What rifle is best for SHTF situation?

one of those Ruger 10/22s with a nice light-amplifying 4-10x scope, and a stack of double-sided banana clips FTW

Yeah yeah yeah, there's a million guns with more power, but what other round is as cheap and light? and if i hit you in the neck (or even face) with a hollow point .22LR, you're going the f$&% down. I don't care how Billy Badass you think you are. Sure, you might not die right away. That just means your comrades will be wasting their time taking care of you and dodging the other 10,000 rounds i have in my go-pack. I'd probably hit some of them, too! In the butt, while they're bent over tending to a screaming comrade. LOL

you can lay down suppressive fire for MANY HOURS with the number of .22LR rounds you can carry. Add a homemade silencer, subsonic rounds, infrared shielding and a ghillie suit, and you're the phantom of the forest, baby.

The guys who would be coming for you won't be THAT motivated. And they'll know that you have a bazillion rounds, once they figure out you're shooting 22s.

of course, I don't own any guns anymore. I believe in gun control. Everyone should always be in control of their gun. And everyone should pack heat, but me.

reply to post by Citizen-X


Don't underestimate AK-47's. They're one of the reasons the US lost the Vietnam war. We were using high tech guns with good range and accuracy but they weren't nearly as reliable as the vietcong's low tech AK-47's. Soldiers in Vietnam would pick AK-47's off the dead bodies of their enemies because they were simply more durable and reliable.

My arsenal consists of;

Mosin Nagant M38 7.62x54R, this would be my game rifle.
12ga Maverick 88 with 28" barrel for bird hunting
Hi-Point 995 9mm with TS stock upgrade, CQB defense, shoots good up to 200 yards.
Hi-Point JCP .40S&W for backup, this would be on my hip.
Taurus 24/7C .40S&W, this would be my wife's primary defense.

The rest of my firearms like my rohm RG-10 .22short and H&R model 04 .32S&W will probably not see much use but both are small enough to easilly take with me.

If at all possible i'd try to get my pellet gun with me as well since they are great for taking small game and ammo is cheap and abundant.

For general use, I recommend a rifle and a pistol in 22LR.

You can use the same ammo in each weapon. Ammo is cheap, light and easily transported.

For urban situations, a shotgun would be a good addition to the mix.

Originally posted by ACTS 2:38
reply to post by jeh2324

 

Rounds without magazines is useless.

Parts are not cheap an AR 15 cost from 800.00 and up depending.

Magazines are about 20.00 each and one should have about a min. of 20 30 round mags. that is 600 rounds when loaded.

If long term loading is going to be done load only about 25 rounds per mag. and only ten of the mags every six months change mags to relieve the tension on the springs.

Correct, that's why I said get plenty of clips.

AR-15 can be bought or built from 500-600. I guess 800 is cheap to me, maybe not you??? I have about 2500 in mine...

Mags can be bought for 10 each.

Originally posted by StargateSG7
I think I've got something that'll beat ya'll HANDS DOWN !!!!

500 Watt Rail gun that uses 10 cm long, 3 mm diameter steel rods
that'll be shoved out the muzzle of a linear induction motor
at 60,000 KMH (35,000 MPH) which will go through 30 cm armour
like butter! Range is around 15 to 20 KM (6 to 12 MILES)!!!!

I LIKE THAT KIND OF FIREPOWER IN MY HOT LITTLE HANDS !!!!!!

the exorcise was for when the SHTF,,, not for when your brain hits the fan..

got any backpack nukes?

If I bought a gun would I be on a list for somebody to come out to take if out from my cold dead hands?

reply to post by Cosmic4life


Honestly, in a SHTF, apocalyptic scenario I would go with three trusty weapons. A RELIABLE .22LR (Ruger, Marlin, etc), a 12 ga shotgun (remington 870 with a custom choke and long barrel preferred) and last but not least, a sidearm for worst case scenarios of personal defence (toss up between a 1911 .45 or an H&K USP .45).

The .22 is the most important imo, as the ammunition is WIDELY available everywhere, is lightweight (can carry LOTS of .22LR) and it is the perfect weapon for hunting small game, which would be a, if not THE primary source of food in a SHTF scenario.

The 12 ga is trustworthy and can be used for a wide range of situations and game, with accuracy at range being the only issue.

The .45 ACP sidearm is, as I said, a very handy weapon for self-defense. The .45 is powerful enough to put down any attacker short of a bear. The sidearm is perfect for situations where carrying your primary weapon is not a possibility.

I have all of the above, as well as 7mm and .308 bolt action rifles. You would feel like a badass for a bit carrying around a military-grade assault rifle, but in a pure survival situation, the above listed weapons would be more than enough to see you and yours through, assuming ammunition is available.

The Major generally avoids these discussions because they tend to reflect more armory fantasy than armory reality. The troops responsible for said weapon erotica know who they are, now put down that cleaning rod and listen up.

First and foremost, a firearm has to have something to fire. You pick a caliber that isn't manufactured in massive qualities, you have failed to choose the correct rifle. in the grand old U.S. of A. that would be calibers like .223, .308, .30-06, 30-30 and shotgun gauges 20 & 12. Rimfire need not reply to this issue. AK's and their clone brethren fall short here as well.

Second, what will be the purpose of said rifle? If you are planning firefights in a post apocalyptic world, please kill yourself now and and make the Major sole beneficiary. You are going to worry a Hell of a lot more about food, water, shelter and heat than you are about the nuances of interlocking fields of fire and flanking maneuvers. Separate yourself from the idea of any military style weapon. Semiautomatics will lead to burning up your store of ammo quickly. If you are surviving in a nomadic manner, you will be carrying less than 100 rounds. More weapon weight and ammo means less food, water, and other necessary survival gear.

Third, how durable is the weapon of choice? Will it work with little cleaning and maintenance? That pretty much eliminates the AR series of rifles. Please don't try to engage the Major with anecdotal black rifle stories unless you have one that hasn't been broken down, cleaned and lubricated for 30 years and still shoots A-OK. If you plan on surviving for less than a year you have the Major's permission to buy any damn thing you want.

I'm sure the troops are waiting with baited breath as to what the major recommends. Well, here it is.

I know some of you must think the Major has been marching too long in the heat. The Major assures you he is Mil-Spec on hydration and cognitive functions. The combo rifle in the 12 gauge and .308/.30-06 being ideal. There are other combo possibilities, but let's exam just the aforementioned combination and see if any of the troops can come up with a better solution.

You get two calibers in one lightweight package. 12 gauge offers a tremendous amount of flexibility from slugs and buckshot to the near dust like #12 shot. This ammo is everywhere by the pallet. It has the ability to take down the largest North American game to the smallest of critters. The .308/.30-06 provides a long range component, and with a scope will provide big game hunting capability along with the ability to engage a less than friendly fellow survivalist.

The Major is well aware that this is not a sexy pick. This rifle isn't range bling. Much like a moped and a fat girl, you may not want to let your friends see you shoot it. This rifle will allow you to survive, and the Major is fairly certain that was the original inquiry.

Dismissed.

reply to post by Major Discrepancy


The Major has a developed taste.
I like the combination ready for any/most situations and as the Major correctly points out, ammo is key.
And a fat bird on a moped is always going to serve up some chow right?

Originally posted by Nosred
reply to post by Citizen-X

 

Don't underestimate AK-47's. They're one of the reasons the US lost the Vietnam war. We were using high tech guns with good range and accuracy but they weren't nearly as reliable as the vietcong's low tech AK-47's. Soldiers in Vietnam would pick AK-47's off the dead bodies of their enemies because they were simply more durable and reliable.

I don't underestimate it I have owned them and know the gun very well. It is a 200 yard or less rifle unless it is in a experts hands. it is cheaply made with crappy tolerance's that is why it never fails and also why it is not accurate.



I would take a well made rifle over a stamped out SKS or AK-47 any day. They are cheap for a reason they are not accurate at distance and even at 100 yards do not hold tight groups.



To any one looking to buy a rifle save your money and buy a good rifle it is worth it. The ak-47 does have it's place it just not going to be in my hands. I want a accurate gun not a bullet sprayer.




A accurate cheap gun is a mosin nagat but wiggle the bolt and you will see why they are cheap.

.308 or .30-06 semi auot Garand, or bolt action.
8-10x scope if not garand.
7.62x55 is good choice as well.

about the rocks in the muzzle loader thing

how about
get a mold and sprou(sp?) cutter
lead is easy to come upon these days
its common in all kinds of wreckage, plumbing etc
it melts at a low temperature and is easy to work
if a conical mold is used a small gig for boring hollow points might be helpful too

antimony
It is also used as an alloy, to increase lead's hardness and mechanical strength, as in lead-acid batteries, which is the most common use of antimony.

batteries and a little chemistry reasearch will keep a black powder weapon
supplied for awhile in a post apocolyptic situation
sulfure charcoal potassium nitrate lighter flints

have you ever seen an old fasion boring machine? for barrels
very simple
davey crocketts rifle was made with one

remember those old fashoined punch screw drivers from the old days
with a helical track?
same idea but you need like a one in 42 - 48 twist
the grooves are cut with small pieces of jewlers file at the end of the ream shaft
that you slip tiny peices of paper under to raise as you ream the barrel
just a coupole .1000s is all you neeed

make the mold out of brass
lead doesn't stick to brass
a brass ladle is a good idea too

a little creativity and...
hope this helps some one
if not its a cool hobby








[edit on 13-6-2010 by Danbones]

[edit on 13-6-2010 by Danbones]

reply to post by Cosmic4life


I know you wont like this one im gonna suggest...



Fight fire with fire and you will burst into flames mate.

Find out the reason your here and you will understand my point.

Originally posted by Nosred
reply to post by Citizen-X

 

Don't underestimate AK-47's. They're one of the reasons the US lost the Vietnam war. We were using high tech guns with good range and accuracy but they weren't nearly as reliable as the vietcong's low tech AK-47's. Soldiers in Vietnam would pick AK-47's off the dead bodies of their enemies because they were simply more durable and reliable.

There is a HUGE difference between the m16's that our troops were using then vs what is now available. AK-47s? Eh, not so much. A close friend of mine owns one and he admits himself that while it is fun to shoot, it isnt very much to be proud of. Not to mention when he first bought it he had jamming issues for the first 100 rounds or so.

My RRA Ar-15 has NEVER experienced a jam for about 3,000 rounds so far. This may not be a 30 year test, but its still pretty damn good odds.

A rock will not work in a muzzle loader unless it is perfectly round and exactly the same size as the weapon's bore. If it's too small, expanding gases will escape around it and the rock will not have enough velocity to be useful. If it's too large, it will get stuck in the barrel and probably destroy the gun while possibly injuring the user. If it is not perfectly round, then again, expanding gases will escape around the rock and there won't be enough pressure to make the projectile useful.

Best case scenario, a muzzle loader firing a rock will have the lethality of a slingshot. You know what else has the lethality of a slingshot, but is also very quite and fits in your pocket? A slingshot.

for when it hits fan here is my sugesstions
a bolt action .308 because its more reliable than an semi auto and can bring down most big game and threats and has a long reach out at touch feature with right sites.
a twelve gauge pump with an extended tube magazine good for game an intimidation
a .22 long rifle ruger 10/22 comes to mind or a marlin good for small game
or instead a good bb or pelt rifle also good for small game much lighter ammo so you can carry more no noticeable report.
make sure which ever rifle you use make sure to learn how to use iron sights that come standard in case something happens to your scope. i recently went target practicing with my rifle with some friends only to find out my red dot scope battery was dead because i forgot to turn it off last time i used it. luckily all i had to do was use my flip up sights.

i don't recommend any .50 cal rifles. yes they shoot a mile easily they are really good at 2 things taking out elephants and trucks . plus it would alert people for miles around you r there. remember if you don't want company only take 1 shot and make it count if you take 2 or 3 you might give up your location to bad people.

reply to post by XXXN3O


No offense but you should take you propaganda and stick it were you poop out butterflies and rainbows.



It just goes to show the political nature of the moderation here on ATS. It makes me want to vomit. If you had posted a comment this far off topic in any other thread it would be pulled. Hmm it makes me wonder who is running this show we call ATS.

[edit on 14-6-2010 by Subjective Truth]

Originally posted by darrman

Originally posted by StargateSG7
I think I've got something that'll beat ya'll HANDS DOWN !!!!

500 Watt Rail gun that uses 10 cm long, 3 mm diameter steel rods
that'll be shoved out the muzzle of a linear induction motor
at 60,000 KMH (35,000 MPH) which will go through 30 cm armour
like butter! Range is around 15 to 20 KM (6 to 12 MILES)!!!!

I LIKE THAT KIND OF FIREPOWER IN MY HOT LITTLE HANDS !!!!!!

the exorcise was for when the SHTF,,, not for when your brain hits the fan..

got any backpack nukes?

I was mostly being facetious and sarcastic....and I can assure you that
have NO back-pack nukes ...BUT I DO HAVE 2000 frames per second
synthetic vision & object recognition software attached to a gymballed
and gyroscopically stabilized mount that contains a 2000MM custom
built steroscopic lens attached to both an Infra-red and Optical sensor
array at a FULL 1920 by 1080 pixels. The 16 core processor DOES
work at 3.2 billion cycles a second and it quite consistently tracks
about 64,000+ objects per second!

I put a 200 round per minute custom built paintball gun on the mount
which allows my system to VERY ACCURATELY find, recognize, track,
target and "kill" it's targets quite consistently and quite automatically
using JUST vision recognition.

I could EASILY EXPAND the system's size to handle a "real" weapon
such as a true rail-gun or a 6000 round per minute Gatling gun, but
since i'm in Canada they rather frown upon such an exercise.

Anyways, my system was originally designed for high end
imaging with built-in moving object recognition and tracking
NOT for use as a killing machine, but after putting the paintball gun
on it, I could kinda see that it's use COULD BE expanded into use
in a SHTF scenario...NOT THAT I'D WANT THAT TO
HAPPEN OF COURSE !!!!!

but since this was an exercise in free thought, I thought I'd put my
observations out there since I have a bit of a penchant for watching
post-apocalyptic thrillers on TV and on Youtube!

Sometimes I think that SOME PEOPLE WANT a SHTF scenario to happen
just so they can act upon their simplistic mindsets of ruthlessly and without
moral reservation...Blow Stuff Up or Blow People Away. While I don't ABIDE
or SUPPORT such naked desires, I can kinda see why some people have a
fascination with big guns that blow stuff ...or people...up real good!

reply to post by Danbones



I'm not going to laugh, that 22cal has a few secrets up its sleeve not many know of.
Thousands and thousands of rounds carry easily and a semi is messing an unwanted up pretty quickly.
I'll keep the big-n-loud for when I want to announce my presence miles away.
Smart thinkin Danbones