[locutus]

If the question is "best" overall SHTF rifle, I'd say the colt AR-15.

For however much (or little) it's worth, this is my opinion based on my personal experiences.

I have the Colt LE6940, but the less expensive 6920 will serve you just as well if you don't care for the extra features.

An AK or SKS will get the job done also, of course, but the question was about the best.

A quality bolt gun is another option, and in some scenarios would even be superior. But for "overall best" I personally consider a quality AR the top choice.

[robertb6112]

A bow and arrow and go tribal. Haha.

[purehavoc]

I guess what Im getting after is there are alot of mil spec guns out there less than $1000 . I would not even take a $1500 mil spec rifle to battle or SHTF that has not yet proven its self with many thousand rounds thru it . We all know every manufacturer kicks out a turd every now and then even the high dollar AR manufacturers , its just happens .
I have several mil spec rifles one special one of which I really treat like the red headed step child and it has roughly 6300 rds thru it , never been cleaned up since new
" yes the chamber looks like sh!t , its real nasty " , cheap used magpul crap on it , its not as nice looking or as high dollar as my other rifles but thats the one Im taking with me , Why? To me its a proven rifle , that many many rounds down the pipe without a hitch and I paid $599 from PSA back in Dec of last yr , Only additions are magpul handguard stock and grip which I got used and paid $50 for it all , So I have $650 in a 16" mil spec rifle that to me is battle worthy and proven ,

[lbwar15]

Ar 15 hands down.

[lbwar15]

[QUOTE="Mosin"]

Mil spec trigger and bcg, mpi (magnetic particle inspected) parts, etc...

Isn't the S&W all these things?

[YankeeTactical-com]

Both the AR-15 and the AK-47 are good choices for power, penetration and ammo is abundant. But isn’t it a question of the right tool for the right job? How do you see yourself surviving in your SHTF world?

I would think that examining issues like the need to hunt for food: small or large game? Urban or rural setting? Single shot or semi auto? Combat against who? Might lead you to your conclusion.

.22LR survival rifles provide short range protection, a steep mastery curve and the ability to purchase and carry thousands of rounds for low cost. Small game is your target.

9mm offers 1970s to 1990s Special Forces units all over the world with excellent ballistics at short ranges for protection and is another inexpensive lower recoil round.

SHTF scenarios focus on the ease of replenishing your ammo with the most common currently available. Consider what you can carry if you are not going to operate from a base and how long you see yourself being self sufficient. The guy with an empty AK isn’t much of a threat to the loaded. .22LR.

YankeeTactical.com

[lbwar15]

I would say AR in 5.56/.223. It is a battle proven platform. It is capable of hitting targets out to 600 yards. It is lighter than the AK as long as you don't have all that useless crap on it. It has less recoil than the AK. It has a high capacity. Mags going from 5rnd to 100rnd and even more if you go belt fead. The ammo is light so you can carry more of it. The ammo is extremely cheap. You can find a box of .223 for $5 everyday. And some times less if you buy in bulk, load your own, or at a gun show, or even on seal somewhere. Plus out Leo and military use the platform so parts and ammo is everywhere and will be easy to find on the ground when shtf. And not saying a m855 or other fmj will be good for hunting (after all they are used to kill people) but there is a huge selection of hunting ammo and HP. Ware the 22lr limits you to small game and a shorter range. The 5.56/.223 will be a grate round for anything from tree rats to deer (and I'm sure even bigger animals). The only limit an AR15
has is the operator. That gun will do whatever you need it to.

[John_Deer]

Since carrying a lot of heavy ammo is out of the question. Eskimo's kill over 75% of the game they shoot in one shot. I would have to go with a Marlin X7 chambered in 22 wmr. I could get 100 rounds in the same box as 20 5.56 rounds. Eskimo's are the ultimate survivors. Their round of choice is a 22 wmr. For a bug out to be successful you have to avoid conflict at all costs, not seek it.

[locutus]

In a SHTF scenario, everyone swinging Richard is going to be shooting animals. Game will disappear in 48 hours. Hunting won't be an option except in the most remote areas. Will you be on horseback? If not, you won't be eating game.

IMHO, thousands of rounds of .22 will be useless.

If you need more than the basic 210 round combat load out of 5.56, you're screwed. how many folks do you think you'll be able to kill before one of them kills you???

[indykappa]

Originally Posted by locutus

If you need more than the basic 210 round combat load out of 5.56, you're screwed. how many folks do you think you'll be able to kill before one of them kills you???

I think this is spot on. I will get a few marauding SOBs, but one of them will probably get me eventually