Best Survival Rifle & 9 Best Survival Rifles Reviewed in 2022 – Reliable, Lightweight, and Accurate

You are here because you’ve been in a survival situation or preparing yourself to take on another outdoor journey. Whether you have other reasons for finding survival rifles, you made a wise decision to look for one. 

Once you step outside, you need to be alert because you cannot guarantee your safety. Being a wise prepper is a significant key action that always saves you from disadvantaged situations. Fortunately, there are weapons created to help us survive the rugged wild. 

Thankfully, you can choose the best-suited survival rifle that gives a strong defense and scare to anything that will harm you. Thus, let’s quickly go through the list of the worthy rifles to own to save yourself from any desperate times outdoors. 

Understanding the meaning of survival

When you ask people around you how they perceived the word “survival,” you will be overwhelmed because they will probably have a different take on it. When people hear the term survival, they might compare it to the worst-case scenario, such as massive emergencies. On the other hand, the term can also describe a life-at-stake concept in science fiction ideas. 

However, when discussing the survival rifles in this helpful article, it will have a more personal definition involving hikers, hunters, campers, and anyone who spends time outdoors and encounters challenging situations. Also, the meaning of survival is defined with relevance to gun buyers who live somewhere far away in civilization. Survival means self-defense for them rather than making offensive attacks. 

Moreover, a readily and compact firearm that they can comfortably bring anywhere of their destination can help them secure their situation, but not against another person. Instead, they’ll be protecting themselves against the animal predators, such as snakes, pests, or coyotes.  

Furthermore, when surviving in the outdoors, you also need a reliable gun that can help you hunt your next meal if your adventure is going to last longer than what you expect. Thus, surviving doesn’t necessarily mean that you will attack first; instead, you will equip yourself with a reliable weapon to protect yourself from any dangerous encounter. Being prepared is an advantage. However, how can you know what is the perfect weapon to carry on your next survival journey? 

Fortunately, you can read here the best-suited type of weapon to purchase. Continue reading so that you can discover the packable firearms you can hold without feeling tired and heavy until the end of your survival trip. 

Why choose a rifle in survival situations 

If it means surviving, who will not be confident to use a survival rifle? Undeniably, there are many survival weapons out there, but a survival rifle has its unique advantages against other weapons. It has a strong standing above shotguns and any other survival weapon. Thus, a survival rifle earns a spot for the most suitable and reliable defense weapon choice. Hence, you will surely be able to secure your safety throughout your entire outdoor journey when you pack a survival rifle in your bag.

Moreover, survival rifles stand out among others when you assess their performance. Rifles are designed to allow the shooter to make a comfortable and accurate shoot even at the more extended distance targets. The weapon offers more range when compared to a pistol or a shotgun. Also, rifles have an impressive reputation for weapon versatility. 

Overall, rifles are advantageous weapons that unquestionably work well for both perimeter site checking and hunting. With that, you will not encounter to hunt your next food using a comfortable and reliable weapon. Fortunately, you can have a higher assurance for your safe space while surviving the outdoors if you have a survival rifle at your side. 

Keep on reading to know the essential features an outstanding survival rifle must possess worthy of buying. 

Features of an outstanding survival rifle 

You must have standards to keep in when searching for survival rifles in your favorite online firearms stores. Having specific guidelines will help you stay focused on what features you need to assess before buying. 

Here are some of the important features you need to look for an outstanding rifle. 

Reliable

You will be at risk if your rifle is not working at the time you need it. Indeed, an unreliable weapon can put you in a dangerous and helpless situation. Weak weapons don’t stand against survival situations. If a firearm will disappoint you and lead you to danger, you might as well just use a baseball bat, right?

Indeed, it can be upsetting to encounter problems with rifles. However, rifles still have more power and authority to scare off a dangerous enemy rather than a baseball bat. A good and reliable gun needs to match your toughness in a survival situation. It needs to withstand any temperatures, whether it be icy, wet, or cold conditions. A rifle should not let you down if you are trying to search for your food. Thus, it needs to be tough and capable to handle your rough and tight weapon handling.

Moreover, being in survival situations, you need to remember that you can likely encounter lumps and mud places that can make you drop your gun. You will find out if your rifle is reliable if it survived rocky shooting situations and can still hold and fire ammunition properly. 

With how challenging and dangerous a survival situation can be, you should not choose a less reliable gun. Thus, when assessing your next survival rifle, you should prioritize and exert effort to determine its performance. You should know if the survival rifle will last until the time you need it, and better, if it is capable of accompanying you again to your next outdoor plan, then you would know that it is a reliable weapon.  

Accurate

A survival rifle is only worthy of accompanying you to your next survival trip if it has an accurate shooting performance. However, if your survival rifle can be folded and disassembled to pack, it does not perform a match-grade accuracy.  Thus, you need to remember to lower your excitement in terms of the accuracy department of a survival rifle. But a gun that can’t hit what you are aiming for is useless and dissatisfying. Hence, to solve the low accuracy performance of the firearm, a few shooting practices sessions in a shooting range is a helpful approach. 

You need to keep in mind that rifles aren’t suitable to have any long barrel or expensive heavy scope, so expect to enhance your shooting skills before using them. Being in a survival situation, you do not hope for a miracle that you can successfully shoot a moose drop at 500 yards from your location with a folded rifle. Pass the heavy and challenging task to a better weapon, a hunting rifle. 

Nevertheless, if you work on your rifle skills, you will not worry about getting your next meal and cooking it in your stewpot. A rifle’s job just needs to completely secure you and scare your enemies to forget their intention to harm or take advantage of you. 

Lightweight

When you are in a survival condition, you need to save your energy to remain vigilant and tough. You might need to move fast and do a sudden pack of all your needs to survive, and it includes a weapon to defend yourself. Also, you will have to carry your things and gear, and it is only natural to want the lightest to take with you. Having to carry ounces of packed items feels pounds and pain as you travel along your journey. Thus, you will appreciate yourself being wise to consider choosing a lightweight firearm to carry.

A rifle will not exhaust you, unlike any other weapon. Thus, it will not keep you from moving fast when you need to hold a gun in desperate times. A reliable gun needs to feel light enough for you to avoid being distressed while holding it wherever you want to go.

When you choose your next survival rifle, you should remember to find a lightweight stock and barrel. You’ll be saving yourself if you can purchase one because you will not need to suffer from back pains and sufferings of carrying a heavyweight firearm.

It is better for you if the rifle you purchase feeds a standard cartridge to be less of a hassle to ready your ammunition in desperate times. Moreover, it would also be best to take lightweight ammo because you will also pack and carry it on your outdoor survival adventure. Thus, if you follow this recommendation, then you’ll have a lifesaver firearm with you to stay tough and prepared in a survival state. 

Packable

You need a rifle that can be with you at all times. While you might still find it comfortable to carry your rifle on your shoulder, you might feel pain, especially with a long journey. Having extra pounds on one shoulder might exhaust you throughout your survival adventure, and it can get through your way if you are hiking in thick woods if your weapon has a bulky scope and extra-long barrel. 

Remember, if you are getting yourself into survival outdoors, you need to be always ready and alert. Thus, it would help if you packed your needs as light as possible. It is an advantage to skip heavyweight things to save yourself from trouble. Hence, choosing a takedown rifle is highly recommended. It is the perfect weapon for survival purposes because its design is compact and lightweight.  

Reasonable price 

A good rifle should be affordable that anyone could afford to use for their protection. Indeed, it is a loss to spend too much on a weapon. However, if you are searching for a survival rifle to pack on your survival journey and regularly happening, why not prioritize considering the features above before considering the firearms price?

As we are all different, we also have various budget plans. For instance, while you might say that you got a firearm at an affordable price, a gun buyer with a reasonable price standard might not agree with you. Considering this, we can conclude that we cannot confidently say what an affordable purchase to every gun buyer is. 

Thus, the next time you choose a weapon, evaluate if the value is reasonable to conclude if you are making a wise purchasing decision. Also, involve yourself, including your own budget, when searching for weapons because there is no need to compromise your safety and settle for less if you can afford a more competent survival rifle. Remember, a survival weapon is not a wasteful luxury if you are in dangerous and challenging times. 

Best Survival Rifles

There are numerous options of survival rifles made for adventurous and brave people like you in the online and local firearms store; however, not all can help you pass through your survival journey. Thus, to avoid any mistake and dissatisfying survival rifle transaction, we gathered the best survival rifles among the overwhelming rifle choices available at firearms stores. We provided their features for you to assess. 

1. Chiappa Firearms Little Badger

First on the list is nothing extravagant but a simple-looking folding gun – Chiappa Firearms Little Badger. This firearm might not please your eyes; it looks ugly and can stand a chance if there will be a contest about the most unpleasing and most unattractive rimfire rifle ever created.

However, we are not judging the weapon by its looks. It is a basic-looking weapon, nothing remarkably extravagant beauty; hence it is almost bones, but its appearance is the very least of our priorities. Instead, you need to know how it can help you safely pass a tough situation outdoors.   

Well, since the rifle basically looks like bones, you can pack it small in a standard backpack size, and you can enjoy easy transport throughout your destination. Thus, even if Chiappa Firearms Little Badger is not on the good side because of its design, it can snatch the spotlight if we discuss its weight and price. You’re going to love how it feels lightweight and comfortable while holding it. Managing this rifle is so easy, and it works well whether your best shooting result is by using your right hand or left-handed.

Moreover, Chiappa Firearms Little Badger is a single shot manual extraction firearm that features an alloy frame, wire-steel stock, and 16.5 inches long steel barrel with blued finish. Also, it comes with .22 LR, and there is no complicated process to operate. So, whenever you see your target or need to defend yourself, you can quickly pull the trigger by doing these three steps first: loading, closing it and cocking up the hammer. If you did practice training to increase your accuracy, then you can expect that you made a great hit on your target. 

Besides having a decent shooting result, what else can Chiappa Firearms Little Badger offer? Fortunately, the rifle also has a solid reputation when it comes to versatility. You can customize the weapon with its quad Picatinny forend to match your desired gun purpose. The gun already has a hammer extension and installed scope, but you can still improve it by adding helpful accessories attached to it. 

If your standard for a firearm includes easy to operate, lightweight and minimalist that you can customize, then Chiappa Firearms Little Badger is the perfect survival folding rifle you need to own. While you can’t brag about its design, you’ll surely enjoy its ideal level of comfortability and versatility.

2. Ruger 10/22 Takedown

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is one of the widely used rimfire rifles in the US; hence it earned an excellent reputation and credibility of being one of the most successful rimfire rifles ever built. If you want a weapon that is easy to carry, especially on a long-distance journey, then this rifle is the perfect model for you. 

In the outdoors, you are part of the food chain. To successfully survive a challenging situation, you need to equip yourself with the best firearms that are powerful to scare away any enemy inside your territory. The 10/22 Takedown is lightweight and it can never stall you on your way to hunt your next meal. It will not even take too much of your energy to do impressive shooting using this gun.

Moreover, since the rifle is popular and widely used by many gun enthusiasts, it is safe to say that it is an affordable firearm that will not break your bank. So, there is no reason not to consider this rifle to pack onto your next nature trip if your priority in choosing a gun is for its price. 

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown can survive any rugged destination. It is a solid firearm that you can pack in a plane, boat, vehicle, or at a cabin home. It is an easy-to-carry type of weapon because it is lightweight and never a hassle holding. It is perfectly suited for backpacking traveling or fun canoe trips.

Also, you can split the 10/22 Takedown easily because it has a design for trouble-free disassembly. Thus, you don’t need to carry disassembling tools with you. You can break the Takedown into two subassemblies by just following a few steps: push the recessed lever, twisting the subassemblies, and lastly, pull them apart. With that, it is more convenient for you to carry a light, small subassemblies weapon. 

If you choose the Ruger 10/22 Takedown to pack as your survival rifle, you can expect a higher rifle accuracy using it. The gun has an adjustment knob to ensure its consistent accuracy and eliminates play in halves. Aside from its disassembling features, you will also love its materials and texture that are not unobstructed, unloosen and allow the gun to stay put on your shoulder.

In addition, the rifle is made out of 2-piece carbine-style synthetic stock design, it also has a fantastic texture on its pistol grip and for-end, and it has a curved checkered butt style that remains still on the shoulder. And the rifle barrel is made of excellent corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Thus, if you ever encounter solid harsh weather, expect that the Ruger 10/22 Takedown will not let you down because of its toughness and its compacted, powerful well-built features.

Now, let’s talk about the rifle’s reliable features that make it one of the legendary weapons ever created. Ruger makes a great 10/22 model with an astounding barrel hand dovetailed by fine, gold bead front sight. The 10/22 uses a 10-shot rotary magazine and simple blowback semi-auto action. The gun also utilizes a standard and readily available 10/22 magazine. Also, it comes with a fantastic adjustable, folding rear sight for increased accuracy. The rifle also has a great receiver with a scope base. The scope is compatible with both 3/8″ tip-off and Weaver-style scope rings. 

Overall, with its overwhelming versatile and powerful features, it is not surprising that it belongs to the most known rimfire rifle list. Thus, it is your loss if you let your chance of owning this extremely advantageous weapon slip. Hence, be wise and get this indispensable must-pack firearm on your journey to be ready for the possible self-defense and hunting emergency. All you must do is check the great rifle’s price and availability.

3. Henry AR-7

The Henry AR-7 is the perfect survival weapon for a rugged and challenging environment because it was created initially for the tough people, the United States Airforce pilots.

The rifle has developed an excellent reputation for being a reliable weapon because it was one of the earliest rifles created; it has been around and used by backpackers and pilots since the 1950s. Since it has been around for decades, you expect that the gun’s design is far from new. Instead, it looks odd, but the good thing about the firearm is it is versatile and has cool tricks.

Also, the Henry AR-7 is a .22LR semi-automatic rimfire rifle that utilizes 8-round magazines that come with 2 for fast reloading. The gun is also lightweight, weighing merely 3.5 pounds, and thus, it will not exhaust a tough man like you through your survival experience. In addition, the weapon can easily break down within a minute, and to assemble the gun again takes only seconds. Plus, you can do the process without using any tools. All you need to do in assembling the rifle is attach the receiver to the stock, insert the barrel, and hand screw it using a threaded ring, do not stop until the barrel is tightly fitted.  

Moreover, suppose that your adventures are more of canoeing, boating, or even rafting. You’ll love how the Henry Ar-7 floats in the water; even it has ammunition inside! Thus, you will be at ease because this weapon will never sink and be lost underwater. It is a rugged and tough survival weapon created to withstand wet conditions. But what exactly were the materials that made the rifle perfect for water survival adventures?

Well, the rifle steel barrel is made of a fantastic coating of ABS plastic that is well-suited to survive superior corrosion. On the other hand, the receiver is made of alloy to increase the rugged resistance of the gun. However, the AR-7 does not specialize in high volume plinking because it lacks a handguard, but the good thing is it doesn’t compromise firing, and it is not a disadvantage to get this firearm still. Although the rifle has a slight disadvantage about the handguard, you can trust its reliability and precise shot placement because it has a rugged front sight blade and a rear aperture sight. 

The rimfire rifle has proven that it can adapt to any survival situation for decades, and it stands out against other weapons in terms of water survival. Overall, if you are a gun enthusiast aiming to have a survival weapon you can easily store in the smallest pack and has a strong float ability, do not hesitate to check out the price and availability of the rifle. You can also read some reviews on the online firearms store website about the Henry AR-7 performance.  

4. Marlin 70PSS Takedown

The Marlin 70PSS Takedown is an updated model version of the popular classic camp rifle for decades, the Marlin Papoose. Since the weapon is an updated version of the old but impressive gun, you can expect it was thoroughly developed to match today’s survival situations.

For starters, the Marlin 70PSS Takedown has a lightweight advantage compared to its predecessor model because it benefits from the vast light materials availability such as polymer and stainless steel. This rifle is perfect for those who commit to long travels or remote areas because the gun is .22LR and blowback-operated. If you have this on your journey, you will not complain about your weapon-carrying experience.

Moreover, the weapon itself can’t float like the Henry AR-7, but there is no need to frown because it has taken advantage of today’s modern gun technology. Although the Marlin70PSS itself can’t withstand water adventure, the problem is solved by its zippered and padded case that has an outstanding floatation component. Thus, the rifle’s case is essential if you are in the water with a possibility of a water crash or accident, the firearm will not be in the disadvantaged state.

Like the other survival rifle on the list, the Marlin 70PSS Takedown also has corrosion resistance materials well-designed outdoors. You can break down the gun easily by just removing one barrel nut. However, it will be difficult for your enemy to knock down such a tough-built weapon.

Also, the rifle uses a seven-round, nickel-plated magazine. And the stainless-steel barrel measures 16 ¼ inches long and has excellent micro-groove rifling. With that, you can expect to have a faster-producing rifle barrel speed. Lastly, if you like customizing weapons, then it adds to another reason why this weapon should secure a spot on your rifle options. One of the common ways to modify this weapon is by adding optics to the receiver.

If you find the Marlin 70PSS Takedown exciting and have a valuable advantage on your next survival plan trip, then be sure to check out the weapon’s features.

5. Kel-Tec SU16C

The Kel-Tec SU16C is developed to assist every gun user. It is planned to be one of the well-suited man’s firearms for sport and utility purposes. Also, same standards as the other SU16 weapon models, this weapon upholds solid points for both portability and concealment. 

Chambered in .223 Remington, The Kel-Tec also accepts AR-15 magazines, and it is a great choice when considering SU16 model types to own. It is also a light, versatile folding firearm that never gives hassle for compact packaging or transporting. You will have more time to plan your next steps in your adventure because you will not be occupied with any firearm weight problems. Everything of this SU16 gun is made of high-impact reinforced polymer, except for the barrel and operating components. This weapon can survive extreme conditions. 

Other than that, you can use two top unique features with this gun that are relevant to your comfortability in handling weapons. One of the fun tricks of this gun type you’ll love it even if it is folded because you can actually fire in its folded position. Although it is quick to assemble the folding rifle back to its original form, firing a folded weapon looks cool, right?

Moreover, you can also do another clever stunt with this folding gun. You can open the forearm and shape it to become a bipod. Bipod trick is a smart action that is helpful to stabilize the weapon for more accurate long shots. Suppose that you have to hunt food. If you use Kel-Tec SU16C, you’ll be spending less time getting your food because you will have more precise shots by taking advantage of the cool tricks of the weapon.  

If you opt to have a firearm with firepower, versatility, size, and weight advantage, then you should check out the price and availability of this good all-around rifle. 

6. Browning SA 22 

Indeed, when you see the Browning SA 22, you can say that it looks cooler than the Chiappa Firearms Little Budger. It is an elegant-looking gun that might be too extravagant to use in rugged outdoors. However, the least expensive Grade I model of the rifle can pass as a survival weapon in the toughest woods. The firearm has a combination of reliability and accuracy power.

The Browning SA 22 Grade I weighs in at five pounds, and it is about a meter long.  The gun can take down within a few seconds. While the take-down feature is primarily an advantage for easy packing travel, you will love how the feature also works to make the cleaning and maintenance of the rifle easier.

Although the barrel on the SA 22 is at almost 20-inches and differs significantly from the other take-down rimfire rifles, you can’t say that it is a disadvantage. Instead, it is one of the edge points of this gun. The long barrel is helpful because it remarkably increases with the sight radius, which can help you shoot more accurately and precisely.

This .22LR semi-automatic rifle is distinctively loaded through the buttstock and uniquely ejects the empty cases from the receiver. If you have a larger amount to spend for a survival rifle, you should also consider the Browning SA22 Grade VI. Both of the gun grades are made with top-notch craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Lastly, you must remember that you are the only one who can assess if the gun is worthy and if it works perfectly to match your survival skills.  

7. Savage 93F

The Savage 93F is an adult-sized bolt action rimfire rifle that specializes in accuracy. It has a dominating accuracy because of its AccuTrigger. The feature allows the shooter to make necessary adjustments to perform a more successful hit using the opportunity to modify according to the desired weight of the pull. It is a worthy feature to consider because every gun user like you has a different preference in the weight of the pull.

This gun also has a minimizing accidental discharge design. It has a mounted lever design within the trigger body that blocks the sear. Unless you intentionally pressed the trigger in the center, it will not fire. Thus you won’t have to deal with problematic accidents. Also, the 93 F is built with a weather resistance stock, a receiver comes tapped and drilled for scope mounts and blued barrel.

Moreover, the 93 F deal has factory-installed sling swivel studs. It’s a great feature that allows you to attach a rifle sling or a bipod to the forend. Best of all, the gun has a two-stage safety located on the right side of the receiver. And it offers a 5-round, detachable magazine that enables the unloading and loading of the rifle. The rifle in .22 Magnum reaches best at over 100 yards and hits the target, like a fox, coyote, and bobcat.

Get this survival rifle if you prioritize safety features and accuracy. It is best suited to protect yourself by having the best shooting result using the gun’s adjustment features.

8. Ruger PC Carbine

While we hope that you are just packing a gun for survival purposes and hope that you won’t necessarily need to fire it outdoors, being safe is your priority. However, you encounter desperate times too, thus, you’ll be needing a strong defense against strong two-legged predators. You’ll be needing to get a hold of Ruger PC Carbine that is more than a solid fast-handling weapon because it delivers a strong rapid fire using the fast-readily available 9x19mm ammunition.

Moreover, the firearms carbine is versatile and works well with interchangeable magazine wells. It is adaptable to either Ruger American pistol magazines, Ruger SR9, or GLOCK pistol magazines. The receiver has an exceptionally built durability made of CNC-milled aluminum billet and hard-coat anodized.

Like all the survival rifles in the list, carbines take down quickly to pack in a bag pack or storage. You just need to push a recessed lever, twist the barrel for-end for the receiver, and pull them apart if you wish to disassemble it. Also, the firearm has an enhanced fire control feature important in reducing the felt recoil and muzzle rise. In terms of operation, the PC Carbine is almost similar to 10/22.

Moreover, the two weapons have cross-bolt safety and charging handles in the same location. Thus, if you already own a Ruger 10/22, it will be easier for you to familiarize yourself with PC Carbine. It is a good thing to consider because the last thing you might want to feel with your firearm is discomfort and uneasiness.  

If you want a powerful gun that’s versatile to most common magazine wells, you need to own this PC Carbine.

9. Kel-Tec Sub 2000

The Kel-Tec Sub 2000 has a significant connection with the old western book’s wisdom about rifles and sidearms using the same cartridges. The reliable and affordable semi-auto centerfire gun uniquely stands out on this list. It is odd and distinctive because it comes in common cartridges. It comes in 9mm and .40 S&W, to be specific.

Additionally, the rifle feeds from a huge number of different pistol magazines from multiple manufacturers, such as SIG magazines, Canik, Beretta 92/96 series, Glock, S&W. Also, the rifle is short even if it is unfolded (30.5 inches), and the most compact folded gun with only a measure of 16.25 inches.

The gun perfectly fits a standard-size bag back and even a messenger bag. It is also lightweight at more than 4 pounds. Thus, you won’t need to add multiple bags to carry because you’re good to go with the Sub 2000. Also, the rifle is an excellent choice for a close-range medium game gun. However, this gun only offers an average sight up to 100 yards, but with practiced skill in accuracy, this still works as a great survival rifle choice. Thus, expect a better hold of advantage against dangerous predators when you use this firearm.

Don’t worry if you are not confident in using the 9mm and .40 S&W in hunting because you can always opt for a 16-inch-long barrel on the SUB2000. It is magnificent and makes any handgun round work as a whole different beast. Keep in mind that using the right defensive rounds give the most relevant damage to anything, as you planned it to be.

Final Thoughts

A worthy survival rifle to own is always the weapon that you really need. You need to remember that owning one is already its responsibility. A wise and most responsible gun user always knows when and where to fire. You need to assess every situation before you take action on the rifle you are holding. Go according to your own judgment in spending money on your firearms. While you prioritize your safety, you do not want to be broke because of an expensive weapon you won’t really need. Decide if the gun possesses a reasonable price and features.

All the survival rifles on the list have the most reasonable price to keep you from buying a dissatisfying survival rifle. These choices are perfect for weight size and reliability. Thus, if you ever need one to secure your safety, you’ll be glad to be wise by packing a survival rifle and bringing it along with you.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are the survivalist commonly asked questions about the best survival rifles and the relevant things about them: