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Survival guns have been around for decades. Popular for their lightweight portability, they can excel at everything from personal protection to small and/or large game hunting, both of which can come in handy should you need to bug out during an emergency. 

Survival guns are available at a wide variety of price points, but there’s no need to spend a fortune on a solid survival gun. Here are our picks for the five best budget survival guns along with why each is a good choice for your bugout bag or kit. You’ll be well-prepared with any of these and have money left over for other necessities like ammunition. 
 

Survival Gun Cheat Sheet

Smallest Package: Henry U.S. Survival Rifle (AR-7)
Proven .22 LR Design: Ruger 10/22 & 10/22 Takedown
Tactical 9mm Folder: KelTec SUB2000
Compact Shotgun: ATI Nomad
Minimalist Single-Shot: Rossi LWC/Brawler Break Actions

Henry U.S. Survival Rifle (aka the AR-7) 

Henry AR-7

A name synonymous with high-quality rifles, Henry does not disappoint with the AR7 survival rifle. Since 1959, the Henry U.S. Survival Rifle (aka the AR7) has been the choice of U.S. Air Force pilots desiring a small-caliber survival rifle in their kit should they need to eject, then evade and survive. It’s also a favorite for backpackers, bush pilots, adventurers and anyone looking for something small enough to stow but rugged enough for survival. 

Measuring just 16.5 inches when stowed and a mere 3.5 pounds, this one won’t weigh you down. Besides being Air Force approved, it’s a popular choice for backpackers, bush pilots, adventurers, hikers, and general outdoors enthusiasts.

  • Action: Semi-automatic
  • Caliber: .22 LR
  • Capacity: 8 rounds
  • Weight: 3.5 pounds
AR7 review

OUR TAKE:

"The rifle is exactly what it claims to be: a simple, compact and easy to use survival tool. Whether you choose to use it as such, or just as a simple range toy that fits under your back seat, the AR-7 is a solid buy.”

— JEFF WOOD

Ruger 10/22 & 10/22 Takedown 

Ruger 10/22 rifle on a lawnmower

Ruger’s beloved 10/22 is an extremely popular option because it is proven, reliable, runs on budget-friendly .22 LR, and has loads of accessory choices. It also comes in a takedown version that can be easily broken down into two pieces for compact transport or storage. 

The 10/22 is legendary, and the Takedown model is well known for maintaining accuracy when reassembled. Models are available in various finishes and stock options. They are notably easy to clean, due to the simple design. Sold for decades, you won’t go wrong with a Ruger 10/22 for your survival needs. 

  • Action: Semi-automatic 
  • Caliber: .22 LR
  • Capacity: 10 rounds
  • Weight: 4.2-5.2 pounds depending on model
10/22 review

OUR TAKE:

"For me, the real value is having an affordable option to bring on my range visits for some extended pew-pew time. It’s still one of my most shot rifles for exactly that reason, and I keep it high on my list of recommended buys for anyone that wants to spend more time behind their rifle than staring at it in the safe.”

— PAUL PETERSON

KelTec SUB2000 

KelTec Sub2000

This popular carbine, with chambering options in 9mm,10mm, FN 5.7x28mm, works wonderfully as a survival gun due to weighing a mere 4.2 pounds and its ability to fold in half. It uses common handgun magazines and is very affordable. When folded, the SUB2000 measures approximately 16 inches, so it stows easily in a backpack or bag. It also makes a great truck gun. Because it’s a carbine, it can share ammunition with your handguns, making it efficient should you need to bug out. As a bonus, it can retain mounted optics even while folded. 

  • Action: Semi-automatic
  • Caliber: 9mm, 10mm, FN 5.7x28mm
  • Capacity: 20 rounds 
  • Weight: 4.2 pounds
SUB2000 review

OUR TAKE:

"In most configurations, the gun remained under 6 pounds even when loaded and sporting a light, suppressor, and optic. It is simple and intuitive to use, functional, and deploys rapidly. ”

— CHRIS EGER

ATI Nomad 

American Tactical ATI Nomad 12-Gauge Shotgun

The ATI Nomad is a budget-friendly, single-shot shotgun with a variety of chambering options. Differentiating it from a lot of other shotguns, the Nomad folds in half for portability, making it a great choice for transporting or storing. The folding mechanism is activated by simply pulling back on the trigger guard and folding the gun in half. It’s imported from Turkey and covered by American Tactical’s limited lifetime warranty. This one will get the job done! 

  • Action: Single shot
  • Caliber: .410, 20 gauge, 12 gauge
  • Capacity: 1 round
  • Weight: 4.7-5.5 pounds depending on barrel length
Nomad review

OUR TAKE:

"As a tool, the Nomad would be a fine backpack gun, truck gun, or minimalist hunting firearm. It’s fun to shoot, easy to store, and the adapters transform it into a multi-caliber firearm. 

You get all that for less than two bills.”

— PAUL PETERSON

Rossi LWC/Brawler Break Action 

Rossi Brawler Pistol in .300 Blackout

While we lump this one into one gun, the LWC (lightweight carbine) and the Brawler are technically two different rifles. Both are single-shot, break-action rifles built for survival. Both also have a threaded barrel, so they’re suppressor ready. But the LWC has a longer barrel and is more typical rifle-style, while the Brawler is more of a unique pistol style that features a 9-inch barrel. Both are topped with a Picatinny rail for optics and accessories. Unique, accurate and affordable, you won’t go wrong with either the LWC or the Brawler. 

  • Action: Break action
  • Caliber: Multiple popular carbine calibers
  • Capacity: 1 round
  • Weight: Varies by caliber and style
Brawler review

OUR TAKE:

"The Rossi Brawler is a bit of an overlooked gem given its price, suppressor-ready barrel, and .300 BLK chambering. The gun is simple but fun to shoot. Beyond that, it could certainly put meat on the table for those capable of finding shootable game at ranges around 50 yards.”

— PAUL PETERSON

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