best backpacking rifle?

whitetailwoodsarcher

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Well, I'm trying to get into backpacking, i have already decided im going to try out the Eberlestock X-1 Bow and Rifle Pack. Looks like a decent day hiking pack. It has the ability to attach a bow if you're a bow hunter and still has a pouch for your firearm. I'm not going to be taking my bow because i don't plan on hunting anything but small game. i was thinking about taking my savage scout with a chamber adapter to shoot small game with 32 acp. only down side is it weighs 8 lbs. then i thought about my ruger 77/44? it only weighs 5.5 lbs. i do not want to take a shotgun because the ammo is really bulky and it's to loud to be shooting at small game. with the 308 like i said i can shoot small game with 32 acp and 44 mag i can shoot small game with 44 special. reasoning i don't just take a compact 22 is because I'm going to be hiking to small lakes in some pretty thick mountain lion and black bear country and its common to run into one on the trail. i was thinking the 308 wound be better protection then the 44 mag with almost double the energy. but then again I'm not expert.
Any help or suggestions wound be greatly appreciated!
thanks.
 
There's no discussion. Your Ruger is light & has adaptable loads - 4-5 grains of powder and a .32 pistol bullet in a regular .308 case will work for chickens/rabbits/squirrels. Reg .308 will scare anything (with 4 legs) that might look at you for dinner.

Have a good hike !

Well, I'm trying to get into backpacking, i have already decided im going to try out the Eberlestock X-1 Bow and Rifle Pack. Looks like a decent day hiking pack. It has the ability to attach a bow if you're a bow hunter and still has a pouch for your firearm. I'm not going to be taking my bow because i don't plan on hunting anything but small game. i was thinking about taking my savage scout with a chamber adapter to shoot small game with 32 acp. only down side is it weighs 8 lbs. then i thought about my ruger 77/44? it only weighs 5.5 lbs. i do not want to take a shotgun because the ammo is really bulky and it's to loud to be shooting at small game. with the 308 like i said i can shoot small game with 32 acp and 44 mag i can shoot small game with 44 special. reasoning i don't just take a compact 22 is because I'm going to be hiking to small lakes in some pretty thick mountain lion and black bear country and its common to run into one on the trail. i was thinking the 308 wound be better protection then the 44 mag with almost double the energy. but then again I'm not expert.
Any help or suggestions wound be greatly appreciated!
thanks.
 
My backpacking combo, 12ga pistol grip mossberg 590, and my ruger 10/22 takedown, its alot of weight to carry, but if you pack it right its awesome.

In one of those eberlestock bags you would have no problem putting both those rifles in.

Im considering picking up a DA grizzle 12.5" or 8.5" to use instead of the mossberg as my 590 is HEAVY, and I dont really need 8+1 rounds.
 
Mine :

**Always a can of bear spray +

Light day/overnight hike in areas with little risk of varmints :
My Rossi Ranch Hand .45 LC
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Light day/overnight hike when there are bear/wolf/cougar warnings :
My Marlin Pre-Rem 45-70 Guide Gun (the Sig is a range gun only - lol)
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Left is a .45 ACP, middle is a .45 Colt, right side is the 45-70 Brute :)
images

(image thanks to the net)
 
No pics yet but I just put together a military green Eberlestock X3 LowDrag tactical pack for day hikes/hunts with the scabbard rolled up flush with the bottom of the pack I slip my Robinson Arms XCR-L in 6.8SPC with the stock folded clip one of the retaining clips across the stock to sucure it in.

While wearing the pack it is extremely fast to get the rifle out flip the stock open and fire.

When I want to pack a cannon I roll the scabbard all the way open and slip my 21" barreled Rem 700 LSS in 375RUM in clip the retainer clips together and away I go the top of the pack butt stock does not extend above the back of my head.

Here is a link to the pack http://www.eberlestock.com/X3 Lodrag Pack.htm

This pack is very comfortable even when I am running with it.
 
what do you think about a 30-30 lever gun? its in between my 44 mag and my 308 win!

In my humble opinion, the 30-30 is the best of both worlds. A Marlin loaded with 100 grain Hornady's shoots like greased lightning. I find the 125 grainers, are the best all round bullet for the caliber. For the big beasties, a 150 grain pill is ok, but not spectacular.

With open sights, you can have 6 ready at the go (I do not practice the 1 in the chamber idea) and as fast as you can work the lever. They excel the Henry rifles because they can load quickly with the loading gate on the side rather than the tube loading. Henry's are only supposed to load 5. Winny's are expensive, but you can get that youth model too (16" barrel). There is one on the EE now. IMHO, I do not care for the Winny cycling system either, it is prone to jams (ya...I used to have one too).
 
Having just got myself a Ruger 77/357 I would vote for your Ruger 77/44! Hands down one of the handiest little carbines I have had the pleasure of owning.

Will definitely be my camp/quad gun from here on in. ;)

i was thinking that, but i really like my savage scout and 32 acp makes way smaller holes then 44 special! But, the ruger is sooo light and it feels soo good to me. then i thought of going to wss of cabelas and looking at a 30-30? and getting a chamber adapter so i can shoot 32 acp out of that. maybe ill switch back and forth?
 
This would be perfect, under 5 pounds around 31 inchs 44 mag power and hold 7 rounds and a full stock.... JP.
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Your .44 sounds like an excellent choice; I carry my Marlin 1894 in .44 when I am not actively hunting. It is handy and light (6.25 lbs with peep sight) and I really like having 10 rounds in the mag. Gives me the opportunity to take a couple grouse for dinner and have plenty (hopefully!) still in the tube in case I need some bear deterrent. As for the big holes? All my shots on birds have been head shots (except one), 10-30 yds is pretty easy for grouse in the woods. Something else you might check out is the Hammond Gamegetter, a cartridge adapter made for most centerfires. I have two, they are quiet and accurate, with maybe somewhat less power than a .22 LR. Have fun!
 
30/30 vs 44 mag- under 100 yards?- 44 mag every time- heavier bullet. 3or 4 extra rounds- the heaviest 30/30 round is only 170 grains- there's a reason my b/u rifle is a 94 trapper in 44 mag
 
Or have a can of hornet raid readily available. Shoots a steady stream about 20ft. Every bit as effective as pepper spray when it hits their face+eyes. If it be a gun semi-auto or pumps are fast to shoot
 
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