What is your most versatile long-arm?

[Landmonster]

Let's pretend.... in the year 2017, the government limits you to 1 long-arm of any kind.

What do you keep (or buy), and why?

[urfavghost]

honestly I've been thinking about this alot here lately in this scenario and SHTF too and I'd honestly think an old flint lock would be ur best bet. You can fire anything out of it that you can melt down into a ball and it seems like it swould be easier to find powder for. But if not that probably a M4 or AK-47

[Habu]

My AR. Fills more roles I'll need to fill than any other rifle.

A good AK variant would also fit the bill.

[magiaaron]

Well... Interesting idea. Assuming no radical new designs come out that I love, I'd have to agree with Habu. My AR is extremely "tacticalerized." ;) I think if I needed to hunt, I could. If I needed to take something in the trunk, I could. If I needed blah blah blah.

Then again, if I knew things were REALLY about to hit the fan, I might sway towards an AK. Honestly, their reliability and power. I might looking into an underfolder for use.

I would like to point out though, that if you are at the point where the government is limiting you to one long gun, you can be sure they are limiting you to 10 or 5 round mags, no "assault" features (grip, flash guard, etc), and all that other fun stuff. So, take that into consideration if you really want the scenario to be as real and Illinois/California as possible.

-magiaaron

[redrooster]

I think for me it would be either an SKS (conventional synthetic stock w/tech sights) or a CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62x39mm.

I really like the medium power .30 calibers for their versatility. I also like conventional rifle stocks. I don't like pistol grips or fancy forends with tac-rails. I'd lean towards the CZ if I thought I would be reloading any reduced power loads for small game...which I probably would.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Remington 870 with multiple barrels and birdshot--buckshot and slug loads.

There is nothing more versitile than that.

[93GT]

Probably a DPMS LR-308B, if I ever find one.

[Zombie Steve]

Omaha's got it. Shotgun.

[Guyver]

In an ideal world, where you can have what you want.... I'd own a fully automatic M4A3

In todays world, with current laws, I'd like to have either a Keltec RFB or an FN FS2000....

Of what rifles I currently own, I'd have to go with my Beretta Storm 9mm... It's so much lighter than my M17s, and combined with my M9, it fills more roles as well. Of course I'd be limited range wise.....

[byf43]

Remington 870 with multiple barrels and birdshot--buckshot and slug loads.

There is nothing more versitile than that.

Good post.
I don't think that I could choose just one.
But then again. . . my wife could own one, each of my four children could own one, my parents. . . . . .

Yeah, I would choose either the 870 or an M1A.

[Three-Five-Seven]

The Constitution says the government can't do that.

[grecco]

Remington 870 with multiple barrels and birdshot--buckshot and slug loads.

There is nothing more versitile than that.

The good old 12 Guage can just about handle anything.

[Lowrangerider]

Besides the rational response of the 12 gauge shotgun; my choice would be my DPMS SASS. .308 can take down almost anything, semi auto, detachable 19rnd mags, ect...

[360]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Ruger 10/22. I know it's a wimpy caliber, but it's great for taking small game if you need to hunt your own food, and ammo is still plenty cheap.

[Solid]

20mm cannon? Belt-fed machine gun?

[Buzz9mm]

IMHO, if things were still somewhat normal, I would say a street sweeper. If some crazy, Dawn of the Dead **** went down, I would say a SAW (M249). .22s are okay, but just wouldnt be powerful enough for me. Sniper setups are okay, but I would want bullets just spraying everywhere, and wouldn't want to be limited to slow fire gun.

[crpadiem]

my AR. I keep it in the case with a 16" M4 upper and holo sight on that. Also in the case is a 20"bull barrel with a 10X scope for long range shots.

[lastevolution]

In a situation that you described, my only long arm would be an AK.

[DIXIE DUCK]

this thing
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3769/pict0014of3.jpg

[griggrt]

I would tend to prefer something in .223 if "S" was going to be hitting the fan for years and years. You can stock up on ammo for any caliber, but when that supply is gone, .223 very well could be the easiest to get a hold of.

But our enemies probably will have AKs so I could get a second or third rifle. At that point, our govt isn't doing their job and I will have as many rifles as I need to get the job done.

[BigPhil]

I agree with the 12 guage. That is, until I can find a FAL. I'll take an AR or AK, but I've fallen in love with the FAL's.

[TylerDurden]

Both my arms are pretty long... I think I'm most versatile with my right, but I have a pretty good left hook.

[mfnlonewolf]

I would have my trusty 22 magnum Winchester lever action. :supergrin:

[Jdog]

winchester model-70 30-06 (or ideally a browning or benelli semi-auto in the same cartridge)

-parts available everywhere
-popular ammo availability
-can take just about any size game(food)
-easily downs BG's w/one hit (even at distances)

[bennwj]

Remington 870 with multiple barrels and birdshot--buckshot and slug loads.

There is nothing more versitile than that.

Agreed!:wavey:

[JFrame]

I would have my trusty 22 magnum Winchester lever action. :supergrin:

Amid a myriad of good choices, I somehow find this a very intriguing one...

[chowchow]

Remington 870 with20 IC barrel with rifle sights. Buckshots , birdshots and slugs.

[NDGlock]

Bolt action rifle in .30-06.

[leitung]

Remington 870 Express with 18 inch barrel.. Due to the many different loads you can use..

[Cross-X]

Another vote for a Remy 870 12 ga.

[AdminJarhead]

As much as I love my AR I would have to say my 870, with the extension and the side saddle coupled with my 20" bbl I have a excellent defensive weapon. Take off the extension and swap the bbl then I have an awesome hunter. Great versitility in a shotgun. If for some other reason some lib comes around and says its too scary then my 30-30 Win is next in line. Not scary looking, descent capacity, good stopping power and very accurate.

[Oneiros]

I'd really, really like to say an AK. They're my favorite go-to rifles. And a shotgun makes a whole lot of sense, but one long gun?? I'm going to have to go with my STG-58 FAL. Good compromise of battle rifle and something that can reach out a touch something a bit.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/TheColdTruth/0425081127.jpg

Then again, it might be hard not to go with the 20mm Lahti Anti-Tank Rifle if the gov't is coming after my guns:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/TheColdTruth/pix1999706734.jpg

Then again, if the gov't is really doing this, open rebellion may be expected, so I might just go with whatever takes the same mags as the goverments' rifles so I can get ammo on the go. :D

[-gunut-]

I'd really, really like to say an AK. They're my favorite go-to rifles. And a shotgun makes a whole lot of sense, but one long gun?? I'm going to have to go with my STG-58 FAL. Good compromise of battle rifle and something that can reach out a touch something a bit.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/TheColdTruth/0425081127.jpg

Then again, it might be hard not to go with the 20mm Lahti Anti-Tank Rifle if the gov't is coming after my guns:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/TheColdTruth/pix1999706734.jpg

Then again, if the gov't is really doing this, open rebellion may be expected, so I might just go with whatever takes the same mags as the goverments' rifles so I can get ammo on the go. :D

Did you ever buy that 20mm?

[Oneiros]

Did you ever buy that 20mm?

Making payments.

:supergrin:

[MTMilitiaman]

Remington 870 with multiple barrels and birdshot--buckshot and slug loads.

There is nothing more versitile than that.

Besides just about any centerfire rifle in existence...

The so-called versitility of a shotgun is over rated. People get too caught up in the different loads available without taking into consideration that none of them afford the shotgun much in the way of range or penetration. Regardless of what ammo you stoke your 12 gauge with, you'll always be limited in capabilities. Even a relatively inaccurate rifle like an AK or SKS is going to have greater range. And while there might not be quite as many ammo options available, those that exist actually increase its overall utility. You can select FMJs to turn cover into concealment, or soft points for hunting, ect. Even with slugs, the shotgun just can't hang. It is and will always be a niche weapon, limited to close range and relatively soft targets. And with the ammo weight, recoil, and limited capacity, you don't even get much bang for your buck with the shotgun.

Of the guns I currently own, I'd have my M1A. By 2017 I should have a FAL and depending on which wins me over, that might be an option as well. Either loaded with expanding ammunition can provide about 70% of the total wound cavity volume of a load of buckshot while providing vastly more range, capacity, and accuracy than a shotgun. My M1A recoils much less than a 12 gauge, has a higher capacity, and depending what I load it with, can be set up for penetration, expansion, accuracy, or just about any combination I desire.

I personally have trouble thinking about a worse choice than the shotgun...

[NDGlock]

Besides just about any centerfire rifle in existence...

The so-called versitility of a shotgun is over rated. People get too caught up in the different loads available without taking into consideration that none of them afford the shotgun much in the way of range or penetration. Regardless of what ammo you stoke your 12 gauge with, you'll always be limited in capabilities. Even a relatively inaccurate rifle like an AK or SKS is going to have greater range. And while there might not be quite as many ammo options available, those that exist actually increase its overall utility. You can select FMJs to turn cover into concealment, or soft points for hunting, ect. Even with slugs, the shotgun just can't hang. It is and will always be a niche weapon, limited to close range and relatively soft targets. And with the ammo weight, recoil, and limited capacity, you don't even get much bang for your buck with the shotgun.

Of the guns I currently own, I'd have my M1A. By 2017 I should have a FAL and depending on which wins me over, that might be an option as well. Either loaded with expanding ammunition can provide about 70% of the total wound cavity volume of a load of buckshot while providing vastly more range, capacity, and accuracy than a shotgun. My M1A recoils much less than a 12 gauge, has a higher capacity, and depending what I load it with, can be set up for penetration, expansion, accuracy, or just about any combination I desire.

I personally have trouble thinking about a worse choice than the shotgun...


I concur - I think a lot of it depends on the terrain/location of the posters with their choices. Out here on the plains, the shotgun as a birdgun is fine but try taking antelope with one. Sure it is possible but you need to work on getting close.

Some type of .308 semi should cover most bases reasonably well. But as I get older, I'd have to go for a lighter/handier sporter in .30-06.

If I had one, I'd set it up like this:

http://www.brockmansrifles.com/bolt_action_prac.asp

[NotSoFast]

What I have now, an accurized Mini-14 and about 5,000 rounds of ammo mixed 50/50 between FMJ and JHP.

Of course a M1 with a .308 barrel would suit me even better now that I think about it.

Anybody know how to convert a M1 for magazines? :supergrin:

[omega48038]

.270 Win. It can can be anything from a laser beam flat shooting varmint round to a medium range mountain goat round to a whitetail woods round.

[PlasticGuy]

The so-called versitility of a shotgun is over rated. People get too caught up in the different loads available without taking into consideration that none of them afford the shotgun much in the way of range or penetration...
I've taken very high level shotgun classes, am currently a state certified instructor on combat shotguns, and I'm thoroughly convinced that there's a long list of rifles I'd rather have than any shotgun ever made. Yes, it's versatile. However, it also comes with huge limitations.

I buy my rifles with the idea that I want maximum versatility. I want to be able to shoot fast up close, hit hard and accurately enough at longer ranges, punch through barricades if need be, and have it in a portable package. My favorite "do it all" rifles are my DSA FAL Para-Carbine and my Arsenal AK's. Neither platform is a sniper's choice, but both can do everything I need to do with that type of firearm.

[Hugo R]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Ruger 10/22. I know it's a wimpy caliber, but it's great for taking small game if you need to hunt your own food, and ammo is still plenty cheap.

I too vote for the 870...make mine a Police Magnum.

The 10/22 is also a great choice. Tons of ammo available and you can carry the gun and a lot of ammo easy. The .22 magnum is a great choice but ammo might be a bit hard to find.

Sure, an M4 or forgery would prolly be the best for self defence and taking game if necessary.

Ammo availability for all three of those would not be a problem.

A .308 is a great gun for reaching out...way out...and touching whatever...but ammo availability would be an issue...price the stuff lately?

I suppose a 30-30 would not be a bad choice either and ammo is still cheap enough and easier to carry than most of the .308's mentioned.

JM2C, HR

[MrGlock21]

Probably a DPMS LR-308B, if I ever find one.

e-mail Darrel; darrel@d9firearms.com

http://www.d9firearms.com/

He might have one in stock.

[brandonb123]

The Constitution says the government can't do that.

HAHAHAHAHA cool imma go buy a newly imported Full auto G18 today at my local gun shop, i hear they are onsale for 449.99. Oh wait...

[eddief4]

i would either go with a 12g, a 30-06, or an AR......i'm just not sure:dunno:

[MrGlock21]

this thing
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3769/pict0014of3.jpg


check that out!...It looks like a Back-Yard-SOB.
And I was wondering where to put the Eotech on my AK bullpuppy. :supergrin:

There you have it :wow:

[sns3guppy]

Let's pretend.... in the year 2017, the government limits you to 1 long-arm of any kind.


I imagine at that point I'd stop being a law abiding citizen, and own more than one.

[Remington700VS]

AK 47 all the way.

Low maintenance, runs dry, wet, dirty, and eats any ammo you feed it.

[magiaaron]

I personally have trouble thinking about a worse choice than the shotgun...

Oh... I think you're not being creative enough. ;)

-magiaaron

[aaronrkelly]

Im torn.....one part of me would grab my AK or AR to have semi-automatic capability.

The other part of me says NEF Handi-rifle. If you start with the rifle frame you can add ANY barrel to it....even the shotgun barrels. So in effect you would have 1 firearm but could have barrels ranging from 12GA to 500 S&W magnum.....and everything in between.

NEF Handi-rifle and crap load of barrels....thats my choice.

[JKG]

I own two versatile long arms:

1. Mossberg 930 semi-auto (28" vent rib with chokes, and 18-1/2" cyl.)

2. 16" AR10 (actually DPMS LR308 AP4)

It would be tough to choose one over the other.

[moeman]

Besides just about any centerfire rifle in existence...

The so-called versitility of a shotgun is over rated. People get too caught up in the different loads available without taking into consideration that none of them afford the shotgun much in the way of range or penetration. Regardless of what ammo you stoke your 12 gauge with, you'll always be limited in capabilities. Even a relatively inaccurate rifle like an AK or SKS is going to have greater range. And while there might not be quite as many ammo options available, those that exist actually increase its overall utility. You can select FMJs to turn cover into concealment, or soft points for hunting, ect. Even with slugs, the shotgun just can't hang. It is and will always be a niche weapon, limited to close range and relatively soft targets. And with the ammo weight, recoil, and limited capacity, you don't even get much bang for your buck with the shotgun.

Of the guns I currently own, I'd have my M1A. By 2017 I should have a FAL and depending on which wins me over, that might be an option as well. Either loaded with expanding ammunition can provide about 70% of the total wound cavity volume of a load of buckshot while providing vastly more range, capacity, and accuracy than a shotgun. My M1A recoils much less than a 12 gauge, has a higher capacity, and depending what I load it with, can be set up for penetration, expansion, accuracy, or just about any combination I desire.

I personally have trouble thinking about a worse choice than the shotgun...

Couldn't diagree more...

When a M1A can be used for bird hunting, clay shooting sports, elephant hunting and has a pistol grip option then it scratches the surface of a shotgun and its options.

[PlasticGuy]

Couldn't diagree more...

When a M1A can be used for bird hunting, clay shooting sports, elephant hunting and has a pistol grip option then it scratches the surface of a shotgun and its options.
Bird hunting with a rifle simply means waiting until they land before shooting. Never has clay shooting or elephant hunting been a life and death situation for me. For something that can be used for both hunting and defense from the muzzle out to several hundred yards, the rifle is king.

[For Liberty]

Not a shotgun Jeff.

[Glolt20-91]

One of these on a red burn day; help the politicians change their minds a bit. :rofl::rofl::faint:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/aztrekker/Cool/ussiowabb61fa9-166-5.jpg

Bob :cowboy:

[moeman]

We seem to have gone from the most versatile long arm as OP posted to the cadre of SHTF loonies that think that this is either the old West before the Indian wars were over, or have a VHS of Red Dawn they play to fellow loonies in robes on the full moon. An AK/FAL/M1A1...the most versitle long arm- uh huh! Just as long as you think Ligers are breed for their magical powers then that makes sense.

Geez, if you want some kind of SHTF scenario I think you would more interested in body armor, how to purify water or how to mobilize your in-breed friends and all of their uncle-dads.

You can stock pile all you want and buy all enough assault rifles to touch the rafters but what happens if you have to leave where you are and eat along the the way?

Dang! I fell into the the .000000000000000235% chance that ebola virus contaminated, commie, Muslim, zombies are stalking the streets. Please give me the blueprints to a nice-flame thrower...

[mitchshrader]

my 7600 .30-06.

I decided that before I bought it.

Pissanting up a closet full of ammo is pricey, though. Main drawback and the main reason I picked it.

I knew it'd avoid popularity, not too many folks figure like I do.

popular sucks, there's just no WAY to keep the riff raff out..

[TScottW99]

Hard to beat my T/C Encore for versatility. It can be anything from a .22lr to a .460nitro. Mine has worn; 24" .308win, 26" 20 ga. & 26" .223rem. I also have a pistol frame T/C Encore.

[Glolt20-91]

Out of my rifles and shotgun, there's two I would keep; first, Carl Gustav 1919 Swedish sniper rifle in 6.5x55mm in excellent condition. Kinda long and heavy tho. Main rifle would be a 1956 Springfield Armory M1 National Match; en bloc clips so no mag laws to worry about.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/aztrekker/At%20the%20range/Hottargets6-22-2007016.jpg

Nice internals;

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/aztrekker/At%20the%20range/M1Garand6-13-2007005.jpg

Railroad tie plate was no match for AP rounds;

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/aztrekker/At%20the%20range/Hottargets6-22-2007017.jpg

Besides FMJ rounds, Hornady 165gr SST bullets should make for good deer hunting.

Bob :cowboy:

[bigdollars]

Let's pretend.... in the year 2017, the government limits you to 1 long-arm of any kind.

What do you keep (or buy), and why?

I would keep my Bushmaster m-4 or if I have the money, a Smith & Wesson M&P 15T.

That is because of where I live.

If I lived in the south and hunted, I might go with a M1A from Springfield Armory.

[bigdollars]

The Constitution says the government can't do that.


the government does not consider "regulating" the same as "infringing"

as time goes on, expect more and more regulation.

the only good thing is, what you already own won't be taken away.

take care of your arms, your children might have to depend on it.

[epsylum]

My personaly most versitile would have to be my AR-15. It can be a bunch of different calibers from .22lr to .50BMG.

Any good pump shotgun would also be pretty versitile due to the different loadings.

[cajunguy]

12 Gauge

[PlasticGuy]

We seem to have gone from the most versatile long arm as OP posted to the cadre of SHTF loonies that think that this is either the old West before the Indian wars were over, or have a VHS of Red Dawn they play to fellow loonies in robes on the full moon. An AK/FAL/M1A1...the most versitle long arm- uh huh!...
It's not that everything in my world hinges on personal defense, but rather that I've found it much easier to hunt deer with a tactical rifle than to clear a house with a hunting rifle. The question was about versatility, right?

[Steve in Az]

I only have 3 long guns; Remington 870 12ga, Savage 93R17 .17HMR, and a RRA CAR-15. I'd probably have to go with the AR, but the 870 is a very, very close 2nd.

[For Liberty]

It's not that everything in my world hinges on personal defense, but rather that I've found it much easier to hunt deer with a tactical rifle than to clear a house with a hunting rifle. The question was about versatility, right?

+1.

I like hunting with an M14 better than my "hunting" rifles by the way.

[snowbird]

I currently fantasize about, with an Aimpoint reddot scope: a side-by-side 12 gauge coachgun (nice and simple), a Ruger 96 lever-action in .22Mag with 9-round rotary magazines, the .30cal M-1 Carbine, a Remington 750 in .30-06, a Hi-Point 9mm Carbine (nice price), and a Navy Arms 1866Yellowboy lever-action in either .357Mag or .45LC (a handsome firearm, but maybe better as a BBQ piece than a battlefield one).

The most versatile long-arm actually in my inventory right now is a Winchester Lever-action Carbine in .44Mag/.44Spl with a Leupold two and a half power fixed scope. It's not a really long-range gun, but this is an urban area.

[rich e]

My first thought was Ak-47 because it is the GLOCK of all rifles..Great reliability, capacity,power and with a scope you can reach out and touch someone.-------BUT--------What if your hunting for food ie..small critters.. Turkey,squirrel,rabbit,dove,grouse in a survival situation I think a shotgun is hard to beat..Kinda hard shooting small game with an AK..I'm sure it could be done though..

[jerrwhy]

My Marlin 1894 CB in .44 magnum. I can take just about any N. American game animal with it. Plus it shoots the same caliber as my revolver.

[seamaster]

I doubt they would ever limit us to one gun but they might restrict the type of guns to 2 shots like in other parts of the world. Double rifles and shotguns would become very popular. Single shots too.

My choice for owning only one long gun would be my Beretta 12ga O/U. I'd for sure get a 2nd barrel set and shorten it to 20" and if it's available a barrel insert for the largest center fire caliber the receiver can handle. 30-06 would be great but I doubt it can handle it. Perhaps a 357 mag or 223 rem might work.

I don't think they would get most of US population to give up their guns without causing a revolution.

[lilc]

Let's pretend.... in the year 2017, the government limits you to 1 long-arm of any kind.
http://www.pbase.com/image/94505322.jpg

[redrooster]

I think this thread just goes to show you that everybody has their own way of thinking and unless you want an argument:supergrin:...we need specific parameters:whistling:.

When I think of a versatile long gun...I'd choose a rifle, but I can definately relate to the individuals that would choose a shotgun. For those that enjoy hunting...legally...birds that fly as well as clay targets, the shotgun is the best choice.

Life isn't all about shoot-outs and room clearing...In fact, it rarely if ever is for the standard civilian. I own guns for defense, but also for fun and sport. If I could only have one long arm...I'd weigh all the options...including fun and sport.

I've changed my mind a few times (In the past, I would have chosen my Mossberg 500), but I've resolved myself to a rifle because that's what I enjoy shooting the most. I love playing around with different loads and I love the idea that America is known (or was...not sure if we still are?) as a country of riflemen. Like I said earlier...I'd like to add an SKS or a CZ 527 Carbine. I like the 7.62x39mm and either one is compact and reliable. The CZ is probably a bit more accurate and I like the fact that I could play around with different loads without worrying about a gas system. However, the SKS is cheaper and I like the options (i.e sythetic stock, ghost ring sights, etc...)

I think it's useless to argue that the shotgun is better than the rifle or vice versa. It depends on what you use it for.

Example A:
Guy A likes to hunt small game and target shoot...Would you tell him to go buy a 7.62x39mm SKS or look for a .17 or .22 Caliber?

Example B:
Guy B likes to hunt quail, turkey, and shoot trap. Why would you tell him he needs an AR-15

Example C:
Guy C doesn't give a rats behind about hunting or anything related to sport shooting. You wouldn't tell him to go buy a Ruger No. 1 in .243.

[Kegger26]

I would lean towards my M1 Garand. I have over 1, 500 rounds already loaded in clips ready to go. I can hunt with it, defend myself and my family with it. It is sturdy, reliable and accurate.