[deputy125]

remington 582 bolt action tube fed
ruger std MK II

because they are simple, durable, and require no special tool to dis-assemble and maintain.......

this remington will function with short, long, or long rifle compared to auto-loaders and most mag fed systems that will only function with one type. The bolt action is also less sensitive as to the condition and quality of the ammo compared to an auto-loader. Should the tube magazine become damaged, it will work fine as a single shot. Sub-sonic and speciality ammo are no problem............

The ruger mkII as a handgun is "last resort". As such, it will be kept in a flap holster with the best ammo available and never see the light of day unless needed. It requires no special tools for field stripping, steel sights that take a hammer to destroy, the old butt-heel mag release system so mags don't acidently get lost, and plenty of accuracy for its purpose............also one of the most robust, enduring, reliable designs in a 22 auto loader ever introduced.

Don't know if there is any truth to it, but didn't the Air Force get away from the survival rifle concept of the springfield m6 and the charter arms ar-7 for downed pilots and settle on the ruger MKII handgun ?

[andrew cochran]

I don't know but I'd certinly rather have a rifle than a pistol for survival.

[seattle fog]

My choice - I would pick a rifle over a pistol every time...the round is puny enough, so get as much mileage as you can with a longer barrel. I have the .22 pump that my folks had in Alaska in the 40s. I've read about the survival rifles like the Henry, but have never owned one.

[andrew cochran]

I think the henry is a good choice.

[Bill_M]

Yes, the Mini-Bolt would be a very good survival and utility gun. I got one for my (small) wife and have enjoyed shooting it myself. Am 6' and the short stock means I have to scrunch up a bit, but without a scope it's no problem. (Haven't tried it with a scope.) The bolt handle is small and I suppose someone could torture it into breaking, but it would require a mighty effort. This rifle has excellent sites and is surprisingly accurate. You do have to load, close the bolt, and then cock separately, but this rifle isn't for real fast shooting anyway. Toss it in the trunk -- it won't fail you when you need it.

[andrew cochran]

I think it would be a great survival gun but I'm going for the lever gun. I think it would be another great survival gun.

[BunnyWabbit]

Ruger Mark II and Mark III are good. So is the Browning Buckmark. But with a 22, it all depends on the ammunition. The cheaper stuff jams a lot. The expensive stuff jams occassionally. When I did my conceal and carry, I just took the Browning and bought sub sonics. Still had one jam in 25 shots. I have bought a big box of Remingtons and the majority of the tips were loose and would wiggle.

[Bill_M]

Quote:       Originally Posted by andrew cochran

I think it would be a great survival gun but I'm going for the lever gun. I think it would be another great survival gun.

Yes, the Henry lever is fabulous. We have one and it's an absolute pleasure to use. Even the least expensive one is great.

[andrew cochran]

Quote:       Originally Posted by BunnyWabbit

Ruger Mark II and Mark III are good. So is the Browning Buckmark. But with a 22, it all depends on the ammunition. The cheaper stuff jams a lot. The expensive stuff jams occassionally. When I did my conceal and carry, I just took the Browning and bought sub sonics. Still had one jam in 25 shots. I have bought a big box of Remingtons and the majority of the tips were loose and would wiggle.

With a lever action the only way you have a jam is if you work the lever to slow! LOL

[andrew cochran]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Bill_M

Yes, the Henry lever is fabulous. We have one and it's an absolute pleasure to use. Even the least expensive one is great.

You bet! I just bought one and love the thing! Best .22 I have ever used or seen.

[plowboy]

I like a Henry lever action 22 rifle and you can not beat a Ruger single 6 revolver.

[SwedeSteve]

What is the most RELIABLE .22 rifle or pistol for survival?

The MOST reliable will, by definition, always be the rifle with the LEAST amount of parts. That means a single shot in a rifle. It also means a single shot in a pistol. However, I think a good ruger 22 wheelgun, like the single six, would be the better choice. I picked up a Savage M24, 22/.410 used for cheap. So I have a 22 rifle that shoots all the non magnum 22 out there, and a .410 that can shoot slugs. Then the pistol can shoot 22's AND the magnums. So I end up with 14 shots between the 2, and no concerns with jams or broken springs and things, missing magazines, dented tubes and so on.

[andrew cochran]

If the tube got dinted on my henry I could load it single shot also. No more parts to go bad as a single shot bolt action their.