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

[franklinman]

Hello, I'm a relative newcomer to this site, so I apologise if this has been posted before (I wouldn't be surprised that it has, just I didn't see anything in my brief searching.). I am basically a handgun person, 1911's in particular are my "thing". But I am thinking about adding ONE rifle to the stable. What I'm considering is what I've started to call a SHTF rifle, as some usr that term on this forum. Basically I'm looking for something that's reliable, easy to maintain, plentiful parts and ammo supply, and would be accurate and easy to shoot. This would be a weapon that would/could be used for defense as well as a food gatherer. Also I'd be interested in what optics are considered in this same catagory. I know that there are probably as many opinions on this topic as there are guns and calibers out there. I guess what I hoping to hear are the opinions of other more experienced people, and as important, their reasoning behind their choice(s). My attitude towards this gun would be to keep it as simple as is reasonable, but it's gotta work, all the time. So there's my question(s). Any input/opinion is welcome. Thank you.

[Sniperfreak]

For me, the Mosin-Nagant, specifically the Finnish M/39, fairly short (for a Mosin), great balance, relatively light, excellent trigger, unsurpassed reliability in any conditions, amazing accuracy, cheap ammo, readily available parts, and it's actually chambered in a cartridge that would be plenty powerful enough for anything you'll likely encounter.

[tdyoung58]

I'd choose something chambered in .308. Good enough for either SD/HD or hunting. Relatively cheap ammo that will be availible for a while (until Nato and half the countries in the world stop using it).

A Mosin is a good cheaper alternative, I'd choose either a M38 or a 91/59. You can get cans of ammo under $100 (440 rounds).

[Edg]

I edited this before posting it so I dont sound like a lunatic survivalist.

Back to topic I guess I would choose a 20" AR. Simply due to parts and ammo availability and the ability to scavenge parts and ammo from the battlefield. If I could only have one gun that is.
I would prefer something like a G3.....but if it breaks its worthless, you wont find parts for it while roaming the countryside.

[JustinM]

AK47

“If I had to go to a planet, an unknown planet, and I was allowed to take one firearm, it would be an AK 47. When Western Civilization melts down, I want an AK 47.”

Richard Venola

[JB70]

AR would be my first choice, however that being said they can be finicky and require frequent cleaning. The AK on the other hand would be a fine choice, load it, shoot it and forget about it...

[bortle]

AK47

“If I had to go to a planet, an unknown planet, and I was allowed to take one firearm, it would be an AK 47. When Western Civilization melts down, I want an AK 47.”

Richard Venola

I'd be more worried about protection than hunting. I'll take an AK.

[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.