TexasPatriot.308
Member
my Sears & Roebuck single shot bolt action has been with me for almost 50 years..my new choice would be a 10/22.
survival .22?
- Thread starter ccsniper
- Start date
- Status
Domino
Member
I prefer the new Marlin Papoose for a survival .22LR rifle. Generally I think bolt actions of a more powerful caliber would be the best choice for durability and simplicity in a survival rifle, but if I am using the .22LR I would want an autoloader to get off multiple fast shots if I need to. Given the marginal effects of the .22LR on medium sized game past 50 yards it will probably take more than one to finish the job. A lever action would be next choice but I haven't found one that has the features I am looking for.
Why the Papoose? Because its portable, durable, reliable, and is versitile. Mine gets sub quarter sized groups with CCI 40g RN Mini Mags and is 100% reliable with it. I personally feel that heavy, high velocity round nose is the best choice for a survival .22LR. It causes less destruction on small game than HP and it penetrates larger animals better.
I attached a picatinny rail on mine to accomidate standard scope rings, I currently have a 1.5-4.5X bushnell scope and I am working on getting some backup peep sights. I have an SU-16 rear sight that works perfectly and I am going to get a front sight assembly from Tech Sights. Additionally the stock is hollow and I can put 200 rounds in plastic bags in there. I also have a modified shotgun stock shell holder that fits five 10 round magazines in it. So I can have a gun with optics and and 250 rounds of ammunition in a small bag that weighs about 6 or 7 lbs. I would just throw this bag in my larger survival pack with other neccesary items and I would at least have a rifle if I needed it.
Why the Papoose? Because its portable, durable, reliable, and is versitile. Mine gets sub quarter sized groups with CCI 40g RN Mini Mags and is 100% reliable with it. I personally feel that heavy, high velocity round nose is the best choice for a survival .22LR. It causes less destruction on small game than HP and it penetrates larger animals better.
I attached a picatinny rail on mine to accomidate standard scope rings, I currently have a 1.5-4.5X bushnell scope and I am working on getting some backup peep sights. I have an SU-16 rear sight that works perfectly and I am going to get a front sight assembly from Tech Sights. Additionally the stock is hollow and I can put 200 rounds in plastic bags in there. I also have a modified shotgun stock shell holder that fits five 10 round magazines in it. So I can have a gun with optics and and 250 rounds of ammunition in a small bag that weighs about 6 or 7 lbs. I would just throw this bag in my larger survival pack with other neccesary items and I would at least have a rifle if I needed it.
win71
Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2005
- Messages
- 694
Keep the Sears & Roebuck
Not a good thing for a survival type rifle.
I don't particularly like that big bulky wide Ruger rotary magazine. It's difficult to carry spares and if you should loose the only one you have you will end up with a fairly expensive single shot rifle that is difficult to load.
Not a good thing for a survival type rifle.
You know, large bolt action military rifles often have 'traps' for storing a cleaning kit and have no problems with stability or strength (meant to still be used as a club/spear in bayonet use). I'd suggest an 'adult sized' bolt action 22 with a wood or synthetic stock could be drilled out to fit ALL of that stuff and not suffer any ill effects for strength and accuracy.
I recall Les Stroud stored 5 rounds and a fire starter under the recoil pad of his .22.. it's not a stretch of the imagination to create 2 or three 'tubes' of stuff to fit into a full sized stock--you used to see that in "Rambo" style knives all the time.
I recall Les Stroud stored 5 rounds and a fire starter under the recoil pad of his .22.. it's not a stretch of the imagination to create 2 or three 'tubes' of stuff to fit into a full sized stock--you used to see that in "Rambo" style knives all the time.
SniperJon
Member
I own an h&r survivor in .223, i have it set up exactly as you want, the stock cavity is huge and easily accessible. You should check it out and if needed the .223 could take care of much bigger game than a .22
Maverick223
Member
No offense to the folks suggesting the large centerfire cartridges, but I agree with the OP, the .22LR is king for survival. You can pack tons of ammo, which is widely available if you happen to run out and find most any place that sells ammo. Additionally it is capable of taking any moderate sized game (up to deer/hog) with very good stalking and excellent marksmanship (not saying that I condone such actions when not in a survival situation), but more importantly it is well suited to the smaller game that is prevalent in most of NA (squirrel, hare, birds, et cetera). The only long gun that *might* give be better suited is a shotgun (due to versatility), but you are taking on more weight (for the firearm itself) and have less available ammunition for any given weight/pack size. It really depends upon the task at hand, but for lightweight, long duration survival in the wilderness (e.g.: Western NC)...make mine a .22LR.
- Status
