Preacherman
Member
OK, folks, time for some fun. A group of us were having a conversation today, and the subject got around to a "survival" arsenal. These are weapons that you and your family would have with you for any particular survival situation: could be urban SHTF, could be wilderness survival (pioneer-style), could be "just in case" stuff - or all of the above! 
We eventually decided that we'd have to select a battery or arsenal of one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun per person. The criteria for selection are as follows:
1. Each weapon must be as simple as possible. No hi-tech add-ons, no battery-powered gizmos, no lasers, etc. - this has to last for years in the wild, if necessary, or take an urban pounding without things falling off. Accessories like scopes, etc. are allowed, but subject to the "long-term toughness" rule.
2. Each weapon must be as reliable as possible. It's assumed that you'll have to do any gunsmithing with what you have on you or available at home - no gunsmiths allowed!
3. Each weapon must be as versatile as possible. It may have to be used for hunting, self-defence, training, etc.
4. Each weapon should be in a readily-available caliber, so that ammunition can be re-supplied without too much difficulty. No fair using a .470 Nitro Express when the local dealer doesn't stock the ammo!
So, based on those rules/criteria, what would you choose, and why? My choices are as follows:
RIFLE: I'd pick something powerful enough to hunt deer (up to elk/moose size with careful shot placement), but also usable for defence if necessary. I'd choose a Steyr or Savage Scout rifle in .308 Winchester. I'd have the Leupold Scout Scope (2.5x), backed up by the reserve iron sights. This should handle any reasonable use in the lower 48 states, with care.
SHOTGUN: I'd take a Remington 870 in 12ga, with two barrels: one a 21" rifle-sighted barrel for slug or HD use, one a 28" vent-rib Rem-choke barrel (with IC, Mod and Full chokes) for hunting. I'd plan on having an extended magazine tube available for defense scenarios.
HANDGUN: I'd take a Ruger Redhawk in .44 Magnum, stainless steel, 5½" barrel. This would have a selection of ammo: full-power hunting rounds, self-defence loads, and some softer-shooting stuff (i.e. .44 Special) for ease of practice. I'd make sure I had plenty of speedloaders!
So, what would your choices be?
We eventually decided that we'd have to select a battery or arsenal of one rifle, one shotgun, and one handgun per person. The criteria for selection are as follows:
1. Each weapon must be as simple as possible. No hi-tech add-ons, no battery-powered gizmos, no lasers, etc. - this has to last for years in the wild, if necessary, or take an urban pounding without things falling off. Accessories like scopes, etc. are allowed, but subject to the "long-term toughness" rule.
2. Each weapon must be as reliable as possible. It's assumed that you'll have to do any gunsmithing with what you have on you or available at home - no gunsmiths allowed!
3. Each weapon must be as versatile as possible. It may have to be used for hunting, self-defence, training, etc.
4. Each weapon should be in a readily-available caliber, so that ammunition can be re-supplied without too much difficulty. No fair using a .470 Nitro Express when the local dealer doesn't stock the ammo!
So, based on those rules/criteria, what would you choose, and why? My choices are as follows:
RIFLE: I'd pick something powerful enough to hunt deer (up to elk/moose size with careful shot placement), but also usable for defence if necessary. I'd choose a Steyr or Savage Scout rifle in .308 Winchester. I'd have the Leupold Scout Scope (2.5x), backed up by the reserve iron sights. This should handle any reasonable use in the lower 48 states, with care.
SHOTGUN: I'd take a Remington 870 in 12ga, with two barrels: one a 21" rifle-sighted barrel for slug or HD use, one a 28" vent-rib Rem-choke barrel (with IC, Mod and Full chokes) for hunting. I'd plan on having an extended magazine tube available for defense scenarios.
HANDGUN: I'd take a Ruger Redhawk in .44 Magnum, stainless steel, 5½" barrel. This would have a selection of ammo: full-power hunting rounds, self-defence loads, and some softer-shooting stuff (i.e. .44 Special) for ease of practice. I'd make sure I had plenty of speedloaders!
So, what would your choices be?
