What is your preferred "ranch" rifle?

[bubbaturbo]

I like to go woods bumming a lot. Fortunately I have access to a large piece of private property. I have used, at one time or another, an SKS, a Saiga in 7.62x39, a mini14, and a Winchester 94 in 45 Colt. Although I think the Winchester is the most "appropriate" rifle for woods bumming along with a SA revolver in the same caliber, I finally decided I was carrying around too much weight, especially since I seldom fired a shot, so I switched to an H&R superlight compact handi-rifle in 223. It weighs a little over 5 lbs with iron sights. I carry 9 rounds on the stock and I replaced the take-down screw with a thumb screw. I can assemble/disassemble it in about 20 seconds with no tools and it fits in a short green canvas tool bag along with a lightweight Commander pistol/holster. When I get the opportunity (kitchen pass) to go to the ranch, I can grab the bag and be out the door before anybody changes their mind. It was really inexpensive but is pretty accurate. I'm not really concerned about the caliber although if I were to run across the same gun in 243 for cheap, I might get it.

 

[NYH1]

I think a Remington model 7600 Carbine, Marlin models 336, 1894, 1895, 444 (if big critters are around) or a Winchester model 94 would make a good ranch and truck rifle. A Mini 14/Mini 30, AR's, AK's, SKS's would work too. JMHO, YMMV!

NYH1!

 

[788Ham]

When I'm out in the woods just walking or on a mission, I take my Win. `94 in .375, plenty big enough to take care of critters big or small. Its a very handy rifle, never had to use it yet........ one never knows.