I think the SKS is a great SHTF gun, but a 12 guage shotgun might be a better option.

1)Ammo is cheap and plentyful for a 12 guage.
2)You can buy 12 guage shell almost everywhere.
3)You can get a variety of shells like, slugs, birdshot and buckshot.
5)You can use a 12 guage for home defense and for hunting a variet of game from birds to larger game like deer.
6)very reliable, pump shotguns don't jam very often.

The only downfall I can think of from a shotgun is you don't have the distance you have from a rifle.

Here is a Mossburg 500 Cruiser, which is a great SHTF gun.

A 12 gauge shotgun is a great suggestion, but MRpink stipulated a RIFLE for a shtf situation. Personally, I believe in having BOTH! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hey there, MrPink. I'm from your neck of the woods (east bay) and am disgusted by the gov't here, too. You'll have to double check about online ordering of ammo, because AB962 is specifically for handgun ammunition. Since 7.62x39 is not handgun ammo, you may very well still be able to order it online. Also, that bill doesn't go into effect for a while (February 1, 2011). If you want to help repeal it, go hear:

http://nramemberscouncils.com/petition/

Also, here's some info on it that says it would ban mail order of only handgun ammo:

http://nramemberscouncils.com/legs.shtml?summary=ab962&year=2009

As for my recommendation, I'd get a .30-06 rifle. I know most are bolt action, but a lot of reviews I've read say that semi-autos are less accurate. For a real shtf scenario, I'd say go with a 12 gauge shotgun. I just shot my friend's Benelli shotgun today, which is semi-auto, and it was nice! A recent Big 5 ad had them for about $350. I've had other friends recommend the Benelli Nova, too. To me, especially here in CA where hi-cap mags are banned, I think a shotgun is a better shtf gun than a rifle. Just my 2 cents.

As a side not, I shot my friends double barrel 12 gauge today, both shots at the same time, and that kinda hurt!

Thats a great deal for a Benelli semi auto

Oops! I double checked and it's a pump! Sorry for the mistake! Regardless, it's a Nova Tactical and like I said, other friends have recommended the Benelli Nova to me.

Wow! I started really looking around for semi auto Benellis, and man, those things are kinda expensive! Forgive me for my ignorance! I've looked at rifles and handguns more than shotguns.

Couple of good starter rifles here
http://www.savagearms.com/st_200long.htm
http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=8&section=products

dl351: Don't know if it is still the same or not, buy years ago I had a browning that was a vertual clone (dame gun/different name?) that you MIGHT be able to get for cheaper than the benelli.

Some great suggestion here. Let me throw in my 2cents. For value I don't think you can beat a lever action and the 30-30 is a great cheap round and Marlins in that configuration are cheap. If you want something a little more versatile get a lever action in 357. A great companion to a revolver and they shoot 38s. Marlins would be my choice, they're a closed top reciever making scope mounting easier if you want, but they are a touch more expensive. Rossi makes a 16" barrel carbine that holds 8+1 sweetness in a small package, plus they don't get a second look. People say Levers hold less then most semis with magazines, but the nice thing is like shotguns you can "top-off" levers while you shoot.

Good points. It makes sense to have the ability to carry just one type of ammo in SHTF situations by matching rifle to handgun. Your example of the .357 is a good one.

mini 14 mixed reviews? it would be my second choice after the garand.

do you have a .22? i'd want a good .22 rifle with tons of ammo that's easy to find, afford, and carry. i'd combine that with a magnum caliber revolver.

someday i'd like to have a .357 revolver/lever action combo.