A Military Surplus arm as a Survival Arm?

[Adam Helmer]

Last Thursday morning at 0900 at the local gun shop a dozen OLD Guys gathered around the coffee pot and a box of donuts at the rear or of store. The weekly meeting of the "Tioga Militia" was called to order and roll taken. A few odd ball guns were placed on the counter top for the usual "Show and Tell" segment of our meeting.

Just then a middle-aged fellow approached the group and asked, "What is the best military surplus arm for a survival situation?" The "Militia" huddeled for 30 seconds and then came up with the following suggestions: (Your opinion may vary)

1. A rifle in Very Good+ condition in a caliber commercially loaded.

2. If a bolt rifle is chosen, make it in caliber .30-06, .308, 6.5x55, 7mm, or 8mm.

3. A "Gas Gun" should be .223, 7.62x39mm, .308 or .30-06.

4. Acquire 6 box magazines or 40 Garand clips, or 40 chargers for SKS/AK-47 for the rifle.

5. Go shoot the chosen rifle a lot and begin reloading for same.

What did we miss?

Adam