chris: thanks for the link of great info bro..cool tool man ! i like some of the ideas..vince g. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

My survival weapon of choice would be a Thompson G2 Contender, hands down.... Period...

Its an extremely versatile, and VERY accurate weapon. Simply change the barrel to change the caliber your hand or shoulder can tolerate. Specifications, you ask? 3.5 lb weight for 12 in barrel models, overall length 15.5 in. It has an adjustable trigger, and you can use centerfire, AND rimfire barrels on the same frame. Outstanding sights, and is drilled and tapped for scope sights.

Caliber selection ranges from the sublime, to the insane.. The " slightly better than a pellet gun" 22 short for the taking of rabbits and sparrows, a .45 acp/ .410 combo( the .410 being the most useless/ineffective shotgun shell ever invented in my opinion) , to downright Diabolical, Pantella sized, African "Big Five" stopping calibers are all available for your shooting/ shoulder pleasure... And all have been used globally , with proven results. ( do a web search )

I personally could care less about ammuntion weight.. This is my survival we're talking about...Meaning: I will gleefully carry 10 lbs of cartridges , plus another 10 on top of that... As far as weight goes, in a true wilderness survival situation ammunition ranks right up there with water as far as i'm concerned.

just my 2 $

I don't know how big the sparrows are where you come from, but up here in Wisconsin, by the time you clean them, you have used up more energy than their meat will provide.

Bountyhunter

Sorry folks, I meant to say a Savage 24 .22/20 gauge combo.

Bountyhunter

I was looking for this link but I had it saved at work. This is where I got most of my ideas from.

Matt

Not that big...

But very tasty, and quite abundant..

Now as far as finches are concerned I would agree.. Used as a live fising bait for bass, they can produce some real lunkers...

Err.. FISHING bait that is......

( this technique is only recommended in an actual survival situation...)

According to the Springfield armory site:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-m6-m6rifles-carbine.shtml

it's the same as the rifle - .22lr .410 or .22 hornet/.410 and .45

they are all under $200 suggested price