Mods, did a search, came empty handed, I'm really interested on this subject, let me know if I'm off topic.
Lets pretend for a minute that the world's oil(petro) supply is done, WW3 broke out, or whatever your favorite doomsday scenario you have in your mind is happening - today! Theres no more electricity or running water, and no hopes of local/national goverment action to help you in the short or long run - so pretty much you are back to the stone age (sounds like Katrina doesn't it?).
What rifles would you like to have with you? You only get to carry 1 bolt action rifle and an 1 semiautomatic rifle, and 400 rounds for the team (significant other or good friend will be your partner). Both rifles have to be the same caliber and capable of 1MOA or better, as this rifles may have to be used in a scout/sniper role.
Here is what I'm looking at: you'll have no cleaning gear (no cleaning rod, brush, patches, swabs, CLP/engine oil/other lubricants, etc - sounds like Murphy really got you this time), and you'll need to fire your rifle maybe once or twice a day (i.e. to collect food/fend off animals or dangerous humans). Distance to target would be in the point blank to 800yds range, and your only cleaning tools are water from a river/pond, your hands and maybe a rag.
I started this quest with the an M14 rifle thread, but thought I could be leaving other good rifles out, so here we are. Please no "USA will never fall, we will always have our military to protect us, that will never happen" type of response; just what rifle would be the most reliable with the most abuse you can give (going through roughf terrain/mud/sand/snow/murkywater/etc.)
Army SF / 18Bs / other services FTUs, what rifle are you seeing being used by guerillas/local tribes on your "advisor" trips - PM me if you don't want your ID on the open.
Right now I'm leaning towards an M14 series (to turn it into an M21/25) on the semi arena, and a Remington 700 series on the bolt action - both in .308. I was also looking at the AKs series, but I think they won't be a 1MOA rifle - specially at the 500-800yds range.
Your comments / sugestions are most welcome as long as they remain on the subject - what rifles would you depend on for your family's safety should doomsday ever come?
Also, LEOs / military, try to keep your language in plain text, as we receive a lot of non military/LEO visitors who may benefit from the info you guys provide. Thanks in advance.
Link to M14 thread:
http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin...ad.php?t=14028