Looking for options on mushroom picking and trapping /trail cutting Yukon gun.

H

hunter89

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
133   0   0
Location
YUKON and SASK
Looking for options for a dedicated mushroom picking and trail cutting/trapping and cabin gun.I have lots of rifles but thinking or selling a couple to get a stainless work gun to tote around on my adventure's.I just don't feel like any of the gun's i have meet all the demands or am i just looking for a reason to buy a new gun ?Probably.Must be reliable and stainless/light weight and was looking at the marlin trapper or 1894 sbl 44 mag?Kind of like the 44mag idea with 265gr interlock's as i have seen them work on moose well.Bolt action or other options? Grizzlies are a real thing here so that needs to be factored in.I'am thinking i would like the option of a scope but will mostly be packed with iron's.Scope might be handy if working on trail and a moose steps out or later season when the bears are asleep would scope it.I also know my eye's are not getting any better and might need to scope the gun down the road.Just wondering what other's have and are using?I have looked through older posts but with new option's every year i would like to here what works for you.Also interested in the hand loads you are using and pictures of the guns always welcome.Thanks
 
Last edited:
M700 with 20" stainless bbl 30-06 with 180 or 200gr NPs topped with a 1-4 Leupold. The factory rear sight is a lot better if you file it to a wide-vee.
 
hunter89 said:
Looking for options for a dedicated mushroom picking and trail cutting/trapping and cabin gun.I have lots of rifles but thinking or selling a couple to get a stainless work gun to tote around on my adventure's.I just don't feel like any of the gun's i have meet all the demands or am i just looking for a reason to buy a new gun ?Probably.Must be reliable and stainless/light weight and was looking at the marlin trapper or 1894 sbl 44 mag?Kind of like the 44mag idea with 265gr interlock's as i have seen them work on moose well.Bolt action or other options? Grizzlies are a real thing here so that needs to be factored in.I'am thinking i would like the option of a scope but will mostly be packed with iron's.Scope might be handy if working on trail and a moose steps out or later season when the bears are asleep would scope it.I also know my eye's are not getting any better and might need to scope the gun down the road.Just wondering what other's have and are using?I have looked through older posts but with new option's every year i would like to here what works for you.Also interested in the hand loads you are using and pictures of the guns always welcome.Thanks
Click to expand...

I’d look for a used kimber Montana in 308 and whack it down to 18.5”. Install a leupold fixed 2.5x. Should be about 5.5lbs ready to roll.
 
Ruger 77/44 checks your boxes. 5.5lbs (less scope)

Nice rifles, I pack the 357 mag version when I’m out panning with the kids.

 
I use a Rossi 1892 in 454 so would suggest the 44 mag version as you seem to be contemplating. Otherwise a compact tube fed shotgun with brenekke style slugs makes a cheap beater.
 
Doesn't matter what you have if it's not handy. :(

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/28/canada-mother-baby-killed-by-grizzly-bear-yukon

Grizz
 
The very best option for defense would be the 375 Ruger with a synthetic stock and a 20" barrel. With the scope removed it's a handy and portable rifle with lots of power with performance far surpassing the 45/70 lever guns often suggested. If you are most concerned with power, that's your best option. However it is going to be a bit heavier than you might prefer as ou aren't hunting you are working and chances are you already are carrying tools and other gear.

One of the lever action carbines in 44 magnum (I prefer the M94 Trapper) with a 16" barrel is a great option for portability, they are pretty light and easy to carry. Equipped with a good aperture sight or even better a red dot sight. One of the Mares legs with a 12" barrel and a full stock would be a great option too for carrying. These rifles don't have as much power as a rifle cartridge chambered firearm but but do offer a balance of making it easy to have a gun when you need one.

Finally the Ruger Scout with a 16" barrel is a great choice if you get one with the light synthetic stock - the laminates are too heavy. 308 is lots of power, you can use iron sights or a red dot and it's pretty portable.
 
Wonder if that would qualify for a Wilderness Carry permit, given it's the Yukon, which would open up more possibilities ? :confused:


Grizz
 
This might make a few people’s ears steam but - I have never liked the idea of using a bolt action under stress/duress. I have experienced a few instances where, due to cold or stress/adrenaline, i got a bad case of stupid fingers and couldn’t manipulate a bolt properly/quickly. Because of that I would prefer a lever or pump action over a bolt (gross motor movements instead of having to grip a bolt knob) if i was going to choose an “oh ####” rifle. I know, “bolts were used in war” and “it’s a training issue” - and you would be correct to say that - but I don’t know that I would pick a bolt.

If it has to be stainless - a marlin or rossi stainless lever would fit the bill (45-70, 44 Mag, 454 - even a .30-30). If you drop the stainless requirement - a Rem 7600 carbine in .308, .30-06, or 35 Whelen might be perfect.
 
ndallyn said:
This might make a few people’s ears steam but - I have never liked the idea of using a bolt action under stress/duress. I have experienced a few instances where, due to cold or stress/adrenaline, i got a bad case of stupid fingers and couldn’t manipulate a bolt properly/quickly. Because of that I would prefer a lever or pump action over a bolt (gross motor movements instead of having to grip a bolt knob) if i was going to choose an “oh ####” rifle. I know, “bolts were used in war” and “it’s a training issue” - and you would be correct to say that - but I don’t know that I would pick a bolt.

If it has to be stainless - a marlin or rossi stainless lever would fit the bill (45-70, 44 Mag, 454 - even a .30-30). If you drop the stainless requirement - a Rem 7600 carbine in .308, .30-06, or 35 Whelen might be perfect.
Click to expand...

It’s a training issue. :)

Plenty of dangerous game guides carry boltys.
 
I have a Ruger Gunsite Scout synthetic stock in 450 Bushmaster, I removed the scout scope base and the muzzle brake, I use it with the supplied aperture sight, nice to carry, it weighs less than six pounds. It would not be my first choice against a grizzly though. I had a tikka T3 in 338 wm with sights maybe a T3 in 9.3x62 would work, I did hear rumours about Tikka problems in cold weather, you did say Yukon, maybe others could comment. I personally think I am more competent with a bolt action rather than a lever but I do think a lever could be quicker if you have the luxury of more than one shot. I also have a Henry 45/70 with a peep that I think is reliable but it is 7 lbs.
 
Have seen it in action but i have little personal experience with the 44 . My brother shot a big 60 inch moose with his marlin 1894 .44 a few years ago with a handload i had made up using 265 gr interlocks.At 100 yards the bullet went thought the shoulder on the close side and was stuck in the hide on the far side.I think if he had not hit the shoulder it would have easily passed right though the moose.I was happy we recovered bullet and the moose died with the 1 shot.When i listed i was thinking maybe .44 mag mostly because it will be carried lots and must be light and handy.I have a ruger alaskan as Gatehouse suggested but it's heavy and kinda bulky.love it for hunting but not bush work.I know all to well if it's not handy and becomes a pain i will just leave it in camp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom