imo
FAL if we are talking 7.62 Nato battle rifles. Imbel or DSA. Most reliable, eats all ammo and is proven all over the world. Only downside is getting plenty of mags. PTR is a nice rifle but u have to watch bolt gap and picky with ammo, also bulky. Mags are cheap though. FAL with 1-4x red dot is super ergonomic and handles easy, also will excel in most engagements which likely will take place under 200 yards. .308 or 7.62x51 runs fine in FAL and in shtf it will be around as much as some other common stuff.
M1a Scout squad would be my other go to battle rifle with red dot optic.
In assault rifle category...i’d go with AkM. Bulgy, Russian Vepr...chf barrel, side optic rail and tons of surplus mags.
I've never fired either rifle but all the forums say exactly the opposite; that the FAL is picky but the PTR-91 has no problems with steel ammo because of the CETME blowback design.
Honestly, I'm "this" close to picking up a cast-receiver Voyager from DS Arms.
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I just don't know if I want to deal with an adjustable gas plug. Another selling point of the PTR --no adjustments necessary.
I like my DSA FN FAL but I would be hard pressed to take it over my Armalite AR10t, not when the Armalite shoots .5 MOA. I would be hard pressed to leave that FAL behind though. I think the wife needs to become proficient on it.