Backpacking gun, .308 or heavier?

HK-91 with Para stock.

It doesn't fold, but a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70 is a pretty hand little package with a lot of power. I suppose if you wanted it shorter, you could cut a couple inches off the barrel and stock.

I'm not aware of Saiga underfolders but they make some side folding stocks.
One option might be the Kel-Tec RFB, they run 26" OAL. For a shotgun if he doesn't like the Saiga (mine doesn't feel heavy unless I put a loaded 20rd drum in it) he could just do a folding stock 870 or 590, which would probably be the cheapest option. Even shorter would be to SBS one of those to 12" or 14".

12ga with a folding stock and a pistol grip. IMHO the best big bore backpack gun around. 12ga slugs will do a number on anything you have an issue with in North America.

I'd say +1 on the shotgun and they are pretty light to boot!

I second the 1895GG in .45-70Govt. It isn't terribly long and is extremely well suited to that region, and is reasonably lightweight and compact (37in. OAL). A 12Ga. pump shotgun with folding stock is another decent option (loaded with Brenneke Black Magic slugs for the big stuff).

If my primary "mission" is backpacking, camping, or maybe a little fishing, I'd stick with a pistol. My .357 Dan Wesson or the wife's GP100, probably. In Alaska... probably something a bit heavier. Out of my own cabinet, it'd be my Super Blackhawk.

Now, if I was out hunting and wasn't looking to do it with the pistol, my Marlin .44 levergun would probably work just fine.

Another option might be a Remington 7600 30/06 pump with an 18.5" barrel and an ATI folding stock.

A friend of mine went on a fishing charter in AK and his lodge and guides reccomended and carried a .44mag. He carried one too! When in Rome..Also, I was at a show this weekend and I saw and interesting item that immediately caught my eye. Para makes an AR (I think its called the TTR for Tactical Target Rifle--really a tactical AR, not sure why they call it a target rifle) with a unique gas system that has a sidefolding stock--no buffer spring. You could easily hack that barrel to make an SPR and would come to around maybe 18--24" when folded. Perfect for a backpack! I know you wanted more than a .223 but just a thought. Rather missed by a .308 than hit with a .223!! Then again, Grizzlies are BIG!!!

"...fit inside a large internal frame backpack..." Won't do much good there if Yogi comes calling. He'd be better off with a good sling.

"...fit inside a large internal frame backpack..." Won't do much good there if Yogi comes calling. He'd be better off with a good sling.

Click to expand...

I agree, but in this instance I would probably lean towards a scabbard lashed to the aforementioned framepack.

I'll take my Gibbs Quest extreme .308



or if that is not an option, then I take my other gibbs quest extreme

I like that Gibbs, but what's with the rear sight rumpranging the front sight?

Shotgun with 2 slugs up front and 2 000 or 00 buck for up close!

Realistically the Marlin guide gun in 45-70 is probably going to be one of his better options. It only weighs 7 pounds and a lot of people recommend them.

I was going to throw out the idea of the .50 Beowulf just for the heck of it. 45-70 ballistics (roughly) in a 7 round semiauto platform. But they weigh over 8.5 pounds so I doubt that's going to be a decent option.

What's this gun going to be used for anyway? Defense? Opportunistic hunting? Plinking? What kind of range is he needing? All this talk of shotgun slugs and 45-70s is great but if he's going to be targeting thing that are 350 meters out then they really aren't an option.

Hey Geloog, I have that same Gibs (the synthetic one) bought it when I was stationed in Kodiak.
I'd have to agree with a 12ga. or .45-70, leaning towards the .45-70 simply because I'd feel like getting off a second shot in a hurry would be easier.

Another vote for the Guide Gun. They are compact, powerful, and fast to shoot. I would not carry it inside my pack, that may cause problems if it is needed quickly.

You might want to explore something like this..

http://www.eberlestock.com/hunting.htm

or this...

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunt...Rprd745197&WTz_l=SBC;BRprd745197;cat104392080

Remington 7600 Police, 308 Pump Action 18 inch barrel (Slide Action) with ATI Folding stock (see picture). I have one of those (not the folding stock though) and it is very accurate and reliable. Mine has the Wilson Combat peep sights with a big white dot in the front. You can also get 10 round Magazines for it also.I dont't know if Remington makes another 18inch 7600 but they make several with 20 and also 30-06 caliber. They are fairly cheap also. Only other suggestion would be a Alexanderarms 50 Beowulf. but that will cost you more money.

PS: Just saw this suggestion was already made... anyway, I attached a picture

Remington 7600 Police, 308 Pump Action 18 inch barrel (Slide Action) with ATI Folding stock (see picture). I have one of those (not the folding stock though) and it is very accurate and reliable. Mine has the Wilson Combat peep sights with a big white dot in the front. You can also get 10 round Magazines for it also.I dont't know if Remington makes another 18inch 7600 but they make several with 20 and also 30-06 caliber. They are fairly cheap also. Only other suggestion would be a Alexanderarms 50 Beowulf. but that will cost you more money.

I know the Browning BLR, and I believe the Marlin come in a "break down" model. The Browning caliber was 308, (I'm not sure what other calibers if any). If memory serves me, when the Marlin guide came out there was a break down version. I'm not sure if it was in 45-70 or 450 marlin.

If I was going back to Alaska, I would have a 41 or 44 mag handgun and at the least a Marlin guide.

Of course there is another compact shotgun in the pipeline that doesn't require unfolding the stock.
I don't know if they've done any cold weather testing on it.

I'm not sure if there are any folding stock .308 rifles on the market that would fit inside of a pack. Even if there are it won't do much good when it is buried in the back pack and the time of need has arrived. Since your friend is backpacking weight is going to a issue. I'd look at a Marlin .45-70 or a Marlin 1894 SS which is even lighter yet, and stoke it with some good ammo such as this

http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/-strse-12/44-MAG-(short)-300/Detail.bok

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=294534

If your friend don't mind doing a little looking he could try to find one of the older Marlin 1894P carbines. They are chambered in .44 magnum and have a 16/1/4" barrel.