Looking for recommendations for a "saddle rifle". I don't own a horse, but do own an ATV, that is my horse. Thinking about a gun, with open sights that I can keep in the scabbard of the ATV or rack in the truck. Would be used mostly for coyotes at the ranch, but need enough gun to take out a roaming lion. I will look for a used rifle.
I believe Mr. Ruger himself was quoted as saying something similar to "The Mini-14 isn't known for its accuracy but its unnecessary. That's not what the customers require."
Forget where I read it, but I'm darn near positive I did.
If you're thinking about dealing with a mountain lion, a Henry Big Boy in .44 Magnum will get the job done. It'll surely drop a coyote too, and the ammo is fairly easy to find.
A .45-70 Guide Gun might be a bit of overkill for either critter. I guess it depends on how puma-paranoid you are.
A Mosin Nagant M38 or 91/59 is handy and powerful enough, but you won't have as fast a second shot as a lever action would give you. Worth thinking about, though, as an inexpensive alternative to a lever gun. I'd suggest getting the bolt handle bent, however, if you are going to carry it in a rifle scabbard.
I love the guide guns, and the 1886 ultrlalight in .45/70. Not near as much wrong with having too much gun a there is the other way. If you don't like the lever guns, real good fit would be the old Remington 600 in .308. Probably take a trip to a gun show to get one.
I agree with G.Green, I would rather have too much gun than too little. As an all around gun the 45-70 can bring down anything you might run up against before it is close enough to harm you. If it is 300+ yards away, I wouldn't consider it a threat.
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I believe Mr. Ruger himself was quoted as saying something similar to "The Mini-14 isn't known for its accuracy but its unnecessary. That's not what the customers require."
Forget where I read it, but I'm darn near positive I did.
That's why they make 30 round magazines! Lol
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when it comes to a true "saddle" rifle nothing beats the classic lever action.
However, your situation is a bit different so I would advise taking a long hard look at your vehicle and deciding what best "fits" the vehicle in terms not just of carrying but of you bringing to action in a short period of time.
An SKS norinco paratrooper would be handy on a ATV.
A relatively cheap new gun would be a Handi-Rifle in your choice of caliber. Would be short and authoritative in .270 or 30.06! With the stainless and synthetic...you could leave it on the ATV without worrying too much about the elements. Stainless Handi-Rifle™
Model
Stainless Handi-Rifle™
Ammo
270 Win. (SB2-2S7)
30/06 Sprg. (SB2-3S6)
Stock
High-density polymer, black matte finish, sling swivel studs, recoil pad, Monte Carlo stock.
Barrel
22" matte stainless steel (270 Win., 30/06 Sprg.)
Sights
Scope mount rail and hammer extension; no iron sights.
Length
38"
Length of Pull
14-1/4"
Weight
7 lbs.
Owner's Manual Download Owner's Manual
Hey feller if your interested in a lever action and the rifle is going to be a banger then take a look see at the Mossberg Lever Action 30-30 rifle.
I've read the action's are very good but don't expect it to be a tack driver.
They'll cost less than a Marlin if you want to save a little money. You prolly want find a used one though...A.H
Ruger M77 Extra Compact (or whatever it is) in 308 with a lower powered scope, or open sights. #2- CZ 527 in 7.62X39, they (CZ) have a reputation of accuracy, BUT, about this time of economic crappiness, I'd buy American. T'was me, I'd just buy all the suggested guns and pick my favorite. LMAO, have fun with whatever you get.
