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Urban SHTF Rifle

16K views 78 replies 49 participants last post by  TheSquid  
#1 ·
Hey everyone just wanted some opinions.

so I've been looking for a good SHTF weapon, so far what I've looked at are

-Keltec RFB
-XCR M
-Keltec SU16F
-Keltec SUB 2000

this would be used as a, Battle Rifle and or survival weapon.
 
#33 ·
What this guy said. I am a big fan of Max. I've been to a class of his and even drove 1200 miles to do so.

With that said, go AR in 223/556. AR is battle proven beyond belief. Its a powerful enough round to go out some distance and even great for all forms of small game. I've harvested deer with my AR. Where some people go wrong is going cheap. Back when I started I bought a DPMS for $500 brand new. It wasn't a horrible rifle but it was entry level. I took it to one three gun comp and it broke 3 times throughout the match despite a decent level of maintenance. If this would've happened during SHTF I could be dead. I now have an LWRC M6IC-SPR with many thousands of rounds and and have only wiped the bolt down every now and then. It has never once had a failure despite multiple training classes and various dirty range days. I plan on buying another shortly.
 
#12 ·
Scoped AK with a folding stock. A simple 4 power scope will enhance the accuracy of the AK without actually trying to make it into a sniper rifle. The folding stock lets you better conceal the rifle when you need to hide it under a coat or in a bag of some kind. It also makes it more convenient for climbing when you need to make it more compact for that purpose or when moving in confined spaces too.

You can choose from 3 different basic calibers for a survival rifle so you have a good option for starting off. The 7.62 X 39 shooting stick gives you a medium weight and diameter bullet for general purpose work with a limited range of about 350 to 400 meters for most shooters. The 5.45 X 39 and the .223 variants will let you shoot much longer distances in the AK-74 formats but they also shoot smaller bore bullets that have much lighter weight projectiles. For urban work, the 7.62 X 39 cartridge will probably do you well and it has the punch needed to get through a lot of urban material which could deflect lighter bullets if that is what you're looking to do.

For a survival rifle round, the 7.62 X 39 is used for hunting deer and feral hogs in a number of states because it is so effective. So a folding stock AK should be something you might want to look at with a lot of interest.
 
#67 ·
i dont think it matters if you have an AR or AK, both will do well, both have theyre strenghts and weaknesses. I think the 7.62x39 is a better hunting round and a more versatile, plus AK is a more solid platform, while the AR has longer range and is more light weight which plays in if you walk long distances on foot or for daily patrolling and for speed, but with several obstacles to shoot trough like in a city the AK would probably be better. The weight of the AK though makes it a more solid rifle in the long run in my book, i wouldnt trust an AR to hold up to decades of hard use and abuse unlike an AK. Look at some of those AK's in africa etc, how much crap havent they been trough, yet theyre fully functional. AR on the other hand is more or less nato standard, and ammo and parts is probably more easily obtainable for it in the future. Why not get one of both?
 
#13 ·
The Kel-Tec Sub 2000 has reliability issues. Check U-tube and you can watch the trigger caused misfire issues, stove pipe issues and front sight coming loose issue. You need a reliable firearm when your life is on the line. :thumb:

A plain old SKS is hard to beat, they shoot the 7.62x39 and are pretty darn accurate, the price is $250 to $300 for one if you look around and they make a million after market parts for them. Tapco has an AR style stock for them that looks nice!
 
#15 ·
Have you actually laid hands on any of these rifles yet, or rented one out at a range? Get out to some stores and shows, see what's going to work for you. Personally I favor the AR15 in the form of the A2 rifle or carbine, I've owned and shot my AR since 1999, but I've also logged time on AK's, SKS's, Mini-14s, a little time on a Sterling, Hi-Point Carbine, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, a Enfields, Nagants, Mausers, and a Springfield.

Take a little time before you plunk a couple hundred to possible a grand or more on a firearm. If you do go with any of the Keltec offerings please let me know what they're like. Been eying a Sub 2000 set up for Glock mags for a while.
 
#23 ·
. If you do go with any of the Keltec offerings please let me know what they're like. Been eying a Sub 2000 set up for Glock mags for a while.
had one. Sold it and spent the money on another AK and never regretted it.

The su16 is a fun little toy, but not with AR's at $400!


Urban means close range.

it.
Common misconception.

Cities are full of square shapes and straight lines.
These are conducive to longer shots.

Furthest shots I had in Iraq was in Faluja.
 
#18 ·
Ruger 204 Cartridge Type: Rifle
Height: 1.84"
Width: 0.378"
Average FPS: 3935
Average Energy: 1272
Average Gr: 37
Recoil: 0.6
Power Rank: 1.46 of 20 [?]

The .204 Ruger was designed in 2004 by Ruger and Hornady manufacturers. The cartridge is a centerfire rifle shell casing based off the .222 Remington Magnum design with a small rifle primer. The .204 Ruger is the second largest casing in its class behind the 5.6x50 Magnum. The ballistic performance based off the 32 V-Max, 40 , 45 grain are 4,225 ft/s (32 gr), 3,900 ft/s (40 gr), and 3,625 ft/s (45 gr).

The .204 Ruger is considered to be accurate on distances up to 270 yards. This makes it a good choice for varmint hunting such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and small game. The extended range makes the rifle popular among enthusiasts who wish to field test their shooting skills on varmints such as ground hogs.

The bolt action models are known to have a good track record for sport shooting due to being able to perform in all weather types such as rain, dust, or snow. Hornady boasts the fastest trajectory claims for any bullet of its class using a special powder that is not available to the public. The ballistic for the public version of the .204 Ruger are slower, but still in the upper echelon of ft/s making that continue to help make it a popular centerfire cartridge.

- See more at: http://gundata.org/cartridge/2/.204-ruger/#sthash.gqrwgwr3.dpuf
 
#20 ·
Over a long period of time (many years), the responses to questions like this are:
Round:
First prize: .223/5.56
Second prize: 7.62x39
Third prize: 7.62x54
Fourth prize: .22LR
Fifth prize: anything else
Architecture:
First prize: AR15/M4
Second prize: AK
Third prize: MN
Fourth Prize: 10/22
Fifth prize: same as the other fifth prize
That's what my sense of the numbers is, and seemingly what buying trends are based on ammo and rifle sales. It could be that the majority of people are wrong.
But I doubt it.
B
 
#22 ·
Urban means close range.

Hard to beat a 12ga....

Big small just pick the right shell. From blasting doors (with door rounds) To scarying away bears with rubber bullets or bear bangers. To sending up a 12ga flare very hard to beat a 12ga. The thing people forget is this most urban areas are close range. Any firearm can work as a fighting firearm even a single shot 22lr it's all about the person behind it.

Now you can go I want a Big 50 cal belt fed monster and you would be armed very well. The thing is it's not practical. Keltek RFB is a heavy rifle that chews up brass. Magazines can be very picky. Not the most ideal firearm. Now a M1carbine in 30 carbine is not a bad rifle. It's almost like a 22lr with way more punch. The best firearm is the one that gets the job done and depending on your size, weight, ability, and the job that needs to get done.

223 is a powerful round. 308 win is more powerful 22lr is underrated and over rated at the same time. 12ga is always over looked.

Now if you take full on war type of fighting like say in Ukrane the best weapon is something you can take with you so a pistol and running away is the best option because you can carry it easy and it doesn't get in the way. It all depends on were your located whats around you and what type of urban problem you run into.

Lots of rats in new York and you can eat rats so traps and a small caliber firearm are a more effective way to keep fed. Fighting in a battle it all depends on what type of battle I rather run for it then fight. No sense in getting killed over something when you can simply leave.

The reason I like the M1 carbine is this. It's light weight it packs an ok punch. You can carry lots of magazines and ammo as it's not bulky or super heavy. It's more powerful then a pistol carbine. Any surplus military rifle can get the job done even a crapy old mosin nagant rifle. Cheap to buy cheap ammo to practice with. So really you don't need anything fancy. The kel tec Su16 is flimsy. RFB is not bad has some draw backs. The XCR (is a hunk of junk). I'm telling you from owning all of them I wouldn't pick what you put up as suggestions. Ak47 cheapish works. AR 15 more money nicer rifle works. M1 carbine less weight less punch but works. SKS cheap and works. Mosin nagant cheap but works not very practical but it works. Mp5 is a nice firearm compact large magazine.

It's all about weight and were your using it. Think of it this way your hiking up a mountain and you have a choice of 10lbs 5lbs or 3lbs what do you pick. Weight matters unless you don't have to move around with it.
 
#24 ·
You might want to start by looking at function.
What urban conditions might I fine my self in and what weapon would serve me best?

What bad things might happen to my location?
Will I stay there or might I leave? Vehicle or on foot?
Are the local cops and the NG going to confiscate my weapon?
How much do I need to hide it? How quickly can I use it?

Please do some reading on this site and others about actual people who were caught up in actual urban crisis events. Places like Argentina, Yugoslavia, and New Orleans.

From what I've read, the best urban SHTF weapon for a civilian to own, is actually a large caliber handgun. If your city/state allows you to CCW, get a consealable handgun, get the permit, and start learning to carry.
 
#25 ·
Everyone has their own comfort and opinion for this and no single tool is perfect. Personally, I don't like a high-speed round for an urban setting. A heavy grain round and a light powder charge is what I like. I want a weapon that is light-weight and can be maneuvered and fired indoors (without destroying one's hearing).

My Sub 2000 has plenty of range and no reliability issues thus far. Compatibility with a Glock sidearm is a great bonus. The stability and holographic sight and long barrel make the forty caliber round very effective. Another bonus is that it folds up neatly in seconds for hiding away.

It doesn't qualify as a traditional 'battle rifle', but I don't plan to be a soldier with it. I am hoping to be a survivor.

Image
 
#27 ·
A reliable SBR with about a 30 caliber bullet and a folding stock would be the ideal weapon. In my opinion. Something accurate at least 300 meters. AR would work but it would be nice to have something with a heavier round...
 
#28 ·
So far almost everything here is a good answer and as previously mentioned they're also repeats (Doesn't make them bad answers just saying that this question has been asked and answered before)

But what you really need to do is find one that works for you. If you can find a LGS that has the firearms you're looking for then pick 'em up and mess around with them. See how they feel in your shoulder. If there's a range that'll let you rent them even better. But no matter what anyone says you gotta find what works out best for you.
 
#29 ·
I'd go AR. For your particular scenario, the 5.56 round is small enough to carry a lot of it but will still get the job done. It's also very popular, you might scrounge some from time to time as opposed to less popular rounds. Collapsible stock and fairly short profile would be helpful as well.

The military uses it in urban settings, it will work for you too.