If you were in a post-apocolyptic world, and you could have any ONE gun, what would it be?

Question

You can be specific as to the model (Example: Winchester 94 in 30-30), but it's fine if you just say the type and caliber (Example: .357 revolver). Any gun you want with any accesories, price is no issue, but it has to be an actual smallarm (Example: handgun, machine pistol, assualt rifle, hunting/precision rifle, or shotgun). In this scenario, you are alone and don't know what to expect. You have practically limitless ammunition.

Just curious! Think about versatility and portability! This is for all you gun buffs out there!

Answer 1

Double Barrel 12 shotgun. Probably a Stevens 411. The reason for this is because they have these accessory tubes you can drop in the barrels that can convert to fire 20 gauge, 410 or .22. I figure with a set of tubes for each extra caliber, and your unlimited ammo, I am all set. Now this is for mainly hunting. I don't believe in the one gun theory, any more than I believe in the one knife theory. I could do all right with this set up though. For self defense give me an XM-29 with the 20 mm grenade launcher. Of course they do make a .22 conversion kit for an AR-15, too. Sigh, so many guns, so little time. Good question.

Answer 2

Bound's hubby here:

This scenario requires a little bit more definition. Reading between the lines I see the firearm as having two functions. First, harvesting game for consumption and second, keeping survivors and marauders a safe distance away. This would negate a pistol and would mandate a rifle over a shotgun. The rifle would have to be durable, easy to maintain and repair and, preferably, combat proven. Plus, it has to have a low risk of breaking easily. It will need Timex reliability. These criteria narrow the field for me to one of two rifles, an M1903 Springfield or an M1 Garand.

My difficult choice would end up with an M1903A3 Springfield rifle.
The reason why:
1. It is very accurate
2. There are few parts that will break
3. When rapid fire is needed, it can be reloaded with stripper clips
4. I have six replacement barrels
5. I have enough replacement parts for what could break to keep the rifle alive, with hard usage, for about 50-60 years.

I could make due with the Springfield, I would probably pray for the Garand and I would wish I had a .45 for when the rifle was just too much!

You pose an interesting dilemma, I hope none of us ever have to experience this nightmare. I hope we never have to make this decision, it's not an easy one. The best thing that can be said is anyone that has too, will pick the rifle they are most comfortable with. The problem for me is that I'm comfortable with all of my rifles and each has a specific role. This dilemma draws on many of the roles that these rifles share and can be adapted to.

Good luck and keep your clips loaded!

Answer 3

I'll give you one other consideration beyond versatility and portability and that is reliability. As a previous correspondent has pointed out, a shotgun can shoot anything from birdshot to deer slugs and is the only weapon that has this sort of versatility.

For long term survival, I'd choose a double-barreled shotgun rather than a pump action because there is less to go wrong and it's easier to maintain in rough conditions. I'd choose a short barrel choked for slugs.

Now if you are talking a Shaun of the Dead situation where you need to take out hoards of hostiles, I'd still go with a shotgun but I'd make it a semi-automatic with a detachable magazine - something along the lines of the USAS-12.

Answer 4

I'd keep it simple. A bolt action .308 with a bull barrel and composite stock. While it's a little on the heavy side....I still would favor long range capabilities vs. close combat. Accesories would include a top of the line combat proven mil dot scope (plus a spare), the best bases and rings money could by, detachable bipod, flash supressor, silencer, 70 years of cleaning supplies, trigger job, replacement parts, endless ammount of quality slings and a quality set of iron sights for more close range endevors.
Versatility and portablitiy would not be my primary concerns in a post-apocolyptic world. Survival and personal protection would be my primary concerns. This weapon would give you the oppertunity to sneek and peek and remain unseen by predators. If I have a gun and I'm in this situation, I'd probably have a price on my head. That being the case, I'd rather stay out of pistol range. A pistol would limit your hunting oppertunities, the .308 could be used on various big game and also work well for head shots on small game.

Answer 5

In modern survival dialect, this is known as a "SHTF" situation and it requires a SHTF gun.

Go look it up on a YAHOO search....you'll find hundreds of discussion forums on the subject.

I think a shotgun is too big, too heavy and the ammo is also way too bulky and heavy. The same with a large caliber rifle. A pistol will not help in the 'feeding yourself' situation, so you are left with carbines (which include 'assault weaposn'...which btw is not a word firearms people use it's a word coined by anti-gun politicians). I'd go with an accurate AK semi auto clone, polymer stock and 20 round magazines....in fact, that IS my SHTF gear!

Answer 6

"If I were stranded on an unknown planet I would want an AK-47, When Western Civilization crumbles, I want an AK-47" To quote some Dr. from a military college...I'm too tired to look him up. I agree, dependable to a rediculous extreme, accurate enough for the average shooter. I doubt I'll need to shoot any fly peckers off while I'm in this post-apcolyptic waste scape. Also capable of laying down a lethal wall of lead if need be. Powerful enough for killing people, powerful enough for killing most animals, actually, all animals, people in Africa poach elephants with Ak's all the time. You'd just need to switch it to rock and roll. Ak, yes please.

Answer 7

I watched and look at the e book. i presumed it grew to become into very sensible as to what ought to take place. i might %. 3 uncomplicated calibers because of the fact ultimately i might run out or ammo and can could desire to scavenge from others. i might %. a competent .308 AR, a semi vehicle 12 gauge shotgun that settle for detachable mags, and a great narrow handgun like the kel tec pf9 that i will conceal on me and get out of sticky circumstances. The basement scene grew to become into with the help of far the creepiest. i may well be greater fascinated approximately my strategies of having/producing nutrition than weapons.

Answer 8

since we're talking hypotheticals here. i'd have to go with the .50 cal barret also.
the right terrain, in capable hands(i might be able to pull if off) unlimited ammo, no one is getting closer than half a mile, unless i want them too. then you can get what ever they have.
survival in a shtf scenario for the average joe would depend on stealth more than firefight ability.

but alas, the reality of it is a trusty sks,.22 ba, and a .357 s&w and a roll of tp is ready to hit the road.

Answer 9

if i would have a rifle then the .50 cal barret sniper
if i would have an assault rifle the the m4 carbine
if i would have a pistol then walther p99
if i would have something else then i would have an mp5 with a 30 round mag

Answer 10

Ak-47 long barrel with a folding stock, red dot sight, 75 round drum, bayonet, and a shotgun attachment under the barrel.