Dear Jim,
For once and for all, which rifle and caliber is the best for the end of days? Let the discussion begin.
Sincerely, – 2Knives
JWR Replies: I’ll open the discussion with these oh-so subjective suggestions (YMMV):
- United States (Except California): L1A1 or FN/FAL in 7.62mm NATO
- California: FN-49 .308 Argentine Variant (in 7.62mm NATO with 20 round detachable magazines)–most other effective semi-autos rifles are banned
- Central America (except Mexico)/South America/Anywhere in Africa/Oceania: FN/FAL in 7.62mm NATO
- Philippines: M14E2, in 7.62mm NATO, selective fire. Why selective fire? Just because you can.
- Canada: M1 Garand in .30-06. (Thankfully exempted from their draconian “assault weapon” confiscation law.)
- Australia: SMLE bolt action in .303 or an Ishapore 1A bolt action in 7.62mm NATO (Sadly, virtually all semi-autos are banned in Oz.)
- France, Mexico, or other countries with “military caliber” restrictions: M1A chambered in .243 Winchester. (Yes, they can be special ordered or re-barreled that way.) If semi-autos are outlawed, then get a Steyr Scout bolt action in .243
- Sweden, Norway, Iceland, or Greenland: HK G3 or HK91 in 7.62mm NATO
- Finland: Valmet M76, 7.62mm NATO
- Switzerland: PE-57 in 7.5mm Swiss
- Former Soviet Bloc Countries or elsewhere in Asia where guns are allowed: Dragunov in 7.62 x 54R
- Germany, Austria, and the Low Countries: Steyr Scout bolt action in .308 or perhaps .243
- England: High power air rifle in the largest caliber obtainable, or perhaps a crossbow and/or a flare gun. (If those haven’t been banned yet.) Hint: Time to emigrate to a free country!
I’d appreciate hearing opposing views (or legal clarifications), from folks in any of the countries cited.