Firearms Question for extended bush time

It doesn't meet your one gun option, but Sam Fadala, a true woodsman and author wrote an article in a GUNS annual on what he called the "Tortoise hunt", an open-ended trip into the mountains hunting and exploring much as you are.
He advocated for the lever-action 30-30 with standard hunting loads and small game loads consisting of lead .30 cal bullets around 100 gr. He also paired this up with a .44mag or a .45acp depending on whether the threat was greater from grizz or bad guys. To finish this out he used a muzzle-loading double bl 12ga. cut really short.

The lever gun was for all the reasons that has made it a great bush gun out to 200 yds, the handgun for going to bathroom at night or when carrying a long gun on your body is impractical. The short shot gun for when you're freezing and have to make the shot, or moving fowl and small game.

A modern take on the shotgun, would be a Remington Tac-14 or Mossberg shock-wave.

 

I guess it depends on where you live. Up here in Alaska they tend to carry different guns depending on what they are doing and the season. Fish camp is usually a shotgun. In the Fall a rifle is usually carried to shoot big game if you have a chance encounter. Winter is usually small game so 22lr or 223 are popular. Many people carry multiple guns on vehicles.

 

Wow, I'm very happy that there has been so much interaction on this post.

I've begun to kind of narrow a year round carry; and yes, a pistol is involved.

But now that we've spoken in depth about bush gun during calm times what about a carry option during times of turmoil? I have narrowed what I would personally grab and it's not light.

Myself:
-An AR chambered in 223 Wydle (possibly 300 Blackout) with short-mid range optic at 16".
-A 30-06 (or .308) bolt with a good long distance optic
-A G19 9mm
-A 1911 45ACP as backup or for bear.

My wife:
-An AR chambered in 223 Wylde with long range optic at 18".
-A lever 30-30 (or .308) for close to mid-range
-A 92FS
-A 1911 45ACP as backup or for bear, if possible.

I've realized a few things about shotguns. They are a great option if you have to get close. However, if I can avoid getting close I will. a long barrel on a shotgun (12g) seems to be good for hunting and, yes, for moderate distance. But with a huge barrel they are heavy as mud and that is the only reason I personally avoid them. But, I do think having a shotgun in the trunk of the car or dragged in a shed is a worthy weapon to have.

I realize this addition to the post is changing the topic of the original post drastically.

 

You're not condescending or abrupt at all and you make incredibly insightful and legitimate points.

Personally, I have never found a good AR10 platform. Because there is no 'mil spec' all my AR10s have had some issues. In addition, the 308 round in an AR10 platform seems to be reliably limited to 500-800 yards. I've personally never hit past 700 yards in an AR10. I lean more towards AR 5.56/223 wylde since it's what I have been training with and it's relatively easy (and cheap-ish) to find ammo. I also find it a bit easier to reach out to 800+ yards with a steady hand and some significant practice.

However, you're 100% right... do I weigh myself down with reliable multiple arms intended for multiple purposes; or do I try and combine? All valid point, Andy. Multiple optics might be better.

 

I’ve taken a few deer without muss, fuss or bother with a 5.56mm AR15, but never had much luck shooting .22lr thru a .224” bore. Jeff Cooper wasn’t wrong to advocate the .308 in the Scout rifle. The thutty thutty isn’t a long range rifle but bush crafting or survival hunting aren’t long range games. The 12ga is versatile but the ammo is heavy. And I like the .22lr as a game getter but not for defense against anything bigger than a bunny. Not a huge fan of the 7.62x39 and it looks to me like a cartridge that could dry up.

In a scenario where the little woman and I were hoofing it I’d plan on both carrying the same calibers and possibly models handguns and rifles. Then I’d add a secondary long gun for game gathering. Something as simple as an H&R single shot shotgun or a 10/22 takedown or an M-6 or a Savage M-24 broken down in or on a backpack.

 

I don't disagree with you on any point. However, I know for me a .308 is not very effective in anything outside of a bolt action and the range seems to be astronomically better in a bolt compared to an AR10 setup. Because of that, a smaller projectile for a longer range seems like a fair option.

If it was a true SHTF scenario, however, a .223/5.56 isn't stopping a grizzly that's been flushed out by the populace while a .308 may just do the trick. However, i think in this situation sticking as close to NATO ammunition might be the most beneficial for scavenging useful ammunition.

Agreed. I love the Savage mod 10 scout (old version mid 80s seems the best) in 308. Great open sight and EER optic option. As a secondary game gathering rifle it may work well.

 

Going to play devil's advocate here a bit. I think in a SHTF situation, I'd be more concerned with keeping the pack light for the sake of easier E&E. I'd also most likely try my best to avoid firing a firearm to help avoid detection, which would most likely make long range shooting a no go for me. I'd say for me and my SO, I'd go an identical pair of bolt action rifles, a pair of pistols, and fill up the rest of the space with game traps/snare wire, medical supplies, and gunsmithing parts/tools.

When you think about it, you're much more likely to die in the woods from a broken ankle, infected cut, or hypothermia than you would be from a grizz or hostile bipeds.

 

Beat me to it. Sorry but why would anyone need long range capabilities in a survival scenario? Military and other offensive situations call for snipers. This isn't that. If it's just you and the family, anything that far away isn't enough of a threat to stick around for the fight. It's time to haul ass. Close proximity threats and food procurement are your priorities at this point. You should find platforms that you're both comfortable with. Then you can share ammo, mags, accessories and spare parts.

 

Kind of an interesting thread, I would pick a 12 gauge...or a .22... or 9 mm, don't know! Location would be a big factor. In open country, maybe a scoped rifle. I am not a fan of the Winchester 94 but in certain areas, an 1886 in 45.70 would be the ticket. , or a 92 in .45 Colt, but my Marlin has a better sight on it.

My decision would change from one day to the next. Today, it would be my CZ in 7.62X39.

 

308 AR "pistol" with a 12.5 inch barrel.

 

I don’t know why the .30-30 is always mentioned in threads like this but the marlin 1894, win 92/94, Henry levers and Ruger bolt guns in .357 mag or .44 mag don’t get much mention.

I’ll take 10 rounds of .357 mag in my marlin over 6 30-30 any day. There isn’t much difference out to 150 yards or so. And then there’s the whole carbine/revolver ammo compatibility because that isn’t handy or anything. Just an option to keep in mind.

If I’m leaving home forever I don’t know what I’d pick. ND is flat as a board and mostly treeless. MN is has much more variety but trees and hills reign supreme. I live on the border so the direction I’d go would dictate the guns. For sure my takedown 10-22 is coming because that’s why I bought it. Shotgun or marlin 1894c for MN. .30-06 win model 70 and levergun for ND. And I’m not going too far on foot. That’s a good way to die up here for the cold half of the year. The truck goes or we stay put in town which brings up my last gun option. 20” AR-15 or my AK.

 

Good point, with some skill a pistol cartridge lever action can be operated at the same rate as an AR-15 variant. I have Marlin 94s in .357 and .45 Colt. They are easier and more pleasing to install a peep sight on. Peeps work better for older eyes

 

@koolaidnd im still trying to find someone to trade my 1895SBL for the 44mag version. I love that I could have the same ammo in both a revolver and a carbine.

 

Wouldn’t buying a second gun be the best solution. Everybody wins.

 

A low power scope works really good too. I had a 2x7 leupold on my 1894c for the longest time.

 

Why would you prefer the 95 over the 94 in that caliber?

Good point, the scope is defiantly better and more precise especially for older eyes. Actually a suppressed scoped Marlin 94 would be pretty cool.
But I am old and have a ton of scoped bolt rifles, some suppressed. I like the idea of iron sights and the skinner peep along with a post front sight works well on the Marlin.

I have a custom mini Mauser in 6.5 Grendel suppressed that would be a great medium weight choice.

 

I almost suggested a revolver and carbine duo. I have a Marlin 1894 in .44, matched up with a beltgun there probably isn’t much in this world you couldn’t kill if hard pressed. Pistol ammo is heavy but readily reloaded with minimal tools and really a good WFN load isn’t going to mess up small game too badly but has enough penetration to take big game.

Not much in the way of large predators here in Appalachia, if I wandered farther West I’d probably add my .45-70 Guide Gun