Optimal Saddle Gun?

[bandres]

I am looking for suggestions on the optimal deer rifle to pack on my back. I hunt from an enduro so it needs to be relatively short, relatively light, and in a good calibre. Also, affordable would be nice.

 

[chickwithagun]

orginal saddle gun would be a .22 mag,
recomendations from local hunters here would be, .22 hi Power, .30.30, .222 swift, .44 mag, any lever action modles, many more options, any other specifications?

 

[Westicle]

I would get a marlin lever action in either .444/450marlin/45-70 and you will not find your self undergunned and of course 18" barrel is available.

frankly a good old 30-30 would serve your purpose as well.... and winchester 16" trapper models are available in the caliber.

 

[Woodsman]

Saddle gun = Win. model 94 in .30-30 or any of the derivatives like Marlin, Henry, Puma, etc.

 

[pharaoh2]

You want a saddle gun to pack on your back?

Short, light and easy to pack? A Ruger 77 compact in .308 Winchester.

 

[aletheuo]

Winchester 88 or savage 99 make great saddle guns if you don't put a scope on 'em.

 

[dan belisle]

Win or Marlin lever gun, Browning BLR, Savage 99, Rem 600. - dan

 

[Boomer]

A Remington 760/7600 carbine chambered for the cartridge of your choice would be a nice short flat package.

 

[Scum Frog]

A good ol' lever!

 

[jiminthecorner]

AE Trapper in 30/30 JITC

 

[jaywill]

for sure a short barreled lever gun.

 

[Jordan]

I think the 760/7600 in carbine would make a good gun for your needs. it has a removeable magazine, narrower action, and as quick as any lever gun.

 

[Long Range Canuck]

I have a Marlin 1895M in .450 that Is my favorite for the saddle. I also have a marlin 336W in 30/30 for small stuff (deer and smaller) that is pretty much a safe queen now that I have the .450.

The Henry Rifles are outstanding also I have a golden boy in .22 and wouldn't hesitate on a .44mag big boy if you dont need the power of the .450 marlin. The .450 marlin does it all from small to big and if you want something for bears or other predators when on horseback the .450 is a one shot stopper. I holds 4 in the tube not that you will ever need all 4 . The Hornady leverolution ammunition works extreamly well in these rifles.

P.s. if you need a couple good Standard Bred horses give me a shout. I got 2 ready to go.

 

[Matt L.]

A saddle gun for deer? Marlin 336 in 30-30 hands down. 'specially with Hornady's ammo.

 

[southwest maddog]

I pack a BLR in .223 or an 870 youth 20 gauge in my scabbard. No big game shooting down here.

 

[Lazy Ike]

What kind of enduro? It matters trust me.

 

[Can-down]

30-30 trapper or a short 7600 P

 

[Artie Fufkin]

Remington 600

 

[t-star]

what's in my scabbard is a savage 99 with scope- 308 winchester- been there since 71, and i do the horsey thing on the rockies east slopes- i guess that qualifies as a saddle gun- the scope is a 3x9, and the scabbard is an uncle mikes, which they don't make anymore, and it sits butt up just ahead of the horn- if you rig it fore and aft,you chance losing the rifle out the back end if the horse does any climbing

 

[X-fan]

I have spent years hunting off of a dirt bike. We ride way back then hike in...Some of the best deer hunting I have ever done.

By the time you sling the rifle over your back the barrel length isn't that big of a deal (most of mine are 26 inches). Put on a day pack, then loosen your sling, throw your rifle over the whole thing then tighten the sling (slightly). Hop on your bike and go for a ride!
When you lean forward the rifle will too.
It takes a few rides to get the setup just right, but the mobility rewards are worth the pain....Especially if you ride well.

FWIW I tried a few lever rifles and they seemed to dig into my back when riding. Bolt action files are the most comfortable as long as you sling the rifle so the bolt is not facing your back.
I did have one serious "get off" that sent me head first over the bars and as a result had to have the muzzle cut back 1/2" and recrowned.
Guntech to the rescue!