22 rifle for bug out bag

[jgradyc]

I've been thinking of adding a 22 rifle or 22 handgun to my bug out bag. I really don't know what's out there that meets the criteria for a good survival firearm. It should be lightweight, small (youth model is fine), and able to bring down small game at a reasonable range. Possibly, a 22 target pistol with a scope would be good enough. Ideally, it would be small enough to fit inside (or strap along side) a backpack. I'd also be carrying a 40 cal Kel Tec Sub 2000, so the 22 would not be the only gun.

What would you suggest? What rifle or if a handgun, what handgun?

[Garufa]

Ruger 10/22 Takedown fits the role nicely. Henry US Survival Rifle (AR-7) is also a good option.

[Guest nysos]

Henry US Survival Rifle (AR-7) is also a good option.

That was going to be my suggestion as well.

[MacGyver]

I've got a little Rossi Combo that fits the bill nicely. The AR-7 is also a great choice.

Truth be told, my Ruger MKIII gets called up to service most often in this role. Lightweight, suppressed with a mini red dot, it's a game getter.

[RobertNashville]

I keep my 10/22 Takedown with my bugout bag but that's not he only weapon I plan to take.

[Jonnin]

A good .22 pistol. The extra weight and bulk of the rifle is not worth the small gains in range or velocity IMHO. A target auto or revolver with a 7 inch barrel will get you good velocity in a much smaller and lighter package. A ruger charger might be a good option too, halfway between a pistol and a 10-22.

[nightrunner]

Rifle wise Id suggest either a 10/22 takedown, henry ar-7, or a marlin papoose.

Pistol wise, a ruger mark 2/3 with a red dot or scope would be hard to beat. Maybe a ruger single six with or without optics.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I would say grab a Ruger 22/45 or the new Lite. Both are pretty light and if you mount an optic are going to be very capable of taking small game out to 50 yards. It is also very easy to hide in a condition that is ready to shoot. I would grab a model with a barrel 4"-5" long. And if you decide to use an optic it is going to be just as accurate whether the barrel is 10" or 2". And if you get a suppressor you can use the gun without alarming others to your whereabouts.

For taking small game it is hard to beat a decent slingshot. A slingshot should be part of every kit because they are useful. You can also use them to shoot arrows and have enough velocity to take deer.

Dolomite

[mikegideon]

Another vote for the AR-7. I have one. Probably the smallest rifle package

[MacGyver]

It's kind of hinky, but here's one that's super-light. And can be a fishing pole, to boot.

http://packrifle.com/products.asp

[TNcitizen22]

I keep a 10/22 TD and mags in mine.

[Caster]

If you can find one of e old Springfeild survival rifles .22/.410 over and under. They fold in half. They're not especially great with that flat paddle for a trigger but they will cover a fairly broad spectrum with proper ammo. A few 410 slugs and you could take deer in a pinch, the .22 and some shot loads would take pretty much anything else you might want to eat.

[Oh Shoot]

I keep a 10/22 TD and mags in mine.

Here's a nifty mod a feller did with the take down model and folding stock, makes it even more compact.

- OS

[Dolomite_supafly]

Savage has actually started to produce a 22/410 again. It is brand new and has a lot of polymer furniture. It is a model 42 and seems very nice for the money. My Malmart had them for a reasonable amount.

Dolomite

[Moped]

I would look at either a Ruger MkII/III or a Ruger Single Six or Nine. I think either would make a fine Bugout Firearm. Team either with a pistol scope and they would be tack drivers!

[Mike.357]

if the AR7 was good enough as a survival rifle for US military pilots it is good enough for my BOB or GHB

[Guest ochretoe]

I also have a sub2000 and I think I'm going to add a Walter 22 to the bag. It feels better to me than the Ruger. The one I looked at had a nice red dot under the barrel. Would be great for small game up close(- 50 yards) and a good get off me gun till I could get the S2k out.

[mikegideon]

if the AR7 was good enough as a survival rifle for US military pilots it is good enough for my BOB or GHB

I don't think the military actually used the AR-7

[Mike.357]

Don't let possible facts get in the way of good reasoning

[mikegideon]

Don't let possible facts get in the way of good reasoning

I read up a little when I bought mine. Forget the details. I believe Armalite had that in mind when they designed it. It's a cool little rifle. I'll probably shoot mine some day.

Edited October 24, 2012 by mikegideon

[quietguy]

I'll probably shoot mine some day.

Are you holding out for 77 virgins?

[mikegideon]

Are you holding out for 77 virgins?

Nope. I have a few I haven't shot. Just can't seem to get around to them

[quietguy]

Nope. I have a few I haven't shot. Just can't seem to get around to them

I was just kidding. Unfortunately, I have a couple of those myself.

[R1100R]

Ruger T/D is my vote. We also have the Rossi Combo in .22/ 20G which is a nice package. The Browning SA22 is a take down along with its clone the Norinco ADT-22. The rifle is very light although the Browning is a little pricey.

Edited October 24, 2012 by R1100R

[mikegideon]

I have an SA-22 as well. It will definately work, but is way too nice to throw in a bag with anything IMO. I'm sure a bunch of them have been used that way.