re: Bug out bag rifle options?

A semi-automatic .22 is the "do everything gun" for the apocalypse. Sure, it isn't particularly excellent at anything except developing shooting skills, but from a cost effective standpoint you can take small game, larger game if you can stomach the consequences (obviously, survival situation) and defend yourself in a pinch.

No other choice gives you the range and breadth of options that a semi .22LR gives you - from being able to carry 1000s of rounds relatively lightly, shoot near or far, suppressable, ubiquity, etc. The 10/22 take down or frankly, just a slung 10/22 is going to be a great option here.