Will probably use the one on the right. Just a plain jane 06 bdl 700 in a bansner (I think) off of ebay. SWFA SS 6x and bolt fluting by twisted barrel.
I'm putting together a little 44 Magnum Marlin 1894 that I've done some work to for my backpacking rifle (~5.5lbs loaded) I plan to hunt bear with this August. Once it's all finished up, I'll post some pics of it on here. Mods include: Rear Peep Front Fiber Optic Chopped Barrel/Mag Tube - 16.5'' Metal is receiving Tungston Cerakote Treatment Internals will be getting Microslick Treatment Boyds Pepper Laminate Pistol Grip Stock and Forend with Decelerator Recoil Pad Loop Lever Pistol Grip Conversion
I've got a great load running Cast Performance 260gr in front of H110 at just under 1700fps and can get all 8 rounds onto a paper plate out to 150 yards.
Normally I only backpack for mule deer, generally in Washington's Cascade Mountains. Normally I'll grab my favorite mule deer rifle for that, a .25-06 Rem 700 CDL with a 6x Leupold.
Started life as a Model 70 classic stainless in 270. Now a 280 AI . 8.5# with five rounds and sling. As I age, I am starting to appreciate horses, light rifles and good optics.
Pointer, There's nothing wrong with that Ruger rifle of yours that a Timney trigger won't fix. You'll be surprised at how your groups shrink.
I have had the trigger stoned and it's smooth and crisp enough. I'd be shocked if a new trigger would help all that much, but thanks for the idea. I can get 1-1.5" 3 shot groups at 100yds out of it. It's worked for the game/shots I take. But, it's a far cry from the accuracy many tout "on the line".
Nothing fancy about mine. I have a Ruger American in 30-06 with a VX1 scope. It's lightweight and very accurate. I'm not into pretty on guns so the black plastic stock is fine with me.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
My 7 WSM Montana has crazy capability/weight ratio characteristics. Very accurate and just a great rifle. With that being said the rifle I've "efforted" towards lightening as much as possible is my 7-08 Mountain Rifle. B&C Superlight stock (meh) reinforced with a carbon arrow shaft epoxied into the barrel channel, set up blind-mag with a PTG aluminum triggerguard, PTG bolt shroud/ pin assembly, and a Leup 2.5-8 in Talleys. It was an accurate rifle from Day 1 from the factory. She's light. The shortcomings of the Leupold bug me so it's been a safe queen the last couple seasons. As I can, I intend to put a NF SHV 3-10 on it; that'll add a half-pound but for a good cause. I also intend to mill the action for a Wyatt's extended box so I can feed 162's from the magazine.
Forbes 24B in .270 with a Leupold 2.5 - 8 in Talley low rings is my favorite. About three years back it replaced a Montana in 7-08 but both are fine rifles and I could live happily with either. Montana was a bit slicker action and I like the feel of the Kimber stock better than the Forbes but I do prefer the slightly heavier barrel of the Forbes and while like the design and feel of the Kimber stock better, I believe the Forbes has a higher quality stock - it's stiffer and lighter than the Montana stock. The Forbes is hands-down more accurate than the Montana and I shoot it better - probably due to the heavier barrel.
Too bad Forbes did not make it but there is always NULA.
I have several but, my favorite is my Ruger M77 Hawkeye in 358 Win topped with a 2-7x33 Leupold. The rifle is accurate and It makes me a better hunter because I have to get closer to game. Using 225 grain NP's with a stout load of TAC, I'm comfortable shooting out to 250 yards but, probably wouldn't hesitate going out to 300, at least on deer.
That's a fun one! Love me some .358. TAC was a godsend for the cartridge. RL7 is similarly awesome with 200's on down to light pistol bullets. It'll give a safe & sane 2650 fps with 200's in my 20" barrel! Anyway---- bravo!
My favorite Backpacker...foul weather...abuse rifle:
Remington M7 AWR in 7mm SAUM. Topped with a VX3 3.5-10x40, it's 7# 3 oz. 140 grains of Accubond at 3,000 fps is plenty medicine for most critters. My other rifle is a Merkel K1 in 7mm RM topped with a VX3 2.5-8. That rifle is 6#, 6.5 oz and drives a 150 E-Tip at 3,000 fps. Both are amazingly accurate and fully capable of 1/2" groups (*I've shot plenty of them). What I will say is that I shoot the SAUM more consistently but the Merkel is an incredible dream to carry, no sling necessary!
(*In this pic it wears a Leica 2.5-10 for the nit-pickers.)
nope, not waterproof at all. but they worked great: wool for warmth, rubber palms for sticky. I've come to the conclusion that good old ragwool fingerless mittens are my absolute favorite for almost all hunting conditions.