[AH-1]

300 meters who needs a scope

[Quentin]

In the US Army I received M14 rifle training and qualified and drilled with it almost two years before I went to Vietnam in Feb 1968 where I carried the M14 and for a short while the M16. Never qualified with the M16 nor had formal training but I liked it better once I figured it out. I was pretty good about keeping my rifle maintained so no real problems with either.

Today I have a 16" AR in 5.56 and an AK/WASR-10. Got the AK four years ago and built the AR last year. I feel confident with both but for me the AR is the rifle I'd reach for on a real bad day. I would love to have an M1A/M14, M1 Garand or M1 Carbine but mainly for the history, not as a battle rifle today.

[mach1337]

Hey guys, new to the forum and just gonna give my personal opinion on this one. I am active duty Navy and we are trained on the m-16 mainly but i have had to qualify on the m-16 baretta m9 single and twin 50's m-240 and 25mm aa guns. Having said that i have never had fromal trainin on m-14 or m1a platform but for wtshtf i would personally like to have both ar platfrom and a m-14 platform.

I have shot hk fal, cetme, sk's, ak's and like them all but personally the .308 or 7.62x51 has the power i would need/want for the distance shots plus its great from bigger game that you would end up hunting to supliment your supplies. Which is where i would like a m1a or socom by personal preference. i would get one for hunting and shtf situations as a secondary purpose.

Also having been trained on the ar platform i would want one for moving thru urban and close quarters terrain. i like the sig 556 again just a personal preference of looks sig reputation. and it would be used for multi target less the 200 yard shots.

I would also carry my Springfield XDM 9mm as a side arm for those really close situations.

Man tax time needs to hurry up and get here i want to order a sig or a socom lol

[AH-1]

pssst just a hint from a old beat up G.I. dump the 9mm and get a 45 xd or 1911.it was a sad day when I turned in my colt for that POS M9.

pete

[Jim1611]

I've wondered to myself what I'd grab in a hurry if push comes to shove and I'm faced with vacating my home in the wake of some type of attack. I have also thought of what would be the most useful if I were on the run. It needs to fit a variety of needs. In reading about the Alaskan Scouts during WWII they often used their own personal rifles and some even carried Colt Woodsmans. They seemed to be well equipped. I think a bayonet would definately be worthwhile to be able to put into use.

Just some random thoughts.

[Route 66 Rambler]

My favorite of all is probably the M1A. Price is an issue at this point in time for me. Nothing wrong with any of the M16s in my book, either. Keep 'em clean, like you should with any gear, and you will be fine.

I agree with the idea of grabbing what you're most comfortable with. That's why, in addition to a semi-auto "assault" rifle, I would like to carry a Model 98 Winchester straight stock in .30-.30

For the battle rifle, I'm currently running a very nice AKM from Lancaster that is put together very well, and feels nothing like the average AK, it's missing the rattles and hits very well out to around 300 M. I like them because they're just heavy enough to steady things, like the M1A, without being too heavy to lug around.

7.62x39 is ballistically similar to the .30-.30, and for proper hunting where you stalk your prey down to a 75 foot shot, they will take down some pretty big stuff. I've witnessed 5.56 in several lengths ricochet off the head of a boar or a javelina.

[Angry_bald_guy]

I don't care for up close situations, so my SHTF weapon will also be my hunting weapon. .308 bolt action. My 1911 will take care of anything too close for comfort. I suppose if I had to choose, I would go with an AR 10 just to keep Ammo the same.

[mach1337]

Originally Posted by AH-1

pssst just a hint from a old beat up G.I. dump the 9mm and get a 45 xd or 1911.it was a sad day when I turned in my colt for that POS M9.

pete

i have a kimber 1911 45 as well i think my next pistol will be a xdm 45 the 13 round one there pretty sweet! and as far as 9mm vs 45 they both get the job done especially if you have some hollow points in there. 19+1 in the 9 or 8+1 in the 45. that and i just like shootin the xd for target practice and cheaper on ammo!

[Phelenwolf]

I have several 7.62mm Battle Rifles that I would not sell for anything. FAL, Cetme, M1A, to name a few. But the best one I have was at a local pawn shop about 10yrs ago. I saw a M-1 Garand on the rack for sale for $550. Looked it over and noticed it was a National Match built rifle. Well need less to say I parted with the money plus $50 more for a .50 cal ammo can fully loaded with 8rd clips.

[TexasShooter]

Interesting discussion and about as many different preferences as there are guns out there. I initially qualified on the M14, qualified expert on M16 and M9 and I've collected, owned and shot almost everything out there.
A few have mentioned the tactical situation and that has to be considered of course, but to be honest I'll take an AK platform hands down any day of the week just for reliabilities' sake and the fact that we're discussing live or die real world situations here....
On that note, of all my guns I'd probably grab my Galil with folding stock in 5.56 for several reasons- proven reliable AK platform, 35 round clips, great peep sights, it's never failed to eat whatever I feed it, and it's built like a tank. (not to mention I also have about 800 rounds of ammo)
If I had it in 7.62 like the IMI ones imported back in the 80's that would be even better, my second choice would be an SA58 in para configuration.
PTR 91's are also near the top of the list as well...
(just my 2 cents)