One gun one load?

Ruger 10/22 with a 4X fixed power weaver and CCI Stingers. I can hit a rabbit or deer in the head every time at fifty yards. Head or at least upper shoulder/neck shoot game birds at the same distance. And as far as a SHTF weapon you can hit a man sized target at well over 200yds with only a little practice and carry 200rnds in the pocket of your jeans.

What else do you really NEED?

That being said, life would be dull without having to debate with ones self every year about what rifle do I want to take hunting.