You have a choice of one weapon for the self defense what would it be and why?

Mine would be a 12 gauge shot gun. Easy to find ammo, mutli-use (self defense and hunting)and easy to maintain.

Draw backs would be...it requires ammo which will eventually run out without factories or a supply of gun powder. if you are the run, it will give away your position.

The type of gun selected will vary according to intended use. For self-defense it is wise to use a handgun. Easy to get to, easy to use in small spaces, easy to conceal, easy to carry. Also, 'self-defense' will almost always mean short range. Usually within 20 feet. So you don't need a scoped rifle or anything with a real long barrel. A 12-gauge pump shotgun would be my second choice. Loaded, by the door or in my truck. My choice would be a Mossberg 500. On the other hand, if you're asking about survival guns I would say the one gun to bring would be a .22 rifle. A 10/22 Ruger with folding stock, so you could put it in a bug-out bag or hunting pack, if required. A good choice for a retreat-gun, or a gun you have handy at your retreat location, would be a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, which fires .223 or 5.56mm ammo. On a side note, it would be good to have a tactical vest or a fisherman's vest made tactical in order to hold extra ammo and other odds and ends. Remember, none of this stuff does you any good if you don't know how to use it!