Author Topic: Best all round long gun ever (Read 3729 times)

tturner53 · « **on:** November 06, 2012, 05:15:35 AM »

I'm not a 'prepper', more of a pre-prepper! Along those lines I've come to think of my Handi Super Light .223 as THE most useful firearm I own. (I didn't say most accurate, powerful, or most firepower). Useful. In the real world and as a just in case scenario gun. It's light, compact, accurate enough, user serviceable, sturdy, and can fire a wiiide variety of ammo, from cast bullet plinker/squirrel loads to military grade penetrating fmjs and copper solids. I believe in a survival situation there's nothing on this earth I couldn't drop with it, given the right bullet. Ammo is everywhere, and plenty cheap compared to most. No AR for me, I'll take a Handi, especially if it's bug out time. Since it's election day, I've cast my vote for the Handi .223. Ayes? Nayes?

jpshaw · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2012, 06:28:14 AM »

well you did say long gun didn't you. There is only one choice. Anyone who ever flipped through the pages of the 1903 Edition of the Sears and Roebuck Cataloque will tell you it's the gun that won the West (and the East, North and South). The simple break action single shot shotgun. Usually in 12 gauge but not necessarily. Simple, cheap and anyone who worked could afford one and with the right load it would kill anything on this hemisphere. Maybe not much range but it could do it.

Airsporter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2012, 08:15:39 AM »

Get the throat checked if you intend to shoot mil spec 5.56 ammo. Most .223 chamber throats are too short.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2012, 08:27:19 AM »

long gun , best , would need to be a combo gun say 308 with 2, 12 ga bbls

tomtomz · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2012, 08:44:32 AM »

Easy.

Ruger #1 in 270 Winchester.

gendoc · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2012, 09:05:09 AM »

45/70

Sourdough · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2012, 09:31:14 AM »

Handi 30-06, my go to gun. 200gr bullets for Grizzly. 180gr for Moose. 165gr for Caribou, Black Bear, Wolves and Whitetail and Hogs when I'm on vacation. 125gr bullets for Coyotes, and Lynx.

hoytcanon · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2012, 10:30:32 AM »

Quote from: tturner53 on November 06, 2012, 05:15:35 AM

I'm not a 'prepper', more of a pre-prepper! Along those lines I've come to think of my Handi Super Light .223 as THE most useful firearm I own. (I didn't say most accurate, powerful, or most firepower). Useful. In the real world and as a just in case scenario gun. It's light, compact, accurate enough, user serviceable, sturdy, and can fire a wiiide variety of ammo, from cast bullet plinker/squirrel loads to military grade penetrating fmjs and copper solids. I believe in a survival situation there's nothing on this earth I couldn't drop with it, given the right bullet. Ammo is everywhere, and plenty cheap compared to most. No AR for me, I'll take a Handi, especially if it's bug out time. Since it's election day, I've cast my vote for the Handi .223. Ayes? Nayes?

I agree... the .223 is the most useful alround caliber... versatile, inexpensive to shoot and feed, and plain fun.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2012, 11:03:29 AM »

Quote from: Sourdough on November 06, 2012, 09:31:14 AM

Handi 30-06, my go to gun. 200gr bullets for Grizzly. 180gr for Moose. 165gr for Caribou, Black Bear, Wolves and Whitetail and Hogs when I'm on vacation. 125gr bullets for Coyotes, and Lynx.

Don't forget #1 buck squib loads for bunnies!

-Kees-

tacklebury · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2012, 11:07:34 AM »

I'm going with a Northwest Trade gun in 20 ga. With Ball it'll take anything walking and with shot can be used for birds, small animals, etc. Tough all round gun to beat.

Catshooter45 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2012, 12:49:23 PM »

30-30/20 gauge combo Handi. It's going to become my set up. I've been shooting the 30-30 and it's grand. I cast & reload, so I can shoot loads that are like a .32 pistol round up to full bore. Introduced my new grandson to shooting with the light load last weekend and he had a total ball. Could not stop grinning all weekend.

I'm in the process of setting up the 20 gauge barrel and I think it should do well.

Although, Sourdough's experiences (as related here, search under his name for some great stories) are a compelling argument for the mighty '06.

Cat

trotterlg · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2012, 01:47:46 PM »

Could be right about the 30-30 20 gauge, but I would go for this one, A Savage 24V 30-30 over 20 gauge. Larry

Brian P. · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2012, 01:49:13 PM »

I like 243. With a bolt gun, though, you can use one of those little Lee Classic Loaders since you wouldn't have to FL size brass.

twoshooter · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2012, 01:56:54 PM »

Larry beat me to the post, only I actually had the one I would pick now, and I SOLD it

, it was a 3" 20ga with 357 mag on top. That has to be one of the most versatile guns ever.

Spanky · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2012, 02:09:00 PM »

By far the best all around long gun (especially in a SHTF scenario) would be a single shot .22 LR with open sights. Ammo is everywhere, you can carry thousands of rounds in your pack, you can take small game to medium sized game with it, there's no optics to fail on you, etc, etc, etc....
You guys can have your 223's, 270's, 308's etc. Long after you've run out of ammo and reloading components I'll still be shooting... and eating... and defending my home...

Nothing else makes sense.

Spanky

Defoe · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2012, 02:23:23 PM »

Quote from: Spanky on November 06, 2012, 02:09:00 PM

By far the best all around long gun (especially in a SHTF scenario) would be a single shot .22 LR with open sights. Ammo is everywhere, you can carry thousands of rounds in your pack, you can take small game to medium sized game with it, there's no optics to fail on you, etc, etc, etc....
You guys can have your 223's, 270's, 308's etc. Long after you've run out of ammo and reloading components I'll still be shooting... and eating... and defending my home...
Nothing else makes sense.

Spanky

I'll have to agree with you. I wouldn't hesitate to take a head-shot at a deer with my peep-sighted 22 single shot.

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 06, 2012, 07:05:41 PM »

Quote from: Spanky on November 06, 2012, 02:09:00 PM

By far the best all around long gun (especially in a SHTF scenario) would be a single shot .22 LR with open sights. Ammo is everywhere, you can carry thousands of rounds in your pack, you can take small game to medium sized game with it, there's no optics to fail on you, etc, etc, etc....
You guys can have your 223's, 270's, 308's etc. Long after you've run out of ammo and reloading components I'll still be shooting... and eating... and defending my home...
Nothing else makes sense.

Spanky

I agree Spanky, any reliable 22 LR is a must have. I have a Versa Pack and my son's Crickett single shot.

The new Savage model 42 .22LR over .410 also looks promising as a SHTF gun. Open sight .22 LR on top with a cylinder choke .410 on the bottom that you could load with 000 410 buckshot or slugs.

ironglow · « **Reply #17 on:** November 06, 2012, 08:01:41 PM »

Turner; Airsporter beat me to it..but be careful wit 5.56 in a rifle bored for .223. That being said, the .223 is a resl handy rifle and will do what work would be necessary in most of the "lower 48".
I can see the wisdom of the .22 LR too...maybe a .223 SS with the .22 LR insert?
In any case, the election having gone like it has..better decide, we may need "bugout" stuff before too long..

s_hawk · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2012, 06:08:02 AM »

Quote from: hoytcanon on November 06, 2012, 10:30:32 AM

Quote from: tturner53 on November 06, 2012, 05:15:35 AM
I'm not a 'prepper', more of a pre-prepper! Along those lines I've come to think of my Handi Super Light .223 as THE most useful firearm I own. (I didn't say most accurate, powerful, or most firepower). Useful. In the real world and as a just in case scenario gun. It's light, compact, accurate enough, user serviceable, sturdy, and can fire a wiiide variety of ammo, from cast bullet plinker/squirrel loads to military grade penetrating fmjs and copper solids. I believe in a survival situation there's nothing on this earth I couldn't drop with it, given the right bullet. Ammo is everywhere, and plenty cheap compared to most. No AR for me, I'll take a Handi, especially if it's bug out time. Since it's election day, I've cast my vote for the Handi .223. Ayes? Nayes?
I agree... the .223 is the most useful alround caliber... versatile, inexpensive to shoot and feed, and plain fun.

I feel the same way. My Superlight Handi in .223 is super accurate. Neck shots at short ranges are a gimmie on deer. The rifle is cheap & so is the ammo.
Hawk

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2012, 06:12:45 AM »

I don't own a handi , looked at them but never considered buying one. That out the way I must ask with all the fitting problems and other concerns mentioned here what draws one to consider such a gun for survival ? Cheap when the chips are down makes no sense to me.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #20 on:** November 14, 2012, 07:29:21 AM »

223 is a very good choice
especially with a chamber adapter to 22lr

12 guage beats all for versatility...especially when the sun goes down or danger is real close

my choice is 357 mag/ 38spcl/357 max
the ammo is compatible with the ammo in my pocket as long as my pants are on

38 is cheap and real quiet.....and plentyful
357mag is cheap some times and quite available......and in a rifle almost up to a 30-30
357max...power is up to a 30-30 maybe more
357max is hand load only for most......but few would want to steal it

nanuk-O-dah-Nort · « **Reply #21 on:** November 17, 2012, 10:19:40 PM »

Quote from: tomtomz on November 06, 2012, 08:44:32 AM

Easy.

Ruger #1 in 270 Winchester.

+1
I have one, and with a Loopy 2.5x8 scope, it is deadly on any meat animal I might hunt

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #22 on:** November 18, 2012, 02:25:59 AM »

I'm with ya turner. I have a .223 superlightweight with a youth stock I refer to as "Dinky." It shoots everything I've tried in it to the same point of aim except the .22 LR's. I bought a couple of blue steel chamber inserts from MCA Sports in AK and they shoot about 1.5" low at 25 yards.
While I would probally take my 20 ga. for an all around walkabout gun the .223 can still do everything here in my neck o' the woods.

Dinny · « **Reply #23 on:** November 18, 2012, 06:31:43 AM »

I have a Ruger 77/22 that was my Millenium gun. I have to reconsider it now since it doesn't have any iron sights. Now that I have a Versa-Pack that one will do just fine. I would keep a scope on it as long as I could and then use the irons. I once saw someone shoot a deer DRT with a 22lr. Of course that's strictly hypothetically speaking.

1000 rounds of 22lr is alot smaller and lighter than any other ammo except 17HM2, but I doubt that will be mentioned here.

Thanks, Dinny

ironglow · « **Reply #24 on:** November 26, 2012, 02:39:51 PM »

.. I would also have to submit my Versa...22LR /20 gauge (I've switched smooth bores)..yes, 2 barrels..but still one gun. As Dinny said, 500 accurate rounds come in a small box..and 20 ga birdshot or slugs are capable of taking all kinds of game from flying to anything big in 49 of the 50 states...

thumper113 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 26, 2012, 03:13:39 PM »

I'd have to say my old Revelation (Mossberg) pump 12 gauge. It's put a lot of meat on the table over the years and I used to be able to work the slide so fast four shots would sound like three. It's 32" barrel will reach out and touch someone. It's the one gun I'd truly TRUST my family's life to.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #26 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:52:59 AM »

Ya know, I been thinkin on this since this thread started... $:-\$ And, after long and thoughtful consideration, I got to say that my .510 Sharps Express (aka 50-140 Sharps) has got to be, without a doubt, the perfect long rifle, no, long GUN!

I mean, think about it! I can load it wayyyyyyyyy down for small game, or drop in some more powder under any number of 300 (-) to 500 (+) grain bullets (cast or jacketed), at darn near any velocity I want, for medium or large game, or drive a 570 gr solid at 2200 fps for the really big stuff!

And think some more! That 3.25 inch long case can hold more then just powder don't cha know! Like wads and shot!!!

Or ain't all y'all ever seen brass shotgun shells!?

And, when the revolution starts, I can load up a bunch of hulls with 50 BMG bullets for cars, trucks and such!

Heck, I can even shoot Black Powder if I want!

Yessir, ain't no doubt about it... dat .510 got to be the best all 'round rifle-gun they is!

Matter of fact, I think I'll start 'sperimentin with some birdshot loads pretty quick here!

ironglow · « **Reply #27 on:** November 27, 2012, 06:09:18 AM »

I had to settle for my versa-pack because...I once had had just the perfect rifle ..but this feller took it away.

Dinny · « **Reply #28 on:** November 27, 2012, 06:16:34 AM »

Quote from: ironglow on November 27, 2012, 06:09:18 AM

I had to settle for my versa-pack because...I once had had just the perfect rifle ..but this feller took it away.

I felt a sudden urge to check your profile for your age after that comment.

Thanks, Dinny

gcrank1 · « **Reply #29 on:** November 27, 2012, 06:32:31 AM »

If 'in company' someone needs to have a 22LR (any a variety of ammo types) and another a shotgun; the rest of the party can carry whatever they want, or have (but current mil-surp ammo chambering would be good). Just look at remote places in the world for what has served them well for generations.
If just me, Id be torn between a Savage 24 in 22LR/20ga.(or 410) and the 30-30/20ga. (were they ever made with a 410?) With a 30-30 reload set and a light and heavy bullet mould and a shotgun reload set; primers/lead/shot, etc. at basecamp and a good supply of loads already made you would be set for a good long time. With the 410 chambering you can often use 444 brass to make shotgun loads. But thats a lot more stuff than 22s and 20ga. or 410's ready made to grab & go.
A Non-Transfer Bar H&R shotgun (ya dont ever want that sucker failing in a survival situation, do ya?) and a good accurate 22LR revolver would make a lot of sense, too.
Hey Sourdough, what do the boys in the bush favor up there?