Take-Down Rifle

[Hypnogator]

I am in the planning stages of a motorcycle trip through Canada to Alaska next year. Since we'll be traveling and camping in remote locations through Canada, carrying my Redhawk won't be an option.

My saddlebags/backbag are 22" long inside. I've looked into the Wild West Copilot takedown Marlin 1895 in .457 WW Magnum, but am not sure I want to plunk down $1,800+ for a rifle with limited use elsewhere.

Does anyone know of a good reliable rifle that will break down into 22" or less, in calibers suitable for defense against Brown or Polar Bears? The rifle would preferably be quick and easy to assemble/disassemble, and easy to fit with an electronic sight for close-range shooting.

All suggestions appreciated!

 

[Jaywalker]

Hypnogator,

The Canadians are touchy about firearms. I'd suggest trying this linkfor phone numbers that might get you firearms info. (I believe Canada used to allow handguns on the Alcan, decalred both on entry and exit. Not enough travellers declared them on exit, leaving them the impression that travellers had been leaving them in Canada. No handguns allowed, now.)

They're also a bit touchy about bikers, as the link mentions.

Some 12-gauge pumps break down pretty well, are cheap, and, with slugs or buckshot, pretty effective at close range. Since you don't plan to hunt them, close range is probably okay.

Jaywalker

 

[gristle head]

I know this will receive flak from those who will say "too light" but in the situation you describe, you might consider the Kel-Tec 2000 sub-rifle in 40 S&W. I see from your own web site that someone there is a fan of the caliber.

This rifle folds to 16.5 inches and is rapid to deploy. I have about 500 rounds through mine and have had zero malfunctions of any kind. I have the one that uses Glock mags and in addition to the 10 rounder supplied with the guns it will use any of my Model 22 mags including an aftermarket 29 rounder that also works flawlessly.

My rifle is "one ragged hole accurate" at 25 yards when rested on sand bags.

If you look at Kel-Tec's web site they show you a ballistic comparison of velocity and energy of a 9mm through this gun as compared to a .357 mag.
It is pretty impressive and the 40 should be more so.

I purchased mine at a gun show for $279 from a dealer that is very near your location.

With the hi-caps, it is a lot of fun to shoot and would give one quite a bit of firepower. It is available with other magazines, I know S&W's.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

COnsider getting one of those 80 dollar pawn shop H&R handi shotguns in 12 gauge, and lopping the barrel off at 20 inches.


It breaks down into a handy package, and is inexpensive enough you don't have to worry about losing it. (monetarily)

 

[CWL]

How about a 12ga pump with a folding stock? I'd find this more reliable in arctic (anti-polarbear) applications than any el-cheapo rifle -especially anything in pistol calibers.

You'll always be able to sell this in Alaska, back at home, or just keep it.

 

[Gordon]

Personally, I'd take the M-6 scout rifle(or the yet unreleased New version) in stainless and .22hornet and .410(heard new one is 20ga!). Canada will let you in with this. It will fit in your saddle bags, you will be armed. While eskimo's used to plink(successfully) polar bears with .22hornet 45grain softpoints, I'd keep my distance. The .410 brenneke or 1/4 winchester load should be a good emergency deterent. Ya got 2 shots , you could get most any kinda meat for the pot and all for about $200. BTW my son and I use these things for longer Sierra backpacking, as it only weighs 3.5pounds and fits in backpack..