Ultimate Bug out/Backpack Rifle

[NewDefender]

In terms of a bug out/backpack gun, I don't know if it gets much better than this, granted your number of rounds are limited.

Coming from Ruger, you can definitely count on reliability/functionality. The design is compact making portability super easy. So whether you intend to hike/camp through the wilderness and need a way hunt small game or need an offensive weapon when you're on the go, this little Ruger should be small and light enough to pack around; Not to mention ammo is dirt cheap and could easily be carried along at not much additional weight.

What do you all think of it in terms of a bug out rifle? Would a similar design in a larger caliber be more desirable?

 

[Shoobee]

When you are backpacking, 5 lbs of rifle is a lot of extra weight to be carrying with you.

For a backpack trip, a .22LR pistol or revolver would be a lot lighter.

I have shot a lot of small game (squirrels, rabbits, grouse etc) with .22LR pistols like the Ruger 22/45, and they are quite accurate for a backpack trip.

http://www.ruger.com/products/2245Target/models.html

Of the Ruger 10/22s I really love the Sporter:

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Sporter/models.html

The Ruger 10/22 gives you double the distance however on small game shots, out to 50 yards at least, which is what is really nice about them.

My next 2 gun purchases will likely be these 2 particular Rugers, the 10/22 and the 22/45.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Me id take a look at one of the bushmaster ars with the plastic bottom end. My buddy has one and it weights less then 5lbs.

 

[jmr40]

The pisol is 2 lbs, the rifle 4.6. To get the better accuracy and added velocity I would choose the rifle. I actually own the new takedown rifles as well as the Ruger pisol. The rifle would be my first choice for just such a situation. With a couple of 25 round magaznes plenty of ammo is available in a lighweight package. It is accurate enough for small game hunting in a bug out situaion and passable for SD.

Ruger has a winner with this one.

 

[tarosean]

I am so buying that...

 

[jmorris]

For a camp/compact rifle I use this one. As ready to use as a pistol, just as accurate as a 10/22, one piece and as compact while being shootable as most takedowns. Also, really quite with the can on.






I might look into a fishing pole and ear plugs though for bugging out. If everyone that has started a bugout/shtf thread hits the boonies this year, it's going to be as crowded as a rock concert out there. I imagine every bunny not in a cage at someones house will be shot and turned into a McMeal within a few weeks. For me, I'm good where I am so a belt fed 30 makes more sense.

 

[Creature]

This works too.

 

[BSA1]

This subject is being covered on this thread;

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=651783

 

[jmorris]

This works too.

Yep, like the one in my post above. With some practice you can get them put together in just under a half a minute. The best thing about them is that they are very light, I'd say at least half the weight of their trigger pull.

 

[talldragon]

For bug out or backpacking, I would go with this: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfloading/70pss.asp
Nothing against the Ruger, just an option.
Also, should be able to find the Marlin for cheap.
Picked one up for $50 because it would not feed. Cleaned, oiled the rifle and replaced the magazine (it was slightly dented in the side). Works well.
No hand guard on the barrel, but @ 3.25 lbs., it's a great little rifle .

 

[X-Rap]

I have been picking rock squirels off all spring at ranges out to 150 yds with one of my old 10/22's. My current favorite sports a Choate folder and 4x Redfield scope. It does pretty decent with bulk ammo of all flavors even at extended ranges.
I have some take off barrels and if the S ever really does HTF I will chop one of them down to the length of the forearm and make it even more compact but for now I'm not going to pay to SBR a 22.
But I can't think of a better gun that the little Rugers if a person wants to be armed and needs that "one gun". My second would be the 22 pistol in MKI or II Target.

 

[RyeDaddy]

I liked this rifle better the first time I saw it, back when it was called a Marlin Papoose!

 

[mljdeckard]

It depends on why you are bugging out, I guess. I would prefer to be prepared for something bigger than a rabbit. I would prefer something like a Kel-Tec Su-16, or my Tapcoed SKS.

 

[TurtlePhish]

Kel-Tec Sub-2000 if you can find one.

 

[Lateck]

Another vote for the Kel-Tec Sub-2000, if you are under 100 yards.
Very easy to carry.

Lateck,

 

[jmorris]

I liked this rifle better the first time I saw it, back when it was called a Marlin Papoose!

The papoose was created over 100 years to late to be the first takedown .22, heck it's not even mmarlins first takedown 22

 

[Shoobee]

http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-survival-ar7.cfm

I have to say, I really like the looks of the Henry. Perfect for backpacking. Designed to stay dry in the rain too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR-7

I did not realize it had been around for so long. My favorite FFL/gunshop is on their list.

 

[TurtlePhish]

AR-7s have reliability issues. They also aren't very accurate at all.

 

[SleazyRider]

My favorite, the Rossi Matched Pair .22/410 gauge shotgun. Inexpensive and very high quality.

 

[Balrog]

I think the Kel Tec Sub 2K is pretty nice. It folds up, and takes Glock mags..

 

[Shoobee]

The Rossi take-down single shot .22LR/410 shotgun looks good too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCkCx6JYJuY

Plus the Rossi has sling swivels and an adjustible sight on the 22.

 

[browningguy]

I like the little Ruger, but for me I would prefer something with a little more bite. I currently have a Sub 2000 with the G17 magwell and can carry it with 4 of the G18 33 rd. mags in a standard briefcase and still have room for my sandwiches. My SU16C also folds into a pretty compact and lightweight package with considerably more punch.

 

[rcmodel]

In the following order of reliability and usefulness.
All .22 rimfire so you can hump the ammo you might need for shooting food to eat with attracting undue attention a mile away.
Or trading for toilet paper when you run out.

Winchester 06 / 62A pump rifle.
Browning SA-22 semi-auto rifle.
S&W Kit-Gun .22 revolver.
Colt Woodsman pistol.
Ruger MkI Standard pistol.
Browning Buckmark pistol.

rc

 

[ricebasher302]

I built a 10/22 using a Tactical Solutions aluminum barrel, a Knoxx colapsable stock and a micro holographic red dot sight. It shoots like a Ruger should and it weighs 3 lbs. 9 oz. empty. It's like a toy. Tons of fun and as portable as can be.

 

[mdauben]

Its true the 10/22 TD is a bit heavier than either the Papoose or the AR-7, but both these guns suffer from what I consider a flaw; the lack of a forearm. To me it makes both a bit uncomfortable and clumsy to shoot.

I had been considering picking up one of these two guns for years, but in the end I wound up buying the 10/22 TD and I'm very happy with my choice. YMMV.