You only get one!!

[jakemccoy]

My vote is a pump shotgun, preferably an 870 12ga.

However, someone in another thread made a convincing argument for a .22lr rifle, like a Marlin 60 or something. Points I remembered were:

-more ammo can be carried and stored, way more than shotshells for example

-suitable for hunting for food

 

[brigadier]

It depends upon where I am. If out in the middle of nowhere, I would probably go with a sword of some sort as there is no need for ammo, swords last a while and can take on any animal. Parts also don't wear down much.
In the city, I would probably go with a 9mm handgun. In a war situation, I would go with either a SAIGA 12 or an AK.

 

[Sato Ord]

A good black powder pistol, probably .44.

Why a muzzle loader? The scenario you describe hints that the world has gone to the dogs and manufacturing has stopped. I can make black powder myself. I can also scavenge enough soft metal to make round balls. I know how to form, harden and temper things like new springs and such, even if I have to build my own forge.

I want the thing that I can keep working after all else has failed.

In reality though, I'd find more stuff and have several weapons. As I've said before, there's no such thing as a one size-fits-all caliber.

 

[jrfoxx]

My Mossberg 590. (nothing against the 870, I just happen to have the Mossberg and am happy with it).9 rds of 12ga destruction, reliable pump action, TONS of versatility with ammo selection, bayonet in case I run out of ammo,durable, corrosion resistant finish, fast, accuraqte, and easy to use ghost ring sights, 18" barrel,"speedFeed" stock to hold 4 extra rounds and fairly light (as far as 12ga's go at least).

 

[koja48]

If the world had gone to hell, no retail, no factories, likely a flintlock rifle of some kind . . . early Americans got along just fine with these & were able to make all they needed to keep them in working order. If it hadn't, likely one of my 10/22s.

 

[Eric F]

food and defense? Its kinda hard to shoot birds with a rifle and its hard to get range with a shot gun. My thoughts lean tward a smooth bore muzzle loader but thats not so hot for defense. So I am thinking a remington 1100 with rifle sights and screw in chokes.

 

[jfountain2]

My Marlin 336 in 30.30

 

[csmkersh]

You only get one!! ok you only get ONE weapon for the rest of your life. with this weapon you have to contend with getting possible food, protection, and supplying ammo. what would you choose?

Misconception from the Op. If this were a SHTF scenario, I might start with one weapon, but I certainly wouldn't remain with only one weapon - if I survived long. Think about it.
​

 

[Sato Ord]

So I am thinking a remington 1100 with rifle sights and screw in chokes.

Can't you just get a slug barrel for the 1100 and change them out as the need arises?

I've heard that's an option. With the price of slug guns, it might be worth it if even if the world hasn't gone to hell.

 

[Eric F]

Can't you just get a slug barrel for the 1100 and change them out as the need arises?

I supose you could but a choke tube is a whole lot faster.

 

[Joe Cool]

Remy 870 12 ga. First one I bought, and still my first choice if I could only have one. But I would want lots of different ammo for it, including birdshot, buckshot and slugs too.

 

[mhinagoya]

An accurate, .22 bolt action rifle with good iron sights.

Very little to go wrong or need the services of a gunsmith. Cheap ammo. Versatile. Fairly easy to shoot well. Lightweight and reasonably portable. Doesn't require a lot of maintenance or special lubrication. Very little noise.

In the absence of the .22, it would have to be a flintlock rifle in .50 or .54 caliber with a 60 inch twist. Such a flinter could even be loaded with birdshot should the need arise (.54 is about the size of a 20 gauge). I could make my own black powder if necessary and cast my own lead balls and/or drop my own shot. Patches can be made from about any heavy cotton cloth (even a pair of worn out blue jeans) and shot wads can be cut from cardboard and felt. Anything from lard to used axle grease will work for patch lube.

 

[jgo296]

hmm tough one im thinking a 22 though

 

[brighamr]

something in .308. Will allow killing of bigger game, great defense, and long range. If the game gets scarce, you'll still have long shot capability..

 

[jgo296]

that blaser thing is pretty cool

 

[gym]

If you are getting a NYC carry that question is one that may be truer than you think

 

[Auburn1992]

An AR15 in .243 WSSM

 

[Nolo]

One weapon???
Ummm... alright... a Mk. 19 Grenade Machine Gun mounted on a Willys Jeep with a new V6 engine out of a Camry.
I'm weird, I know.










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You mean I can't even have my Stiletto wood axe too?