16 Dependable Survival Rifles For Any Situation
Check out these versatile, durable long guns ready to respond to danger!
Bushmaster ACR
The Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) is a lightweight, modular weapon system. The ACR was designed by Magpul and built by Bushmaster. It uses a gas-piston operating system, a quick-change barrel system and an adjustable folding stock. Pull two pins and the entire stock assembly can be replaced. This weapon system will feel familiar to those who have trained with an AR-style rifle. Although an entirely new mechanism, the similar placement of controls, as on an AR-15 platform, make the ACR easy to master. The free-floated barrel can be removed without the use of tools and will keep zero when removed and replaced. The lower receiver is manufactured from a high-impact composite. All controls are ambidextrous. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16.5 inches
<br>OA Length: 36 inches
<br>Weight: 8.2 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Polymer
<br>Sights: Magpul MBUS
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Matte Black
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $2,552.25
Colt LE901-16S
The Colt LE901-16S rifle may appear to be a standard AR-style rifle, but it uses a monolithic upper receiver designed so users can quickly and easily swap out uppers and go from 7.62mm NATO (.308 Win.) to 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem.). This is the a versatile, accurate rifle built by the same company that has been building ARs for the U.S. military since the U.S. Military has been buying ARs. An insert block is used to use the 5.56mm NATO upper on the LE901-16S lower receiver. It also makes the rifle compatible with AR-15 mil-spec and aftermarket magazines. The rifle uses the traditional direct gas impingement system, and the barrel is free floated in the one-piece, monolithic upper. The uppers feature backup iron sights and a full Picatinny rail to mount an optic. The rifle’s 9.4-pound weight helps absorb some of the felt recoil when firing the hard-hitting 7.62mm NATO round. This is a rifle is unique in that it can adapt to any scenario or available ammo. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .308 Win/7.62mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16.1 inches
<br>OA Length: 34.24-37.5 inches
<br>Weight: 9.4 pounds
<br>Stock: Collapsible
<br>Sights: Flip-up front and rear
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 20 + 1
<br>MSRP: $2,544
Daniel Defense DDM4V1
The DDM4V1 from Daniel Defense is a quality civilian version of the U.S. military’s M4 carbine. It features a cold-hammer-forged, 16-inch barrel with the M4 profile. A proprietary front sight base is installed that is serrated and curved to minimize glare when using the iron sights. The DDM4V1 won’t let you down when all around you is chaos. Daniel Defense torture-tested its carbines by covering them in sand, dragging them behind a vehicle, freezing them, and burying them in mud. The DDM4V1 is a tough weapon that always delivers. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16 inches
<br>OA Length: 35.8 inches
<br>Weight: 6.7 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Polymer
<br>Sights: A2 front, fixed rear
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $1,799
FN SCAR 16S
The Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) is an example of a next-gen modular combat rifle. Designed by FN Herstal for U.S. SOCOM, the SCAR has seen limited use with SOCOM forces since 2009. The FN SCAR 16S embodies the features of a modern battle rifle. It is built to take brutal punishment and just as easily dole it out. The 16S has a free-floated, cold hammer-forged, mil-spec barrel that is chrome lined. The telescoping, side-folding polymer stock adjusts to fit any user, and it adapts to fit inside the pack you are hauling. All controls are fully ambidextrous. It uses a short-stroke gas piston system with a rotating bolt. The receiver is hard anodized aluminum. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16.25 inches
<br>OA Length: 27.5-37.5 inches
<br>Weight: 7.25 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Adjustable, folding
<br>Sights: Iron
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Flat Dark Earth
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $2,995
Fulton Armory M1 Carbine
The M1 Carbine served in every branch of the U.S. military from World War II through the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The M1, M2, and M3 variants were the most produced weapon of the U.S. military for decades. It is a short, compact and rugged weapon that fires a .30-caliber bullet good for distances out to 100 yards or more. Semi-auto civilian versions like the M1 Carbine from Fulton Armory recreate this classic battle rifle using a mix of GI and new mil-spec parts. The barrel is national-match quality and accuracy is guaranteed to 3 MOA. Military surplus or new magazines are available in 10-, 15- and 30-round capacity. The M1A1 paratrooper model has a folding wire stock. The M1 stock is wood, but this is an old-school survival rifle capable of defense and hunting medium-size game. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .30 Carbine
<br>Barrel: 18 inches
<br>OA Length: 35.6 inches
<br>Weight: 5.2 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Wood
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear
<br>Action: Gas-piston, rotating bolt
<br>Finish: Blued
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $1,499.99
H&R Survivor
A single-shot rifle is a basic weapon to have on hand. It is simple to operate and fire with little training. The top lever breaks open the action for loading and unloading. Thumb back the hammer, aim, press trigger and it’s supper time. The H&R Survivor rifle in chambered in either .223 Rem or .308 Win, two popular calibers. You will always be able to find ammo for this Survivor. The high-density polymer thumbhole stock is tough and weather resistant. A storage compartment is built into the buttstock to store extra ammo and a cleaning kit. The heavy, 22-inch bull barrel is also equipped with a rail to mount optics. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem, .308 Win.
<br>Barrel: 16 inches
<br>OA Length: 36 inches
<br>Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Polymer
<br>Sights: N/A
<br>Action: Single shot
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 1
<br>MSRP: $280
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7
The AR-7 was designed back in the late 1950s as a U.S. Air Force aircrew survival weapon. In the event of an emergency, crew members had a handy, lightweight weapon. The Henry version of the AR-7 rifle breaks down into four components—barrel, receiver, stock and magazine—that are stored in the weapon’s hollow stock. The U.S. Survival AR-7 is super lightweight and takes up hardly any room in a pack, yet is can be assembled without tools in a matter of seconds. When disassembled and stored in its stock, it even floats. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br> Caliber: .22 LR
<br> Barrel: 16 inches
<br> OA Length: 35 inches
<br> Weight: 3.5 pounds (empty)
<br> Stock: ABS Plastic
<br> Sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front
<br> Action: Semi-auto
<br> Finish: Teflon
<br> Capacity: 8+1
<br> MSRP: $290
Mossberg MVP Patrol Scoped
The MVP Patrol Scoped is a bolt-action rifle that is compatible with AR-15-style magazines. Short and compact, the 16.25-inch bull barrel is threaded and comes equipped with an A2 flash suppressor. Chambered in the common 5.56mm NATO it is accurate and reliable and comes with iron sights and a 3-9x32mm variable-power scope that is well suited for long-range shots. The MVP uses Mossberg’s patented Lightening Bolt Action adjustable trigger, which offers a crisp trigger press. The ability to use AR-15 style magazines makes the MVP Patrol adaptable. Whether looters are determined to take what remains of your stuff or you need to hunt for food, the Patrol will be good company. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16.25 inches
<br>OA Length: 36.5 inches
<br>Weight: 8 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Polymer
<br>Sights: Iron, 3-9x32mm scope
<br>Action: Bolt
<br>Finish: Matte blue
<br>Capacity: 10+1
<br>MSRP: $863
Rossi M92 Carbine
Take a page from the Old West and pair a rifle with a pistol in the same caliber. Cowboys did this to avoid having to carry and buy different ammunition types. In .38 Special/.357 Magnum, the M92 can be paired with a same-caliber revolver. The Rossi is a replica of the famed Winchester Model 1892, except it is manufactured from stainless steel, which better withstands the elements. Not as fast as a semi-automatic, but not far behind in fast follow up shots, the lever action makes this a safe rifle for shooters of all skill levels. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .38 <br>Special/.357 Magnum
<br>Barrel: 20 inches
<br>OA Length: 37.5 inches
<br>Weight: 4.8 pounds
<br>Stock: Wood
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear, front blade
<br>Action: Lever
<br>Finish: Stainless steel
<br>Capacity: 8+1
<br>MSRP: $650.38
Ruger 10/22 Takedown
Rimfire rifles are less noisy, you can carry as much as three times the ammo compared to centerfire ammunition, and they are easy to shoot due to minimal recoil. Ruger took its popular 10/22 semi-automatic rifle and created a takedown model that fits in its own backpack. Four simple assembly steps take the rifle from two pieces to one rifle ready to take on the trail. Good for defense work or small-game hunting, the 10/22 Takedown is light enough to stow in any bug-out bag. The barrel is threaded for use with the included flash suppressor. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .22 LR
<br>Barrel: 16.6 inches
<br>OA Length: 36.75 inches
<br>Weight: 4.67 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Black synthetic
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Satin black
<br>Capacity: 10+1
<br>MSRP: $419
Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle
Jeff Cooper set the criteria for the modern scout rifle concept, stating that the modern scout rifle should be chambered in .308 Win or a similar caliber, have an overall length of about one meter (39 inches), weigh about three kilogarms (6.6 pounds), and be equipped with iron sights and a forward-mounted optic. The rifle also needed to be capable of hitting a man-sized target out to 450 meters with iron sights. The Ruger Gunsite Scout fits Cooper’s specs. This bolt-action rifle offers plenty of knock-down power in .308 Win, and fast follow-up shots with its 10-round detachable magazines. It’s compact dimensions also make it is easy to handle in enclosed spaces. The length of pull can be adjusted via spacers. This rifle is designed for specifically for hard use. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .308 Win
<br>Barrel: 16.5 inches
<br>OA Length: 38-39.5 inches
<br>Weight: 7 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Maminate
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear, front post
<br>Action: Bolt
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 10+1
<br>MSRP: $1,039
Ruger Mini-14 Ranch
The Mini-14 is a handy, lightweight, short carbine chambered in 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem. Hunters, ranchers, law enforcement and plinkers have been using the Mini-14 since the early 1970s. The Ruger is a proven design that uses a M1 Garand-style action with a breech bolt locking system, a fixed-piston gas system and a self-cleaning gas cylinder. It is simple, rugged and reliable. The short overall length makes the Mini-14 maneuverable and easy to use in thick brush or cramped urban environments. The Ranch model has either a wood stock with a blued steel finish. At 7 pounds, it is light to carry. Integral scope mounts are machined into the receiver, allowing preppers to mount a scope if they don’t want to use the peep sights. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem./5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 18.5 inches
<br>OA Length: 37.5 inches
<br>Weight: 6.8 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Wood
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear, front blade
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Blued
<br>Capacity: 5+1
<br>MSRP: $909
Savage Mark II FV-SR
A short, compact .22 LR rifle like the Savage Mark II FV-SR gives the operator the ability to hunt small game and provides a self-defense option. The FV-SR features an oversized bolt handle, Savage’s excellent AccuTrigger, a rail for an optic, and the heavy profile fluted barrel is threaded. The thread pattern is adaptable with AR-15 platform rifles. The synthetic stock is impervious to weather and free floats the barrel. Compact with good balance, the FV-SR has centerfire rifle features, so it feels substantial yet is light enough to be carried over long distances. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .22 LR
<br>Barrel: 16.5 inches
<br>OA Length: 35.25 inches
<br>Weight: 5.5 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Synthetic
<br>Sights: N/A
<br>Action: Bolt
<br>Finish: Blued
<br>Capacity: 5 + 1
<br>MSRP: $284
Sig Sauer SIG556xi Standard
The SIG556xi Standard redefines the modular combat rifle design by giving the operator a choice of caliber, barrel length, handguard and stock configurations, as well as lower receivers. The SIG556xi is built on the proven SIG556 platform, which uses a full-length gas piston operating system with a three-position gas valve. This is another next-gen combat rifle that can easily perform survivals duties; the SIG556xi upper can easily be switched between lowers that accept AR- or AK-style magazines. Users can also swap out the barrel, stock, handguard and more.<br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16 inches
<br>OA Length: 35.8 inches (stock extended)
<br>Weight: 7.1 pounds (empty)
<br>Stock: Folding
<br>Sights: Flip-up front and rear
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $1,466
Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16
Springfield’s M1A SOCOM 16 has few peers—accurate, reliable and able to deliver fast follow-up shots in potent 7.62x51mm NATO. It is a hard-hitting, fast and smooth-shooting compact weapon. The Springfield Armory MIA SOCOM 16 has a length of 37.25 inches and weighs 8.8 pounds. The length makes the rifle fast handling, and the weight helps suck up the recoil. The trigger is a two-stage military-style trigger set to a pull weight of 5 to 6 pounds. A ghost-ring rear sight and tritium front sight make target acquisition fast. You will be able to hunt elk and mule deer as well as defend your homestead. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .308 Win/7.62mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16.25 inches
<br>OA Length: 37.25 inches
<br>Weight: 8.8 pounds
<br>Stock: Fixed
<br>Sights: Adjustable rear, front post
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Parkerized
<br>Capacity: 10+1
<br>MSRP: $2,186
Stag Arms Model 3
Stag Arms builds civilian versions of the U.S. military’s current M4 carbine. The company knows mil-spec, and the Model 3 is an excellent entry-level AR that is optics ready. The Model 3 features plenty of Picatinny rail to mount a low-power scope, red-dot optic or reflex-style sight. A Picatinny rail runs from the rear of the upper to the gas block. The Model 3 features a 16-inch barrel with a 1-in-9-inch twist rate, along with a A2-style flash suppressor. An AR rifle in 5.56mm NATO makes a lot sense for survival situations, and the Model 3 is a good base for defense or hunting uses. <br>
<b>Specifications</b>
<br>Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
<br>Barrel: 16 inches
<br>OA Length: 35.8 inches
<br>Weight: 6.1 pounds
<br>Stock: Collapsible
<br>Sights: Optics ready
<br>Action: Semi-auto
<br>Finish: Matte black
<br>Capacity: 30+1
<br>MSRP: $895
