recommendations for "#$%$ hits fan" rifle

[wideLoad]

Looking for recommendations on rifles for a "bad case" scenarios (martial law, big time natural disaster, etc etc, zombie problems).

The only stipulation is that this weapon cannot be "assualt" style looking. So AR/AK solutions are out.

Basically, looking for relatively powerful semi auto weapon that is still maneuverable (i.e., i don't want a monster 30-06 or something).

Also, I'd like this to be something that lasts. I hate buying crap. Price range like 400-1000 however.

Or should I just go AK and tell the wife it's a prop??

[Lagduf]

SKS?

[tomd1584]

Oh look! another SHTF rifle thread! and its your first post too!


no offense, but this comes up atleast ten times a week. try using the search button.

[Sneaky]

Didnt one of these SHTF threads Hit the Fan already just the other day?

Anyway well if AKs/ARs out of the question along with large caliber so no
M1As or Cetme umm lets see...

Theres the Mini14/30 series of rifles your choice 5.56 or 762x39.
The Kel-tec SU16 a,b,c or e in 5.56 Also Sub2000 in 9mm or 40 (Dont have any experince with one)
M1 Carbine (Ammo is kinda expensive)
SKS 762x39(and can find them anywhere)
Berreta CX4 storm in 9mm, 40, 45

Or just find urself a nice pistol

[jimmykan]

You don't even have to search this forum for "SHTF" to see all the other posts about this topic. Just hit the "New Posts" link. About a third of the results are already about SHTF rifles.

OP, basically everyone else is armed to the teeth for SHTF except you. Everyone else is also paying through the nose to attend combat training courses. You will be outgunned no matter what.

[louscamaro91]

My shtf rifle and pistol combo would be my ruger 10/22 and high standard .22 pistol!
I only shoot headshots, so it will do the trick against those pesky zombies

[Noobert]

Why can't it be "assault looking"?

[Eat Dirt]

.

OP, basically everyone else is armed to the teeth for SHTF except you. Everyone else is also paying through the nose to attend combat training courses. You will be outgunned no matter what.

Ahhhh Yes ,,,,,,,,, Wise words .......Grasshopper .............

[mif_slim]

Shotgun is best for SHTF IMO. Only in movies and media makes it seem like you need a rifle that shoots long range to keep intruders at bay. Shotgun can reach out to 200+ yards and it can feed your family from upland bird, small game and big game. I'm thinking most engagement will be close quarters if any.

[unusedusername]

Only from the first 4 pages of this forum..

Building a SHTF AR
Better SHTF rifle, Saiga 308 or SA Socom?
Best rifle for SHTF???

At least we know lots of people are interested in this topic

In case you want to search on your own...

[Nate87]

10/22. you can carry more ammo that way and still kill some small game for food. It just doesnt fill your "relatively powerful" requirement. But ammo is cheap and plentiful and the rifle will last decades.

[Hammertime]

If you get an evil looking 22LR you're set! Just have a couple mags loaded up with high velocity hollow point 22's for self defense, and the rest for small game hunting. Btw, said 'evil looking' so that you fool people into thinking that it is a more powerful weapon. It might save you some face at a distance!

[Ready4whenSHTF]

Yea .22 if youre up against zombie ground squirrels, if not you should check out my AR thread.

[ZombieTactics]

In non-AR/AK configurations, you'd still be well served by platforms which use commonly available rounds.

The Ruger Mini-14 and Kel-Tec SU16CA are both .223/5.56 compatible, so you have the ability to use this common military/police round. The Kel-Tec has the advantage of using AR-type magazines and being fold-able for storage.

The Ruger Mini-30 takes the same rounds (7.62x39) as the AK47 ... another good choice.

Saiga makes non-tactical looking rifles in both .223/5.56 and 7.63x39 ... the advantage here being excellent reliability and relatively low price.

[wideLoad]

Hilarious. I just did a STFH search on my own, indeed, it's all over the place. Didn't even know that was a common acronym.

OK, but, but -- I didn't see any that were of my style in terms of *no assault style rifles*. That's a bit unique... I think. Why no assault style? It doesn't really matter but it's just not a viable option for me unfortunately.

I've already got a .45 and a shotgun. I'm talking rifles here people so I can pick "the bad guys" off from my rooftop.

I would be game w/ a high quality 22 rifle but it seems like that's just not gonna do the kinda damage i'm looking to do here. If I miss the headshot, target's gonna need a bandaid and an aspirin.