While I think the 30-30 is certainly a SERVICEABLE option, if I had to pick 1, just 1 caliber for a SHTF ... I'd have to go with the 308 in an M1A or AR10 platform. Parts are relatively easy to come by, and it can take any game big or small

For super small, I'd get a bow ... badger or larger would get the 308. It would undoubtedly be overkill, but it would get the job done, and I could snipe zombies with no issue as well

 

Dude!
you gotta get the mini-g, That thing is sweet!

I would consider converting it to 308 and/or adding the m14 mag option.
after that you would pretty much have a 16" barrel m1a. and it would be cheaper than buying a socom 16 brand new.

basic mag convertion $450
mini g conversion with 308 barrel $700
= 1150

Chances are if you don't get one.. You will still want one and be like "man I should have gotten the mini-g"

I would start off with some lee classic loaders to get the reloading basics down. they run about 25 dollars..
plus they are portable, so you can reload on the go, which is good for a bug out.

 

GloryHole has a good idea. Get a scoped M-1A and you are set real nice for long distance shots and dropping wild game.

 

No M1As. I understand where y'all are coming from, but I've eliminated it from my list based on weight, cost, lack of .308 in my ammo stash, etc.

 

Everyone has they're own ideas about whats needed in a SHTF weapon and I don't know what yours are, but keep in mind there's no fast way to reload a tubular magazine.

 

It depends on your philosophy about what you'll need if SHTF. I can tell you my philosophy, but I don't know whether it's right. I guess it depends on a lot of factors.

If SHTF, these are the potential firearms uses I can think of.

Small game (rabbits, squirrels)
Best rounds, in my opinion: .22LR, .22 Short
Acceptable rounds, in my opinion: .38 Special, maybe .380 Auto (not sure, never tried)

Medium and large game and predators (deer, bears)
Best rounds, in my opinion: .35 Remington, .30-30, .308, .30-06
Acceptable rounds, in my opinion: .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum

Personal and family defense
Best rounds, in my opinion: lots of options here, but I like medium-powered handgun rounds as well as high-cap rifle rounds such as the 5.56 NATO, because weapons generally have higher capacity, rounds are smaller and cheaper, even components are cheaper if you reload, they will make a human just as dead as a deer round
Acceptable rounds, in my opinion: deer rounds will also do the job, though it's overkill in most cases

These are not exhaustive lists. There are many other rounds that would fit into the "best" and "acceptable" categories. I listed representative samples off the top of my head.

Let me point out what is NOT on this list, and that is 400-yard sniper battles, or large-scale battles against massed, organized opponents. If that happens, IMO all bets are off. You'll probably mostly avoid those confrontations, join one of the sides, or lose.

If you agree with my take on what the needs will be and if you agree with most of my classifications of best and acceptable rounds, what will jump out at you is the value of rifles that fire handgun rounds. Nothing covers more bases, IMO.

As for there not being fast ways to reload a tubular magazine, it's true that you can't press a button, let one drop off, and snap another one on. On the other hand, it's one of the few weapons that you can reload or "top off" without taking it out of battery. Left hand holds the rifle roughly on target, right hand fishes a round out of your pocket and starts shoving it into the gate. If the target becomes exposed or an elevated threat, right hand drops the round and moves up to grip the rifle, fine-tune aim and pull the trigger. Pros and cons.

 

You already have the your M1. Bet you already have a fair amount of enblock clips for it. Also bet you already have a supply of 30-06 ammo on hand.

If the above is correct, and you like the basic M1, and you handle it well already....think about this for a min.

Go ahead and have the convulsion completed on your M1. This will make a good platform ( that you already like and use) into an even more User friendly rifle platform.

If you still need more ammo, go ahead an buy the Greek rounds. If you already have a reasonable supply of 30-06 on hand, then use the extra cash to get your reloading setup.

The more calibers that you add to your collection adds greatly to the costs of obtaining enough ammo for all of them.

An old saying that still holds very true even today is "beware of the man with only one gun, he very likely knows how to use it well".

Anything the 30-30 can do, the 30-06 will do even better.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, hope it works out well for you.

 

Both are good options, but which fits into your needs better?

Since you have Garands already, the levergun is a logical choice and has a great many reloading options available.

And while I prefer my FAL to most anything else, I often grab a levergun off the rack as I go about my life and chores. It's limited capacity is greatly offset by the ability to shoot different loads with no changes to the weapon itself. And it fits under the saddle stirrups nicely unlike anything else.

 

It's not adding another caliber. I already have 30-30 and '06. It comes down to this...$1300 = M1 conversion and 400 rds of ammo. OR $1300 = a reloading kit, dies, shell holders, 4 lbs of powder, 1000 150gr bullets, 1000 primers, 2100 rds of .22LR, and 400 rds of Hornady leverevolution ammo.

Now...that being said, '06 is more powerful than 30-30. I can't short stroke a semi. If course, it can malfunction on its own. I think I'm going to go with the M1 conversion. I agree with an earlier post that I'll prob regret it if I don't. I'll just have to save up to buy reloading equipment in the future.

 

The good thing about getting the mini-g over the reloading equipment is that you can stock up the reloading stuff little by little. You can't really do that with a big purchase like the mini-g.

 

buy yourself a hr-7, and give me the rest

 

I think getting the 30-30 and some reloading gear/supplies is an OK plan if you like lever actions and you think it will fill a hole in your battery. You don't really need the .308 if you already have a 30-06, so if you are going to get another rifle it might as well be something that serves a different purpose.

That said, I'm not really sure on what exactly the 30-30 can do that your M1-Garand can't do just as well. Other than bieng just slightly heavier than the Marlin 336, the M1 already outperforms the lever action in virtually ever task to include hunting. The only advantage I can see is the fact that the Marlin will be a little easier to handload for and it can use lead cast bullets with good success. Other than that, I'd say you are better of just getting more ammo and some reloading supplies.

If you really want good advice on a new rifle you are going to have to give better information on what exactly you want it to do. You already have a great general-purpose rifle so the only niches that come to mind would be to get a speacialized hunting or self-defense rifle. If thats the case then I would suggest a light weight bolt action sporter in 30-06 for hunting or a .223 carbine for self-defense and small game like the Mini-14. If you just want a handy brush gun than a 16" M92 lever action in .44 Magnum or .357 Magnum would be easier to carry and reload for compared to the 30-30. Not to mention if you already have a revolver chambered in one of those calibers it greatly simplifies your ammo storage.

 

I'm not buying a new rifle. I HAVE a 30-30. I HAVE a Garand. The question was whether to get ammo and reloading supplies for the 336, or convert my M1 to a mini g. RTFQ.

 

Relax dude, I misread your post. No need to be a douche about it.

In fact, why the hell are YOU asking advice from strangers on the internet on how to spend YOUR money? Just do what makes you happy and makes the most sense to you and don't worry about what we think.