Best Projectile Weapon for Survival Applications?

[sgtdraino]

What projectile weapon do you think is "best" for a survival scenario? The weapon would primarily be used for gathering food, and perhaps personal protection in a pinch.

Some weapons are more effective, but harder (or impossible) to maintain ammo for in the field.

Some weapons are less effective, but have ammo that can sometimes be re-used or made in the field.

Some weapons can even be made in the field, though varying degrees of skill are required.

Please explain your answer as best you can.

[trax]

firearms, the ammo's pretty easy to carry. I think a spear is the best projectile weapon you can make in the wild, making a bow or a sling that you're going to be accurate with is tricky at best and a spear is usually stronger.

[crashdive123]

Firearms for me. For a wilderness situation - probably 22 cal rifle - good for small game, ammo is light weight. I would also have a larger caliber handgun for personal protection.

If it was an "after the storm passed" survival situation I would be more heavily armed. Probably 223 or 7.62X39 semi auto rifle along with 12 gauge pump shotgun as well as handguns.

[sgtdraino]

I think a spear is the best projectile weapon you can make in the wild, making a bow or a sling that you're going to be accurate with is tricky at best and a spear is usually stronger.

You know, I didn't even think of a spear as being a projectile weapon, but I suppose it is. Makes sense.

[trax]

I so wanted to go with boomerang, but I've never used a real one, and somehow Frisbees just don't cut it as a weapon you know, unless you're Captain America

[Sourdough]

Lot depends on where you are on the planet. Some silly wahoo's carry a firearm to the outhouse........

[Sourdough]

I looked for "Attack Geese" on the list, must have missed it. I just throw Mr. Maynard at my problem, and problem solved.

[crashdive123]

Do you carry that new 308 to the outhouse Hopeak? I mean, with no door you can probably get off a long range shot.

[Sourdough]

Do you carry that new 308 to the outhouse Hopeak? I mean, with no door you can probably get off a long range shot.

NO.....I off-loaded it at the last Gunshow; I had it there for show and tell, and someone made me a Godfather offer. I am stuck with 4,500 rounds of .308 FMJ. I'll off-load that at the next show.

[Fargus]

In a survival scenario, I'd have to go with a slingshot. Ammo can be grabbed off the ground or recovered (steel ball bearings make an incredible impact). They are light and easy to carry. It is also a fairly easy weapon to gain a comfortable degree of proficiency with (unlike a steeper learning curve for a true sling). A bow would be my second choice. Guns are great, but ammo is heavy and will eventually run out. Plus, guns are loud and scare away prey. A miss with a slingshot or bow and your prey may not even know it was a target, leaving a better chance for a follow up attempt.

[Rick]

Firearm for me. All around, my 10/22. I can procure game and make you keep your head down. You can't ask for more than that.

[crashdive123]

Hmmmm? After Beo's posting on the Little House books I'm suprised that nobody has chosen projectile vomiting.

[nell67]

Hmmmm? After Beo's posting on the Little House books I'm suprised that nobody has chosen projectile vomiting.

Psst,that would be listed under "other".

[crashdive123]

wonder what the range is on that stuff. Well at least to keep a tight grouping.

[nell67]

Well now,my kids could vomit and hit the wall on the other side of the room,however,it was all over the place,no tight grouping there.

[crashdive123]

From what I understand, with practice you can achieve amazing accuracy.

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[nell67]

Ya know,I have never watched that movie. But I understand she was pretty good at it??

[crashdive123]

Yep. Ya know, I couldn't eat split pea soup for the longest time after that movie.

[Gray Wolf]

I'm with crash again "probably 22 cal rifle - good for small game, ammo is light weight".

[Sourdough]

The new CHARGER by Ruger, It is a 10/22 Handgun. With Leupold 2.5X8 Extended Eye Relief scope and ten cases of .22LR. Thats 50,000 rounds, and ten extra magazines.

Hopefully someday it will be offered in .22 Magnum and that will be perfect.