If you ' re going for a . 22 , there are only two to consider is the Henry AR 7 ssurvivalar 7 or the Chiappa Firearms XCaliber set patterned on the Springfield Armory M 6 . While I agree with the other posters recommending other calibers Particularly 5 . 56 . 223 if you live in the States . Along with 9 mm and 12 gauge these are the most common calibers around the country these two rifles are excellent in ways that makes them useful , despite the small caliber . The Henry AR 7 is often call the ultimate survivalist rifle . It ' s ultra light weight , has an 8 round magazine , and most importantly , breaks down and packs up in it ' s own waterproof shoulder stock . You can easily store this little thing anywhere , and you can take small game with it squirrels , rabbits , etc . . Also , while . 22 LR isn ' t idea for self defense , it ' ll still kill , and it ' s certainly better than nothing . The AR 7 is also crazy affordable at $ 290 . The Chiappa Firearms XCaliber is a really cool survivalist weapon . It ' s modeled on the M 6 which was a single shot , overunder . 22 LR . 410 rifleshotgun combo . This makes it ideal for small game and fowl . But the XCaliber mounts a 12 gauge in addition to the . 22 LR , so there ' s loads more stopping power there . Also , in the set are 8 adapters that allow you to chamber 8 additional calibers of ammunition aside from the . 22 LR . It essentially has you covered in nearly all ammo situations , so it ' s a true survivalist weapon . It ' s singleshot only , so it ' s far from ideal for defense , but as a learning platform , and as a bugout weapon , it ' s extremely versatile . I learned to shoot on a . 22 LR when I was a kid . While I recommend the caliber it ' s so cheap ! for kids and smaller folk , if you ' re an adult you should definitely learn with a higher caliber , as uPotss points out , your going to miss out on a couple of key components . I ' d highly recommend something like a SW MP AR 15 price vs . features . 5 . 56 is a highly manageable caliber , especially in an AR platform which has a significant recoil compensator . If you live in the States , disabuse yourself of the notion that you want an AK . I ' m not going to argue for or against the platform , but the ammo is fairly uncommon in the US . You ' re not likely to find it , and especially not in bulk , unless your near a larger city . OTOH , I saw 500 rounds of Atlanta Arms 5 . 56 boattail for less than $ 250 in a rural Georgia gun shop about a week ago . edit Also , hang out in rguns . Politically , it ' s terrible . But how to use and knowledge about guns isn ' t a political issue . If you can stand the vile rhetoric , you can learn a lot in that sub .