Mares Leg? Why?

neos

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Ok. Since I see interest in this, I have to ask. What is the deal with this 'Mares Leg'? Why is it cut and or designed with the very wierd looking stock(to me). I am sure of a reason, but cannot figure it out. Is this a 'design' incorporated into only rimfire guns, or do centerfire rifles use this as well? Thank you for your time and answers in advance.
 
For me, I have one in 357mag. As to the original why, I don't know. But it is NR, and I can throw it into a saddlebag, and otherwise use a shotgun scabbard. Goes with me wherever I may be. Easy to pack around.
 
They are commonly referred to as "Ranch Hands"...small, packs easily and can be quickly dispatched.
Offers a big bite too when chambered in centre fire. Can also be effectively used as a trappers gun or for predator control.
 
These are quad guns for sure. My dad always used to take his .44 magnum revolver when going up into the bush to check on his diversion. Since it's not legal, he was taking a rifle and was complaining about having it on the quad and not being able to get it ready fast enough if approached by a bear or a wolf. He got one of the Henry .44 magnum mare's legs with a leg holster and loves it.
 
In USA they are sold as handguns..... because of stupid gun laws, here they are sold as longguns.
Americans need to jump through hoops to put a regular stock on one but it's as easy as buying a regular stock and turning a screw driver for us...

The reason OP is to make the gun shorter.
 
If the sold it with a full stock and 12" barrel I would have bought it that way, instead of adding a stock extension. Mine is 45colt because couldn't find a 44 for $700. Shoots a heavier bullet with another grain of powder over the 44 though.
 
Interesting. Thank you all for your time and replies. Next time at Cabelas, I will have to take a peekski at one just because. Didn't say I would buy one..... But what good story doesn't start with 'I'm just going to look'......☺
 
shot it in 44 magnum, the build quality was excellent!! You will pass this down to your grand kids and they their's
 
I never saw the point in them. you cant work the action one handed, and you cant aim them precisely one handed. I find the Rossi carbine with 16" barrel to be much more useful.
 
I never saw the point in them. you cant work the action one handed, and you cant aim them precisely one handed. I find the Rossi carbine with 16" barrel to be much more useful.

Because you can't work the action one handed is the most likely reason that they are non-restricted, even though they are technically shorter that the 26" OAL requirement. They are not meant to be aimed one handed. They are made with the stock this way so that they are classified as a handgun in the US. Putting a full stock on them down there makes them an SBR. Up here we can put a full stock on them, and have a really handy little rifle.
 
I never saw the point in them. you cant work the action one handed, and you cant aim them precisely one handed. I find the Rossi carbine with 16" barrel to be much more useful.

The 16" "trappers" are nice for sure.
The simple solution to your one handed problem is to use 2 hands just like with your stocked 16 inch gun, using both hands while shooting Ranchhands seems to work fine, specially with milder .357, 38sp and .22lr.
The Mare's legs are harder to hold and hit with as the recoil increases beyond .357 but still doable if you have reasonable strength and co-ordination.
A mount and red-dot/laser can also helps with sighting. Once again the point is similar to PGO shotguns..... COMPACT. Are they as easy to shoot as a stocked gun...... No. Is a Trapper full stocked gun compact...... Yes, Is it as compact as a Stocked Ranchhand? No, Is it as compact as a short stocked Ranchhand? No.

A person fishing or bow hunting in Grizzly country might just find a stiffly loaded .357 Ranchhand (or .44mag if they can handle it) more handy then a longer gun.

I do understand why they are not for everyone, just don't quite understand the people who can't see any use.

Have you tried shooting one Stubblejumper? Bit of a learning curve but not too bad.
 
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