Yeah, this has been a popular topic. There are several threads that cover it. IMO air rifles are not really practical for a SHTF situation. They have limited applications in survival and homesteading scenarios. I have practical experience of using air rifles in a homesteading situation. Principal applications were pesting, eliminating small predators (snakes, raccoons, ferals) to protect our chicken coop, and small game hunting. My preference is for a .22 caliber pumper as the most versatile gun I tried. Things I learned: A .177 will kill any bird in North America. All birds are edible ( although not all are tasty). Small game hunting with an air rifle is best done over bait so that range estimation is kept simple. Because they are quiet airguns don’t spook game and they make good dispatch guns for trapped or snared game. Air rifles are superior to firearms for protecting crops and flocks from garden pests and predators. Exotic/invasive animals like collard doves, nutrea, iguana, and armadillo are not protected and make palatable survival fare. Do not over look frogs. Even an air pistol is an excellent frog leg harvesting tool. Hope this sparks some discussion.
Quote from: Blowpipe Sam on March 02, 2021, 11:14:47 PMYeah, this has been a popular topic. There are several threads that cover it. IMO air rifles are not really practical for a SHTF situation. They have limited applications in survival and homesteading scenarios. I have practical experience of using air rifles in a homesteading situation. Principal applications were pesting, eliminating small predators (snakes, raccoons, ferals) to protect our chicken coop, and small game hunting. My preference is for a .22 caliber pumper as the most versatile gun I tried. Things I learned: A .177 will kill any bird in North America. All birds are edible ( although not all are tasty). Small game hunting with an air rifle is best done over bait so that range estimation is kept simple. Because they are quiet airguns don’t spook game and they make good dispatch guns for trapped or snared game. Air rifles are superior to firearms for protecting crops and flocks from garden pests and predators. Exotic/invasive animals like collard doves, nutrea, iguana, and armadillo are not protected and make palatable survival fare. Do not over look frogs. Even an air pistol is an excellent frog leg harvesting tool. Hope this sparks some discussion. Not too sure I'd be willing to eat a turkey buzzard.
The Benji 392 was on the top of the recomended "SHTF" list for a LOOOOOONG time.
Quote from: Hoosier Daddy on March 03, 2021, 01:58:19 PMThe Benji 392 was on the top of the recomended "SHTF" list for a LOOOOOONG time.Yep,It’s mostly brass construction where it counts makes it virtually weather proof.Especially with the new (yuck) synthetic stock.
SKS and two or three B3's for spare parts. B3's are rugged, easy to work on.
Quote from: lefteyeshot on March 03, 2021, 11:25:03 AMSKS and two or three B3's for spare parts. B3's are rugged, easy to work on.I will see your SKS in 7.62 and raise you a Remington 30.06... Probably THE most popular round there is available next to the .223.
Quote from: Hoosier Daddy on March 03, 2021, 08:36:53 PMQuote from: lefteyeshot on March 03, 2021, 11:25:03 AMSKS and two or three B3's for spare parts. B3's are rugged, easy to work on.I will see your SKS in 7.62 and raise you a Remington 30.06... Probably THE most popular round there is available next to the .223. But .308 is the standard GP machine gun ammo for most of the world. So there is probably more .308 in existence than anything except .22 lr or 7.62X39. When the feces impacts the rotating airfoil I will rely on .308 for self defense but to put groceries on the table I will depend on my battery of airguns.P.S. Yeah, I don’t want to have to eat buzzard neither but as a buddy of mine once said “Don’t say you’ll never eat that. Say, I’ll have to be darned hungry before I eat that!”.