Suggestions on a rifle

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If you like to keep your long guns protected, then this may be of interest to you....
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...-racks/_/N-1100216&WTz_l=Unknown;cat104194980

I use gun boots off of ATV's and horses.

Pro's:
It will keep the rain, snow, dust, and mud away from it as long as the "lid" is secured properly. I once rolled an ATV down a rather steep incline once, while my M14S was inside the boot. Unlike the ATV, the rifle was fine.;)
This also opens up the door for a wide range of long guns and in several action types.

Con's :
It adds some bulk overall, and takes a few seconds to open the top and pull out the rifle. I generally leave mine secured as I have a tendency to push quads at speed whilst out riding them. ( The wife calls it the "Evil Canieval syndrome"...lol)
Rifles that sport large capacity magazines and pistol grips are not well suited for this type of transport on an ATV.

M1A/ATV specific things that I incorporate....

1. An M1A/M14S with a 20rd magazine inserted into magwell will not fit inside the boot. I use a flush fit 5rd mag in this regard.

2. Depending on optics/mount/rings, the M1A may not fit inside the boot either. I use an ARMS #18 mount on my M14S.... which sports a very low profile, and also use low rings to get the optic as close to the original "comb line" as I can. This not only allows it to fit inside the boot, but also provides for better cheekweld whilst shooting said rifle.
I use a Bassett mount on my M1A-A1, and simply remove the mount/optic/ring combo from the rifle, then re-install it when I got to where evers I am headed.... and without loss of zero.


My .02..........

I would not worry about a super compact SBR type of rig if your working off an ATV. A full stocked rifle allows for a better long range shooting platform in most cases, as compared to folder stock designs.
Besides, I could get to a rifle inside a closed gun boot faster than trying to get out a rifle shoved in a rucksack strapped to me back while riding a quad anyways...:)
Either way...... the rifle would be in my hands when I was parked some wheres... regardless ;)

Note: I do not live in bear country, but have been on a few overnight camping adventures in said country before, and off of ATV/s as well as horseback. Critters to include bears dont seem to like the noise and smell produced by your typical ATV.

If you wanna see critters on your adventures, then horses might be the better bet.;)

I'm in the "matters little" camp concerning 308 vs 30-06. I also think that you should pick the rifle type that you are comfortable with maintaining, and that you shoot well with, especially if longer distances are involved. An M1 Garand alongside an M1A feel similar, but do have differences, like most others do.

Note: You seemed to be interested in semiautos, but there are a few lever actions such as the Marlin guide gun that are well suited to use from ATV,s and horses.

Note: An ATV makes for a decent shooting platform, although it might be a no-go to use it in said fashion for hunting. (Check your own laws regarding this)

Note: You have a much greater chance of getting into an ATV accident while out on the trail...vs bear attacks IMO.....and especially while your moving/while ATV is running. I would keep a decent aid kit on your person, along with a decent revolver in your holster personally. If possible, travel with a buddy whom has his own ATV. If he suffers from "Evil Carnival syndrome", have him ride out in front of you, as you do not want him running into you from behind at top speed...... ( Ask me how I know this, and where the wife tells me to be at while we r out riding....)
Also....... strap your ruck down to a rack, and wear a camel back. Best way I have found to stat hydrated while keeping both hands in control of your ATV all at the same time.:)

Good luck with your decision.

11B
 
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Thanks again for all the replies.

As far as the ATV and the game I intend to use the gun for don't worry about it, all is well legally and safety wise. I don't go out looking for these animals or intend to kill one every time i see it. We have predators that have grown accustom to eating trash, thus are not scared by human contact. Most are spooked by an ATV but there's always that one. I like having a gun I could know could handle the job is all.

Just talking quality of the gun and personal experience has anyone owned and or handled the FAL SA58? I like a gun I can use and have fun shooting. I own a few lever actions, not in the higher caliber I want though, based on how those handle I will be getting a semi auto. I am almost 100% sure I will be purchasing the FAL.

Also my M4 is a great gun for coyote(also done legally and not in excess) its just a little too big for hiking and riding.
 
I don't know about the game laws where you are, but here, guns have to be unloaded when in/on any motor vehicle when used for hunting. That even applies to concealed weapons permit holders, to a great extent.

That means a rifle that has a detachable magazine, or maybe a shotgun or rifle that can be loaded quickly. Here, semi-autos cannot hold more than 5 shots, including the chamber.

I think a pump shotgun or rifle might be a good knock-about gun, but I'd still case it. If you're stuck on a rifle, a short synthetic-stocked, stainless bolt-action with detachable magazine might be the ticket.

Lever actions can get really dirty on an ATV and they're not as easy to clean and keep functioning as a bolt, double-barrel, or pump-gun. A bolt-action shotgun with detachable magazines isn't super-fast, but pretty nice to change loads from slugs to birdshot as the need arises. They're usually quite cheap as a used gun and extra 2-round mags are available. They tend to shoot slugs better than double-barrelled guns and are extremely reliable in firing when dirty, compared with other guns.

JP
 
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The FAL is a great rifle. Just be aware that it is a fairly big and heavy rifle that makes your M4 look like a pocket pistol. Depending on your state's hunting laws and regs, you'll probably want to invest in some 5 round mags from DS Arms as well.
 
A Thompson Center Encore or Contender Carbine in s/s with a synthetic stock should meet your criteria: light-weight, packable, durable, accurate and as powerful is you want it to be.
 
A 30-30 lever rifle was mentioned earlier and it sounds like what you're looking for. Better yet, a M70 Featherweight Compact in 7mm-08 sound like an even better fit for the bill. Define larger game though. What exactly are you looking at shooting that a 223 or 308 can't handle?
 
I think all the posts about ATV's and lever actions has people confused.

I am buying a 308.

It will be a FAL SA58.

Any comments relating to this fact are welcomed.
 
My goal was to see (while I searched on my own for a firearm) what kind of other weapons would be suggested. There has been quite a variety, and I am very pleased with the results.

However based my own likes and my own wants/needs the FAL is what I'm going for.

As far as how I keep my gun clean I guess I'll throw out a few secrets I've learned. I use a fairly large pack, I've got quite a few that I either wear or tie to the front. The M4 I've been breaking in two or I put it in a soft gun bag and put that in something. We get some crazy weather out here and ATV's and dirt bikes have all been stuck and stranded in every way imaginable. My M4 and the other guns I've brought along at one time or another have gotten some dirt on them and snow and rain too, but nothing major since I only have them out once I'm off the ATV. I'm not a fan of shooting off the ATV. I have these bags for the rifle that are very nice for keeping dirt out, they are the dry roll up bags you see in the fishing areas at most stores.

That may sound like allot of work to pack, but I’ve got it down to a science and everything is within reach, trial and error makes the best solution. Long before that I did just carry a pistol for riding. And I used the rifle rack on the front of the ATV if I was going hunting. That did get dirty no doubt but I used to use a rem 700 so no harm done.

I look forward to anything else anyone has to offer. My mind is made up on this purchase but I am always looking for new guns to buy so any further suggestions are welcomed.

P.S. Photos are welcomed and encouraged! If you're just talking dirty ATV's pic's though I'll pass, I've made enough myself.

Almost forgot: as far as ammo restrictions, luckily the only one we have where I live is an 8 round limit only for hunting deer. And that is any size mag but only 8 rounds loaded. Crazy I know, but I don't write them.
 
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Well it's not a "similar size round" to a .308, but it is similar performance, at close range anyway. What about a Marlin 1894 lever gun in .44 Mag? It would be great for pretty much anything but grizzly up to 100 yards with the right ammo. And would be a really handy little carbine to use as you describe. I don't own one, but I have coveted one for a very long time, and I do have a Marlin .30-30. Would be a great match for a .44 handgun too.
 
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