Before I begin, I wanted to say that this doesn't only have to be a firearm. What we are looking for here is a weapon you can use for both function and defense in extreme situations.

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My personal choice would be the Taurus Judge .45/410

The Taurus Judge fires a .45 long colt and a 410 shot gun shell. This is the primary reason it is a perfect survival weapon. The long colt could be used for decently close ranged hunting but the real gem here is the fact you can use it for bird hunting. It is very difficult to hit a bird with a single projectile, but this bad boy doubles as a shot gun without the bulk.

IMO best survival weapon. Whats yours?

I'd have to say...a good hunk of flint.
If survival is your aim,i can't see a gun being much use after the bullets are used up

Ar-15 carbine. Good for anti-personel, and small game alike. Keep a can of CLP and your good for months. Venison is good enough to not need birds, but ithink I could take down a turkey without much hassel. Pistols generally aren't practical after 25 yards, though there are exceptions.


Problem with a pistol, let alone a revolver, slow reload, rediculously short range, and low capacity. In a survival situation I would pick that last. For home defense however, the JUDGE is a prime choice.

A Senco cordless nail gun, with a solar charger.

1,000 shots per charge, not a bad close-range defense weapon.

Personally Ill take a good hunting knife. Probably a Buck. It's not only a good weapon, but it is the ultimate tool, used as a digging instrument, climbing tool, eating utensil etc....

It depends upon the location, the nature of the event, and how long I expected it to last. Generally speaking, I'd probably reach for a lever rifle, probably a .30-30 or .357. Its a good, reliable all-purpose weapon that won't draw unwanted attention if I have to be out on foot for an extended period. Ammunition should also be plentiful, especially for the .30-30.

If it were a permanent situation (nuclear war or other apocalyptic scenario), I'd probably pick either a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60, simply because I can carry a large amount of ammunition. If I needed a heavier weapon, it wouldn't be hard to find one, especially after the first couple of months.

beretta cx4 storm .45 ACP, kukri knife, and a backup AK47

never buy an AR15 or M16, they jam too easy and must be cleaned constantly.

[edit on 29-9-2009 by BlesUTP]

.308 for long distance, 00 buckshot and .45 caliber pistol for short, .22 LR for game... oh yeah, and a good knife.

a hunting knife

sword (optional but awesome)

axe (optional? but might need to cut wood)

bow (all u talk about is guns but what about ammo?)

Originally posted by platipus
(all u talk about is guns but what about ammo?)

Ammunition wouldn't necessarily be a problem. At a fixed location, you could stockpile a room full of ammunition and weapons if you wanted. On foot, 100-200 rounds would be enough to last 6-12 months, more than enough to either outlast most disaster situations or to walk out into a safe area. If you expected it to last longer, you could always pack a .22 rifle and a couple thousand rounds without much trouble.

Even in the worst case scenario, a permanent breakdown of society, weapons and ammunition would be plentiful for some time and at worst could be scavenged. Not that it would matter. If something that serious happened, within 12-18 months, there wouldn't be enough people left to present a major threat and the game animals would've long been hunted to near extinction. You'd have little need for a firearm at that point.

If it had to be one choice only it would be a full tang, tempered hunting knife. Maybe a bowie.

Definitely a crossbow. No need to fight hand to hand as it has a decent range. Can always whittle arrows. And can be fired by the weak, such as me.

the AK 47

and or the Kabar Kukri Machete