For a true SHTF carry rifle, I absolutely want light weight, and otherwise ease of handling. Years ago I went thru a 2 week paramilitary course (Frank Camper's school) twice. The first time I carried my 1974 SP1 20". After that I almost immediately built up a CAR15 (typical A1 upper, CAR stock, 11.5+5.5", etc") and used it the next year thru the same course. Much better. When your carrying something 24/7(that means everywhere... taking a dump, breakfast, taking a leak, working the garden, chopping wood, fishing, whatever!), they all get heavy/bulky.

Another important reason that I've stated here before, is the lighter my main carry weapons can be, the more of "something else" I can carry. Food, ammo, mags, spare parts, water filter, cooking gear/stove, shelter, layers, sleeping bag, etc. etc. Maybe even a 2nd handgun in the form of a LW .22 pistol, that otherwise wouldn't even be considered. For the same reasons, I'd carry a G17 as a main service auto, as opposed to any of my beloved but heavier/less firepower 1911s. At least for 24/7 duty.

11.5 BCM.

Ok so, thanks to all your help, I made my decision.. I wanted a short package, but with plenty of capability.  I went with a PWS MK112 MOD1.. (12.5" barrel)
I dressed with an My new PWS MK112 MOD1, with an EOTech EXPS 3-0, Surefire M300 mini scout/SR07 dual swtich, Vortex flip to side Magnifier, Class 3 LAM IR device,  ERGO grip and Magpul MBUS PRO backup sights.

[URL=http://s652.photobucket.com/user/tommycanadabucket/media/PWSMK112_zps73ebc4d3.jpg.html][/URL

if thats the golden rule then i'm hitting the road with this....minimal cleaning required....

i really dont like the idea of trying to keep an AR15 clean, wet and happy in a high dirt environment. i had a buddy that got a tiny desert pebble in his barrel extension of his ar15 and it prevented the bolt from closing. he learned the value of keeping his dust cover closed that day.

16 inches

Personally, I think that was an excellent choice. I have the same gun but in 16'. I am thinking PWS in 308 down the road with something like a 12" barrel. I am a new fan of PWS.
Congrats

have you even been around a 308 with anything less than a 20" barrel, let alone a 12er? you'd have permanent hearing loss after one mag.

That is probably true but I would hope electronic Muffs would keep the noise at a safe level. I have a Browning rifle in 308 and if I recall correctly the barrel is 20" and you are right, it is very loud.

Yup, shot placement definitely matters a whole fucking lot! Many a wize guy went to the great pasta patch in the sky from a single 22LR in the walnut. OTOH I think an enemy might survive a finger, toe or earlobe shot from 50BMG and perhaps not fall down ("drop"). Was it a limb shot? I bet he fah down at least temporarily, and then again fairly quickly from severe hypovolemia, after maybe a short vertical stint to hunt for the limb. Any midline hit would be lights out 99.99999%, or some REALLY extreme corner-case. An Army guy shooting 855 at 100m with lots of time and who's aim and shot placement choice is really Akbar, not so hard to believe (routine?) Same Army guy in a heart-pounding house clearing with shot placement not so terribly Akbar, 4-shots to stop is also not hard to believe. Happens all the time. Just the other day Oklahoma Haji got 3 rounds of 5.56 from the off-duty LEO/CEO and is going to trial soon. Isn't that the essence of the original 5.56 w/burst compromise? Use 55gr if you have lots time and a good chance at a vital shot; If not, flip the happy switch and give 'em a 165gr trifecta, or so? Maybe reduce a lot more targets with the same pack weight, or maybe not, depending how the mission unfolds? Love my AR 5.56, but not so sure it would be the best choice for me in a true EOTW. Deaf beats dead any day.

Until you lose your optics.......

Cool, never seen one before! Any pics of the chamber area?

 

PSA does advertise it as having chrome-lined bore and chamber on the website description for the Premium 20" CHF Upper.

16"

I'm sure he could throw some on there from his duffel bag / back pack if he carried some.  Since he has TWO sights already and one being non battery operated, I think that would cover it.  I think people make more out of buis than really need be.  It's like a marketing thing or something.  YOU HAVE TO HAVE ON BOARD BUIS OR YOU'RE GONNA DIE.  Well, I realize they are a good idea, but I think he's got a bit of redundancy with that set up.  And the optic is as likely to fall off as any BUIS is.  So.....  not really sure what you mean by "lose".