OK, Pretend it's 1939, and you have to choose a rifle

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:22 pm

Got bored and thought this might be fun. Pretend it's 1939, and you just landed a summer job, watching over a herd of sheep, in the high country. You will be horse back, and you will be gone all summer, without the luxury of resupply, everything will be carried on your horse, or in the one wagon your partner is driving, with the exception of maybe a pack animal or two, and your dogs or course.

You're going to need a rifle, or at least you sure as heck ain't gonna leave without one, but at least you're lucky enough to be able to buy about any resonably priced rifle you want. But that's it. No pistol, no reloading supplys, just your rifle a few boxes of shells. You figure you might need to shoot a wolf or two, and maybe some fresh game on occasion, to supliment the beans, coffee, and other supplys in wagon.

What are you going to choose, that's available in 1939? And remember you have to pack it on your horse, or leave it in the wagon, and it's got to stand the hard knocks of an extended stay in the high country.

For me I believe my choice would be a Winchester model 94, in 30/30 with the stock open sights, and the standard 20 inch barrel, along with a good saddle scabbord of course.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:31 pm

Marlin 1893, or Winchester 94 SRC, I have had both, perhaps the SRC is more handy, both in 30-30.

Post by **Hobie** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:32 pm

rjohns94 wrote:Marlin 1893, or Winchester 94 SRC, I have had both, perhaps the SRC is more handy, both in 30-30.

Yep. Isn't that the quintessential sheepherder's rifle?

salvo · Post by **salvo** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:32 pm

My 1927 Model 94 SRC 30WCF would be just the ticket!

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:33 pm

I would like an 1892 SRC in 32-20. I might like a Marbles tang sight as an accessory as well. I would also like an SAA to match in 32-20 with a 4" barrel and bird's head grip frame ... as long as we're dreaming.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:37 pm

Rimfire, he said no pistols.

salvo, my SRC is a 1926 version, aren't they awesome!

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:42 pm

A 99 Savage in 250-3000!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:44 pm

Mdl 64 Winchester in .30-30.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:46 pm

salvo,

That's a nice saddle ring carbine, I have three pre-64's but not a saddle ring carbine. Those are getting pretty pricey, but If the right one comes along, I just might have to have it. I have owned a few post 64's SRC's but they are just not quite the same thing.

Nice rifle.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:56 pm

Most sheep herders out this way carried '94 Winchesters, the majority of which were .30WCF, with a smattering of .38-55s tossed in. Many still pack old '94s that are loaned to them by ranch owners as "bear protection". Some have Great Pyrenees dogs that do double duty, watching over the lambs and killing coyotes, something that they seem to excel at.

GEOFF · Post by **GEOFF** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:46 pm

Model 1892 Winchester .25-20 with a 24" barrel.

Hopefully a couple boxes of cast bullets for grouse etc... plus a few boxes of 86 grain JSP.

Ammunition is light to carry, rifle holds a bunch of rounds, even with the 24" barrel not too overbearing to carry on a horse and helps a lot with more precise shooting. The .25-20 will serve decent on deer in a pinch with selected shots. Wolves and coyotes wouldn't like that .25-20 at all.

I've got a 1908 vintage 1892 as described above, and for sure it would serve WELL!!!!

Geoff

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:48 pm

Ok just to stir the pot.
I would want a Springfield 03A3 in that new 30-06 cartridge.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:57 pm

Win 95 carbine in 30 US. With one of the Lyman aperture sights installed.

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:04 pm

rjohns94 wrote:Rimfire, he said no pistols.

Oh man! Then I want my '92 in 25-20 if I'm not getting the matching SAA. I was really looking forward to that combo.

If this whole sheep herder job requires fending off bears, I will require that my buddy driving the wagon have his 71 long tang with him. Did they make the 250 grain 348 loads in 1939?

Charles · Post by **Charles** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:49 pm

Lots of good rifles around in 1939. I would probably buy a Winchester 70 and nail a Lyman 48 sight on it.

Warhawk · Post by **Warhawk** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:25 pm

Model 94 SRC or Trapper in 30WCF

m.wun · Post by **m.wun** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:30 pm

I would take a 30-30 or larger since you said high country,there might be bear problems.You might need the
power for the partner if this high country is near BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN!!!!

Timothy · Post by **Timothy** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:43 pm

I'd take the recently discontinued remington model 8 in 35 rem.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:51 pm

Winchester Model 94 Carbine, in .30 WCF (.30-30) with ammo loaded with 170gr bullets.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:59 pm

I'd go for a '95 Winchester in .30-40.

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:00 am

I'll go along with Griff.

71fan · Post by **71fan** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:05 am

Savage 99F or 99RS in 250-3000 (no scope). That would be a great package for coyotes, wolfs, and occasional big game, and give a little more reach and power than the 30-30 for the open high country shots likely to occur.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:11 am

Winnie '86 in 45-70.

PaperPatch · Post by **PaperPatch** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:27 am

Savage 99 in 250-3000.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:37 am

I would want to travel light so a 92 SRC in 32-20 with at least two boxs of the rifle only express loads available at the time. That gun would throw those 115's around 1900 FPS. That aint far behind that 30-30.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:53 am

well, this is a levergun forum, so i will tow the line and diplomatically say a Model '94 in 30 WCF or a '95 in 30-06. But an '03 Springfield would be tempting as well

44LVR · Post by **44LVR** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:34 am

You know, my Grandfather was doing exactly that in 1939. The rifle he had when he was herding sheep in the high Cascades was a Savage 99 in 22 high power. Swore up and down it killed deer and bear like lightening! And he used to always love to tell me "if you could see it, you could kill it"! Apparently, he killed quite a few deer and bear at very long distances.

BUT, *I* would take my little deluxe Model 64 in 25-35 with the Williams receiver sight. It was born in 1939 so that would be most appropriate. It is pleasant to the shoulder, easy on the ears (in 1939 we didn't have these new fangled ear stopper uppers!) and accurate as all get out. 3 or 4 boxes of shells would last a long time even knocking off the occasional grouse, bunny or li'l bitty buck

Coyotes and even b'ar would be in biiiiig trouble!

44

Post by **Hobie** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:42 am

You know what is interesting to me. Those newer 77 gr. 5.56 loads are the .22 Hi-Power ballistics. What was once old is new again.

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:57 am

I wouldn't be caring for those sheep for life, and when I came back to the real world I would want my new model 71 I had bought back in 1939 to hunt any critter I wanted to.

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:09 am

Marlin introduced the 39A, in 1939, and I know I couldn't resist a "new" model or a rimfire.

tman · Post by **tman** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:03 am

winchester 71-.348wcf deluxe carbine.

pharmseller · Post by **pharmseller** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:59 am

tman wrote:winchester 71-.348wcf deluxe carbine.

+1 of course!

P

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:06 pm

Lastmohecken wrote:Got bored and thought this might be fun. Pretend it's 1939, and you just landed a summer job, watching over a herd of sheep, in the high country. You will be horse back, and you will be gone all summer, without the luxury of resupply, everything will be carried on your horse, or in the one wagon your partner is driving, with the exception of maybe a pack animal or two, and your dogs or course.

You're going to need a rifle, or at least you sure as heck ain't gonna leave without one, but at least you're lucky enough to be able to buy about any resonably priced rifle you want. But that's it. No pistol, no reloading supplys, just your rifle a few boxes of shells. You figure you might need to shoot a wolf or two, and maybe some fresh game on occasion, to supliment the beans, coffee, and other supplys in wagon.

What are you going to choose, that's available in 1939? And remember you have to pack it on your horse, or leave it in the wagon, and it's got to stand the hard knocks of an extended stay in the high country.

For me I believe my choice would be a Winchester model 94, in 30/30 with the stock open sights, and the standard 20 inch barrel, along with a good saddle scabbord of course.

Well to be honest, if I can't take my short gun for personal up close protection I ain't goin.

I changed my mind. I'd pick up a Win 1894SRC in 30WCF and as much ammo as I could carry.

Joe

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:08 pm

Cool question!

Ok. I can just imagine walking into one of those old western storefronts with enough hard earned dollars and have my choice of what's in the racks.

Skip the Marlins and Savages.

I like the 30-40 Krag that's been worked over and a peep sight added. Cheap too.

That old '85 Highwall in .32-40 sure looks nice and the price is right. I could buy that and a sixgun.

But I really want a repeater.

Lemme see that 44-40 '73 SRC. Nice, but not quite right.

How about that '92 right next to it. Feels good, looks new and 44-40 too.
Leave that one here.

I want to see that 1886 in the corner by that new '94.

A 45-70 saddle ring carbine. Shoulder's and points like it was made just for me.
A little wear but to me it's Perfect!
I'll take this one. four boxes of shells and whatever's left you can keep as a deposit on
that S&W .44 Spl. hand ejector. I'll be back for that in the fall!

jb

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:13 pm

MODEL 92 44-40

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:43 pm

My grandfather, Frank Weber, did some homesteading in Colorado. It was a little earlier though, in the 20's. I believe I remember my dad saying he took an O3A3. For whatever reason, he ended back here in Ohio and here the family was raised.
This is one of the few pictures I have of him back then. Any of you Colorado folks know what he is holding? If he were here in Ohio I would have said a muskrat but the tail appears wrong. I always wanted to know. I still have his boots and chaps in an old medical style travel bag. I also have a picture of my dad as a boy, somewhere around 1940ish, wearing the boots. I have several of Grampa's guns. It's easy to tell which ones in the safe. I remember him getting that electric vibrating pencil, what, back in 70 something. Yep them are his all right.
Thanks, Gobbler.

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:54 pm

Model 99 - 300 Savage 22" barrel like the A model.

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:35 pm

JReed wrote:Ok just to stir the pot.
I would want a Springfield 03A3 in that new 30-06 cartridge.

And I would take a Winchester 54 in that same (33-yr-old in 1939) 30-06 cartridge with the factory Lyman 48 receiver sight.

(proving that Marines think alike)

Semper Fi,

Noah

BwanaDave · Post by **BwanaDave** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:36 pm

In Texas that is what is called a mouse. By the way, your grandfather sure was a short fella.

Dave

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:09 pm

RIHMFIRE wrote:MODEL 92 44-40

Yep, me too. As I see it, most of the shooting will be at small game. A 92 SRC will hold about 12 rds and has the power to kill most anything, small to big to two legged. A 30-30 would be unnecessarily powerful for most of the work that would need to be done

-------------Sixgun

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:22 pm

Winchester 94 SRC in 30-30

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:30 pm

Just not right not having a belt shooter, but I'll play: A Model 12, 12gauge with plenty of 00 and High Brass 4s

buckeyeshooter · Post by **buckeyeshooter** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:22 pm

winchester 71 deluxe for me too!

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:17 pm

I would take a Marlin Model 1893 in 30 WCF, and I would pack whatever different loads were available at the time.

bogie

505stevec · Post by **505stevec** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:43 pm

Win. 94 30-30 carbine. That is the one I bought first and that is the one I would buy first again.

OJ · Post by OJ » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:24 am

I don't have to pretend - in 1939 my favorite rifle was a well used Winchester 94 in Winchester .32 Special. I had owned it since 1934 when I was almost 8 years old and it was the most wonderful rifle I had ever seen. It was given to me by my great uncle - grandfather's brother - who gave me my first horse a year earlier. i was the luckiest gut in the country.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:40 am

Mouse, Huh? Well Grampa was about 5'7". I really would like to know what he is holding though if anyone knows.
Gobbler

Jammed · Post by **Jammed** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:53 am

+1 for Winchester Model 71 in 348 wcf, deluxe carbine

There were a lot more grizzly bear in the lower 48 back then...

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:50 pm

Gobbler ridge, your grandpa looks something like robert de nero. Looks like a big rat or whistlepig that he is holding.

scr83jp · Post by **scr83jp** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:58 pm

Remington Hepburn Saddle Gun or a 30-06 1903 Springfield!