Field Grade and Rack Grade are more than acceptable. Their condition is far better than listed. Also, this is for survival use, not Camp Perry.

http://www.hr1871.com/

http://www.varminthunters.com/tech/nef.html - ignore the NEF link; H&R makes these now anyway,

Frequently on sale in my area for $200 or less, and H&R will inexpensively fit additional barrels to them.

The rifled-barrel shotguns are very accurate. I have read that the rifles are more than accurate enough.

The Rossi's that we have used have been fine. Others (at least one poster here) have NOT had good experiences with the Rossi. You know the nightmare when you pull the trigger and all you get is a "click"?

I don't have much hunting experience, but squirrel hunting might make a good case for a semi-auto, at least for a .22. The way my Dad tells it, when he was squirrel hunting as a kid you sit still in the woods untill they come out, then take your shot. If you don't move they can't figure out where the shot came from. After a few minutes they will come out again and you can shoot another. Repeat... But if you move they locate you and stay away for good. That style of hunting is only possible with a semi-auto, and might make the difference between a snack and a meal in a survival situation. Can other hunters confirm?

Thanks,
Steve

If you're gun saavvy, or have a friend who is, check the used market for anything available in 30-30 and up, caliber-wise. If you're not comfortable looking at used guns, find a reputable dealer, and lay it out to him, you're looking for an economical hunting/defense piece... you'd be surprised at just how helpful that smiling guy (or girl) behind the counter can be <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. One tip though, if you're looking to get (good) advice, stay away from large chainstores... you want a gun? Find a GUN Dealer... not somebody who was working automotive last week <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Troy

My AR15 is easy to convert to a single shot....I only load one round into the magazine. I haven't figured out how convert most single shot rifles to semi-auto yet!

For the non-gun types that want a gun, learn how to shoot with Ruger 10/22 and a Ruger Mk III, then get a 30-30 lever action, 870 Remington shotgun, or a 4" S&W .357 revolver.

HUHH???

Over here in OZ semis are banned so we have no choice but to put up with a single shot, for survival or any other purpose. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Thankfully they still allow (small) magazines though! We are also not allowed to carry our ammunition with or in our guns. So there goes quick self defence, (that is from all but the two legged kind) you can't use a gun as self defence against a person or they throw the key away.

You have my condolences... no offense meant, but I hope we never catch up to that level of civilization here in the US.

Troy

your sympathies are appreciated

Handi rifle single shot in 30-30 7 lbs
Handi rifle with 12 gauge barrel 5.5 lbs
Garand 11 lbs

Remember that classic dangerous game rifles were double barrel,
though many use bolt actions now due to cost.
Few use semi's, save for the occasional brown bear hunter.
A single shot should do well for many survival uses.

Handi rifles can switch barrels in a couple of minutes.
Run out of ruski ammo, trade barrels and shoot 223 ,30-06,
410, 357 etc.

Loaded for Bear, take a 35 Whelen barrel. Want to practice with the same weapon, use a 223 barrel and save money and reduce flinching.

Very easy to clean, you just take off the barrel.
Price is right-$200, keep one in each car. They break down to
2' or so.

Not what I would want in Iraq, but would be plenty happy with
one in say the backcountry of Canada.

I use one for deer and turkeys
when approaches are by mountain bike. I like the light weight, short
length, and low cost in case of crashes.