[M Kehoe]

A side arm, a shotgun and a rifle.

Semi auto side arm and rifle, pump shotgun.

Maybe a 1911 (.45), 12 gauge (00), and 300, 30.06?

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

5.56mm

[Pollster1]

If you were to only have Three Guns for Survival . . .

- A 12 gauge Remington 870 to shoot the guy who said I could only have three guns
- A .22LR rifle and .22 LR pistol, both for small game and for self-defense where I could carry a lot of ammo
- A center fire rifle and center fire pistol for self-defense and large game (both bolt and semi-auto for the rifle, both revolver and semi-auto for the pistol)
- others as toys and for backup.

[G Larry]

Well, it does depend on whether “survival” situation is due to civil unrest, or just out in the wild.

S&W 686 7rd
Rem 1100 12 gauge
Henry 22 LR (in the wild)
or
AR-15 (civil unrest)

[upchuck]

All in the family:

Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm pistol

Kel-Tec SU-22E 22LR rifle

Kel-Tec KSG 12ga shotgun

[ought-six]

I agree with the .357 magnum revolver, because it will take standard .38 Special, .38+P, and .357 mag. Thus, it is very versatile re: ammo.

I’d also insist on a .22 LR rifle, either a Marlin 60 or a Ruger 10/22. In a bolt action, I’d go with a Marlin 25.

Finally, a 12-gauge Remington 870.

[Rappini]

Got them all no worries.

[PLMerite]

German Krupp K5(E) 28cm Railway Gun:

Some assembly required.

[bgill]

And a .38 special.

[Windflier]

Opinions about brands and caliber preferences on this question lead straight into the weeds. Cutting through the clatter, I’d just opine that, for basic survival, one should have:

1. A rifle capable of knocking down large game or predators, with accuracy, and at distances up to several hundred yards.

2. A pistol for up close and personal protection, which is capable of knocking down most large mammals.

3. A shotgun for hunting, and defense against multiple attackers/predators.

[NELSON111]

Survival or SHTF survival. Those are two different things. If regular “survival in the wilderness” it would be a .22, 12 gauge and .45. For SHTF, .22, 12 gauge and an AR-15.

[Pollster1]

In the first 88 posts:

8 votes for the AK

13 votes for the 1911

13 votes for an AR

15 for the .357

21 for a 12 gauge

28 for the .22LR (with a lot of specific preferences)

There are also a few Glocks, a few bolt rifles, and a few other choices, but most of the picks are listed above.

____________________________________________________________

One firearm that didn’t get enough mention is the Henry Survival Rifle, which is perfect for members of the FR Boating Club. It floats!

[nonsporting]

“Survival” is key here.

Since the limit is three(3) firearms, this calls for careful consideration:

1. A 22lr rifle is needed for small game harvesting while preserving meat. Is low report will also permit better sound security. An improvised suppressor can be constructed.

2. In stead of a HG for CQB, an accurate carbine (AR15) chambered in a superior cartridge is a much more flexible choice. This can be carried as a sidearm, but it will handle threats out to 300 yards.

3. Beyond 300 yards an accurate, scoped rifle in a commonly available cartridge (308Win) addresses operational requirements not handled by choise 1 and 2. This rifle will take any game on the NA continent while permitting the engagement of threats out to 800 yards.

Each cartridge serves a special purpose which are key for survival.

[Born to Conserve]

“For survival” can mean many things.

A .22 rifle would be on any list.

[Mr. Blond]

Who wants to lug around 3 guns in a survival situation, let alone a heavy 12ga. A versatile 5.56 is probably all you want.

[archy]

M68 main gun. *Only* a 105, but I know exactly what I'm doing with one,and the smaller ammunition allows 63 rounds to be carried as a basic load. Co-ax? I'm happy with either an M240 in 7,62 or an old M37 Browning gun in .30-06. 6000 rounds in the ready tray, please, and about 12,000 more in cans on the floor for top-ups and reloads. A German MG3 would do, or a Russian PKT, if that's all there's ammo for. No old M73 or M219, however, please!

And, of course, an M2 .50 in or on top of the commander's cupe or on a Chrysler gun mount. Not an M85, though the gun's okay, but the ammo any grunts or wheelies have along will be more likely to be canned up in links for the M2. About a thousand rounds inside, and about double that outside in the bustle rack should do, 30 or 35-cans worth in all. If I've got a qualified commander, that's fine; if not, I can shoot from the TCs position. I've got an okay driver, and breaking in a new loader isn't much of a chore. On the way!

[Svartalfiar]

This fully depends on the type of survival situation. Out in the wilderness alone/small group? Your main concern are lightweight and hunting small game - .22 rifle, 12ga, and probably a mid-sized bolt action rifle. In the city in a rioting lawless survival situation? Shotgun again, and you’ll probably want a decent AR and the .357 revolver or .45 1911 as well. Zombie survival? .22 rifle for food and a pair of shotguns for dual-wielding purposes.

Mainly, are you surviving against animals or crazed humans? City or wilderness?