>> I have seen more problems occur with bolt actions than semi-autos that have been standardized and proven over many decades <<

I'm not disputing what your experiences have been and would be interested to read specifics on bolt-gun failures you have seen. But regardless:

While I don't have any issue with semi-auto rifles, I'll completely disagree with extending your experiences with problems to the respective genres. Reliable bolt actions have been around for about 120 years, With the exception of one action type (roller locked), at their heart all semi-auto actions chambered for anything more potent than a pistol caliber are, in fact, bolt actions. They just use energy from a fired cartridge to cycle the bolt instead of the user's muscle. If the semi-auto is reliable (which I do not dispute), the bolt action must be even more reliable. Besides the theory, the accumulated empirical data conclusively shows that bolt guns are more reliable.

And detachable magazines, unquestionably, are susceptable to all sorts of mayhem that renders its parent rifle hors de combat. Like last weekend when my buddy's well-maintained M1A had a BAD jam from a dinged mag. (My NM Garand was flawless, as always, but there's a mishap somewhere in its future, no doubt).

There's a place in my safe for both types, but if I had to choose just one... it would depend on why I needed just one.

I just couldn't let the "semi more reliable than bolt" arguement go unchallenged <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

Tom

Want a nice standardized bolt action - fine - got get an 03 springfield, or a 98k Mauser

Only 103, or 108 years of service behind those designs. Battle proven too <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Uh-oh - you forgot to mention Chris K's fav Lee-Enfield... so standardized that parts are interchangable without armory-level gunsmithing. And Mosen-Nagent, and Arisaka, and... the list goes on. Just about anything from the M93 variants on up to the most recent "modern" bolt guns works for me.

I confess to really liking most anything with a big claw extractor... but most of the others work admirably, too. Although, now that I think about it - the first service rifle issued to me was an M14, and they were annoyingly prone to sending the extractor assembly whipping off the bolt and away into the weeds... much as I love that rifle (and the M1A version).

Yeah, a SMLE will do in a pinch - I want an 03, due to the 30-06 chambering

Yep, Bolt guns work. I think everyone should have a good bolt gun.

Malpaso, you are indeed wise in your choices! They are very realistic and effective. The big question I often ponder is: what would you carry on your person that could: 1. Protect you 2. take small and large game 3. Be low profile enough not to draw adverse attention 4. Efficient enough to allow a decent amount of ammo to be carried along with your other gear? I'm picturing the last straw, on-foot, outta gas and walking to your next new home kinda scenario. Thanks!

My SHTF kit is ready with a S&W .44mag Mountain Gun, with .44 shot shells in a speedloader as backup to the 240gr rounds in the cylinder. That's as all inclusive as I have ever come up with, and seems to address your four points as well.

My personal preferences would be for a .22 pistol, the Sig (Hammerli) Trailside is light, has a rail for a red-dot or other sight options, breaks down easily (that's a biggy) and is very accurate. Three hundred rounds of .22 weigh less than a box of 50 .40 S&W. So, for a game getter that must be carried on your person along with a BOB, I prefer .22 . For ammo, the CCI Velocitor ammo could easily take down a deer IF you placed the shot correctly (did I mention being a competent shooter is important?) and could be used for self defense as well.

Not about BO-weapons:

I'm not very pro-gun, but I think that the HK Mp-5 submachine gun is a good weapon. Is it allowed in the US?

In parts of the US, yes, it is allowed, but only with certain licenses and fees.