Alaska wild, need rifle

[Golden Hound]

A Remington Nylon 66 and a bag of rice should do it.

 

[alaskanativeson]

Didn't you say someone was going to have a big handgun? By big, I'm thinking at least 44 Mag. There have been a lot of bears taken up here with a 44 Mag during hunting season. The 336 in 30/30 is a good rifle, it doesn't have as much kick, and it's a round that could be used for other game later. It's really much lighter than I'd want to use on most game up here. I think you'd be much better off if you went with a Marlin 1894 Stainless in 44 Magnum. You get the benefits of a good caliber in a package that doesn't kick as bad.

However, if you're only worried about kick, the 45-70 has lighter loads, get cowboy loads. I believe the 1895 in 45-70 is a great gun, it's one your kids will be using to teach their kids to shoot.

 

[Dr.Rob]

As many have said if you are NOT hunting, an 18 to 20 inch barreled 12 ga pump shotgun (with a stock none of that pistol grip nonsense) will probably be your best bet as an all around 'survival' weapon. Only drawback is the ammo is heavy and bulky compared to rifle rounds, but you can take bird shot, flares, slugs etc.

 

[JonB]

Think of Rosie O'Donnel wearing a couple big puffy down jackets.

Too funny. A charging Rosie O'Donnel. Scary enough to give a guy nightmares for a week...

 

[ECVMatt]

Having thought on this for a while...

Here is a couple of additional thoughts:

When the .30-30 was introduced in 1895 or so it was considered a Magnum. Most accounts that I have read from the period, folks were amazed at is power, speed, and flat shooting ability.

Now times have changed and we have become spoiled by choices (a good thing), but tend to forget about the things that have worked for along time. A good number of folks feel the .30-30 should be religated to vole shooting and only on sunny days in an area that presents no chance of a charge (Poor Attempt at Humor).

I think all things considered, a Marlin 336 in .30-30 would make a good choice. Both the .30-06 and the .45-70 have a good amount of recoil. You can start with lighter loads and work up, but you really don't have a ton of time to learn to shoot well.

The 336 is a pretty light and handy rifle that can be found in just about any pawn shop in America for 150-300 dollars. It is very simple to use and has very mild recoil. This will get you over the learning curve quickly. Some Marlins were made with 16" and 18" barrels. If you could find one these you would have a great packing rifle. .30-30 ammo is realitively cheap and universally available.

Here are some good loads that add some punch to a dandy old round, but won't loose you molars when you pull the trigger. They are more expensive, but you could practice with WalMart ammo and then use this on your trip.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#30-30

https://www.dakotaammo.net/shop/index.php?cPath=23_105&osCsid=9513e3693595dd5d58f6e0a3ccaa1c50

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/rifle.aspx?id=302

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/rifle.aspx?id=787

All of these will work pretty well for what you are doing.

I love the 06 and the .45-70, but I feel they would just be too much rifle to start with. A rifle's power is useless unless it is accurately directed at the target. If you are flinching from recoil, you will be missing your target. I would rather hit them with a good .30-30 bullet than miss them with a super powerful .45-70.

Just my random thoughts.

Matt

 

[Harve Curry]

Don't depend on glass optics as your only sight. One other reply was for iron sights backup and I second that good idea.

 

[c5_nc]

Never been to AK but if its a survival trip into the wilderness I would consider the ablity to hunt also, if you get lost, etc, would not be bad to have. And the wieght of carrying the gun and ammo of course. I would probably carry a 357 mag handgun for protection that could be keep at my side, is fairly light and semi-automatic. Not sure if I'd bring a rifle at all, maybe a shotgun or a lightweight rifle for "just in case" hunting needs or not carry one at all.

 

[whited]

.

Lever gun in 45-70 would be my choice. Compact and not too heavy, but
gives all the punch.

 

[Kilgor]

Here is a couple of additional thoughts:

When the .30-30 was introduced in 1895 or so it was considered a Magnum. Most accounts that I have read from the period, folks were amazed at is power, speed, and flat shooting ability.

Now times have changed and we have become spoiled by choices (a good thing), but tend to forget about the things that have worked for along time. A good number of folks feel the .30-30 should be religated to vole shooting and only on sunny days in an area that presents no chance of a charge (Poor Attempt at Humor).

I think all things considered, a Marlin 336 in .30-30 would make a good choice. Both the .30-06 and the .45-70 have a good amount of recoil. You can start with lighter loads and work up, but you really don't have a ton of time to learn to shoot well.

The 336 is a pretty light and handy rifle that can be found in just about any pawn shop in America for 150-300 dollars. It is very simple to use and has very mild recoil. This will get you over the learning curve quickly. Some Marlins were made with 16" and 18" barrels. If you could find one these you would have a great packing rifle. .30-30 ammo is realitively cheap and universally available.

Here are some good loads that add some punch to a dandy old round, but won't loose you molars when you pull the trigger. They are more expensive, but you could practice with WalMart ammo and then use this on your trip.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#30-30

https://www.dakotaammo.net/shop/inde...f6e0a3ccaa1c50

http://www.federalpremium.com/produc...le.aspx?id=302

http://www.federalpremium.com/produc...le.aspx?id=787

All of these will work pretty well for what you are doing.

I love the 06 and the .45-70, but I feel they would just be too much rifle to start with. A rifle's power is useless unless it is accurately directed at the target. If you are flinching from recoil, you will be missing your target. I would rather hit them with a good .30-30 bullet than miss them with a super powerful .45-70.

Just my random thoughts.

Matt

If the 45-70 kicks too much, I wold rather have a .44 magnum lever action with 300 grain hardcast ammunition for bear defense. The Marlin 1894 .44 magnum is an even lighter, handier rifle than the Marlin 336 30-30 and with a 300 grain hardcast load will penetrate A LOT more.

Gun and ammo are both lighter. This is also VERY important for a hike. Look for a used 16" barreled version if you can.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/1894Centerfire/1894.asp

 

[Kilgor]

See for ammo:

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=347

 

[paintballdude902]

the .44mag is a good choice i use one for black bear here in nc and out black bear are the same or larger that alaskan

its a very fun gun you may also look for a winchester 1894 in .44mag thats what i use and it has i believe a 16 or 18 in barrel

in my honest opinion i think you would be fine with a cheap 12guage even a single shot just practice loading it fast

you can carry some of each shot bird , 000 buck and slug (if you are looking for protection the slug is the best bet)

 

[ECVMatt]

I thought about the 1894 in .44

They seem really hard to find right now and are more expensive than the 336's. I have a couple of .44's and love them. I have the 16' model and it is a great gun. The ammo you listed would be a good choice as well.

I was trying to consider price and availability. Good suggestion though.

Matt

 

[skeet king]

I just picked up a savage model 14 in 30-06 and love it

 

[Brian41]

well, while i see the value of the .45-70 guide gun for the quick second shot option of lever action, i'm saying get a mosin nagant. M44 and lose the bayonet, or if you don't mind the extra pounds, go for the 91/30 and then get an ATI stock so it's lighter either way.

PLENTY of power for anything you'd encouter, and you can get the gun, new stock and 400 rounds of practice ammo, and 40 rounds of softpoint for under $300

 

[Big Bill]

I also vote for the Marlin 1895G or GS. Have a good time.

Keep this in mind from the Buffalo Bore website about their .44 +P+

NEW HEAVY 44 MAGNUM +P+

This new load is designed for only certain revolvers that have the cylinder length to handle it. They are as follows. Ruger Red Hawk, Ruger Super Red Hawk, Ruger Super Blackhawk or Vaquero, Freedom Arms Model 83, Taurus Raging Bull and Dan Wesson Revolvers. Suitable rifles include T/C Encore, "modified" Marlin 1894, Winchester 1894, any rifle with a falling block action and the Handi Rifle.

What do we mean above by “modified” Marlin? Marlin (for an unknown, not well thought out reason) is using a very slow rate of twist (1/38 inches) on their 1894 chambered in 44 mag. Because of this slow rate of twist, the heaviest bullet that the factory Marlin will stabilize is about 270grs. Other firearm makers that chamber for the 44 mag all use a much faster rate of twist so that their guns will stabilize and therefore accurately shoot bullets over 300grs. Many folks today want their 44 magnums to be able to utilize the heavy 300gr. and heavier bullets—Marlin has not figured this out. If you want decent accuracy out of our new +p+ load in a Marlin, it will need to be rebarreled with a twist rate of roughly 1/20 inch. I have Dave Clay rebarrel all my Marlin 1894’s with a faster twist barrel. A 44 magnum that wont accurately shoot 300gr. or heavier bullets is useless to me. Call him at 817-783-6099 for pricing.

This load brings a level of power to the 44 mag. that has never before been known.

The below velocities tell the story.

5.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk--1401 fps
7.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk--1478 fps

 

[JWJacobVT]

My backwoods(Off-base) carry in Alaska was a 22 revolver, a 44 mag revovler and a 12 guage 870 with slugs and buck. The 22 for small game, the 870 for big game and the 44 for last resort.

 

[woof]

What if you're attacked by a whole squad of militant Sasquatch?

 

[Kilgor]

My backwoods(Off-base) carry in Alaska was a 22 revolver, a 44 mag revovler and a 12 guage 870 with slugs and buck. The 22 for small game, the 870 for big game and the 44 for last resort.

You carried all of this on your person?

 

[Big Bill]

What if you're attacked by a whole squad of militant Sasquatch?

Would they be females? I think that already happened to me at Idaho State University a couple of times.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

A Remington Nylon 66 and a bag of rice should do it.

Hey, it will kill you a Moose! Why not?

(Just make sure you know how to preserve it!)

 

[zammyman]

I'd point you towards a lever 45-70, too. If you do go with one of the bolts listed, the Stevens 200 is probably the best value on the market... just ignore the cheese box stock.

 

[woof]

Why do so many pick the .45-70 over the .450 Marlin which is the new .45-70? Nostalgia?

 

[Kilgor]

Cost of ammo, variety of ammo, and availability of ammo all favor the 45-70.

In 45-70 you can get cheap Remington 405gr soft points at WalMart. You can also get more powerful factory loads in the 45-70 than can be had in the .450 (see http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp ).

The only factory loads you can get for the .450 Marlin are expensive full boogie loads. Few want or can afford to shoot that all the time.

 

[Float Pilot]

Why do so many pick the .45-70 over the .450 Marlin which is the new .45-70? Nostalgia?

Here in Alaska the 45-70 is very common.
Hot factory loads are also fairly common.
It cost MUCH less than factory 450 ammo.

Since a 450 Marlin is the same as a hot loaded 45-70, why bother with the new cartridge?

BTW, the 450 marlin is really an updated 458 Two-Inch American. Which was a shortened 458 Winchester cut to a 2 inch case to work in shorter Mauser actions. On the 450 Marlin they just changed the location of the belt to make their lawyers happy. There are more than a few guys re-chambering bolt actions to the 450 Marlin. It works rather well and the case design is better suited for bolt guns.

All this 45-70 Marlin stuff is a good idea, except he sounds like he is on a tight budget.

As my fellow Alaskans will testify, the 45-70 Marlins are so popular up here that they are not very inexpensive.

They are running on average at least $200 more than the Stevens 30-06.

 

[paintballdude902]

float that sounds about right for the price

honestly if you are thinking about a .30-06 the .45-70 kicks about the same as my xl7(which shoots .75inch groups with handloads at 100yrds)