One of the problems with long guns (rifles and shotguns) is that they’re just that: long!
Luckily, some of them come apart and pack down small enough to fit in a backpack or survival kit. They’re called takedown guns, and they’re popular with everyone from survivalists to Alaskan bush pilots.
We compiled this list of the best takedown guns we know and trust. Let’s find the right one for you!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall
-
Best PCC
-
Best Combination Gun
-
Best Survival Rifle
-
Best Centerfire Rifle
-
Best AR-15
Table of Contents
Loading…
Takedown Gun Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Action | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Price | |
| Ruger 10/22 Takedown | .22 LR | Semi-automatic | 10+1 | 18.5″ | 37″ | 4.6 lbs | $410 |
| Ruger PC Carbine | 9mm | Semi-automatic | 17+1 | 16.1″ | 35.5″ | 7.3 lbs | $721 |
| Savage 42 | .22 LR + .410 | Over/under | 2 | 20″ | 35.75″ | 6.1 lbs | $493 |
| Henry AR-7 | .22 LR | Semi-automatic | 8+1 | 16.1″ | 35″ | 3.5 lbs | $282 |
| Browning BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown | .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, .30-6 Sprg, .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM | Lever action | 3+1, 4+1 | 20 – 24″ | 40 – 45″ | 6.5 – 7.75 lbs | $1,733 |
| FoldAR | .223 Wylde | Semi-automatic | 30+1 | 16″ | N/A | 6.8 lbs | $1,699 |
How We Chose the Best Takedown Guns
For this article, I hand-tested a bunch of takedown guns, evaluated them with my years of experience, and got input from the rest of the Pew Pew Tactical team.
Every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of various ammunition at distances that are appropriate for the rifle and cartridge.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve provided links to those so you can read more.
Best Takedown Guns
1. Ruger 10/22 Takedown – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Proven, reliable design
- Tons of aftermarket support
- Cheap ammunition
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only suitable for small game
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Overall Length: 37″
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
Arguably the best modern rimfire takedown gun is the Ruger 10/22 Takedown.
The 10/22 is the most popular rimfire platform out there, with millions having been produced. With that level of popularity, we get all sorts of optic options, sighting options, and magazine options, and Magpul even makes an awesome aftermarket takedown stock.
With the Ruger 10/22 series, shooters get a rimfire rifle that works with nearly every type of .22 LR ammo.
This semi-automatic action is light and fast. It’s perfect for smaller and newer shooters while still providing tons of fun for veteran shooters.
On the takedown model, the barrel and forend pop off the receiver, making it very easy to break it down and toss it in a backpack. Ruger even includes a handy backpack case that’s is perfect for this utilitarian rifle.
Want something even smaller?
There’s also takedown version of their 22 Charger, a pistol version of Ruger’s 10/22 platform.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Love the 10/22? Check out our hands-on article on the 25 best 10/22 Upgrades!
2. Ruger PC Carbine and Charger – Best PCC
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Good for home defense
- Works with multiple magazine types
- Reliable takedown mechanism
Cons
- Kind of heavy
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 16.1″
- Overall Length: 35.5″
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
At first glance, the Ruger PC Carbine looks like an amped-up version of the Ruger 10/22. But there are significant differences.
The RC Carbine is chambered for 9mm, which is a substantially more powerful cartridge than .22 LR and is well-suited for home defense. It can also share ammo with your 9mm pistol.
It comes with two magazine wells: one for Ruger mags and one for Glock mags. Aftermarket magwells have also opened up support for various other magazine types.
Ruger employs a novel Dead Blow action system that reduces recoil compared to a standard blowback action, giving shooters soft recoil and minimal muzzle rise.
The simple breakdown design allows the barrel and handguard to detach from the receiver. Once separated, the PC Carbine has a much smaller footprint and is easyto stash away for convenient storage.
The breakdown system is robust and well done, with no noticeable zero-shift in my shooting.
Like the 10/22 Takedown, there’s a smaller version of the PC Carbine available. The Ruger PC Charger still comes apart but you may not have to use its takedown feature to fit it in a backpack.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Take a look at our full reviews of the Ruger PC Carbine and PC Charger!
Like the PC Carbine or Charger? Rate them below!
3. Savage Arms 42 – Best Combination Gun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Rifle and shotgun in one
- One-button takedown
- Bug-out bag included
Cons
- .410 shells are relatively expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR + .410
- Action: Over/under
- Capacity: 2
- Barrel Length: 20″
- Overall Length: 35.75″
- Weight: 6.1″
The Savage Arms 42 is a modern take on the discontinued M6 Survival Rifle, and it gives shooters a combination of a .22 LR rifle and a .410 shotgun.
When it comes to survival weapons, the Model 42 might be one of the best bug-out blasters out there. The over/under combination of .22 LR and .410 bore makes it capable of hunting birds, squirrels, rabbits, and –in a pinch — larger game with the right shotgun loads.
Both .410 and .22 LR are extremely lightweight and packable rounds.
Takedown requires nothing more than hitting a button and splitting the weapon in two. The gun comes with adjustable sights with the option to mount a fiber optic sight.
Savage includes a handy bug-out bag for stashing the weapon, but the gun is small and light enough to toss into your own bag or strap to the side.
Even if you’re not interested in survivalism and bugging out, the Model 42 is a handy little gun. It’s perfect for pest control and teaching young hunters how to shoot.
4. Henry Repeating Arms AR-7 – Best Survival Rifle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Packs into its own stock
- Floats in water
- Proven design
Cons
- Sensitive to ammunition
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length: 16.1″
- Overall Length: 35″
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
You might say I only like the Henry AR-7 because of James Bond, and you’d be half right. Connery introduced me to the weapon, and the unique design and layout captured me.
Armalite (yep, that Armalite) originally designed the AR-7 based on an early bolt-action rifle known as the AR-5, but the gun we get now is a semi-automatic, magazine-fed rifle chambered for .22 LR. Although Armalite no longer exists as it once did, Henry now produces the AR-7.
It is very minimalist, without many of the comfort features we get on modern guns. Â
To break the gun down, the receiver and barrel separate from the stock, and the barrel then separates from the receiver. You can then store the entire gun inside its own stock.
The sealed polymer stock floats and doubles as a protective case.
The semi-auto, blowback-operated action isn’t fancy, but it is reliable. This is a weapon that works well when oiled and fed good ammunition. In my experience, Federal AutoMatch is the best bulk ammo for this rifle.
This package isn’t the smallest, but it is very efficient. You can stash this thing almost anywhere — in your vehicle, a bug-out bag, your boat, or even a bush plane — and have a rifle on hand for emergencies.
Plus, James Bond used it, which makes it pretty cool.
Don’t forget to take a look at our hands-on review of the Henry AR-7!
5. Browning BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown – Best Centerfire Rifle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Great for medium to large game
- Accurate
- Easy to disassemble
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to find in stock
Specs
- Caliber: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, .30-6 Sprg, .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM
- Action: Lever action
- Capacity: 3+1, 4+1
- Barrel Length: 20 – 24″
- Overall Length: 40 – 45″
- Weight: 6.5 – 7.75 lbs
So far, we’ve had a lot of rimfire rifles and a pistol-caliber carbines. While those are great guns, they lack the true range, power, and capability of a centerfire rifle.
When it comes to takedown guns in larger hunting calibers, it’s tough to argue against the Browning BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown.
Browning’s BLR is a lever-action rifle with a detachable box magazine. Unlike the tube magazines that are common on lever guns, this approach lets you use traditional rifle calibers with spitzer bullets. I’m talking 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and even .30-caliber magnums.
Personally, .308 Win would be my caliber of choice. It offers awesome range, power, and penetration. You can reliably take medium and large game with a well-placed shot. The lever action provides fast follow-up shots while remaining legal in every state.
The BLR takes down with the flip of a lever. Browning drilled and tapped the receiver for an optic if you don’t want to use the factory irons on the barrel.
Like all Brownings, it’s exceptionally well made, and the price reflects that. Be prepared to dish out the dinero for this awesome takedown rifle.
6. FoldAR – Best AR-15
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Folds down to less than 18 inches
- Accurate and reliable
- Shoots 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
The AR-15 is such a versatile platform that it can do just about everything. In the case of the FoldAR, that includes being a takedown gun.
This clever design does everything we expect from an AR-15, but it folds in half without separating the upper and lower receiver. Once you do that, it’s less than 18 inches long.
You might have noticed that this rifle shoots .223 Wylde. Not familiar with that cartridge? It basically means you can shoot 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem safely.
When we tested this rifle, we came away impressed by its accuracy and reliability. We folded it, unfolded it, changed up the ammo we were using, and the rifle just performed no matter what.
See all the details in our FoldAR review!
How to Pick the Best Takedown Gun
These are all great takedown guns, but some might suit your needs better than others. Let’s figure out how to tell which one is right for you.
Size
Hey, there’s a reason you’re shopping for a takedown gun instead of a normal rifle or shotgun, right? Figure out how much space you have to work with.
Once you know where you’ll keep your takedown gun — a certain pack, in the trunk of your car, in a hard case on your ATV — you’ll know what kind of physical dimensions and weight limits you’re working with.
Cartridge
Next, think about how you’ll be using your takedown gun.
If you’re prepping for a survival situation, a .22 LR or small-bore shotgun might be the best means of hunting small game for food. If you’re concerned about personal safety, a PCC, centerfire rifle, or larger shotgun might be a better choice.
Keep in mind that ammunition is heavy. If you think you’ll need to carry your takedown gun long distances by foot, keeping it and your cartridge selection light would be wise.
Optics & Sights
Remember that not all takedown guns come with sights. If you choose to add a red dot or scope, that’s going to add size and weight.
Good, old-fashioned iron sights are the most compact. If that’s what you choose, make sure you train with them on a regular basis.
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike spearheaded this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped.Â
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
There are times when you might need a long gun, but don’t have anywhere to put it. I can appreciate a rifle, shotgun, or combination gun that splits into two pieces and makes itself more convenient to carry.
Takedown guns are super handy. They’re also neat pieces of engineering, if nothing else.
I’m confident that something on this list will check all your boxes. Now go get ready for your next backcountry adventure, survival situation, or the zombie apocalypse!
What are your thoughts on takedown guns? Let us know in the comments. Interested in other great survival rifles? Check out our guide to the Best Survival Rifles!
Latest Updates
May 2025: Removed the AXOR Arms FP 01 and Pantheon Dolos. Added the FoldAR. Added a comparison chart and updated supporting content.
19 Leave a Reply
Why didn't you include the Smith & Wesson FPC? If FoldAR falls into the catagory with a 5.56 round, why not this weapon with a 9 mm?
That's a good suggestion, Sam. Maybe we'll add the FPC in the next go-around.
Thanks for the question Sam. Most times, when we don't include something in a list, it's because we haven't tested it. Categorically, sure, it fits.
It's really all I like due to storage considerations. I own a savage take-down model 64 .22lr that I really like and I own a tnw ASR in 10mm which is good, but could use some improvements. I'd like to see more centerfire options in semi auto. Not sure how these aren't more popular here in the US.
Thanks for the article!
TNW Aero Survival Rifle? Awesome in 10mm.
Aerosurvival PCC? S&W FPC? Seems like these would be good options for SHTF. Have both and they are ultra reliable.
Since this is about survival guns and backpacks, why include the Ruger PC carbine Chasie model? The model that comes with the Magpul Backpacker stock is smaller and lighter. No one needs a heavy carbine in a backpack. The Backpacker also stores an extra 21 round magazine in the stock. With 147 grain hollow point ammo and a Glock or Magpul 33 round magazine, along with a pistol to match, I think your chances of survival are increased no matter what you encounter.
Would love a folding follow up
I have the two Rugers and the BLR in .308. For my shotgun I have an old Stevens Model 520. They're pretty easy to find cheap, take down nice. The military models are hard to come by but the longer barrels are easily cut down to 18.25 and a bead sight installed.
I agree that the original AR-7 or the new Henry survival .22 LR are great backpack rifles. A few others NOT mentioned would be the original Charter Arms Explorer II pistol. Based on the AR-7 with a detachable barrel. Mine has the 8-inch barrel. There were some with a 6 inch and a 10 inch made as well. Another mention is the Kel-Tech SU 16 .223. It folds up and uses the standard AR magazine. Two 10 round magazines or one 30 round can be stored in the stock. Most people do not consider the .223 or 5.56 a round capable of bringing down big game like deer. BUT they would be dead wrong. I know from experience even the little .22 LR will kill a deer if the shot is placed right, and the right ammo is used. If the 5.56 can be used to stop men, it will certainly bring down game. One thing I like to consider is not just how much space is used to pack a survival gun but the weight as well. I see that shotguns have been mentioned but now you are getting into the very heavy category to carry. Unless you have the M6 Scout in .22LR/.410 the weight of the ammo as well as your firearm makes a difference. It always comes down to your own preference for choice.
I just picked up a 10/22 Takedown a couple days ago and man I LOVE that thing! I will say it's my favorite gun I own not just because I can have fun all day for about $20 in ammo but more importantly because it is the rifle that is now helping to teach my kids gun safety and how to shoot. Memories are priceless!
Teaching "gun safety" to your children. That brings me back to my childhood. I thank you for stating that simple thing. Teaching safety, rather than teaching fear is absolutely imperative.
JRC carbines has a take down model for those interested in a pistol caliber take down rifle, and not limited to .22LR.
AR compatible trigger and stock.
Comes with familiar AR adjustable stock.
Takes popular pistol manufacturer magazines.
Multiple calibers to choose from, 9mm, .40sw, .45acp, 10mm.
What? AR's aren't on the list?
One of the easiest guns to break down requiring No Tools is the AR Platform. Two captive pins pulled and voila, two parts that fit easily into a backpack.
Great point!
And a great take rifle it is, if not one of the best there is?
Did you not read #7? Having said that, not very keen on the Dolos. Although the price is right on the Dolos you get what you pay for. The Cry Havoc Tactical Quick Release Barrel kit is rock solid and far and away better. Way better. Check it out.
Can all double-barrel SxS shotguns all be considered "takedown"?
sure
Is there a 20-inch sxs that is low cost and recommended?