I reckon for every person that responds to this you'll get a different response. The most important thing for a SHTF deal is to match your rifle/gun to your environment/situation/circumstances.
I live in the Mountains with wilderness literally 3 minutes on foot from my front door - I can hit that bush and disappear in ten minutes if need be. My party would consist of two people so I have the luxury of being able to choose two rifles to take, with me carrying the heavy one. I chose rifles with cals and features suitable to my environment and probable needs, thus.
Lee Enfield No5 MK1 Jungle Carbine -
Here's mine ...
1# - Cal = .303 common here and I reload/hand load. Great well proven round for just about any situation I may require from self defense to hunting.
2# - Very Light weight, handy in thick scrub or close quarters.
3# - Flash hider and bayonet lug for excellent bayonet.
3a# - Bayonet is superb and serves as primary survival knife.
4# - 10 round magazine easily quick loaded from pre-prepared 5 round stripper clips.
5# - One of the smoothest bolt actions ever devised.
5# - As accurate out to 800 yards unsupported as a No4.
6# - Excellent micrometer rear sights.
7# - Can be fitted with a no drill/tap scope mount and scope of choice.
8# - Stock bolt hole tube in butt stock perfect for carrying small items like compass, candle, flint, matches and small signal mirror.
9# - Battle proven hardy and reliable chamber in mud, dirt and dust and keeps keeping on regardless.
10# - Wandering zero has been proven a myth time and time again by collectors and owners.
11# - Perfect weight for a female party member to carry.
12# - Small enough for easy concealment under jackets and clothing including inside a backpack or rolled up inside bedding.
I could go on about the No5 ...
My second choice is a Savage No4 MK1* which is essentially the full wood version of a No5 with a few small differences. I would choose this as my reach out and touch somebody rifle and have it scope mounted to tackle obstacles up to and beyond the 1000 yard range - these rifles served as sniper rifles with complete distinction and continue to serve to this day with certain countries.
My objective would be escape and evade and general wilderness survival in a SHTF scenario - I would not seek to engage people or groups but if I had to I think this two rifle combination would cover all my particular needs without going into other details regarding resupply and a cache system etc. Just look at where you are and consider your needs, what your comfortable with given your likely situation.
Cheers,
