"I'm actually not surprised I received resistance on this concept, and from the folks that it came from. That's cool, some folks can't (or won't) challenge their preconceptions and notions about what "survival" means in different environments and arenas, and don't understand that certain weapons suggest more than just their outward appearances and magazine capacity.

"When SHTF you dont think people will be robbed and or killed for guns."

EXACTLY. People will be out there looking for that easy target - and a lone guy with an AR-15 is an easy target. Why is that guy a target, even though he's apparently well-armed? Because he probably has other guns and possibly even other things stockpiled that a small criminal organization might need. His attackers will show up in force now because they know he's holding a good hand. If he's alone, or worse, half the time he's gone and his wife/kids are at home, his castle and everything in it is a happy meal. Do not underestimate the capabilities of the other team; if the "bad guys" are anything like me, they'll watch you for a few days, learn your rhythm, and hit you when you're taking a dump right after you wake up. Nobody is "100% go" every second,

The whole point is to keep a low profile so that folks out there looking for guns and other supplies don't notice you, and maybe ignore you, assigning you a "low priority" status. And if they do show up randomly, kicking in your front door, that's when you show them what you're really prepared for by getting that tactical rifle out.

As I said before, do not make the mistake of underestimating your would-be assailants. Not every BG is going to be the village idiot. If they are successful over the long term, it is because they are smart and capable. The School of Hard-Knocks cranks out some well-trained criminals."

"I think you can't really say any gun is the Best General Purpose survival firearmn, though probably the best candidate would be a .22 semi auto rifle, which is why you need several different guns so they can be used for different jobs that a survival firearm might be needed for"

"JC is absolutely right.

That brings up another point I want to reiterate: while random acts of violence happen, they are very rare (almost non-existent.) There is usually a motivating factor. It could be that you're wearing the wrong color shirt in the wrong neighborhood, or you're banging the wrong ex-boyfriend's chick, or you pissed off your wife/husband for the last time --- but SHTF, it's going to be because someone wants to take from you. It might be your home, your guns, your food, your women - whatever it is, they want it. And they will kill you for it.

That tactical rifle does you no good if someone walks right up to you and shoots you in the head or raids your home while you're gone. They will get what they want if they want it bad enough."

"For the rest of you, hopefully you can read through the screen and make the best decision for yourself. Hopefully your bulbs are brighter than old 40 watt over there. He has all the answers, but unfortunately, they're not gonna work for everyone.
"