if shtf, 90+% of your shooting better be done with a silenced .22

The population will automatically dwindle and the majority of those left will form groups.

If you plan on staying solo it won't be hard to avoid them, but if it does happen your best chance is to escape and hide, not try to fight them by yourself no matter how well armed you will be.

This isn't a movie.

I read some study years ago that said a person usually relies on whatever weapon they have on them. If you have a gun, you will most likely rely on that. If you have nothing but a knife you will adjust your defense to accommodate just a knife, which usually means staying silent.

So say this is the situation, you are out hunting and three guys notice you and you instantly raise your weapon.

Well its 3 on 1, not the best of odds at all.

Now if it were me, without a weapon, I probably never would have run into them in the first place because I would have been more cautious about that by realizing how vulnerable I am.

So even though you have a more powerful weapon you are still far more outgunned than I am.

 

Gosh, how in the world did humans survive before gunpowder was invented?

 

By their wits... I'm thoroughly versed in ancient weapons and proficient with an atlatl and sling. Though a wrist rocket or small crossbow are easier to control.