Best all-around rifle if you could only have 1?

[acosenza2]

In PA, with a standing government (and its current laws) you are a bit limited in finding a gun for SHTF and hunting. In a SHTF scenario, I would want an AK 47. To hunt, I want a .308 or 30-06, and probably bolt action. If I wasn't in PA, then the options are better, I would get the semi-auto rifle that can be used for both hunting and Self Defense/Home Defense.

For the purposes of your question today, find a good .308 rifle that is not semi-auto. I like the Thompson Center Venture.

[Tim Ault]

I'll put a different twist on things here, A good choice to meet the OP's list would be a good old lever action 30/30! That old relic you say? Why not ? built well, very reliable,a quick action with 5 rds before a reload ,faster than a bolt action 30/30 ammo is everywhere literally stores,homes ect. decent firepower and range (better than the 7.62x39) light weight and easy to carry, can be used legally to hunt in Pa. Not the best pic IMO but if times get bad I'm not gonna worry about game commission regulations ,Again not my "ideal" SHTF weapon but meets the OP's stated needs

[oblivionboyj]

better than the 7.62x39

30-30 and 7.62x39 are about even in ballistics and useful range.

30-30 Win. (150 FP) 2390fps 1605v@200yrds 1902ft/lbs 858e@200yrds
7.62x39 (125 Sp) 2365fps 1783v@200yrds 1552ft/lbs 882e@200yrds

They are about the same, and it is a wash as to which is more useful.
I am not bashing the 30-30 or lever actions, as they fit his criteria.
Just pointing out the facts.

[Nic]

AK47

Simple, easy and goes bang... the Glock of the rifle world.

[L T C]

Marlin 1894 lever, in 44mag, or 357mag.

Fun, cheap to shoot, simple, useful.

Good for plinking, target shooting, hunting to a point, and home defense.

If I could only have one, I'd keep my 44.

L T C

[Neko456]

Remington 700 in .30 cal or any good bolt action in .30 cal. Plenty of military and hunting ammo great range, power and multi purposes.

The Mk II Enfiled or 1917 or 1903 would be a great used one.

[MostlyHarmless]

If I only could keep one? I'd keep my Marlin 336C chambered in 30.30 Winchester. Enough power to stop a black bear. Enough accuracy to kill a deer at 100 yards. Enough rate of fire to stop a home invader (or three if I am allowed to keep a side arm as well).

I would certainly miss my .22 rifle though.


Jan

[pahuntnfool]

I am gonna throw a monkey into the wrench. Pump shotgun, rifled slugs, buckshot, birdshot. Flexible food gather. Effective range of many said rifles, spread with buckshot. Easier to gather variety of meats. Disadvantage getting threw body armor.

[bigandy1966]

Rossi Matched Pair
.308
12 Ga
http://www.rossiusa.com/product-deta...s=&search=.308

multi gun Versatility
See if you can get the .22lr barrel for this too

[Tim Ault]

30-30 and 7.62x39 are about even in ballistics and useful range.

30-30 Win. (150 FP) 2390fps 1605v@200yrds 1902ft/lbs 858e@200yrds
7.62x39 (125 Sp) 2365fps 1783v@200yrds 1552ft/lbs 882e@200yrds

They are about the same, and it is a wash as to which is more useful.
I am not bashing the 30-30 or lever actions, as they fit his criteria.
Just pointing out the facts.

I see your point and I've heard the argument before ,But the fact is to make the statement "about even" you must compare apples to apples, load the 30/30 with a 125 gr or the 7.62 with a 150 gr and see how they compare then. Fact is they are not even and will not ever be. Would I stand in front of either at any range no way.