Thanks a lot guys!!

Talking about guns we can't get here in Kali. (Judge)

I'm squarely in the 22LR camp. For me its about versatility and the weight of ammo.

I have two 16oz Nalgene bottles filled with 550 rounds (EACH) of 22LR in my Bug-Out Gear. I wouldn't want to venture a guess as to how much 1,100 rounds of 45 Colt or 410 ammo would weigh.

The Ruger Mk2 and Mk3 handgun is a survivalist's best friend.

Just thought of something germane....

Castner's Cutthroats of WW2 fame carried 22LR handguns for harvesting game.

For those who are asking who were Castner's Cutthroats?

During World War II Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands (Alaska). Castner's Cutthroats were a group of outdoorsman that were recruited to serve as scouts and scout/snipers in the islands.

They were NOT supplied regularly by the military. They were required to "live off the land" and did a great job of it.

In fact, when the "big army" showed up to repeal the invasion, CC's ended up having to feed the beleaguered men.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castner%27s_Cutthroats

"Standard issue for Castner's Cutthroats was a Trapper Nelson pack, hunting knife, .22LR caliber target pistol and a sniper rifle, instead of the standard issue Springfield rifle, or M1 Garand. However, when it came to firearms, personal preference was the deciding factor. Al Brattain, a crack shot, preferred the M1 Garand because its reduced recoil did not spoil his aim. Trapper Nelson packs held all their supplies for their long mountainous treks. They lived off the land, which allowed them to stay light, unlike most military units of the time. To move from island to island, the men used canoes, from which they fished for salmon. The salmon was dried and stored for the winter, furthering the unit's ability to stay out in the field."

Nice history info. I love that stuff. And 22lr is a great round

Arch, That is an awesome piece of history I wasn't privy too. Thanks for sharing.

Just out of curiosity, in your BOB is 22LR the sole caliber you would carry, or would you have something a little larger for defense?

While the Judge may not be the supreme choice for a survival situation or Bugging out situation, In the area that I live I would feel more comfortable with something a little bigger for self defense, as I would be more likely to encounter a black bear, mountain lion, or feral hog, than a group of marauders. It is the option of having a single firearm with the capability of putting food on the table and being able to serve as a defense tool as well that I can see the OP's point of view.

J

Jaytock, I'm not sure about FACTORY loads, but I DO know you can handload a 45 colt round to have more power than a 44 mag.

SH, That is a handy piece of info I'll be looking into as I have reloading equipment on my shortlist, thanks. I meant that I would feel more comfortable with a Judge on my hip in my location than just a 22LR.
Have you had chance to put any 410 buckshot through yours? I haven't had the opportunity to take it with me hog hunting yet, but I can attest to the damage it causes against old car doors! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
J

J,

My wife's Bug-Out gear consists of a Ruger 10/22 Stainless with Leupold 2-7x33mm VariX2 optic and a Glock 19 (9mm) with night sights.

My Bug-Out gear consists of ONE of the following rifles (depending on my mood and the situation): Arsenal SGL-21 (Russian made AK47 in 7.62x39mm), Arsenal SLR-106FR (Bulgarian made AK101 in 5.56x45mm), Colt 6520 (5-1/2 pound 16" lightweight barreled AR15A2 with collapsible stock), DS Arms SA58 (18" Para Model FAL) and a Ruger Mk3 handgun.

We both have "defensive" weapons and we both have "hunting" weapons.

My wife is small and therefore is getting the 22 rifle. She can handle it, and it is easier to use effectively than a 22 handgun. Her 9mm can be used for close in defense (and is to be worn at all times). It also gives us the ability to sneak into towns as "grey people" to gather information and supplies...while being armed.

My firearms skill set is refined, and therefore I can make the most use out of the defensive rifle and a 22 handgun. Also, as the stronger person, I can carry more centerfire rifle ammo.

Ammunition Counts:

22 Long Rifle = 2,200rds between the two of us regardless of what rifle I choose.

9mm = Wife has 75rds.

5.56x45mm (DEFAULT OPTION) = My "default" bug-out defense rifle is the Colt 6520 with 13 30rd mags (28 rounds each) for a total of 364rds of 5.56x45m.

5.56x45mm (AK101 Option) = If I choose the 556 AK my ammo count drops to 270 rounds (9 30rd mags with 30rds each).

7.62x39mm (AK47 Option) = If I chose the 762 AK my ammo count drops to 270 rounds (9 30rd mags with 30rds each).

7.62x51mm (FAL Option) = If I choose the FAL my round count drops to 180 rounds (9 20rd mags with 20rds each).

Clearly choosing the lightweight Colt yields the most ammo. The other options include heavier weapons and magazines. The AK47 and FAL also include heavier ammo.

Jaytok, I don't have either Judge, but Tom (private klink does). Only .410 I have is a bolt action with the tube magazine under the barrel like some 22 rifles.

SH, oops my mistake!
J

Circuit Judge 22lr/mag anyone?