One firearm... one firearm only
 

It has happened� the proverbial SHTF!
Your property has been overran and within your escape you can only take ONE firearm.
Which one will you take?

This is a basic scenario.
If you see fit, add or subtract from it as well as the list of firearms.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

12 ga shotgun, with the right ammo, it works for everything.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/...c9349697_b.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I will take my trusty Remington 870 12 ga with 2+ mag extention.

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Scatter gun.

Makes me think I should spend a little more on a good one.

TomD: Who makes the shotgun there? I like the rear sights...

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That's a Benelli Nova, takes up to 3-1/2" shells and holds 7 3" shells. The sights are ghost ring.

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Did you have the sights added?

I see that they have a stainless version... Hmmmmmmmmm (adds to shopping list)......

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.

bolt action with a scope :ok:

.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I like those sights as well, I picked up one of these a few months ago and love mine. Mossberg 930SPX, mine is identical to the one below except I have the extended charging handle.

http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossb.../New/85370.jpg

Back to this question.. I would take more than one I'd probably have 3 possibly 4 on me. AR-15, Rohrbaugh R9 in my pocket, SW .38 in the other pocket, Glock 17 in my dutybelt holster and most likely my mossy over my shoulder in the scabbard. Not like I would only grab one they are all in close proximity and all are ready to go.

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I've been thinking strongly about an autoloading shotty to go along with my pump guns. Saiga, Mossberg or Remington would be my choices, Benneli would be great, but they're just too expensive for my budget.

Question for the group...
Of the 3 listed, which one would you pick? I have both an 870 Rem and 500 Mossy in pump guns, prefer the Remington, but I don't know much about autoloaders, except for the time growing up when I used my Dad's Rem 1100 while pheasant hunting. That was a great shotgun!

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Property overran? I would keep firing and go down with the ship.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

It depends on the situation.

I like a hand gun. I hunt squirrel with a 22 handgun, so it's a game getter. A handgun also has concealability for when I have to blend in. It's also light weight for being on the go. Also in a SHTF situation, one gun can quickly get you another...

In reality, I'd like to carry a rifle in the 30 cal range and a 22 handgun. If not that, then a 22 rifle and a 45 handgun. But I like mixing large calibers for enemies with the quiet and light weight of a 22 for hunting.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Check out that Mossberg 930 AG Man, they aren't so expensive. I have the saiga 12 also, but on the move that thing would be to bulky with mags and all.

Plus the ability to switch from slug to buck on the fly without swapping mags is a plus. Also prone is pretty much out the window with the saiga 12 as well. Not that I dislike the saiga, it's just not practical unless you are ONLY gonna carry that with those big honkin mags around. :biggrin:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

It's a toss up between a shotgun and

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/w...ucts-366l1.jpg

Of course, this is all theoretical. I don't own any guns, because I know the authorities will come to my aid if the need arises.

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Hated cleaning them but I'll take a SAW.

http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/b/...5-11586_c1.jpg

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My little 22 rifle and its 10,000 rounds of ammo. :biggrin:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

16" barreled semi rifle; hands down, it is easily the most versatile weapon. With a shotgun you can too easily be out distanced. And you know what they say about people who intentionally bring a handgun to a gunfight.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I agree with a lot of what you say. Maybe tomorrow I might pick a black rifle. (but that's why I stated in my post I'd take both a handgun and a rifle in the real world.) However in a total SHTF situation (depending upon the definition), my goal is to disappear and avoid a fight at almost all costs. I'm toting a wife and 2 young children-- I'm not playing Rambo.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I read somewhere that a hand-gun is only used to fight your way back to the rifle you shouldn't have left in the first place.

I'll take a AR-15, or better yet, a Swiss Arms SIG SG 550 any day.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Ill take my para, Fixed stock DSA Stainless steel FAL clone.

Yes thats a sock that the para bolt carrier/ top cover is sitting on.
It was a little greasy and da wife runs a tight ship er Bunker here.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...figuration.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

PD,
Yeah, I agree. False premise.


Attachment 84825

You'll end up waist deep in brass, but hey, NO ONE OVER RUNS THIS CASTLE. I'll go down with the ship as it were.

Besides, do you actually think that ANY force capable of routing you from your well prepared survival compound* is going to LET YOU GET AWAY? WITH ANY FIREARM?

Com'on.


* - NOTE: your prepared survival compound could be like Randy Weavers compound - which was basically a plywood home. just sayin...

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I have to agree.

If I had to bolt I would grab the glock 17 and a few mags.

I remember wacthing THE ROAD and made mental notes.

Because he had a revolver his attacker was able to "see" how many bullets he was packing and it emboldened him

He would be able to bluff better with a semi auto IMO.


T

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Like everything else, gun are tools, and you use the tool for the job.

Home security = Shot gun
Person protection = Hand gun
War = Black rifles
SHTF = All of the above

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Which ever one I had the most ammo for.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

That's why you need to own every tool and have at a minimum 1,000 rounds per tool. :wavey:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

You still need the ability to put metal on target at more than 50 yards, a lot of metal perhaps, and you can't do that with a shotgun. It ain't about Rambo. Fast rate of fire might just save your ass, too.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

So might the fast rate, light weight and concealability of a handgun might save my ass. (I don't care for shotguns except for home defence.)

As far as black rifle/verses hand gun debate, that's a razor edge line for me. I really could go either way, that's why in real life I'd choose BOTH.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I think you need at least two. I agree with the shotgun, but would also want a revolver in .357 magnum that will also fire .38 special. Extra ammo for the shotgun is very bulky and it may not be the best solution in all situations (concealment).

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Since no one has suggested it so far...Johnny Seven One Man Army. Sorry, but I go through this mind bend every time I try to contingency plan.

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Gotta love these hypothetical questions.

I decided on a black rifle as its second best at everything.

Can carry more ammo then a shotty.

Black Rifles are light.

Semi-auto means quick follow up shots.

Big mags mean several follow up shots.

Not as accurate as a Bolt action

Not as all encompasing as a shotgun

Not as conceable as a pistol.

Biggest downside is maintenance & reliability.

Black Rifles work well in the rainforests were I live were visibility maxes out at 100 yds on average.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

A carbine rifle is the best overall fighting tool - but there is no reasonable way to conceal carry one (there are some fold in half designs...). So, I'd go with rifle if I did not care if other would see me with a firearm.

Otherwise Pistol.

Shotgun can do everything - and make a fine 100 - 150 yard rifle depending on sights.

For wilderness survival I'd have to say 12 ga shotgun with assorted ammo.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

The Benelli Nova Pump pictured is actually reasonably priced (IMO). A black synthetic stock model should set you back $350 or less. It's on my short list.

A pump action shotgun would be my one weapon of choice if I could only have one. Pump action is extremely reliable, 12 GA Shells are readily available, and it's the most versatile for defense and food. Protection with a short barrel and pistol grip, slug barrel for deer and pellet shot barrel for birds. I don't know about you, but the most abundant wildlife where I am are birds. I don't know too many people that could hit a flying bird with a rifle or pistol.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Good question, easy answer: Shotgun, plural is even better!

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I was thinking the same thing. The only thing a shotgun has going for it is stopping power. Other than that it has a very short range, very low capacity, relatively low rate of fire and very heavy ammo so you can't carry much. It isn't very flexible either. Any load that would work well against human enemies would make a mess out of small game and any load suitable for small game is less than optimal for human enemies. That makes the heavy ammo problem even worse because now you have to take that same limited number of rounds and divide it among several types of specialized ammo so you end up with few fighting rounds and few hunting rounds. To heck with that. Give me an AR or AK over a shotgun any day of the week.

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Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

A 12 gauge with 8 shells containing 12-00 buck pellets, 0.33 inch diameter, will put 96 metal missles down range faster than your black rifle with 20 or 30 round clips.

Took a look at the Mossberg 930 SPX at the mossberg site. Looks like a good selection for less than $700.
http://www.mossberg.com/products/def...ction=products

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

A single weapon only?...Hmm, it would have to be a quality 12 gauge pump shotgun, i.e; Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Winchester 1300 or something in that range..

Have slugs and buckshot for big game and defense, and 4-8 shot for small game...Having a change-out 30 inch full choke barrel to go with it would make it a hands down win...

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

What kind of SHTF situation are we talking about? Is it a total collapse or just the riots and arson caused by some felon getting shot or beaten by the police?
If it was a total collapse I'd pick the AR. If things were still good enough that walking around with rifles and shotguns would cause constant law enforcement inquiries I'd pack a semi-auto.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

You can make your own scenario... but my thoughts were 'every man for themselves', where your property was overran (be it by rioters or LEO). In one word - lawless

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

what of the women & children?

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

i agree, out of the choices listed, a winchester 12 ga with 3"magnum capacity, pistol grip, and sholder pistol stock, with 000 buck or slug, with sights, you can control areas from short range to 100 yrds plus,,best all around..

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Ok then....AR's for everyone. If my property were being overrun then I could defend it as long as possible. If necessary I could fall back 100 yds or so and whittle down the superior numbers that pushed me out.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

A few more thoughts on shotguns.

I guess it is really not fair, but if you include a rifled slug barrel.....and ballistic tip slugs like Hornady SST......the shotgun becomes a hell of a rifle.......3" high at 100 yards = 8" Low out at 250 yards! I deer hunt with a 1.5 - 4.5X cantilevered scoped barrel.......Remington Buckhammer slugs for wood and out to 125 yards....SST for open field elevated shots.....it is a .72 Calibre Rifle. Very accurate and effective.

In a pinch you can still shoot shot out of the rifled barrel - it just messes up the pattern a bit......opens it up and tends to donut pattern....but not horrible.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

How come nobody's mentioned the 45 ACP?

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I'd have to go with the 22lr.....most likely a 1022 with butler creek pistol grip side folding stock.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/medi...022_folder.jpg
How much ammo can u carry with other calibers?? If that's not the case I'd take the shotgun but the WEIGHT kills.....I know, I traveled and met up with people up in northern California, and up to Portland from Los Angeles.

SHTF, might not have transportation/food/friends/.......you're on your own, don't know where you'll go.

Give me the least amount of attention as possible....I'm thinking survive then to thrive.
Give me the 22lr 500 rounds in a pocket, low report, take anything (shot placement), less weight and the most important.......A FIREARM (better than nothing).


Interesting note here.....
on another firearm forum I frequent this question arises and everyone chooses the AR by a landslide but here it seems the shotgun.
There I guess they see more combat in SHTF and here sees more survival (hunting, defense etc.).

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Saiga 12 with a 20 round drum.

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Suppressed Browning Buckmark .22 LR. It can do everything you might absolutely need in a firearm when TSHTF.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I think it's because shotguns have a reputation as home defense weapons among people who are new to guns and they have long been the go-to weapon for Fudds and old timers. Other gun boards are much more tactically aware than this one. A rifle beats a shotgun for hunting just about anything except birds on the wing. Shooting birds in flight is for sport. Shooting birds on the roost is for survival. I'm not saying shotties are crap but there are usually better options for most purposes. Even bringing a rifled barrel along only means you have to divide your few rounds among yet another category of specialized ammo. A shotgun may be able to toss a lot of pellets at once but none of them will defeat cover and throwing out a pattern of pellets counts as exactly one shot in terms of suppressive fire.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

If you're in a world where there is more combat than survival, it's not too likely that you will survive.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

If you're going to think about things that way you may as well ask yourself how long game is going to last with 100 million or more people all hunting to survive. With a flashlight and a gun you can clean out every animal worth shooting for miles around within a few nights all by yourself.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

You must live in a city to come up with horseshit like that.

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I'd love to have one of these.

http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=13019

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

My BoB has a Glock 19 with 300 rounds a Henry Survival Rifle and S&W 22 with 1000 rounds of .22 and strapped to the side of the bag is a 16" Colt M-4 with both the carry handle and optic in the bag with two battlepacks (600 rounds of .223). Bag weighs about 50 lbs with the guns and other survival "goodies" in it, but it is the only thing I have to grab, as it has 5 oz of AU and 100 oz of AG as well as $1000 frns in it for travel money until I can get to my stash. If it had to be only one gun though, it would have to be a good .22 rifle. Rounds are light, and I can get food with that little buggar.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Yes I do but I've been hunting since I was a little kid. I haven't been to NW Michigan but I'm quite sure it's just like everywhere else. Animals need to eat food to survive and because of that fact a given piece of land can only support so many animals because it can only provide so much food. Alaska's largest caribou herd numbers almost half a million. The US could eat them all up in one meal and still be hungry for more. Eye shine makes most animals easy to find and most will be conveniently transfixed by the light while you line up your shot. If you have a semi auto you could easily drop several deer at once. I think a lot of sportsmen see the same animals over and over again and then assume there must be millions of them. The reality is there is no way the USA can transition back to a hunter-gatherer society without a MASSIVE die-off. Coincidentally that means a lot of combat but whatever.....

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

FYI I did a quick search. According to your state's Department of Natural Resources Michigan's white tail deer population peeked in 1989 at 2 million individuals. You also have elk and moose but your DNR says they are less abundant. Let's be unrealistically generous and say you have 6 million individual animals from the deer family. Your state has 10 million human inhabitants. You do the math.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Let's throw this in, suppose only 1 in 100 are equipped/smart enough, to make a successful kill.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

too much individual preference is blurring the reality imposed by the OP. If you could only have one weapon. Without question a shotgun provides for self defense or meat (small/large game) or wing shooting. No other firearm provides a solution to the same variety of applications. A .22 can't bag quail or dove or deer for that matter. Needless to say that as a self defense weapon, a 22LR platform is not adequate.

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All my weapons are stashed except for the 12 ga 870 so that would have to be it.

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Then 1% of the population will become rich poachers providing tons of meat to everyone else till it all runs out. But that is another point, you are thinking in terms of hunting. I like hunting but it is an inefficient sport. In a survival situation we're really looking at poaching and any idiot who owns a flashlight and knows which end of a gun is dangerous can kill an animal. That's yet another thing, go ask a poacher if a .22 rifle can take a deer..... For that matter go shoot a squirrel with a 12 gauge..... warning, blood and guts.

http://www.chickyracing.com/Images/2...n/IMG_2201.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I figured semiauto handgun because if I could only have one weapon, I would want it to be concealable.

In troubled times it wouldn't be easy to go about daily business with a M1A over your shoulder.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Hold on there, I have killed all three with a .22 rifle and more than once. That little .22 and a steady aim will earn you a battle rifle if you use a little cunning.
I'd still grab my AK.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Where did you get that pic? I had one of those...

And an extra slug barrel? For those 150 yard shots?

Yeah but that's two guns, isn't it?

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I've got lots of guns that I have multiple barrels for and consider them to be just that: a gun (singular) that I have several barrels for. Some of the barrels are of different caliber. Even the ATF considers the receiver to be the gun. You can buy barrels all day long and they don't give a flip, but a receiver.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/up...erf_vulcan.jpg

On a serious note. I am a 12 guage guy. They can kill anything. If the enemy is outside of my range I will be able to avoid them 99% of the time. It will kill anything in north America with the proper ammo from rats to Toyotas.

Draw backs are that the ammo is heavy and capacity is fairly limited.

I have lots of shotguns including a evil black uber commie killer Saiga with 5 (10 round) mags, and for my BOB I still chose a pump with top folding ATI pistol grip stock due to the pump being simple and tough and not picky in any way.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

+1 :4_1_72:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

+1

I only need that .22 to get me to a bigger gun (if necessary). I teach my students that all the time in a different context (self defense). Your pistol is just there to get you to your shotgun. I can also confirm that I have killed all 3 game species you mentioned with a .22. While not ideal for large game, a well-placed shot, and caliber really doesn't matter.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I hope you didn't mean this statement the way it sounds to me. You don't really make "well placed shots" with a .22 while someone is shooting at you with a shotgun or AR15, so you make them in stealth. It sounds like you are planning to sneak up and shoot someone in the back of the head for the crime of having a better rifle (if necessary).

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

When you guys talk about getting game, you should seriously look into modern trapping and snaring, and learning a few primitive setups for back-ups. Traps work at night when the animals come out and while you get the much needed rest. They are also silent and attract no attention and you can return to them at your convenience or when it's safe. Also the first year I ran a trapline, I learned more about the outdoors than I did with 20 years of hunting.

A man with a few dozen professional snares will clear out a deer population quicker than a man with a gun (unless the gunner is spotlighting-- which attracts a lot of attention.)

I see guns and ammo more as a defensive mechanism against people. I might use a bullet for the an easy meal, but mostly I plan on relying on trapping.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

The M1 Garand Rifle

"The greatest battle implement ever devised."

-- General George S. Patton, Jr.

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I can make my own scenario....cool.
I would pick an M4 because this would allow me to carry more ammo than a heavier caliber or shotgun and I could reach out to whatever distances are needed. This would allow me to defend my 3 super model girlfriends when the jealous hoards try to seperate us after SHTF.
Hey, it's my scenario and I'm sticking to it.

Oh yeah, two of them are twins.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Escape? To where? Leaving your fortification would merely mean you'd die tired.

Make sure you have enough shotguns and (semi-) automatic rifles to repel anyone and anything, or at least make it very painful for the aggressor.

First weapon I'd select to repel a garden-variety invader who breached my security perimeter? A pump shottie.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Opening fire on the enemy right along with me.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

My .22LR rifle. I can carry 5,000 Velocitor rounds with me. A year later I'll still have ammo while everyone else is nursing their last few rounds. A rifle without ammo is a club.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/t...old/AK22-1.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Not on the list, Battle rifle. I can ring the plate at 300m using surplus ammo and open sights so regularly it gets boring.

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Nope - just 1 barrel needed.....though it is rifled, in a pinch it shoots shot as well - it is still a shotgun.

Works great for deer and in my book: deer = man.

BTW: 1.5X - 4.5X viariable ....is pretty much like no maginifcation down at 1.5X......or you could just go to a Red Dot...or a slug barrel with iron sights.

Open rifle sights on a rifles barrel would be ideal.

That Knoxx BlackHawk adjustable stock was sweet this past season.....It was nice to be able to shorten the stock with all those clothes on in a tight blind.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Based on this scenario, if you have to bug out, you are going mobile. Think escape and evasion here. If you are going mobile, carrying a long gun will more than likely get you shot by the first armed group you come across. You may or may not see them before they see you. Under these circumstances, it may be better to appear unarmed/non threatening.

Other than a few compact carbine/rifle combos already mentioned here, a concealed pistol will be your best bet.

Since we all know that a pistol does not have the firepower/range (most of the time) to compete with others who have long guns, a suppressed pistol will be the ace up your sleeve.

Unseen and unheard should be your priority. Nothing beats a suppressed .22 for being quiet and it will put food in your stomach without drawing unwanted attention. Bx3

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=405372&highlight=suppressor

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Easy. You don't lead them as much.


Sorry. Terrible line from "Full Metal Jacket."

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...M_NTW_4_92.jpg

This is not widely available here, so, closest and more common alternative;

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._AG-3_left.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I am envious of your paddle mag relase on the HK I got ATF'd on my Cetme so no paddle mag.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

You can't buy one here though, not legally anyway. One's only option is to join the Home Guard, and then whether or not you get to take it home for practice is up to the local commander.

They're replacing them with HK416s at all levels now so within a few years it might be that instead. Not bad, that one, either I suppose.

Still, paddle release or not, your CETME is yours, and noone else's business. Especially if it was a private purchase and not a BATFE form fillout purchase..

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Semi-Auto handgun because if I had to leave my property, I wouldn't want to carry my shotgun along with all of the other stuff I have to carry. I think I would prefer a lighter, more mobile gun.

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Property been overrun ya say? Evoke scorched earth. I can get my pump 12 gauge running pretty quick.
Take care,
Mod1

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Would these do?

http://goldismoney.info/forums/attac...1&d=1262587525

:smile:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Teach them to shoot and how to maintain their weapon (tool).

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I'd like to see those one gun shotguners tote 1000 rounds of 12 gauge ammo wshtf.

https://surplusammo.com/images/22lr%...BVAC%20500.JPG

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Converted Saiga-12 Shotgun
10rd semi auto 12ga. w/00 buck

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...tamon/S-12.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

If you are going to have only one firearm it has to be able to do as many tasks as possible and achieve the most essential tasks first of all. There are some really nice guns in this thread that are completely impractical for the primary and essential function of harvesting game. Also, lots of REALLY noisy guns. If you have only one firearm, do you really want to announce yourself like that?

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I voted for a 12 gauge. Go with the Benneli M-2. Mine is great, have the ghost ring sites, bout 1,000 rounds thru it with out a glitch.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Yea, my 870 doesn't have a glitch either (must be optional).

:smile:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

It was a close choice between the shotgun and the black rifle for me, however in the end I chose the shotgun due to the versatility. Slugs/Buckshot/Birdshot covers defense as well as hunting needs.

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Drastic measures for drastic times.

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so let me get this right . every one here is willing to give there rights up . i will keep all my fire arms

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If I had to choose only one firearm I would choose the one that could get me all the other ones.

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You'll need all those rounds to kill something past 75 yards.

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I killed my first turkey with a Remington 522 Viper at 100 yds. I also killed my first deer with the same .22 from 40 yards.

The .22 is an under appreciated round.

If I had only 1 gun it would depend on ammo availability if I could get more ammo along my journey then it would be an AK if I had to carry all my ammo it would be my 10/22.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

60 grain Aguila SSS subsonic .22 LR ammo penetrates 24" deep into ballistic gel at 100 yards. I know someone who has killed coyotes at 350 meters with these loads. Others claim they will blow a squirrel into two pieces and put a hole through a cat from one end to the other big enough to stick your finger through.

http://media.midwayusa.com/ProductIm...rge/461399.jpg

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A wounded combatant is a non combatant ... you don't need to blow his head off with a 30 cal rifle.

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If a man with a shotgun was up against a man with a .22lr rifle at 75 yards, my money is on the rifleman.

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No way. In Ohio we have to use shotguns while hunting deer. I have dropped deer with shotgun slugs, and there isn't any way a .22 LR would have the same effect at 75 yards. I also use open sights on my shot gun, and at 75 yards it hits where I am. Respectively.

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I understand and I know a shotgun slug will do more damage at that range than a .22lr will. I just have a hunch that given equal levels of ability the man with the rifle will tend score the telling hit first. I'm also talking about a gunfight, not shooting at paper or even deer.

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I chose "other" because I'd want the AK47.

I can feel confident it would perform if I need it.

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Concealed carry is a must for me. So my choice would be a S&W 357, model 60, 3" barrel. I can't imagine being somewhere with no protection.

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Yep! Its nice to have something bigger, but the little 22 will ruin your day if hit and you dont get immediate medical attention.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

A 22 auto has an interesting phycological effect, you can hear those little subsonic bullets screaming at you from a long distance.

Ah, the sweet sound of incoming rounds ... none of that "pop-zing" of the high powered stuff that you don't hear until it there.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Plus, you can easily carry 1000 rounds of .22lr with smaller size and less weight than 100 12 gauge shells.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Any type of a zombie outbreak calls for shotgun

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I'd go with my Bison. Ruger 77/44 .44 magnum suppressed. 6 pounds. 3 shot magazine. I've got one bolt action, and am working on doing a lever action (96/44) one too.

I gotta agree with Bx3 and others, if you aren't suppressed, the first time you fire your weapon, everyone within a few miles is going to know where you are.

There is no perfect gun unfortunately. You have to decided what you think is the most desirable characteristics and match them to what is available in your price range.

Most important to me (in order):
1) quiet
2) reliable
3) lightweight (a gun a kid or a woman could carry with a fair amount of ammo)
4) easy to use (a gun a kid or a woman could use without flinching)
5) hard hitting (big cailber)



http://www.srtarms.com/bison.jpg

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I think it would be equally as instructive to see WHY you chose what you did ...

For example, those of you who picked shotties, what are the characteristics (in order of importance) that you think are most valuable ?

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

With the exception of concealed carry, shotguns do everything well. The intimidation factor is 10, self defense 10, fight stopper/knock down 10, large game an 9, small game 10, ammunition availability 10, portability 7, reliability 10, short range accuracy 10, accuracy and power to 150 yards 8, versatility 10.

When you have one, it has to do as much as possible.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

over 40 yard shots 2, weight of ammo to carry 2, weight and portability of shotgun 2, ...

Great for home defense but I wouldn't want to have to pack a shotgun and ammo on the move. - JMO

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

This would go with me...

http://www.mossberg.com/images/produ...45210Combo.jpg

But I cannot imagine a scenario where I wouldn't be able to take this with me as well.

http://allensgunshop.com/images/xd40.jpg

Only one gun is an impossible restraint imo. I take these two first.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I'd take my AK over my other guns. Millions of discerning individuals living in SHTF situations can't be wrong.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I think a huge chunk of tree, etc... getting ripped out near my head would do more psychologically than any "sweet sound" noise would.

wtf..

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

i think an AK47 has to be in the mix for sheer durability....theres a reason why its one of if not the most proliferated model of firearm in history

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

ive also shot quail with a .22 obviously not the best choice but easily doable in the right scenario

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I've given this scenario a lot of thought, and it's almost impossible to pick "just one". However, if I were FORCED to choose only one, I'd want a drilling (multiple cartridge single-shot with independent side-by-side barrels for each cartridge). I'd choose .22LR for one of the barrels, and .460 S&W for the other barrel. Why?

.22LR for ammo availability, weight, and silence.

.460 S&W because if you have a single-shot rifle chambered for that round, you can use: .45 Long Colt (which can be loaded with black powder, incidentally!), .454 Casull, .460 S&W, and .410 Shotshells. This takes care of:

(a) Black powder use if you are reduced to making your own expedient rounds (.45 Long Colt)
(b) Commonly available centerfire pistol ammo (.45 Long Colt and .454 Casull)
(c) High-performance medium-range hunting ammo (.460 S&W)
(d) Shotgun ammo (.410 Shotshells)

I think this drilling would cover just about everything you would want for a SHTF hunting/non-combat self defense gun. However, if you really HAD to add a long-range sniping option (at the expense of extra weight, nothing comes free!) you could add a third barrel chambered for .243 Win. or .260 Rem. for the ultimate "do everything except thick combat" gun.

In my opinion, if you find yourself in a situation where you NEED a semi-auto or full-auto, you're in the thick of combat and you'd BETTER have a BUNCH of well-trained friends with you or you're probably toast. Lay low seems the best strategy, especially considering what modern military forces can bring to bear upon you!

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I think you and others on this thread are seriously overrating the shot gun. For home defense they are great for other situations they are average.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

I know I am about to regret posting here - but your post was excellent - and I actually kept Tom's and yours..........BOTH make excellent points.

But, even as I read YOUR post, I thought - but if you could only have ONE gun - and that was the basis of the thread - then no matter WHAT one picks, there will be pros and cons..........

But for ONE and only ONE gun - as Tom's post points out (and assuming I am protecting my home, not wandering the streets at night) and yours seems to substantiate - the shotgun DOES seems like the one best suited for more purposes than the others.

I have handguns and shotguns.........but I know I can do more and protect more, at least generally speaking, with the shotgun.......I prefer to think of the handguns as a backup to the shotguns, cause I hope I have held them off a number of years away rather than in a (average) 6 feet handgun fight. Oh, and I wouldn't want to hunt birds for food with a 45.

Just one more silly monkey's opinion - but there it is!

Cheers!




Humans - Monkeys with car keys.............and nukes!!!

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

The Shotgun is best for home defense, or defending a fixed position, or an otherwise close quarter defensive encounter. If I had to carry a shotty into the bush, along with enough different kinds of shells to cover all those contingencies, I doubt I would ever go very far. :Surrender:

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

The same can be said for any other weapon - otherwise why have more than one type of gun.

The Shotgun may lose to the rifle in hunting or sniping. It will lose to the handgun in concealability, and it will lose to the black rifle in the ability to cary lots of ammo and shoot quickly, but it will beat the others in their weak areas. While not necessarily excellent in any one specific area when compared to the competition, the shotgun is the best all around.

The triathalon winner isn't necessarily the best swimmer, biker, or runner, but is solidly proficient in each to be able to win the overall race.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

Thanks for responding guys. I wasn't trying to bash the shotgun. It is a pretty versatile weapon. Just trying to keep things realistic.

Tom had given the shot gun a whole bunch of 8+'s and I was just trying to point out that they were conditional mostly on the range the shotgun was being employed and the ammo that was available. If the shot gun suits you then great, I just don't think it out classes other weapons.

I was getting too tired to keep posting last night but if I could have only one gun it would depend on the scenario. If it is more of a war zone, zombie apocalypse SHTF then black rifle all the way. If it was more of a police state, better to be stealthy, avoid detection and hide in the woods SHTF then .22 rifle with a variety of ammo including subsonic rounds.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

What is a difference between 77/22 AND 10/22 Rouger rifles ???

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

77/22 is one of the best .22LR Bolt-Action rifles ever devised.
10/22 is one of the best .22LR Semi-Auto rifles ever devised.

They both use the same rotary magazines, although the 77/22 comes from the factory with a "flush fit" mag that is slightly smaller in one dimension than the 10/22 "flush fit" factory mag. You can use bannana mags, etc. with both.

They're both great, but I personally prefer the 77/22 for most uses.

Re: One firearm... one firearm only
 

M4gery.
"Stay out of my garden, and leave the chickens alone."
If I have a little time to gather up stuff, the .22 conversion comes with me.
I have no plans to beat feet, however. This is just pie in the sky.

We had a canine prollem a while back. When it happens it's a NOW thing. I've conducted persuasive maneuvers with .45 Colt, .22lr, .223, 12 ga, and spooked one once with a 7.62x39. Took a 'yote at aboot 40 yds with a 9mm Ruger P89. It's true. Took a few rounds, but got the job done. See "...don't mess w/ chickens" above. Took 3 of 4 (feral)one December eve, while nekkid. Got dressed and finished them.
"Twas the pack before Christmas and 'vel was under warm water...when the wife busted in and shouted "There's curs near our daughter!" the horror......the horror.....

Don't get me wrong, I loves my animals. Sometimes I'll shoo away a pooch. You can frequently tell if they have manners and should be treated as such. Cats get a total pass, unless'n they wake me up whilst humpin'. (them or me, especially me.) Chucks and gravediggers are sport.....I seem to have gone on a tangent...

Bottom line, when it's NOW you grab what's there. Make sure your favored unit is "there".

Happy hunting, all.