Posted on 02/18/2009 8:16:22 PM PST by goose the rio
You all were so helpful with a question on seeds the other day that I have another one for you. Preparing for the most basic needs of a SHTF scenario, I have a wonderful shotgun and .22. As far as adding a high power rifle goes, I know what I'd LIKE to have but that's another story. Is there a consensus on a quality-made, affordable rifle, and what should I expect to pay? Would it be a bad idea to buy from a pawn shop?
For those of you who seem to like to "notice" these things, yes, it's my second post ever on FR. Doesn't make me evil. Thanks.
I never thought I would see the day!
You have to stop listening to the wife :)
They’re more accurate than most modern sporting rifles. As a combat rifle, they’re pretty clunky.
If you want to go cheap, look at the Russian Saiga .308 AK Hunting Rifle.
Bushy sells a .308, so does DPMS but consider building up one. Parts are hard to come by, particularly LPK’s, barrels and BCG’s but they are out there if you’re willing to look around and be a little patient but in the end I think you end up with a better rifle.
Nice thing about going with an AR-type is the ability to easily add a .22lr conversion kit for cheaper shooting. As for the FAL, they’re great rifles in fact I wish I had been able to pick up one of those ‘kits’ that was readily available 5 yrs ago. I’m content with an AR platform but we should all be worried about ammo right now.
Dude, if you’re really a gun guy, you can NEVER have too many guns. Just lie down until the feeling passes.
There are so many variables, it’s hard to recommend one rifle. For basic self-defense and all around use, I’d say a SKS. (If you can still find one).
I don’t forsee too many rogue elephants in my future. Something in the 7.62 range would be way more practical.
Just stick with the good old Remington 700.
I’d buy a Savage bolt in .308 with decent glass
simple as that if you only want one
That's a Curio and Relics FFL. Costs $30 for 3 years and pretty easy to get, allows dealers to sell you "collectible" weapons directly, including direct shipping. Some places like Midway USA will also give you dealer pricing if you have one. Check out cruffler.com for more info...
Thank you!
I didn’t realize a Curio and Relics FFL only costs $30. Would I need a state license too? I would assume I wouldn’t be concealing it, unless in my car is concealing it.
Get something in 7.62 x 39, i.e. an AK. Most reliable weapon in the world. Ammo everywhere.
Savage. Get yourself a Savage bolt gun in a “long” action - .270, .30-06, etc.
Why Savage? Because you can change the barrels and headspace them yourself, without a ‘smith, and that matters if things get kinky.
.270 or .30-06 because the long action calibers have brass available in abundance (the .270, .280, .25-06, .35 Whelen, .338-06, etc) are all based off -06 brass.
All these loads have more than enough oomph to do anything you need in the lower 48.
Savage rifles give you the most accuracy for the money. Purists don’t like them because of the barrel lock nut forward of the receiver - it looks ugly to fans of the Rem700 and Win70 rifles. Yes, it’s ugly.
But you wanted a SHTF rifle, and one has to think about parts and repairs.
Why would anyone in the world want something that foolish?
Simple!...Try that in CA!
That mini 14 you think is so reliable is notorious for jamming with anything but fmj factory loads.
Our Walmart’s out of all but 38’s and 12 gage (NorCal)
Savage model 10 or 11 package with a generic scope (3-9x40) in 30-06 or 308.
It’s not ‘top of the line’ but it exceeds the capability of all but expert shooters.
Recommend 30-06 or 308 ‘cause they’re the common calibers and get the job done. Fancy magnums are good, but expensive and hard to find.
Yep. 3X9 scope or a little more, don't be stingy on the optics 'cause the rifle will keep up just fine. Very good rifles for the money.
I have had good luck with Marlin lever actions, too, very accurate out of the box, but the bolt action rifle is simpler.
I haven’t seen anyone suggest a lever action rifle in 30-30, Marlin or Winchester make some nice ones. Probably pick one up new in the 250-350 price range.
The Russian surplus rifles are nice, there are also Mausers around that are good to go. When you pick up a rifle for bad times, remember to check around and see if there are spare parts kits available. Nothing like being surrounded by hungry zombies with a pile of ammo and a broken firing pin...
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