When the world goes sideways, a reliable takedown rifle can be your best friend. These compact firearms break down into smaller pieces, making them perfect for stashing in a bug-out bag or vehicle. Takedown rifles offer versatility, concealability, and quick assembly when you need them most. From time-tested classics to modern marvels, this list covers the best options for preppers who want a capable long gun without sacrificing precious space. Each rifle here balances portability with performance, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
1. Ruger 10/22 Takedown
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is a prepper favorite for good reason. It breaks down into two compact pieces with a simple twist and pull. Chambered in .22 LR, it’s great for small game and can carry a lot of ammo. The standard model weighs just 4.6 pounds and measures 36.75 inches assembled, but packs down to about 20 inches. Its modular design allows for easy customization with a wide variety of aftermarket parts, making it adaptable to various survival scenarios.
2. Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle
Designed for Air Force pilots, the Henry AR-7 is the ultimate survival rifle. It breaks down and stores in its own stock, creating a waterproof package just 16.5 inches long. Weighing only 3.5 pounds, it’s incredibly portable. The .22 LR chambering isn’t ideal for large game, but it’s perfect for small animals and emergency food procurement. The rifle’s ability to float when fully assembled adds an extra layer of security in wet environments.
3. Kel-Tec Sub-2000
For those wanting more firepower, the Kel-Tec Sub-2000 offers 9mm or .40 S&W in a folding package. It accepts common handgun magazines, simplifying ammo management. Fully extended, it’s 30.5 inches long, but folds to just 16.25 inches for storage. At 4.25 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day carry. The Sub-2000’s ability to use popular handgun magazines like Glock, S&W, and Beretta makes it an excellent companion to your everyday carry pistol.
4. Marlin 70PSS Papoose
The Marlin Papoose is a straightforward .22 LR takedown rifle. It comes apart at the barrel/receiver junction and stows in a padded case. Weighing 3.25 pounds and measuring 35.25 inches assembled, it’s highly portable. The 7-round magazine is small, but it’s reliable and accurate out to 100 yards. The Papoose’s stainless steel construction makes it particularly resistant to rust and corrosion, ideal for harsh environments.
5. Browning BLR Lightweight ’81 Takedown
For big-game capability, the Browning BLR Takedown delivers. Available in potent calibers like .30-06 and .308, it’s suitable for any North American game. It breaks down at the receiver for a compact package. At 7 pounds and 40 inches assembled, it’s heavier than some options but offers unmatched versatility. The BLR’s rack and pinion lever system allows for the use of pointed bullets, unlike traditional lever actions, improving long-range performance.
6. Chiappa Little Badger
The Chiappa Little Badger is bare-bones survival at its finest. This single-shot breakdown rifle comes in .22 LR, .22 WMR, or .17 HMR. It weighs a mere 2.9 pounds and folds to just 17 inches. The wire stock and minimal design make it ultralight, but it’s surprisingly accurate for its size. The Little Badger’s built-in storage compartment in the wire stock allows for carrying extra ammunition or small survival items.
7. Savage Model 42 Takedown
The Savage Model 42 Takedown offers both a rifle and shotgun barrel in one package. Available in .22 LR/410 or .22 WMR/410 combinations, it’s versatile for small game and birds. It breaks down with the push of a button and weighs 6.1 pounds. At 35.75 inches assembled, it packs plenty of utility in a compact form. The rifle’s adjustable ghost ring rear sight and fiber optic front sight provide quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
8. M6 Scout Survival Rifle
The M6 Scout is a modern version of the Air Force survival rifle. It features an over/under design with a .22 Hornet rifle barrel and .410 shotgun barrel. Weighing 4 pounds and folding to 18 inches, it’s highly portable. The simple break-action design is reliable in harsh conditions. The M6 Scout’s barrel selector allows for quickly choosing between rifle and shotgun barrels without fumbling in high-stress situations.
9. Ruger PC Carbine
Ruger’s PC Carbine brings 9mm power in a takedown package. It accepts Ruger and Glock magazines, adding to its versatility. The rifle breaks down into two pieces with a simple twist. Weighing 6.8 pounds and measuring 34.37 inches assembled, it’s a bit hefty but offers excellent reliability. The PC Carbine’s interchangeable magazine wells allow it to adapt to various popular 9mm pistol magazines, making it an excellent companion to your existing handguns.
10. Browning SA-22
The Browning SA-22 is a classic semi-automatic takedown rifle that’s been in production for over a century. Chambered in .22 LR, it’s an excellent small game and plinking rifle. The SA-22 breaks down into two main components by simply unscrewing the barrel from the receiver. Weighing just 5 pounds and measuring 37 inches when assembled, it’s both lightweight and compact when broken down. The bottom-ejecting design keeps spent casings out of your face and makes it friendly for left-handed shooters. The SA-22’s tubular magazine holds 11 rounds of .22 LR, providing ample capacity for small game hunting or pest control.
11. KelTec SU16C
The SU16C is a folding .223 Remington rifle that accepts AR-15 magazines. It folds to just 25.5 inches and weighs 4.7 pounds. The polymer construction keeps weight down while maintaining durability. When folded, it can still fire, offering a unique capability in its class. The SU16C’s built-in bipod, which doubles as the forend when folded, provides stable shooting support in the field.
12. Matador Arms Sabertooth
The Sabertooth is a chassis system that turns Remington 700 short actions into takedown rifles. It allows you to quickly switch barrels or calibers in the field. The entire system breaks down to fit in a backpack. This option lets you build a custom takedown rifle in powerful calibers like .308 Winchester. The Sabertooth’s ability to accept standard AR-15 grips and stocks allows for extensive customization to fit individual preferences.
13. TNW Aero Survival Rifle
The TNW Aero Survival Rifle is a pistol-caliber carbine available in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 10mm. It breaks down without tools for easy storage. Weighing 5.5 pounds and measuring 29.5 inches assembled, it’s compact but effective. The ability to swap calibers in the field adds to its versatility. The Aero Survival Rifle’s side-folding stock further reduces its size for transportation, making it one of the most compact centerfire options available.
14. Merkel K3 Stutzen
For those seeking a high-end option, the Merkel K3 Stutzen offers old-world craftsmanship in a takedown package. This single-shot rifle comes in calibers from .223 to .300 Win Mag. It breaks down into three pieces for transport. While expensive, its quality and accuracy are unmatched. The K3 Stutzen’s set trigger system allows for extremely precise shots, making it suitable for hunting or long-range survival scenarios.
15. Christensen Arms Carbon Ranger 22
The Carbon Ranger 22 brings modern materials to the takedown rifle concept. Its carbon fiber barrel and stock keep weight to just 3.5 pounds. It breaks down into two pieces for a total length of 20.5 inches. The .22 LR chambering and 10-round rotary magazine make it a great small-game option. The Carbon Ranger 22’s match-grade carbon fiber tensioned barrel provides exceptional accuracy for a lightweight rimfire rifle, making it capable of precise shots at extended ranges.
