when I've read these "pick one gun" threads before, I WANT to say my Saiga-12 (or if you prefer, a 12-gauge pump), because it's so versatile- slugs, buckshot, birdshot, you can hunt large or small game with it... if I was in survival mode in the woods, it would probably be my choice..

but when I think about "SHTF", I think people fleeing, gov't trying to get control (even if it's a different gov't), martial law, economic collaspe.. Think of when it's happened before- Argentina around 2001, Katrina... you're carrying around a long arm, and you're going to draw a lot of attention that you don't want.. even from thieves.. somebody is going to WANT that rifle.. and they KNOW you have it... thieves don't announce they're going to rip you off from a distance, they stick a gun/knife in your back while you're occupied..

so despite what I WANT, that's why I pick Pistol..

now if I'm back at the ranch, I totally reject the notion that I have to pick one... ok, maybe ONE AT A TIME
but there can be several choices to pick from