Before purchasing a wilderness survival gun, consider what it's going to be used for. It must be rugged and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, rough handling, banging off boulders and the like. In addition, the survival rifle must be accurate and foldable, two qualities that you can't expect from match-grade firearms. If accuracy is a priority, you may have to compromise on other features of the gun, like a magazine.

Henry AR-7

The Henry AR-7 wilderness survival rifle is designed to get you out alive in a bad backcountry situation. Its sturdy aluminum construction allows for eight quick shots. These shots are enough to dissuade predators and give you peace of mind. The Henry AR-7 is also very lightweight, so it's easy to pack. Despite its lightweight design, this gun provides excellent protection, and can help you procure food and water if necessary.

This rimfire AR-7 is made with steel barrels covered with ABS plastic, which is waterproof Teflon (r). Its Teflon(r)-coated receiver includes a 3/8" groove for mounting a scope. This rifle also features adjustable rear peep sights, blade front sights, and a thumb safety. The Henry AR-7 measures about 16.5" long when it's stowed, but it's still capable of shooting up to nine rounds.

Russo Matched Pair

If you're looking for a wilderness survival gun, the Rossi Matched Pair Two-Barrel Combo is the perfect choice for your kids. The rifle features a black synthetic stock and interchangeable barrels, with an adjustable fiber optic sight and either a 20 or 410-gauge shotgun barrel. Unlike many other survival guns, this rifle does not require custom buffers, lightweight bolt carrier groups, or adjustable gas blocks. It comes with a black nitrided Mil-spec bolt carrier group that requires no tools to swap out. The rifle also features a brass bread front sight.

Versace AK-47

In rugged terrain, the AK-47 series is an excellent choice for self-defense. Named after legendary Russian tank commander Mikhail Kalashnikov, this series of rifles has served its purpose well, and has even lasted longer than the M-16 in the Vietnam war. The Russian military has even adopted a modernized version of the AK-47 in their current forces. Its firepower and versatility make it an excellent choice for wilderness survival.

The AK-47 was originally fitted with solid wood parts, but the Type 3 receiver introduced the use of laminated birch plywood. This engineered wood is a far more durable option than one-piece patterns, and is also much cheaper. The wooden furniture was finished in Russian amber shellac, which facilitated the gun's ease of maintenance and was cheaper. The AK-47's buttstock was designed for downward folding.