When it comes to bugging out, you need a rifle that’s practical, proven, and won’t let you down when things get ugly. Whether you’re defending your camp, hunting dinner, or just trying to stay mobile, rifles chambered in .223 or .308 offer reliability, common ammo, and serious versatility. Here are 16 rifles—eight in each caliber—that are worth packing when everything else falls apart.
Ruger AR-556 (.223)
The Ruger AR-556 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a no-nonsense AR platform without draining their bank account. It’s reliable, lightweight, and parts are easy to find.
Whether you’re defending your spot or on the move, this one handles well. You don’t need to baby it either—it’s built to take a little abuse and keep going.
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II (.223)
This one’s about as plug-and-play as it gets. The M&P15 Sport II is often recommended for new AR owners, but it’s just as useful in a bug-out bag.
It’s accurate, easy to clean, and won’t give you trouble when it counts. Plus, with .223 being so common, keeping it fed is no big deal.
PSA PA-15 (.223)
Palmetto State Armory’s PA-15 is hard to beat for the money. It’s basic, but in a good way. There’s no fluff here—just a rifle that works.
It’ll get rounds downrange when you need it to and doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s exactly what you want when the stakes are high.
Daniel Defense DDM4V7 (.223)
If you’re looking to step things up, the DDM4V7 is a premium option. It’s accurate, built like a tank, and handles heat and heavy use like a champ.
Not everyone needs something this high-end, but if you want a rifle that’s built to last in hard use, this one’s earned its spot.
Springfield Saint Victor (.223)
The Saint Victor strikes a good balance between weight, reliability, and features. It’s got a nice trigger and upgraded furniture right out of the box.
It runs well suppressed and unsuppressed and won’t beat you up after long days on foot. If you’re planning to move fast and light, it’s worth a look.
IWI Zion-15 (.223)
The Zion-15 brings Israeli build quality into the mix and doesn’t mess around. It’s got a free-float handguard, solid components, and runs smooth.
For those who want something a little different without straying too far from the AR formula, this one is dependable and up for rough conditions.
Windham Weaponry SRC (.223)
Windham may not be the loudest name out there, but they’ve been building reliable rifles for decades. The SRC is straightforward and easy to run.
You’re not getting any unnecessary extras, just solid performance. In a bug-out situation, that’s all you really need.
Sig Sauer M400 Tread (.223)
The M400 Tread offers a bit more refinement without going overboard. It’s easy to customize and has features that punch above its price point.
If you’re building out a serious emergency kit and want something you can trust long-term, the M400 is ready to go right out of the box.
Ruger American Predator (.308)
For those leaning bolt-action, the Ruger American Predator in .308 makes a ton of sense. It’s light, accurate, and doesn’t need much to be effective.
If you’re hunting or posting up at a fixed location, this rifle will serve you well without weighing you down.
Savage Axis II XP (.308)
Savage keeps things simple, and the Axis II is a perfect example. It comes with a decent optic, is easy to shoot, and keeps a tight group.
For the price, it’s tough to beat. When you just need a working rifle to put meat on the table or handle threats, this one fits the role.
Springfield M1A Scout Squad (.308)
This one brings a little old-school firepower to the table. The Scout Squad gives you semi-auto .308 in a proven platform that hits hard.
It’s not the lightest option, but it’s capable and accurate. If you’re covering ground and need to reach out past 300 yards, this rifle will do it.
PTR 91 GI (.308)
If you like roller-delayed action and battle-rifle durability, the PTR 91 GI is worth considering. It’s based on the classic G3 platform.
It chews through .308 like nothing and doesn’t care about getting dirty. The recoil is a little stout, but it’ll keep working when things get messy.
FN SCAR 17S (.308)
This one isn’t cheap, but if you’ve got the budget, it’s hard to find anything more capable. It’s accurate, soft-shooting for a .308, and built tough.
The SCAR 17S has earned a reputation for being mission-ready. It might be overkill for some, but it’s a serious rifle for serious situations.
Palmetto State Armory PA-10 (.308)
The PA-10 brings .308 punch in a familiar AR-style layout. It’s affordable, easy to upgrade, and parts are everywhere.
For those who want a semi-auto .308 without spending a fortune, this rifle does the job and then some. It’s a practical pick for bug-out duty.
Aero Precision M5 (.308)
Aero’s M5 is a great foundation for a custom .308 setup. It’s solid right out of the gate and gives you room to tweak things to your liking.
Accuracy is no problem here, and the weight is manageable. It’s one of those rifles that just feels dependable in hand.
Bergara B-14 Ridge (.308)
This bolt-action is smooth, accurate, and not too heavy for what it is. The B-14 Ridge brings top-tier accuracy without the high-end price.
If you’re bugging out and need to take long shots—either for food or defense—this rifle will give you an edge in the backcountry.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
