Ranch rifle recommendations

[Hog huntin Harry]

I'm looking for a ranch/truck rifle that I'll keep within arm's reach all the time (when possible). I'd use it for everything from coyotes to black bear at maximum 250 yards.

I'm leaning towards .270 Winchester but 7mm-08 and .308 Winchester are also possible options. I'd prefer a stainless steel receiver but regular blued steel is fine.

I'm thinking a Ruger American rifle, Savage Axis XP2, or a Remington 700 SPS would fit the bill. What rifle and other possible cartridge would y'all suggest ?

 

[jmorris]

Arms reach, like carrying it all the time, behind the seat of something? What are we trying to do, exactly?

 

[Armored farmer]

I'm looking for a ranch/truck rifle that I'll keep within arm's reach all the time (when possible). I'd use it for everything from coyotes to black bear at maximum 250 yards.

I'm leaning towards .270 Winchester but 7mm-08 and .308 Winchester are also possible options. I'd prefer a stainless steel receiver but regular blued steel is fine.

I'm thinking a Ruger American rifle, Savage Axis XP2, or a Remington 700 SPS would fit the bill. What rifle and other possible cartridge would y'all suggest ?

This ranch rifle is in 7.62x39.
I use it in the role you described.

 

[maxxhavoc]

This ranch rifle is in 7.62x39.
I use it in the role you described.
View attachment 934955

I have one too, and it is short, handles well, and the recoil with 7.62x39 is about perfect. And it groups Wolf ammo better than Wolf ammo has a right to group.

 

[Creed Bennett]

Might want to look at what Howa has in their Mini Action rifles.

 

[jmr40]

The Ruger would be a strong contender. It might be borderline if black bear are a realistic threat and if so I'd move up to 308. 7-08 is a good choice, too if you hand load. Much better options at better prices for 308. I have one of the 18" Ruger Predators in 308 that takes 3, 5, and 10 round AI style magazines.

With the 3 round mag inserted. Target at 200 yards.



Out hunting

 

[Hog huntin Harry]

Arms reach, like carrying it all the time, behind the seat of something? What are we trying to do, exactly?

In a rack in a truck, slung over my shoulder when walking, leaning against a fence/ wall when sitting.

 

[Buzznrose]

This ranch rifle is in 7.62x39.
I use it in the role you described.
View attachment 934955

I like it!

What rifle is that? What mags does it take?

thanks for sharing..

 

[earlthegoat2]

My “Ranch Rifle” is a Remington 7615. This is not adequate for your uses though.

For a similar price point you may be able to get into an AR in 6.5 Grendel....or 7.62x39.

What you have in mind already is fine too.

 

[jmorris]

In a rack in a truck, slung over my shoulder when walking, leaning against a fence/ wall when sitting.

I prefer an AR in any number of calibers from .223-458 socom, for “I’m not sure” uses. If I don’t have one of my Savage 24’s that are more versatile than any single caliber firearm.

 

[Hog huntin Harry]

In what ways would an AR be superior to a bolt gun for my specific application ?

 

[tomrkba]

You should choose the AR-15. It is the most versatile of the guns. You'll get the speed you need for self-defense and the accuracy is there for just about any application. 250 yards is a good range for 458 SOCOM. There are many cartridges to choose from, but 458 will hit black bear hard. Check out 300 HAM'R https://www.wilsoncombat.com/300-hamr/. It may be what you're looking for.

You could try a bolt action scout rifle in any of the various platforms available. The optic doesn't need to be forward mounted (that's a misconception). What I like is that the optic can be removed and and flush mag inserted for a really handy package. Stick a red dot on it for up close and a tube for other applications. Add a sling and bipod as needed. Maybe try 6.5 Creedmore to get better accuracy and power at the other end.

 

[jmorris]

In what ways would an AR be superior to a bolt gun for my specific application ?

I don’t have any idea.

As I said above, I really like one of my Savage 24’s around our place because it’s a “jack of all trades” but they would not be good at all for access inside a vehicle.

I was going off of “in a rack in a truck”, as your first qualifier. That makes a short suppressed AR one of my first picks. A long bolt action isn’t as quick to put into action and loud as HE double hockey sticks to fire inside a truck, especially if you are driving and fire out the passenger side window. I guess you could stop and get out to watch the coyote run away vs shooting it but you could do that without any firearm at all.

Also equally suited for walking, sitting, not sure about leaning against a fence but ours are either barbed wire or electric.

 

[Hookeye]

Always thought an HK SL7 would be cool

 

[M1key]

Marlin 30-30

M

 

[Blnt4rcetrauma]

3030 for old school Charm or ar for versatility.

 

[35 Whelen]

AR's IMHO/experience don't make good truck guns. With pistol grips and long magazines hanging out of the bottom and some sort of electronic gizmo sight on top, or at the very least a carry handle, they're like wielding a crucifix and can be difficult to maneuver out of a truck or a window.

I've carried ranch/truck guns a lot over the last 25 years. My preference where I live now is a slender lever action carbine in 30-30 preferably with an aperture sight, or perhaps a low mounted, low-power scope. I carry a '92 Rossi .357 in my pickup when I'm driving the pasture and it keep it laid on the dash, but then again, the terrain and trees around here don't often offer shots much over 100 yds. But, if you want to shoot game the size of black bears out to 250 yds., a bolt rifle would likely suit you better.

When I spent a lot in west Texas helping a buddy farm and working his cattle, I learned the value of a utility rifle that could take the knocks, bangs, dust, dirt, bouncing around on a tractor or in a pickup and occasional physical abuse. I built a Scout Rifle based on an FR-8 and chambered in .308 Winchester.



It became my go-to rifle and between my oldest daughter and I, it accounted for literally a large pile of deer and hogs.







The 18 1/2" barrel makes it easy to get in and out of a truck, and although I never had to resort to them, the back up aperture rear and patridge front were pre-zeroed with my hunting load and easily used by simply removing the scope, which took seconds.

Had I not had the wherewithal to build this rifle (and another very similar), I would've just bought the Savage version and a spare 5-round magazine.

35W

 

[cdb1]

I grew up on a ranch and never heard the term “ranch rifle” until many years later. My family and all of the ranchers I knew had a 30-30 or a military surplus SMLE .303 or 1903A3, if they had a rifle in their truck at all. I’m sure there were others I don’t remember. My grandfather’s ranch rifle was a Ruger .22lr revolver that held eight instead of six if I remember right.

OP, I truly don’t think it matters much what you carry in your truck. It was stated you should carry an AR, I definitely don’t believe that though an AR would be fine. My truck rifle, if I have one in the vehicle is either a 336W or CZ 512 .22 Mag. There is always a Ruger SR9c in the truck though.

 

[cdb1]

35 Whelen posted while I was typing so my post is pretty much redundant. I especially agree with his AR thoughts in the first paragraph.

 

[Sniper66]

Hey HHH.... Of the options you presented for your situation the Remington SPS would be my first pick. They are reliable and affordable in addition to rugged. A true ranch gun/truck rifle needs to be all of these things. A .308 or .270 would assure availability of ammo. I've had 5 different Rem 700s and everyone delivered as promised. They are simple and uncomplicated. Load, work the bolt, shoot....repeat if needed. Other posters are making good suggestions here, but your instincts will guide your decision.
BTW, I've driven around a lot in pastures and woodland trails with guns in the vehicle, usually in the seat beside me or laying in the back seat. My favorite for driving around counting cattle is a lever action 30-30 carbine. Easy to get in and out the window to snipe coyotes sniffing around the herd. But, mostly I'm carrying prairie dog rifles or deer rifles. Or squirrel rifles if I'm driving thru the woods. Rare is the time that the speed of getting the gun out the window is the critical variable in making a successful shot.

 

[Sniper66]

I prefer an AR in any number of calibers from .223-458 socom, for “I’m not sure” uses. If I don’t have one of my Savage 24’s that are more versatile than any single caliber firearm.

View attachment 934964

Now this is just way cool. I showed this to my wife and reminded her that my birthday is coming soon!!!

 

[jmorris]

I can appreciate the 30-30 lever recommendations, I have one that’s been a “loaner” gun since the day I bought it, iron sights, not sure if it’s been shot more than 17 times since 1994 when I bought it (appeared unfired but stored in a hot water heater closet). Has accounted for several deer and a number of hogs from people that have only shot it once.

I hate to “jinx” it by putting it on a bench.

 

[Mn Fats]

This ranch rifle is in 7.62x39.
I use it in the role you described.
View attachment 934955

Perfect rifle for the role. He did say ranch/truck... Maybe you got some of those farm/tractor pics you can share . I seen your operation before, cool to know you got that in your cab.

As for recommendations other than the above. There's just too many. Generally it goes something sturdy, easy to store (short), and can be scratched up without feeling sick.

 

[Hog huntin Harry]

Here's a picture from one of the blinds, this is facing the south east corner. (Picture was taken December last year)

 

[Armored farmer]

I like it!

What rifle is that? What mags does it take?

thanks for sharing..

It's a ruger American ranch in 7.62x39.
It takes ruger mini 30 magazines. That's a 20rd pictured.