On my hunting forum in TX these type questions come up allot. While I don’t get involved in the discussions much I have given it plenty of thought. Now I’m sure many will disagree with my fist statement but here it goes.
The one thing you won’t find on my list will be a semi-auto anything or double action revolvers due to reliability concerns.
1. Good quality single action 22 with a minimum of a 6 inch barrel. (My choice would be a Ruger single six.)
2. Good quality single action convertable in 45 LC/45 ACP with a minimum of a 6 inch barrel. (My choice would be the Ruger Blackhawk convertable in the above calibers.)
3. Good quality O/U or SxS shotgun in 12 ga.
4. Good quality bolt action in 308. (This rifle must have a Mauser claw action type extractor. Let me add I’m no fan of the 308 but in this case that would be my choice.)
5. Heres where I throw a wrench into the works. My fifth choice would be a good recurve bow. First I’m very comfortable with a recurve been shooting them for over 50 years, second there may be time when you don’t want everybody and their dog knowing where your at.
How about a crossbow? They are available at sporting goods stores and “silent but deadly”. I am planning on getting one. My collection so far:
Remington 12 gauge
8 mm WW2 German mauser with Zeise scope
6.5 mm WW2 Caracano
Glock P27
I also have a black powder rifle and pistols which could certainly be used in a pinch. I am planning on trading the .40 Glock for a 9mm.
“The one thing you won’t find on my list will be a semi-auto anything or double action revolvers due to reliability concerns.”
I agree completely. A crossbow rather than a recurved bow would be easier for the average person.
Single shots are easily repaired. Semis and double actions have too many moving parts and would require the ministrations of a gunsmith to repair. Which would be extremely expensive in a SHTF scenario. And expensive comes in many different forms.