Joe S., I think you missed my point. In survival gun I meant one that could be relied on if society totally collapsed to the point modern ammunition no longer available. Just conjecture on my part. Wasn’t very long ago we had “supply chain issues” and certain things were hard to come by.
Just thinking out loud.
I like the image shared of poacher’s gun. Could come a time when we would be forced to poach the state’s game to feed hungry mouths.
You're absolutely right in your thinking. Having lived for decades in places that are just what the average American imagines when he says "SHTF", i.e. power grid inexistent or collapsed, empty fuel stations but thriving black market, bands of armed miscreants roaming the countryside, undrinkable water, close to zero healthcare available, limited supply of drugs, and so on, I can tell you that: 1.) It's not as bad as one could think, and by far (unless you are in an area of open war or genocide, of course...), 2.) One gets used to it quite rapidly, and 3.) Forget about finding ammo, unless you pick it from the enemy or from friendlies, and that's not hunting ammo. There won't be any spares either.
In this context, a flintlock rifle makes perfect sense: you don't depend on anyone for your supply of ammunition, and can feed yourself off the land. If you have any mechanical skills at all, even rough, you'll be able to keep that piece going as long as you live.
