Survival/Defense...if only one rifle?
 

Here's what I want: .22LR hunting rifle for small game, a larger .30-06 hunting rifle for deer, a .223 AR-15 for home defense, a 7.62mm for country defense.

But, I really only want one rifle for now. I want to be ready for SHTF. I want something that could bag small game without exploding them in half, but big enough to give a good chance of bagging larger game. I also want something with a magazine so I could use if for defense against zombies or tyrannical governments (not a single shot bolt-action). It also needs to use ammo that is a little less expensive, easier to obtain, and easy to reload if I learn how.

I know, I really should have different tools for each need, but what should I buy right now? Please!!

I have been giving this some thought and my conclusion is that a bolt action rifle with a barrel in the 20 inch range chambered in a heavy pistol round would be about right. This would point to a Ruger 77-44 though I don't know much about that particular rifle.

SHTF, Small Game, Deer..... Get the .223 like this:

DPMS Panther Bull Twenty 223, 20 Inch, A3 Upper, Bull Barrel, Fluted barrel, Vented handguard

http://www.firearmstalk.com/gallery/...-bull20-a3.jpg

I have to go with dunerunner on this one....one rifle for everything, 223.

Yep .223 might be it
 

I've been doing more reading on this since putting up the thread.

How about the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle in .223 and get a high-capacity magazine? You get the small size of .22 for smaller game, but the high speed/energy of the .223.

Spend a little more IMHO, and get the DPMS or equivilant AR.

Got to agree with my fellow patriots...go with an ar15 platform.
1. Great for self defense, shtf, goverment dethronement, etc. 223
2. You can purchase a 22lr conversion and shot it from the same gun by changing bolt and mag.
3. If u want long distance u can buy an 50 cal upper for it.
4. You can even buy a 410 upper for it this days.
All using the same platform.
Just buy the upper and ammo of choice.

1 rifle=multiple options. :)

I'll have to go along with the .223 for the reasons stated above.

Ok a few qualifying questions.
#1 Are we in shtf survival mode or shtf rid the country of bad guys mode?
#2 What is the reason for being limited to just one weapon.
#3 Urban or wilderness?
The answers to these questions would influence the choice a lot I would think.

Only one weapon because I want to be ready right now! I can get more weapons in the near to far future, but I want one TODAY that can do everything (sort of), just in case the SHTF this week.

Always be ready.

I am in a city, but near the wilderness.

I want to be ready for societal collapse AND "You don't get to take my country over!" sorta thing.