The author has a different take than usual on a "Hard Times" rifle. Good video on a CZ 550 in 243 and a Ruger 10/22 both kitted out for adult sized problems.
Both good ideas for arming yourself without spending $2,500 on a black rifle and optics that make you stand out like Darth Vader at a Cub Scout meeting.
The CZ550 has a barrel length full stock...it is so beautiful it makes my teeth hurt!
More at http://www.opensourcesurvival.com/.
The vids are about 1/2 way down the page.
CZ makes excellent rifles, although, in addition to easy to acquire ammunition, you should also consider how easy it is to find parts. CZs aren’t as popular in the US as your typical Winchesters, Kimbers, etc. Although the CZ 500 uses a Mauser M98 like action, it isn’t a match to the Mauser so you can’t just swap parts from a Mauser. That isn’t saying I wouldn’t buy one, just a consideration for the ‘hard times’ criteria.
I bought a .243 Winchester at a gun show this past winter in Springfield, MO. It is the Ranger model with a lower cost wood stock.
I mounted a Bushnell 3-10 X 50 scope which is plenty big and bright.
I don’t think the original owner fired the rifle more than five times. There are no scratches or dings in the wood or on the blue steel.
For a “Hard Times” rifle I’d only consider calibers where ammunition would be obtainable. To me, that means eeither .30-06 or .308 Win, which would be available because of .30-06’s popularity, and .308 Winchester’s military cousin the 7.62x51mm NATO.
.243 Winchester is a great hunting round, but not a caliber you’ll easily find or be able to trade for. It’s nice to plan to do your own reloading, but if you are forced to relocate, you’re not going to pack you Dillon press with you.
The deer will be long gone before you are able to shoot one. Probably three weeks, certainly three months.
Try a pellet gun with 5,000 rounds (20 bucks?) for shooting birds and the odd rabbit or squirrel.
The guys with large calibre muzzle loaders, muskets or rifles, will continue to shoot long after your ammo has run out. .54 calibre flint lock for instance. Large calibres for defense and capable of being used as shot guns.
Try this on for size. http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
Here in deer country a .243 is a “boy’s gun”.
My friend was lamenting that of his guns the closest to an AR was his 30-30, I pointed out that since he can't afford to change that, console himself with the fact that it is a fine rifle and nondescript.
Carrying a sexy AR is like walking down the street with 100s poking out of your shirt pocket, when the law is gone and chaos reigns, it stirs lust in the hearts of individuals who normally would not want to prey on you.
Carrying a Lamborghini in your arms could make you a target for an ambush solely for the rifle, from many people who have no other interest in you.
Little over 20 years ago I made up this scout rifle from a $90.00 FN K-98 Mauser the Israelis had rebarreled to 7.62x51 back in the 1960s.
Casting my own boolits, it is good to go for small game to outsized zombies. For small game, 100 grain boolits at very quite whisper loads at subsonic velocities are accurate out to beyond 50 yards. For large game or the aggressive variety, 200 grain boolits at 2,000 fps are more than adequate. Cast boolits are an overlooked option for most people. but if big brother should suddenly shut down factory ammo or J-word bullets for reloading, cast boolit molds for center fire rifles and handguns could keep one going without a hiccup.
[IMG]http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TANSTAAFL-2/Scout2.jpg[/IMG]
How I did it, skip the MN (which is my dedicated truck gun) and scroll down to the Mauser at link: http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/early.html#
Probably not wise to discuss what plans you’ve made for trouble in public.
I've got just a bit over $400 spent in the build of my most recent *black rifle,* actually more of a green rifle, since it's a pretty close dupilcate of a Canadian Army C8A1 carbine. And so far as looking like Darth vader at a Cub Scout meeting, I'd rather look like Porky Pig in a mosque.
.243 is a fantastic caliber. Savage rifles can take an aftermarket Choate folding stock, producing a 700 yard sniper rifle that can fit into a backpack or valise.
