"backpack rifle"

[bad LT]

I am currently in the market for a new, compact rifle that can fit inside of a large book bag. I would prefer a magazine fed, semi-auto rifle in a "rifle" caliber, but am not completely opposed to large handgun rounds that can utilize the longer barrel length of a rifle (44mag, etc.) So far the options that I see are:

Keltec Su-16B:
http://www.kel-tec.com/su-16b_rifle.htm
Folds down to 25 in. and in .223. While I like the folded length, I admit that I would prefer a larger caliber (7.62x39 being one such example). Also, a rather new product without military use.

16in AK with folding stock:
http://www.vectorarms.com/indexframe.html
Folds down small (don't know overall length while folded) and in a larger caliber.

16.25in Para FAL:
http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.c...=sa58mwtact.gif
Not as small (don't know the overall dimensions while folded) and in an even more effective caliber - 7.62 NATO. Also rather expensive.

What do you think of the above choices and what other options are available? Thanks for the input.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Note:

Kel-Tec SU16-C (folding stock model) = 26" folded

Kel-Tec SU2000 (9mm/.40) = 16" folded

Fitting a DSA FAL into a backpack? Not darn likely, that's a full-size rifle, folded or no.

Overall, "accurate, powerful rifle" and "fits in a backpack" are not compatible characteristics.

Are your needs such that a handgun just doesn't fit the bill?

 

[browningguy]

I've got a SU16A and a Sub 2000 in 9mm (also available in 40 S&W). I can fit the Sub 2000 with 4 x 31 round mags in my regular briefcase. THe SU is of course longer, certainly won't fit in any of my briefcases but will fit in a pretty small carry on size bag.

The .223 round is going to be much better than any handgun round, if I recall the one stop percentage runs 96-100% or so. The AK that you linked to also looks interesting (with the side folding stock) but I haven't handled one personally.

 

[JShirley]

Not sure how you've identified a need for such, but if SBRs are legal where you live, get a Su-16D12.

J

 

[beerslurpy]

Well unless you are willing to go the SBR route, you are going to be stuck with at least 20" of folded gun.

A krinkov (short tube AK smg) sbr folder might be a great backback gun. Beefy rifle chamberings are available, and we know that it is a reliable design.

The SU16D is also nice.

 

[Dionysusigma]

Either an AR, HK, or AK "pistol."

or

or

I gotta ask, though... why?

 

[Justin]

I know you stipulated magazine fed and semi auto, but you might consider a break-down lever action as well.

 

[Cosmoline]

Those compact semis are often quite heavy as well. Most folks who do backpack hunting use light weight break-down bolt actions. Kifaru makes some amazingly light ones that are true backpack rifles. Some old-time rifles such as the commercial Mannlicher-Schoenauers and the better Savage 99's were designed to be broken down and were made under 6 or 5 lbs. Wild West Guns up here makes customized Marlins along similar lines.

 

[bad LT]

Some points to consider:

1: I can fit up to 28 inches of gun into a carefully chosen book bag.

2: I've considered a break-down bolt or lever action rifle as well. My only real problems with either choice is the speed with which they may be deployed. How quickly can you put those weapons together?

3: Wish I could get a SBR. Pretty sure that I cannot get one due to IL law.

 

[ctdonath]

Unless you're willing/able to go into NFA law territory, you're stuck with at least 26" overall length minimum for functional size, and 16" minimum for take-down size.

You haven't mentioned price limits.
The sweetest take-down is the Alaskan Co-Pilot (IIRC, produced by our very own WildAlaska):

Considered by Cooper as "one of the 3 best rifles available", it pushes some very big rounds very fast - for $1320 and up.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Marlin Papoose:

popping .22s - for around $200.

Beware that AR15 Pistols and the like can be VERY LOUD.

 

[GunGoBoom]

Questions:

Are you actually going to be hiking a good distance in the wilderness or cross-country with said packpack, or not?

What are the likely game/adversaries/uses of the rifle?

What IS the budget?

Otherwise, it's hard to make a recommendation. But the Wild West Co-pilot looks like a good choice without knowing more. Or the folding Kel-Tec SU16.

 

[bad LT]

GunGoBoom.

Are you actually going to be hiking a good distance in the wilderness or cross-country with said packpack, or not?

What are the likely game/adversaries/uses of the rifle?

What IS the budget?

I am looking for a rifle that I can put into a pack along with some basic supplies just in case . Something that would allow me to walk around in a fairly urban environment with a rifle without drawing the attention a long gun would generate. However there is plenty of farm country in my area that I routinly move around in. Therefore, it would be nice if the rifle would have decent range (lets say greater than pistol caliber rifles).

The budget is whatever I am willing to spend . Realistically up to $1ooo.

 

[quiettype]

The Remington 14 & 141 break down and are quickly reassembled.Perhaps you might consider the Daewoo K2 folder.

 

[Cosmoline]

We're talking about a divergent mix of firearms here. The real question is what's the intended target? Are you looking to stow your hunting rifle while in town or are you thinking about somehow having a carbine in the city for personal defense?

 

[Onslaught]

Unless you spend big bucks on a REALLY GOOD backpack, I'm going to assume that weight would be a fairly large consideration.

I would think this is one of those situations where the already mentioned KelTec SU16 Charlie would REALLY do well. In addition to being only 26" long, they weigh around 4.5# and accept AR15 mags.

I don't think you'll find a lighter weight long gun chambered in a rifle caliber.

 

[Darth Ruger]

I'm still trying to figure out the application. If it's just a survival gun (small game, birds, etc), I'd go with a take-down .22 or maybe a 20 gauge.

Something that would allow me to walk around in a fairly urban environment with a rifle without drawing the attention a long gun would generate.

Why do you want to walk around town with a rifle stuffed in a backpack? Are you so concerned about SHTF that you won't even go shopping at Wal-Mart without having a rifle on you?

Or is there some other reason why you need to carry a concealed, magazine-fed, semi-auto rifle in town?

You're not going to get many useful answers unless you get specific about exactly what this is for.

 

[Cosmoline]

Most folks just solve that issue by stowing a beater rifle or shotgun in their truck. I keep a Mosin in there with the bolt separate.

 

[Moriarty]

Some questions that would come to my mind are:

Is this a defensive rifle?

If I plan to use it for hunting, what are the game species?

What are the typical ranges involved?

What's the upper weight limit?

Is it worth scoping?

Long ago, one of my professors noted that once you phrase the question correctly, the answer is usually obvious.

 

[Darth Ruger]

Most folks just solve that issue by stowing a beater rifle or shotgun in their truck.

That was my first thought, too.

 

[Didorian]

Well, me personally if I was going to go off into the woods for a WHILE, I'd get a back pack rifle, and a sling rifle. Slung would be the SU16C. And in the pack would be an AR 7. Henry repeating Arms still puts them out last I heard. They break down and stow in the stock. It's light weight, and like $200 and some change. Then you have a .223 calibur rifle that is accurate, reliable, and managable for defense and hunting meduim sized prey. Then you have a 22Lr that was designed as a pilot's survival rifle, it has two eight round mags. Light and accurate and in a round that will do most of your actual food hunting.

Of course, I don't have EITHER, or the money to get them yet.... so I just keep my 30/30 in the trunk of my car, and my XD40 rides in a bag in one of the seats until I can get my carry permit.

 

[Mayo]

No question the SA58 carbine is the best option----the only thing better would be the SR-25K. Both come with folding stocks to go even shorter! Both in .308.

 

[Shalako]

Hmm, I went backpacking this weekend with my rifle. It's a M70 Featherweight in .30-06, about all you could ask for in a backwoods shootin iron. My buddy had his rifle mounted on his packframe quite securely in some sort of butt-cuff whereas I had to carry mine.

It seems to me like the main selection criterion for this thread is that this rifle be concealable?

I don't quite get it.

 

[simon]

http://www.featherusa.com/page3.html

 

[rbernie]

Something that would allow me to walk around in a fairly urban environment with a rifle without drawing the attention a long gun would generate.

Why do I have A Really Bad Feeling <tm> about this?

 

[1911user]

I think he is looking for a (my term) bug-out rifle. It isn't for hunting game, only 2 and 4-legged predators (people and wild dogs) hence a magazine-fed, semi-auto. Concealment is important to lessen the attention drawn although a very large backpack will stand out. Quick deployment is important because port arms carry would invite unwanted attention. Did I miss anything?

A mini-14 with a folding stock meets the criteria as well as a disassembled AR-15 with 16 inch barrel and collapsing stock, but those are .223. Combined with a good 22LR conv. kit, both have been a popular "solution" to your question. A folding stock AK with a 20rd mag inserted is the natural choice and has the larger (and heavier) caliber. Any of them meet the $1000 requirement.