonkers/IMG_0206.jpg

Here is a Papoose I put together. It has a DIP trigger and trigger guard, an XS front sight, an adjustable rear sight from Marlin, and a threaded barrel with an AAC Element.

[KTR03]

I'd take a look at the AAC handi rifle as well. I have one in 300 blackout. it breaks down into two small pieces. It will give you the ability to dispatch small game with subsonic solids and hunt deer size animals with supersonic loads. Its light, small, and very reliable. I'm running mine with a suppressor on it and subs are almost Hollywood quiet.

D

[Badger89]

I haven't seen these mentioned yet, so I'll throw a few of my opinions out there for consideration. I pondered/researched this topic quite a bit a few years ago, and came up with a few different options, depending on what definition of "survival" we are using. The guns I came up with usually don't come up in this sort of discussion, as they aren't specifically survival weapons, but I think too often people get so hung up on the "survival" part they forget the "rifle" part, which needs to be accurate, reliable, and versatile.

If you're talking about survival meaning simply putting meat on the table, two options I came up with were either a Ruger 10/22 Charger pistol or a quality bolt-action .22WMR rifle. If you feel like "survival" is going to necessitate staying mobile and living off what you can carry on your back, or you need something more compact than a full size rifle for whatever reason, I think the 10/22 Charger fits the bill perfectly. Compact, affordable, proven reliability of the 10/22 platform, and versatility of the .22LR round. Doves to deer, game on. Since "legality" would likely become of minimal importance if one truly needed to "survive" you could also buy a folding stock for a 10/22 rifle and keep it around (uninstalled) as an option.

If you can get past the need for a compact gun, folding stock, or breakdown rifle, I think a nice .22WMR rifle like the Savage 93FVSS I bought in '08 for $330 makes a superior meat-getter. .22WMR ammo is still compact and cheap enough to stockpile thousands of rounds and carry hundreds in your pockets if necessary, while delivering considerably more punch. Doves to deer are still fair game, but I'd feel quite a bit better about attempting deer with a .22WMR than a .22LR. For optics, you can mount a low power variable scope to either of these guns, or something more along the lines of a Trijicon ACOG for better low light visibility, if that's more your style.

If your idea of the term "survival" is more all encompassing, and you're looking for a gun to serve a dual role as a meat-getter and personal protection against two and four legged critters, I would give some serious thought to the AR-15 platform or a Glock 20. Again, if compactness and mobility are necessary for you, opt for the pistol. The 10mm round offers substantial stopping power against four legged threats from anything up to and including black bear (with the right ammo - although statistically a large can of pepper spray is a safer bet) and is more than capable of eliminating threats that walk upright. The 15 round magazine offers nearly triple the capacity of a revolver, with quicker reloads, and Glock's excellent record of reliability is nothing to sneeze at. For hunting small game all you need to do is swap the slide out for a .22LR conversion kit and have a steady hand.

However, if you don't feel the need to stuff your survival weapon in a backpack, I think the AR platform is the most versatile survival rifle hands down. Choose whatever caliber upper receiver suits your needs for personal protection and pick up a dedicated .22LR upper for hunting. With everything from .223 to .458 SOCOM available, all you have to do is weigh the trade offs between ballistics and availability of ammunition.

Depending on where you live, I also wouldn't overlook fishing as an option to feed yourself and your family. Ice fishing poles always go on clearance in the spring for as little as $10 and could be neatly tucked in a backpack along with your pistol and other supplies if you plan to huff it across the wilderness. Not an ideal way to fish but you could easily land panfish or a few small bass with one and the right set of tackle.

Just my 2 cents...

[Smedley]

If you're talking about survival meaning simply putting meat on the table, two options I came up with were either a Ruger 10/22 Charger pistol or a quality bolt-action .22WMR rifle. If you feel like "survival" is going to necessitate staying mobile and living off what you can carry on your back, or you need something more compact than a full size rifle for whatever reason, I think the 10/22 Charger fits the bill perfectly.
Well written, and my choices for survival guns closely resemble yours, and for the same reasons. .. It's my understanding Ruger discontinued the Charger, so I'm happy I picked one up as an election day 2012 gift to myself. .. It's a splendid little hybrid 10/22! .. I'm still in the market for a permanent sighting system for my Charger. I'm leaning towards a reflex sight functioning on tritium and fiber optics. I'm frustrated by the decline in vision I've experienced after passing 50yrs old, and it does effect the sighting option choices.
If you're dependent on prescription glasses to shoot effectively (like me), it's seems wise to select a sight that can be used effectively if you lose or destroy your glasses. I can shoot my Trijicon reflex equipped AR quite effectively with or without my glasses. Something worth considering if you're visually challenged/impaired...

[whiskey lake]

Hi,

I know it's a little off topic, but have you considered a pistol? I have used .22 pistols and 410 shotguns that may be a better choice for survival and pack-ability for a young child.

[usmcvet]

I want the APG take down rifle.

http://www.agparms.com/complete-agp-take-down-10-22/

Watch the video at the bottom of the page.

[steelerfan88]

What's a good little survival rifle that's not too $$, but great to have in a survival situation?
I'm thinking some sort of a .22, but you tell me.

.30 carbine ! light, compact and reliable.

[HKGuns]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned the M6 Scout rifle yet? I don't have one yet but it is on my list when I can get one for a reasonable price. This option eclipses everything else mentioned so far in the thread as far as I am concerned.

No affiliation (http://www.survival-gear-guide.com/my-springfield-m6-scout-survival-rifle.html)

[broylz]

i got an old savage hammerless single shot 12ga that im building into a pack gun. I am cutting the barrel down to 18" and will put an elastic shell holder on the stock. thinking a flare, slug, and the rest as #4 or #6 shot.

will be looking into a longer 38spl/357mag insert, something like a 10" insert to get the velocity up. might just look for a handi rifle in 357 mag too...

that said, my current sbr AR15 build will be easily as packable if I separate the receivers like breaking down the single shot...

[usmcvet]

I put together an APG 10-22, awesome little gun. Not the best photo, out of focus.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/20130616_152705_zps0806c9a4.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/20130616_152705_zps0806c9a4.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/20130616_152727_zps907bd19f.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/20130616_152727_zps907bd19f.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/image_zpsd0df043f.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/image_zpsd0df043f.jpg.html)
http://www.agparms.com/agp-arms-10-22-takedown-complete-out-of-stock/

[K_K]

I hear they fixed the new AR-7(henry survival rifle) design, the old one would not accept mags or something and jammed. 22lr! HANDS DOWN! sure you would need larger calibers for bigger game but you can carry more ammo when its smaller, it can kill game that can provide a sustainable meal, and its affordable for stock piling. In an all around survival I would not be without 22LR. 22LR also come in the caliber for some smaller more compact survival rifles so not only can you carry more ammo but almost unnoticeable gun also.

p.s. If you had a large rifle for game. Where you store the ammo and carry the gun? Once you kill a ~150lb+ animal where are you going to store or preserve that meat? are you going to eat it all at once? No. So why not hunt only game that you need for a meal or two to survive to stay mobile and not burden yourself.

http://henryrepeating.com/rifle-survival-ar7.cfm

[3 AE]

I think for 90% of what I would need to fulfill the role of an all around survival rifle, I'll stick with this:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M4-Carbine-AR15-Bravo-Company-lightweight-s/150.htm

It is relatively lightweight, accurate, can be broken down into a packable size. Can handle magazines from 5 to 100 rounds, can shoot 40 grain varmint rounds to 70+ grains thumpers. Can be suppressed, can be adjusted to fit a very wide range of shooters. Parts are easily obtained and easily replaced as needed. Can be used with iron sights, RDS, scopes, lasers, etc. The other 10% would be covered using this:

http://www.ruger.com/products/markIIITarget/models.html

Though it doesn't mean I wouldn't use my 10/22 for certain situations along with my 870 shotgun. "Survival, is never having to say you're sorry for having only one gun!" :D

[bluejackets92fs]

10/22 takedown would be my vote from the stand point of easy to find and cheap mags, easy to carry ammo, and it breaks down for easy pack storage.

[dabbie]

Why would you go with an entire dedicated .22lr upper, when the Ciener .22lr unit 3-4 lbs lighter, much more compact, and plenty accurate enough for foraging? The parts swap for the calibers takes just 20 seconds. Ditto, if portability and survival are the issue, 223 is the only way to go for the centerfire variant. But you want some sort of deep penetrating softpoint or hollowpoint, not the 'fragment in a sparrow" sort of varmint load. I'm not coughing up money for separate "real" big game hunting rifle, match rifle, small game rifle, defensive/shtf rifle, and varmint rifle, scoping all of them, paying for trigger jobs on all of them, practicing with all of them, etc, when I can do it all with the AR.

Since you can only carry one longarm (and a backpack) I say that it's best to have the most versatile one. It's pretty hard to shoot anything a gun that you aint got with you. The shorty AR will take down in 5 seconds, to stow out of sight in a backpack, reassemble to fire in 10 seconds, too. It's threaded for a suppressor and it comes with a dark, rust resistant finish and a flashhider. You can get a folding stock, luminous sights, night scope, red-dot, etc for it. You can buy an 80% finished receiever, or even build one from scratch with a 3D printer. You can get lead weights for the match rifle, or have a 4 lb carbine if you like.

[Greenhead308]

Ruger 10/22 takedown maybe?

[tog]

Along with what almost everyone else said-Ruger 10/22. There are a ton of accessories for this rifle out there.

[HackerF15E]

I have an original Armalite AR-7 that is decent quality and has fine reliability. I really like it as a plinker and don't have anything bad to say about it...but if I were making the choice of which "survival rifle" to carry, hands down it would be a 10/22 TD.

[ECain18]

If i were you, i would check out the kel-tec sub2000. It is a nifty little 9mm or .40 that folds in half to store in a backpack, but accepts a wide variety of mags (depending on what you buy). For instance, if you buy the glock 19 version, your kel tec will accept glock 19, glock 17, and glock 33 rnd mags. Effective range is 150m, for a price under $500. Something to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rr5tfG7b8

[pingdork]

10-22 is a great choice as has been stated.
Really depends on what you need to survive.
As much as I love my AR for defense, for an all out survive anything versatile rifle I'm thinking my mossy 500. From HD to hunting small game to big game, to predator protection. A backpack with different shells for whatever needs arise should serve one well. If I was heading out and could only carry one rifle, it's be the 500.
Thankfully, I've got a wife and two teenage boys in my bug scenario, so wife carries 10-22, boy 1 gets 500, boy 2 AR, and AR for me. My boys are proficient in safe handling and shooting all our weapons. Wifey, not so much, but she won't mind carrying one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[LonghunterCO]

So Santa brought me a threaded 10/22 take down. I have always been a huge fan of the platform I will see how it does.

[usmcvet]

So Santa brought me a threaded 10/22 take down. I have always been a huge fan of the platform I will see how it does.

Dude! We need photos! I did no know they made the TD threaded, does it have a FH on it?

[LonghunterCO]

Dude! We need photos! I did no know they made the TD threaded, does it have a FH on it?

http://ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/specSheets/11112.html

Yes they do and Ruger's FH (1/2x28 thread). I am sure that it will need a spacer to run a silencer. Mine was a Blued, Black Friday Cabela's deal. This is how I had wished that my other 10/22, 10/22-FS tactical, had come...with sights. I plan on correcting my FS with Nodak products.

[docsherm]

I know that the Savage 24 O/U is a great GP rifle. As they are no longer made has anyone looked at the USSG MP94 O/U Combo 12Ga /223Rem 19.7" Blue? Seen Here:

http://eaacorp.com/portfolio-item/mp94-series-combo-shotgunrifle/

[replacement]

i like the idea but it would better short barrel 5.56/12 gauge

[onado2000]

Goin out on a limb but I would take my Glock 20 10mm, can take large game

[docsherm]

Goin out on a limb but I would take my Glock 20 10mm, can take large game

But at what distance? better with longer range.

[usmcvet]

10 mm is a powerful round but it is a pistol. How is ammo availability? I've never owned one.

[RyanB]

Ammunition availability is ok, you can get it at basically any gun shop but not often in shops that have a limited selection of ammunition in addition to gas and frozen food...

The 10mm is good enough for deer sized game at any distance you can hit at and larger game up close with perfect placement. I'd not want to use it on elk unless forced to. The main limitation is that it is a pistol and shooting it accurately at range requires more skill than most have. Frankly I would rather have a 5.56mm than a 10mm (and I love 10mm) for deliberate hunting when possible.

[docsherm]

Ammunition availability is ok, you can get it at basically any gun shop but not often in shops that have a limited selection of ammunition in addition to gas and frozen food...

The 10mm is good enough for deer sized game at any distance you can hit at and larger game up close with perfect placement. I'd not want to use it on elk unless forced to. The main limitation is that it is a pistol and shooting it accurately at range requires more skill than most have. Frankly I would rather have a 5.56mm than a 10mm (and I love 10mm) for deliberate hunting when possible.

I have to agree.....actually RyanB and I just had this exact conversation about an hour before you posted. :dirol:

[RyanB]

I have two pistol calibers, 9 and 10mm. I like the 10mm in the woods and if pressed there isn't anything on this continent I won't shoot with a 10mm. But it's still a pistol.

Steve, that survival rifle looks useful. Look up the Luftwaffe survival rifles from WW2. You can get them with three barrels.

[docsherm]

that survival rifle looks useful. Look up the Luftwaffe survival rifles from WW2. You can get them with three barrels.

Found one....for $22,000....WTF????:suicide:

[usmcvet]

Found one....for $22,000....WTF????:suicide:

I would think you could make one for less. What do Drillings go for? Not much less. http://www.drillinghotline.com/double.shtml

[usmcvet]

Why would you go with an entire dedicated .22lr upper, when the Ciener .22lr unit 3-4 lbs lighter, much more compact, and plenty accurate enough for foraging? The parts swap for the calibers takes just 20 seconds. Ditto, if portability and survival are the issue, 223 is the only way to go for the centerfire variant. But you want some sort of deep penetrating softpoint or hollowpoint, not the 'fragment in a sparrow" sort of varmint load. I'm not coughing up money for separate "real" big game hunting rifle, match rifle, small game rifle, defensive/shtf rifle, and varmint rifle, scoping all of them, paying for trigger jobs on all of them, practicing with all of them, etc, when I can do it all with the AR.

Since you can only carry one longarm (and a backpack) I say that it's best to have the most versatile one. It's pretty hard to shoot anything a gun that you aint got with you. The shorty AR will take down in 5 seconds, to stow out of sight in a backpack, reassemble to fire in 10 seconds, too. It's threaded for a suppressor and it comes with a dark, rust resistant finish and a flashhider. You can get a folding stock, luminous sights, night scope, red-dot, etc for it. You can buy an 80% finished receiever, or even build one from scratch with a 3D printer. You can get lead weights for the match rifle, or have a 4 lb carbine if you like.

I have a CMMG kit and a few of their dedicated uppers. I've heard horror stories about Ciener. I wouldn't buy one of theirs.

[ra2bach]

I bought my son a Rossi Matched Set single shot with three barrels - .22lr, 20 ga., and .243 - http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=82&category=2&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

23465

the .22 and .243 are surprisingly accurate but never shot the 20ga. Since they have all outgrown this youth set, the plan is to make it into my survival rifle with the .22 barrel attached and the 20ga in the pack. Or vice versa but it balances and carries better with the rifle barrel attached...

[Mbrokaw89]

+1 ruger 10/22

[ADDICTED2TONE]

For a packable rifle the Henry AR7 and the 10 22 takedown are hard to beat.
I have a Rossi youth 2 barrel takedown kit. Its 22lr and 410. It packes up small around 2ft and fits perfectly in my pack. The trigger is crap but I only paid $100 for it. If money was no object, I'd buy the Ruger or the Henry, they are nice but I'm dead on with this rossi in squirrel and rabbit range. I also pack 410 slugs just in case I need to drop something human sized.