Alright, here is the scenario.  Certain events within the country have caused people to be a little more concerned for their safety.  Let's assume for this purpose that it wasn't the WTC but something less terrifying such as a riot in a large city.

Anyway, you are approached by a friend who is an experienced outdoorsman (camping, hiking, etc) but who has no experience with firearms.  Your friend tells you that he has all the basic survival equipment needed to live in the wilderness for an extended period, but no firearms.

He hands you a copy of the Shotgun News and tells you he has $1,000 to spend.  This $1,000 must pay for the firearm(s), accessories (such as magazines if needed) and ammunition.  For simplification let's also assume you have one of the few non dealer FFL's out there and can handle the transfers.

Assume loading ammo is not an option - level playing field for this excercise, not everyone has a press.  Also assume that shipping is included in the prices.  In reality shipping isn't always included, but we need some simplicity for this excercise.

I know this scenario isn't perfect and there are many arguments that can be made such as, well I know a dealer who has this for this price etc.  For this excercise assume whatever he buys is ordered from an ad in SGN.

I'm curious to see what you would recommend on a bare bones budget, to a novice who might be facing a variety of needs from basic survival to SHTF.

OK, now that we have that out of the way.  Here are my recommendations.

SAR-2 $249 from SOG includes 2 10 round mags and one 30

M74B mag set has 4 black polymer bulgarian mags, loader and carry case $30 from K-Var

Case of 750 5.45x39 for $72.50 from Classic Arms

Kobra Red Dot Sight and Mount $138 from FAC

Yugo M48 Mauser in 8mm $70 from CDNN

5 Boxes (100 rounds) Winchester Super X 8mm $60 from Miwall Corporation

HS2000 $249 from SOG

5 Beretta 92 ProMag highcaps for the HS2000 for $70 from CDNN

Case of 500 rounds 115 grain 9mm brass cased for $60 from Classic Arms

Total $998.50

My rationale.  The HS2000 is an excellent and durable combat handgun that is a bargain.  Many highcaps can be modified to function in it.  A great close in defensive weapon.  The SAR2 with the kobra sight is a great itermediate range battle rifle with a round very similar to the .223.  I figured it could also be used on small game if hunting was required.  The Mauser is a great long range rifle and the 8mm cartridge is remarkably accurate and hard hitting.  Great for all manner of large "game."

Drawbacks - yes I know that 5.45 is not a common calibre but 750 rounds is quite a bit and I think it is significantly better than the 7.62x39 in terms of accuracy.  It is also lighter to carry.  The SAR-3 is not an option, although the .223 round would be prefered over the 5.45.  Given the limited budget I didn't think an AR was very feasible.

Also, the SAR-2 is a basic weapon that someone with little to no firearms experience could readily maintain and use.

Anyway, those are my quick thoughts.  Anyone want to play?