[northislander]

Wait until the DOW hits 1,500 and you will be able to buy an entire arsenal for almost nothing.

[al baby]

7 millimeter magnum ?

[omega4179]

A Mosin-Nagant 1891/30 the ammo is less $

[Billthedrill]

Ammunition may be a critical issue. I’d suggest .30-06, .308, 7x57, or 7mm Remington Magnum as the most common cartridges available once supplies get really tight. (Other FReepers will no doubt add to that list). Consider a Winchester model 70, a Remington 700, or one of several Savage rifles. There are many others out there that are terrific buys but those three are very dependable as used-rifle purchases. Budget in some glass as well is my advice. YMMV.

[ATLDiver]

If you’re talking SHTF, I would suggest something in semi-auto trim. Look, there are no ‘least money’ options at the moment. Some popular choices are an AR variant, FAL variant, AK, Mini 14, etc. There are plenty of choices so stroll down to a good gun store and take a look. Budget about $1500.00 to get into a good rifle.

Ammo is the key now, just about all rifle calibers are in short-supply and expensive. I would suggest with staying something that is currently a military round, 5.56x45 or 7.62NATO

[razorback-bert]

.456 Rigby, it will stop an elephant.

[KrisKrinkle]

CZ550 in .600 Overkill

One day, an American scientist from Nevada decided to pack the biggest, most powerful cartridge possible into a Mauser action. The result was the .600 Overkill. This is not just an advertising name. This is a gun so insanely powerful it can put a solid bronze bullet SIX FEET into an oak log. The bullet going through the rifling can twist the barrel right out of the shooter's hand, and recoil is "manageable" in a 14 lb gun with three mercury recoil reducers. Sure, you could get a fancy double Eurorifle…if you sold your house. This is more affordable, more powerful, cruder, more atavistic…in short, more AMERICAN. And manlier.

[Ronaldus Magnus]

Mosin 91/30 Spec Russian Model 1891/30 7.62x54R Mosin Nagant. Surplus rifle packages refinished in excellent condition starting at $69.99.

[Billthedrill]

The rifles I recommended are hunting rifles primarily. If you want a military rifle the rules change. ;-)

[Drew68]

Preparing for the most basic needs of a SHTF scenario,

When the SHTF, rifles will be laying all over the place.

[Frantzie]

SKS but the triggers are kind of flaky about $299. Probably an AK but they are not that cheap anymore. About $599.

Beratta CX Storm .40 $595

Hi-Point Carbine just under $200
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi-Point_995_Carbine
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/carbines/9mm_carbine/9mm_carbine.html

[ConservaTexan]

The Marlin XL7 is an excellent rifle for the price-less than $300. It is available in 25-06 Rem, 270 Win., and 30-06 Spr. After reading several good reviews I just bought one. It has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it.

[autumnraine]

Bump for later opinion reading for same question I have.

[George Smiley]

If you’re worrying about TSHTF, get things in calibers used by the military: .223, 9mm, 12ga and 50BMG :-) [Serbu BFG-50 bolt action for around $2750 including decent scope and bipod]

[frog in a pot]

M1 Garand,
.30cal,
$500-800+.
But then, I am sentimental.

See: http://www.odcmp.com/about_us.htm

[RushingWater]

Thought all this ammo shortage wasn’t really real but my Wal-Mart was all bare of ammo except for some 357.

[oldvike]

Remington Model 700. Plenty of calibers to choose from. I’ve got several. The 25-06 is my favorite.

[behzinlea]

You can pick up surplus (and old) Mosin-Nagants for well under $100. But why go cheap? You can buy a fine first quality rifle for $600 or less. I have a Remington Model 700 chambered in .270 that I use for hunting large game. That model is reasonably priced and is very accurate. I like mine a lot. But a SHTF scenario might call for something other than a long distance weapon. There’s a lengthy post that can be found at various places on the Internet (including this site) by an Argentinean who found himself in survivalist mode when the Argentine economy collapsed in 2001. His advice: forget long distance shooting. Your challenges when TSHTF will be up close and personal—not at 200-300 yards or more. After I read his account, I decided to start stockpiling ammo for my new favorite weapon: a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle chambered in .223. Not exceptionally accurate beyond 100-150 yards, but compact and reliable, and can push bullets fast and furious, and there are thousands of custom options available including high capacity magazines.

[To Hell With Poverty]

ping for future reference

[kamikaze2000]

Well there are so many possibilities depending on your budget, tastes, requirements, etc..but my super short list would be:

Bolt actions

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 in 7.62x54R - cheap, not terribly accurate, full power military rifle. Try to avoid steel case ammo.

Remington 700 in .308 - strong mauser action, accurate, high quality American made. Fires common military round.

Semi Autos

AR-15 - Bushmaster, Stag, LMT being 3 of the better manufacturers. Highly customizable rifle that shoots readily available 5.56x45 current US military round. High accuracy potential and reliable if you clean it.

AK-47 - Bulgarian SSR-85 in 7.62x39. There are many makes of AK but I would go with the Bulgarian heavy milled receiver if you can find one. Get this rifle if you expect to be out of contact with civilization for a while. Will take a beating and keep on functioning. Typically will go a long time before any part needs replacing.