They all break. Can you fix it? How long term is your survival period? Can you use it one-handed? Some guns requires you to be in good shape. In all honesty, airguns make for poor survival gear.
oNP is a definite "NO" for survival. Once they leak, you can't do anything. Springs can be made to limp home.
I would love to have a .357 PCP. Target shooting would get a bit expensive, but once proficient it would be good to put protein on the table.
...big game and 2 legged game....
what you do not want to confuse is "Survival" with "Back-pack" Sure, a Back-packer Pumper would be considered a "Survival" gun also,.... but a "Survival" gun does not necessarily Need to be a "Back-packer".As a "Survival" rifle, Self Sufficiency would be the first priority. Springers and Pumpers both fit the bill. One of the most popular "Survival rifles" ever used by the military was the AR7 in .22 LRhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR-7(I actually own 3 of these rifles). since both AG's and PB's require ammo, it makes sense to include it in the discussion.As for AG's only, then the second priority would be dependability and accuracy. Again, both springers and multi-pumpers fit the bill.... with fixed barrel springers having the advantage.But also a thing to consider is the level of power you get from the available choices. naturally the advantage goes to the AR7, followed by a fixed barrel springer like a RWS 48/52,... (yep, I got one of them too ), then followed by a multi-pumper like a 2289/1322 carbine , ( check, check, and Double check,... got one of them TOO ! ) If "Back-Pack-ability" is your priority,.... Then it's the AR7 and the 2289 with it's push-button stock release.... Obviously the advantage would go to the AR7. (oh yeah,... and the AR7 floats too !) Did I mention that I have THREE of these ? ? ?