Best Saddle Gun/Hunting Rifle?

[David931]

I've been thinking a lot about what would be a good (opticless) saddle rifle capabale of killing elk within the distances timbered mountains provide. The obvious choice would be a a 30-30 lever action with modern loadings or handloads. But that just seems too obvious. I would like something a little more original.
So, I then began considering the BLR, but I find them to be rather ugly, especially the pistol grip versions. The only one I find bearable is the stainless laminate straight stock version, but I don't think I would feel comfortable paying over a grand for something that's going to be pulled in an out of a leather case repetitiviley and probably knocked around a lot.
The next consideration is a Remington 7600. I think if I bought the synthetic model and stuck some aftermarket laminate funiture and a peep sight on it it would be a sweet weapon. However, I'm somewhat concerned about the slide possibly opening while in a scabbard. Would anyone know if this is a legitimate concern?

Anyway, I'd like to hear you thoughts about that concern, as well as what you consider to be the best saddle rifle.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Ruger Gunsite Scout.

Already comes with nice irons, rugged, reliable, accurate and powerful. Short and compact. Pretty original. Perfect modern saddle gun for Elk.

 

[jmr40]

I'm not interested in pretending I'm John Wayne. I want the tool that works best and that is a bolt rifle. The Ruger Gunsite is an option as would be any compact bolt rifle.

And I say the heck with irons. Todays optics do everything better anyway. I own scoped bolt rifles in 308 that are lighter and more compact than a 30-30 lever action is with no optics on it.

 

[David931]

I'm not interested in pretending I'm John Wayne, either . If I was I would be considering a Winchester 1892, wouldn't I? Not a Remington Slide action, something I don't remember seeing John Wayne with, ever.

 

[PapaG]

Savage 99 in308 or 358.

 

[The Big D]

The Browning 1886 saddle ring carbine in .45/70 would do the job for reasonable distances. The 405gr Hawk bonded or Buffalo bore 350gr load would work well.

 

[The Alaskan]

I've been thinking a lot about what would be a good (opticless) saddle rifle capabale of elk killing in the distances timbered mountains provide. The obvious choice would be a a 30-30 lever action with modern loadings or handloads. But that just seems too obvious.

Anyway, I'd like to hear you thoughts about that concern, as well as what you consider to be the best saddle rifle.

Why do people even ask this question? (Here I jest.) The answer is obvious, and it's obvious for a reason-it works, and it's hard to argue with over a century of success.

Winchester 94 in 30-30 or the 38-55/375 Win version.

No disrespect, but I think you're trying to reinvent the wheel while engineering a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

...with modern loadings or handloads

Cast lead. The 30-30 was born for it and it works great. Just because something is old doesn't mean it's bad, and just because something is new, doesn't mean it's good.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've been thinking a lot about what would be a good (opticless) saddle rifle capabale of elk killing in the distances timbered mountains provide.

I have just what you need, a Model 99 Savage in .308 Winchester.

 

[David931]

When I was young and stupid, I bought a Savage 99 in .300 Savage instead of a slightly more expensive one in 308 that was in much better condition. I loved the feel, look, and action of that rifle, but the barrel was in such awful condition that I sold it at a loss. I still kick myself for passing up that 308 and if I hadn't I wouldn't be asking this question today.
So, why don't I just get another Savage? Good question. The biggest problem is I just never see any locally (at least none that I would be willing to buy and the owners willing to part with), and I'm not willing to buy a used gun off the internet. And I guess I just want something NIB.

 

[Leanwolf]

DAVID 931 - " ... The next consideration is a Remington 7600. I think if I bought the synthetic model and stuck some aftermarket laminate furniture and a peep sight on it it would be a sweet weapon. However, I'm somewhat concerned about the slide possibly opening while in a scabbard. Would anyone know if this is a legitimate concern? ..."

Although I do not own a Remington 760/7600, I've used a couple over the years. Also, I've ridden many a rough mile on horses carrying various rifles in saddle scabbards. I can't visualize how a pump slide would open UNLESS you were not careful sliding the rifle into the scabbard. I suppose if you had a scabbard that was really tight around the pump foreend, it might chamber a round, but I kinda doubt it.

Of course, anything can happen, but I'd not worry about that non-problem so long as you were careful when placing the 760/7600 in the scabbard.

L.W.

 

[vaupet]

German Army has special scabbards for their HK G36 they use in their tragtiercompany of the gebirgsjager.
So, if you don't like levers, semi autos are available to.
m16 configuration (smooth fore-end, sturdy sight in carying handle) looks viable in a more suitable caliber (no handles sticking out the side)

 

[Laphroaig]

Regarding the 7600 opening, once the bolt is closed you have to depress the tab on the bottom of the receiver for it to open. Unless you somehow accidentally bump it while putting it into the scabbard, it will stay closed.

Laphroaig

 

[dh1633pm]

I have a GSR with the synthetic stock. It is light and the brake works well. Muzzle blast for those next to you can be strong.

 

[MechAg94]

For a "saddle" carbine, I don't think scopes are really the answer. It would require very very strong mounts to keep it from losing zero and keeping the lenses clean wouldn't be easy. Lens covers and such take time. You could make it work, but I don't think it is ideal. Iron sights or something hard mounted with a very low profile over the barrel. Quick and easy deployment is a requirement also.

Down here, hogs or stray dogs or other 4 legged pests are the most likely things to shoot. I think I would prefer another caliber over 30/30; maybe 357/44 mag or 45/70. I guess it depends on what you think you are likely to shoot. I guess a lot depends on what sort of range you need also. Where I grew up, 100 yard accuracy is about all that is required.

 

[eldon519]

I'm not sure if it is the .30-30 or the levergun that seems cliche to you, but you could get a .35 Remington levergun.

Or if you like old school, a Remington Model 8 or Model 81 in .35 Remington would be an awesome gun for what you describe. Neat old guns designed by John M. Browning himself. Fast follow-up shots.

 

[X-Rap]

If my intent is elk hunting I'm probably going to have a scoped bolt with the rare exception being a Marlin Guide Gun while still hunting in fresh snow (very exiting knowing when the tracks were made).
An alternative would probably be a 99 Savage or old style BLR in 308 or 358 with a good peep sight. The Rem 760 pump in carbine configuration is a fine gun as well but I believe it would require a custom scabbard to be carried properly, just to tight on the forearm IMO.
I've carried all of the above except the GG in a scabbard and the Brownings probably fit the best in off the shelf scabbards probably due to them being closest to the Winchester/Marlin template used on most scopeless scabbards.

 

[eldon519]

^^^ Savage 99 is a very cool idea too. Forgot about that classic.

Come to think of it, a Mosin Nagant M38 or M44 would also be a good option.

 

[VoodooMountain]

Savage hog hunter or a browning lever in 308 would be where I would look. The rugersights are more rugged but I think that model is a bit overpriced.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Regarding the 7600 opening, once the bolt is closed you have to depress the tab on the bottom of the receiver for it to open. Unless you somehow accidentally bump it while putting it into the scabbard, it will stay closed.

Laphroaig

Correct. You cannot open the breech of a pump as long as the gun is cocked. Simply cock the gun, engage the safety and the gun is locked up. Use the tab to unlock the gun so you can chamber a round.

 

[X-Rap]

The slide can certainly be locked on the Rem pump but I'm still of the opinion that you will want to make sure it will fit in your particular scabbard.
You will want to make sure and pay attention to disengaging the magazine when cocking prior to sliding in the scabbard as well, it should go without saying but...

 

[Ethan Sackett]

The 7600 locks up like it should, as well as having a free floating barrel. As one post mentioned the scabbard you choose is important, in so that the front sight does not catch on anything.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Savage 99, Browning BLR, Ruger #1, or a 1885 Highwall of some make all come to mind when I think perfect, high power non bolt gun to hang off a saddle.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Remington 760 or 7600 is a fine choice. If you can find a carbine version even better. Never had the slide open when I didn't want it to in 30 years or more.

 

[Don McDowell]

The Remington pump would be just fine, but be sure the scabbard fits.
I prefer the Ruger #1 for a rifle that's going to be in the saddle scabbard, but have also spent many hours with a Model 70 in the scabbard.

 

[Onmilo]

I'm going to add to the list of guys suggesting the Savage in .308 or ,300 Savage.
Now, if Savage would just start making these again in stainless steel, cartridge counter rotary magazines with standard comb composite stocks and iron sights as standard.
Drilled and tapped for scope blocks or aperture type sights as desired,,,