It is always interesting to see the views on firearms in a survival tool. It reminds me of the Rambo knife. I always wondered why people would think that bigger is better. Yes I agree that a 44 mag or 12 gauge would be great to have, but in a situation as a BOB or a flight bag, why would you need a firearm so big? Also is the fact that if one has a firearm then one has the responsibility to be skillful with it and not just OK. A firearm doesn't replace the kit you have, it is one tool to help you. If in a fall I break my leg, it would be difficult to move around and set traps or even fish, but staying still I could get a rabbit, couple of birds, frogs, squirrel, heck even a skunk if need be. Why must one always think of getting the proverbial deer or think about bear hunting. Who cares! You would still be in the same situation without a firearm. A firearm just extends your normal reach. Shooting a 22 is a lot easier on the body then a 44 or even a 38. You can carry more ammo or the same in a smaller place then any other cartridge. Whether a pistol is eaier than a rifle is really up to the shooter. My mom of 58 couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a shotgun, put a pistol in her ands and look out Billy the Kid. No she doesn't practice 1000 of rounds, but when we do get a chance to go out (1 a month maybe) we make every shot could and not just blaze away. My fiance' hates to shot a rifle, but loves my Mark II. So be careful of Rambo, he isn't a good example for knives and nor is he a good example for survival firearms. I have my Mark II set-up for my BOB in a modified CD binder. As for people touching my firearms I was taught that every firearm was loaded and treated them as such and I make sure that if anyone is in my house (lawfully) and might stay they understand this too. So careful thought must be taken into a survival firearm, mainly the asking of one's self if you are ready for the responsibility of having such a tool at your disposal.