[DrumJunkie]

Originally Posted by Proagie

What would be your top 5 choices for a SHTF .22 semi-auto rifle, that would be adequate for self-defense and hunting purposes? (best to least best)

A 10-22 or a marlin/Glenfield 60. ..That's it.
I have 10-22's set up a few different ways (from 16" to 22" bbl. I love the accuracy and they've proven themselves dependable. Even though I do like a Ruger more I've yet to see a Marlin that couldn't shoot well. I'm rebuilding one now that was treated pretty bad. I look forward to seeing what she'll do when she's brought back to glory. It's an old style Glenfield 60.

I don't care much for tactical 22's. I've shot several and they do well. It's just I feel like I should be drive by-ing squirrels or something. I do have one that looks lie a AK (armscor) I got in a trade a while back. I guess it's my commie 22...heh

Anyway, There are plenty good 22 rifles out there. Most are pretty good rifles. It's really hard to go wring with a Ruger, Marlin. Those SW 15-22's are real good shooters if a more tactical look and feel is your cup of tea. I've seen a few of the Mossbergs but have not shot one...yet.

At the end of the day a 22 (or few) is a must have for any collection no matter the size. As to the killing power of a 22...One just has to look at how many people have been rendered dead by one over the years. Sure there's stories about this or that but a whole lot of people got just as dead with a 22. Maybe not the most ideal dependent on the situation but there is no denying the history.

[Jeff56]

There's more people killed by them because a lot more people are shot by them. It's never a "top choice" for SD period.

[chloeshooter]

Agreed that a .22 is not a defensive round, exception very close range. I don't want to be at close range. Any body armor at all defeats the .22lr. I'll stick with my .40 S&W and my 12 gauge

I love my Ruger 10/22. Most dependable firearm I own and cheap to shoot. But just because you dress it up with badazz AR plastic doesn't mean it's gonna be badazz.......it's still a .22

Don't get me wrong, a .22 beats having nothing at all. It's not a battle rifle tho

[HockaLouis]

A shotgun isn't magic. And the pellets are not heavy rocket-ship-shaped bullets but round balls and the notion that one pellet will disable someone is, ready, way off target. A certain amount of energy and penetration in the right places is still required but a few hits of buckshot (for HD I recommend any smaller than #00 Buck for sure) at close range will almost certainly stop someone short.

[BRAD313]

Marlin 60 n a 10/22. handgun kel tec pmr 30 22 mag

[bamashooter68]

A .22lr may not be a first choice for SD but I guarantee if you break into my home and I get my 10/22 in my hands you will not be walking out. Especially at inside the house ranges. Ive killed many a critter in my lifetime with a 22 rifle that includes deer,coyote, bobcat, racoon, groundhog, beaver, opossum, dog, cat, squirrel and assorted birds. It may not be the first choice for most shooting situations but its capable of handling alot of the fairly well in my opinion.

For a SHTF situation I would carry 1 22lr because I would want a semi auto 223 and a good long range shooter like my Handi-Rifle 243 or my Remington made 1903a3. If one was all I was taking it would be a 10/22. It would be unwise in my opinion to underestimate what a 22lr can do.

[chloeshooter]

Originally Posted by bamashooter68

It would be unwise in my opinion to underestimate what a 22lr can do.

Agreed the 22lr can be very lethal under certain circumstances. Where do you live that you can take deer with a 22lr by the way?

Anyway I think it is equally dangerous to over-estimate what a 22lr can do as well. If you are up against a bigger badder caliber (which would not be uncommon) you would be limited assuming all else was equal.

That said, if there ever was a SHTF scenario that caused me to bug-out with my firearms, you bet I'll be bringing the 10/22 and a few thousand rounds as well. Can't do that on foot with my 30-06 or 12 gauge

[molonlabexx]

Ruger 10/22 with 25 rounds mags. .22 lr is scarce at the moment but can still be found.

[Curlyjoe_99]

to let the sillyness slide i'll get back on point.

If I could only have a 22lr? and 5000 rounds

Oh! and unmodified
semi auto matic (10/22 for me) but the marlin is it's equal.
a semi auto pistol. browning or ruger for me
a bolt rifle. ya know those really old looking ones
a collapsible. henry ar7 for me or another take down
a military clone. AR or MG type

that's my order of preference

the 10/22-Marlin is a more than decent hunting rifle and the semi auto could be the difference over a bolt or lever
the pistol for the same but a revolver could step in
a bolt rifle looks less threatening but can be used for lethal purpose
the collapsible to tuck in a crate or pack
the military looking ones are last on my list because while they allow for carrying of more rounds, they tend to be heavy and just by being seen, they make you the target for those that may think its a 556 etc.

Just my $.02

[Sentry18]

Marlin 795. The most accurate out of the box .22 semi-auto rifle I have ever fired. Not to mention one of the most reasonably priced. The Marlin 60 is also a great gun and you don't have to worry about magazines.

On a side note, my 795's were made when Marlin was Marlin. I have no experience with Remington made Marlin guns.