What is the Best Survival Gun?

What is the best survival gun? That is a loaded question whose answer is not as simple as it appears. The term “survival” most likely has a different meaning to every reader of this page.  My approach to the topic of survival gun is that of a moderate approach. I’m not preparing for the extremes of war or end of the world, SHTF scenario. I am unquestionably mentally and physically well prepared to protect myself, family and loved ones. I am also prepared mentally and physically to the notion that hunting animals and butcher livestock are real world possibilities.

The first action I took before I began writing this “Best Survival Gun” article I ran through days of scenarios in my head where and how a gun may be used for survival. Being a “gun guy” as a second career it would be really easy to have some bias towards specific gun brands, gun models and calibers. I can state with total confidence I have completely avoided that bias.

 

.22 Long Rifle Survival Gun

I consider a .22 rifle, preferably semi-automatic a “Must Own” for any prepper or survivalist. The little .22 round has so much going for it. For starters a brick of 500 .22’s can easily fit in one hand. This means it’s possible to have a lifetime of .22 ammunition in a relatively small space.

.22 Rifles

Ruger 10/22 Semi Automatic Rifle–

Ruger 10/22 Take-Down Rifle–

Ruger American Rimfire Compact Bolt Action Rifle-

Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle –

.22 Pistols

Ruger Mark IV Hunter–

9mm Survival Pistol

In my opinion the choice of a 9mm pistol is practically mandatory for a survival pistol. The 9mm Parabellum cartridge is the most popular centerfire pistol cartridge on the planet. This translates into the most abundant pistol ammunition available. The 9mm cartridge if a full sized handgun is moderately low recoil.  This results in easily controlled shots and accurate shot placement. By utilizing premium ammunition the 9mm is an excellent man stopper that can also be used on deer sized game in a pinch.  The choice of the Glock 17 and Beretta 92F pistols are also based on commonality and availability. I strongly suggest owning a 9mm pistol.

Glock 17– The Glock 17 is one of if not the most common 9mm handguns available in the United States of America. The Glock 17 is an accurate and easy natural shooter. It also has the most readily available 9mm magazines.

Beretta 92F– The Beretta 92F in not as popular in the United States with civilian shooters as it once was. That said the Beretta 92F is known by another model designation, the M9. The M9 is standard issue United States Military sidearm. This means in a SHTF situation the M9 and parts can be picked up in the battlefield. This should not be ignored.

.223 Winchester Survival Rifle

.223 Semi Automatic Rifle

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AR-15-

.223 Bolt Action Rifle

Mossberg MVP 5.56 Nato–

.308 Winchester Survival Rifle

.308 Winchester Semi Automatic Rifle

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.308 Winchester Bolt Action Rifle

Mossberg MVP Scout Rifle–

Shotgun

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Remington 870–

Shotgun

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