This is a topic that comes up a lot on the internet, but I'd love to hear what my fellow Dogs are using!

Here are my questions:

1) What is your SHTF rifle?

2) Why did you choose this rifle?

3) Would you take something else if TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it) was going to happen?



Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. If you're feeling particular ambitious - please post pictures! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Either my Colt AR15A3 with a 4X beeman Air Rifle scope (rated for full automatic fire) or my L1a1 cause it's a battle rifle .308.

My reasoning: Cause they are what I've got.

OR I could use my 600 Mohawk. Goes without saying my sawed off 20ga mossy will be there somehow.

1)All I have is a Mossin M44, I like it a lot, but it is not a true shtf rifle.



2)It is what I got, and it was only $92

2.5) I honestly think the 7.62nato and similar sized rounds are needed to cover every possiable requirement for surviving TEOTWAWKI. 5.56nato and 7.62x39 are great but lose so much energy at longer distances. Also the 7.62nato gives more options in turning cover in to concealment.

3)My dream rifle would be a Springfield SOCOM 16, with a low power scout scope on a quick-detach mount and that is all I would want to keep the already heavy gun as light as possiable

3.5)My runner up to the socom would be a 16 in FAL patterned rifle, with same scout scope set up and a folding stock so the whole rifle could be dropped in a regular hiking backpack.

(Disclaimer, I have no SHTF or TEOTWAWKI experience these are just my ramblings, wishes, and opnions)

Thanks for the responses.

I'm torn as I have a few options...DSA FAL Para, Sig556, Colt AR15, Arsenal SLR-106FR (223 AK), Springfield M1A, Ruger Mini-30.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I can't decide what's best.

Wow you do have some great options Arch.
What rifle is most reliable with only field maintenance?
What rifle do you have the most ammo and mags and a system to carry said ammo and mags?
Where do you live? will long shots say 500m plus be a possibility/necessity?
The AR, Ak, and SIG (mabey the mini-30) will mostly be the lightest to carry and therefore you would have less difficulty covering terrain steep or flat.
The M1A and FAL are no doubt battle rifles, but they weigh much more.
Is oal an issue, Will CQB be a possibility? in and out of buldibngs, a boat, a car etc. if so the shortest one you got may be best.
In a post-apocalyptic world (your area where you live) what round will be easiest to find 7.62x39, .223, or .308?
Dose the AK, Mini-30, FAL, or SIG fold? to be hid in a backpack or something.
If the M1A or Mini-30 are wood stocks then with lower-cap mags they will look less (evil) and not draw unwanted attention.

Tough choice.

Yugoslavian AK-47. Stone reliable.

Good choice HD. I also have a 7.62x39mm AK that is very reliable (forgot to list it above).

James Bond - those are the same questions I've been mentally debating for quite a number of years.

a .22 or a galil variant...for obvious reasons.

.22 allows easy carry of ALOT of ammo, fairly quiet, and easy to find.

a galil variant in .223/5.56 purely for reliability and ability to carry more ammo than a 7.62

plus, if needed to get food, a .22 wont destroy much meat

1. Bushmaster ar15, 20" barrel with flat top reciever, with aimpoint

2. .223 is common, can carry more rounds than .30 cal., very accurate rifle and light

3. Ruger mark III .22 cal pistol

Most likely my SKS, though I do have other choices. Reliable and capable of ten rounds at a time, it should handle anything that might present itself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Realisticlly probably an Ar-15. I always have one at work. I have one at home. I have been using that platform for over 25 years.

There are guns I like better but the Ar is second nature for me.