most versatile gun
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I agree on the .22LR
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.22LR.
The .22 is good, but think, The 12 gauge can do any job and can kill any north american animal, PLUS works well for personal defense, and everyone has 12 gauges lying around, so the chances are high for bartering for ammo, finding an ammo cache, or claiming off of looters bodies. 
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a .22 can also kill about anything in north America with a well placed shot, and anyone can handle a .22 while not all can handle the recoil from 12 slugs
Off the top of my head, I'll mention capacity: most SA .22's can carry at least 15 rounds or more. Especially the tubular magazine ones I have, along with my GSG that holds 22+1.The .22 is good, but think, The 12 gauge can do any job and can kill any north american animal, PLUS works well for personal defense, and everyone has 12 gauges lying around, so the chances are high for bartering for ammo, finding an ammo cache, or claiming off of looters bodies.
Weight: shotgun ammo weighs more and (that fact) would definitely matter in a situation where you might be humping across the land.
***Just food for thought
Functionality: for killing small game like rabbits or squirrels, buck and slug would obviously cause too much damage. Bird shot means you're pulling a Marty McFly at dinner (God I hate that.)
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plus if in a SHTF situation a .22 is much quieter, and would intern make it harder for you to be located.
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OK im going to go off the resevation on this one and say 223. I feel like its a better game getter than 22lr or 12ga. In a SHTF kinda situation where I dont have to worry about hunting laws I could use it to hunt birds on the water, and it would be much more effective for longer shots on larger game(white tail ect.). Its one of the cheaper rounds if you like bulk russian stuff. Not horrible to lug around a couple hundred rounds. Commonly used by US military and police so you should be able to scrounge some up. So it gets my vote. But 9mm with a good pistol carbine comboe gets my second vote forthe same reasons.
A solid bolt action .30-06. With bullet weights from 90 to 220 grns, you can download it for squirrels or take the full power loads for deer, elk, moose or bear. Using 150gr to 165gr bullets, it makes an outstanding 500 to 1000 yrd sniper round. Plus, you can walk into any back woods supply store and buy or barter for .30-06 ammo.
As to using a .22LR for game getting, yes it can be done. But the range must be short and the shot very, very carefully placed. This is for the larger sized game like deer, etc. I personally would not want to try and take an elk or moose with it. All it would do to a bear is p**s it off.
Now a 9mm or .40S&W pistol/carbine combo is also a valid option here. Again, if the range is kept short, like under 50 yards, and the shots placed very carefully.
My $.02. YOMV.
As to using a .22LR for game getting, yes it can be done. But the range must be short and the shot very, very carefully placed. This is for the larger sized game like deer, etc. I personally would not want to try and take an elk or moose with it. All it would do to a bear is p**s it off.
Now a 9mm or .40S&W pistol/carbine combo is also a valid option here. Again, if the range is kept short, like under 50 yards, and the shots placed very carefully.
My $.02. YOMV.
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i think a 12 guage is the most versatile round. bird buck and slugs... you cant have all three effectively in any other caliber *except other shotties).
that however doesnt mean its the best do all round for everybody.
that however doesnt mean its the best do all round for everybody.
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.22lr is my over all choice. But the .17hmr is winning me over quickly..
For a single "do any job" gun, I'd have to agree with the 12ga. Anything from light birdshot to slugs gives you the flexibility to handle just about anything.
That said, I think the .22lr is the most convenient - it can probably handle 80-90% of likely needs, is lighter, accurate to a greater range and ammo is small and light...you can easily throw a hundred rounds in a pocket and be good to go.
That said, I think the .22lr is the most convenient - it can probably handle 80-90% of likely needs, is lighter, accurate to a greater range and ammo is small and light...you can easily throw a hundred rounds in a pocket and be good to go.
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