Back country firearm backup needed?

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BCJON

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Hi all,
I need a lil' help.
I will be off on a hunting back country horseback trip late September in northern BC. The trip will last 2 weeks and I'm really excited about the hunt possibilities, and the whole outdoor experience with the horses.

My question is concerning whether or not it is a good idea to pack an additional firearm on this extended hunt?
I own only one rifle and its a Browning A-Bolt SS chambered in a 300WM topped with a VXll 3-9. Other companions on the hunt use a 300 Wby and 338WM. I have never had any problems whatsoever with my Browning, but #### happens:(
Additional pack weight won't be a problem, and I'm thinking a backup rifle is a good idea as well as a good excuse for the wife on a purchase of another firearm.

So, what do you guys think?
Yes, no, maybe?
Which firearm type, and cartridge?
Please keep in mind that I don't reload.
Appreciate your thoughts...
Jon
 
Get an 18.5" shottie with a folding stock - quick handling, and very versatile. Or maybe think about a saddle gun lever carbine. Not quite as versatile or quick-handling, but more accurate, and legal for all big game.
 
.................Rembo has it right. Guide gun is very packable and deadly out to 200 yards with just the iron sights. Or put a nice leupy 2.5 power on it and have at er!!:D
 
SOunds liek a great time to buy a Stevens 200 in 7-08 or whatever other cartridge interests you. Cheap and accurate enough, slap a scope on it and anyone that has issues with thier rife can use it.

Never understood the point of carrying a competely differnet type of rifle as 'back up' since you are wanting a replacement for your hunting rifle, you are not bringing a differne tgun for different needs.

If you want to combine them, though, get a Baikal o/u 30-06 and 12 guage. Then you can take it out for elk or shoot some grouse, too.:)
 
On any sort of extended hunting trip a back-up is a wise plan, or at the very least a spare scope and a boresighter. Your back-up should have irons on it, scope optional but at least have irons, doesn't have to be pretty, but should pack some snort. My personal is a Rem 870, 16" bbl, iron sights, Sage telescoping stock. Kinda makes for a shorter range affair, but it slings nicely over back, and is there when needed. Even a spare rifle is not a bad idea for the crew, as sh*t can happen anywhere, and you'de hate to go all the way out there only to find out something went wrong with your baby. For a real cheapie, old 303's work well, or any old Mauser milsurp. All sorts of options. Or take an old 12 ga double, chop barrels to 19", put on rifle sights, voila! Poor man's double. You can even put a scope on this if done right.

Just a couple of thoughts.

Blaine.
 
get a winchester 94 30-30 and take the buttstock off for transit. this might be a good reason to buy a marlin guide gun as well.
 
If pack weight won't be a problem - the traditional gun to carry as a back up is the good 'ole 303 Lee Enfeild.

You can pick up a decent shooting one with irons for about 150, they will kill moose easily out to 250, they're reliable and they have a nice detachable mag :)

the guide gun probably would be fine too, but the 303 is great, has longer range, and is cheaper. Put an ATI synth stock on it if you want to lighten it up a bit, they're easy to install and look good and work well (Just make sure the screw in the stock is TIGHT - maybe even use a little lock-tite on it).
 
Sounds like you are going to have a great adventure this fall. With horses in the mix, anything is possible (trust me :rolleyes: ) The chances of requiring a spare gun are very slim and your partners have their rifles available anyway. If you feel the need to pack a spare, anything previously suggested will do. I lean towards my old M94 .30-30 as a backup. A friend just went through the same thing on a horseback hunt last fall and swears that he'll never pack a secong gun again as it was just extra weight and wasn't necessary as his companion had a rifle along too. Have a great trip and don't forget to post pic's...
 
What to take depends on what you're going for - a good backup rifle for moose would be a little different than a good stone sheep backup.

But I'd say x2 for Gatehouse's stevens 200 - cheap and light and good to bang around with - maybe in a .270 or 25 06 or something.

I do think having a backup gun is a good idea though, especially if it's mountain hunting. Also horses are evil and devious, and if one chucks you with your rifle in a scabbard, a back up would be nice for when he runs your .300 into a tree.
 
Another vote for the Stevens 200. Worst case scenario you'll be able to sell it after the hunt. Or keep it as cheap insurance. Never a bad idea to take a second rifle on any trip farther than a couple of hours drive.
 
If you are looking for support in your cause to buy another gun, then by all means, a back-up rifle is essential. And it has to be of equal or better ranking than the primary piece. After all, who's doing the shopping here ? If sh*& happens, the backup is now the primary, maybe for 14 days of a 14 day hunt. No second stringers need apply.
(as an aside, though, a second rifle would only be extra concern you don't have to have. What if the packhorse carrying it is the sh*&head that has the wreck ? Sharing with a fellow hunter would suffice.) MHO
 
One of these maybe? :D

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Or for a bit less(half the price) a Norc HP9-1 14". :D
 
My vote goes for a Mauser 98 or a Lee 303 (like Stevo said). These two would never let you down....

My belief is that the shottie is useless in that environment.
 
Thanks fellas for all the suggestions.

It's a tough call sometimes on what is the best thing to do. I guess it comes down to weighing out all your conditions, type of circumstances, and the enviroment your placed in to make that informed decision.

Of the group, I'm the one planning on bringing another rifle.

As mentioned on my initial thread, Im looking for an excuse to buy another firearm. One that would be adequate for backup, but also compliment the 300WM I already have. The 7mm-08 may fit the bill, but Im kind of leaning towards a 270. Also thinking a 30-30 would be handy too, if for nothing else but hangin on the wall. :) The 45-70 suggestion is a good one, but God willing I'm thinking we'll have enough fire power between the three of us.
Decisions, decisions, you guys have given me lots of options.

Being the "greenhorn" of the group on this trip I hope I don't burden my partners with too many questions. Same goes for you guys!;)

Thanks again...
Jon
 
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