Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:17 pm

First, the Marlin Guide Gun. It is powerful and efficient. It can take on anything from small game to the biggest game on this continent. I think that this should be the official assault rifle of the redneck brigades.

It can deliver a devastating blow up close with an instant follow up shot. Factory 405gr Remington loads will do all that needs doing, but you can get some serious power from Randy Garrett's custom loads. From zero to 200yds, this gun and ammo combination is all anyone really needs.

You can even mount a scope (GASP!) on it if you need to. Fast, accurate, powerful and awfully handy......that is the Marlin Guide Gun.

No, I don't own one, but I should.

Second, the Ruger Super Blackhawk. This gun is downright indestructable. Take it into the woods, drag it around, get it cold, wet and scratched up and it will still shoot better than you can hold. The .44 mag has long ago proven to be an ideal killer on deer and hog sized game. The gun is available in a number of configurations, and I prefer the shorter barrels, but all are just as tough and reliable. Again Randy Garrett's ammo will make this sucker really hit hard! However, you can kill many things with a good .44 spl load (remember Skeeter and Elmer!).

Hang this one on your hip and you will never need more in a handgun in the outdoors. And you need not worry, it will go BANG! when you need it.

Again, I don't own one, but I really should.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:27 pm

Nice combo,but I think all the bases are covered with my 1895 XLR 45-70 and Super redhawk in 454 casull(or if the 7.5" is too uncomfortable I also have the Alaskan model in 454 too)

.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:30 pm

I agree those are excellent choices for an outdoorsman to make. I do have a Guide Gun, but I substitute a S&W 629 for the Blackhawk.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:31 pm

mic214 · Post by **mic214** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:33 pm

Mine is a standard 1895 and it has worked pretty well on a bunch of Texas hogs that I have taken over the years. The Ruger pictured is a Bisley Vaquero:

My favorite Ruger single action is my 5-1/2" stainless SBH:

My favorite Ruger double action is my 5-1/2" stainless .44 magnum Redhawk:

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:41 pm

Good choice Scott, but for me it would be my 444P & .45 Colt BH 6" barrel. I suppose I should get that new SBH .44 at the gun store for $350.00, darn... it will have to wait for some other things. Like brakes on the Van.

LeverBob

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:54 pm

Part of the issue is that you can get either for about $300 used.

The cheap price does not reflect the utility.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:00 pm

good choices indeed for the outdoorsman. Hard to argue your points. I don't have either, though I have the calibers covered.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:01 pm

Will a Browning 1886 SRC and an old-model Ruger Super Blackhawk do?

Can't argue with you a bit Scott - right on the money!

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:02 pm

I have put a lot of thought into this of late. If I want to put away certain guns for my little boy, they should be useful guns. Guns in calibers that can easily and efficiently be loaded with cast bullets. Accurate, powerful and durable guns that will outlast me.

buckeyeshooter · Post by **buckeyeshooter** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:05 pm

For a nice pair, my choice would be a 45/70 Marlin or Winchester 1886 and a 6 inch S & W 29-2.

piller · Post by **piller** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:10 pm

I really want a Marlin in .45-70, but my favorites (only because I own them and they work pretty well for me) are my Puma in .480 Ruger and my Super Redhawk 7Â½" in the anodized greenish gray again in .480 Ruger. I pulled the pistol out at RKrodles place where he had invited us in the area to go shooting, and 86er asked what the heck it was. I offered to let him shoot it, but he declined. It actually kicks worse than RKrodles Freedom Arms in .475 Linebaugh. Ruger could take a lesson from Freedom Arms about the shape of a gun butt. It is very accurate, though.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:10 pm

Yup,I agree with your thinking on reload ability ST.That is why I also have two SS Rossi M92s chambered in 45 Colt.BTW with over 1000 rounds on hand loaded in 45 colt (with equipment to reload also).I think the bases are covered from paper to griz.

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:49 pm

The same as my hog combo, but I might sub in my Winchester Model 71 in 348 once in a while.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:28 pm

I suppose it is a good thing that I'm not a serious outdoorsman!

I'll just have to make do with my Browning 1886 and a Colt SAA in .45 Colt.

Gryphon Black · Post by **Gryphon Black** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:53 am

Yeah, I'm really a semi-auto pistol shooter at heart, but I am totally sold on Ruger for revolvers, which this scenario calls for.
I'd say you're on the money with stainless, and I'd go with the same caliber in both, to continue the practicality angle. Reloadability is helped with a common-as-dirt case and bullet, and you're also dead right about the cast bullet thing.
That formula leads me to .44 magnum. It's the only one I can think of with all those characteristics. If they don't have to share the ammo, then make the rifle 45-70 to cover what the pistol isn't big enough for, and you end up...

...Exactly where you arrived at! Brilliant, Holmes! Excellent deduction! Only modifier I'd make is that you could have a super redhawk instead of a super blackhawk, depending on your taste.

Now If Marlin would make the .357 rifle I want them to in stainless, that would be another way to do the same thing, but in a lighter config.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:39 am

Yup. I'm there. I made lots of venison with a superblackhawk and it's all you said for sure. Mine was a 10" model and I don't think it gave up anything to a Marlin 1894 as far as making meat goes.

But I gotta say that alaskan calls to me every time I see it. A 420g .476 BTB loping along at 950fps will cleanly take anything within a hundred yards and cleanly stop anything that wants to eat you. It's the only thing that would get me to leave my redhawk behind.

So Scott, I hope you get those guns pronto. They're awesome field guns for sure.

Grizz

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:46 am

Those are both excellent choices, Scott; but I would posit that every outdoorsman also needs a .22 rimfire -
for drilling holes in metal, if nothing else !

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:25 am

I've got the GS, and my 560gr borerider. Used to have a 480 Ruger with a cistom bobbed 4 1/2" barrel. I plan to replace it this summer. 405gr Kieths @ 1250fps.

Grizz, I have considered that AK quite a bit, and it appeals to me for a lot of reasons. However I think a bit longer sight radius, at least for me, leaves it on the table in favor of a longer barrel. I may just have another SRH bobbed like my last one, and dehorned similar to the WWG Wolverine.

My custom bobbed 480SRH, sold to a guy in AK.

WWG wolverine.

Laser cast .458 405, Mt Baldy .475 405gr Kieth, Mt Baldy 560gr Lyman

My GS at my private range.

Shot this 50yrd group on the left just below center that day after sighting in the scope. 350gr Hornady RP doing somewhere around 2300fps.

Post by **Hobie** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:27 am

ScottT wrote:I have put a lot of thought into this of late. If I want to put away certain guns for my little boy, they should be useful guns. Guns in calibers that can easily and efficiently be loaded with cast bullets. Accurate, powerful and durable guns that will outlast me.

Yes, that is what I've been thinking for the grandkids.

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:36 am

Boys,

I am unlikely to get such guns for myself. I am afraid that I am ruined by my beloved Shiloh, Big Nose Kate, and my .500 Linebaugh.

But, the practical side of me knows that neiter are as versitile as the two mentioned in my initial post.

Whit Spurzon · Post by **Whit Spurzon** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:04 am

I've done a good deal of hunting with my 1895GS guide gun and it is hard for me to imagine a more perfect hunting tool. A couple of Elk seasons back the buckle broke on my sling and I elected to just pack the GG around in my hands rather than try to fix it. I was impressed how easily it carried even crawling in the thick stuff. The only time I missed the sling was when it got so steep that handhold's were needed.

On Elk and Black Bear the performance of a cast bullet jogging along at around 1300-1400 fps can best be described as devastating. Complete penetration, excellent wound channels and no tracking required.

Most often I pair this rifle up with a Ruger Single Six. Mainly I use it for Grouse though I did have occasion to use it for signaling when I was temporarily confused about my relative location and camp a few years back...

http://www.grovestreet.com/PicPage.do?id=1205877

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:47 am

That combo will certainly handle the 200 yd, range. And these would be a reasonable substitute for the guide gun I would imagine.

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:27 am

Old Savage wrote:That combo will certainly handle the 200 yd, range. And these would be a reasonable substitute for the guide gun I would imagine.

I sure like those military carbines. Spent a lot of time shooting one in .50-70 out to a bit over 600yds last June. It will wear you out to shoot it a bunch at one time, but for a hunting weapon, it is hard to beat.

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:42 am

I believe you have demonstated that they will fill a wide range of roles for the man who wants to learn to use one. It is more of a challenge than the scoped Marlin with it.

Post by **Hobie** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:07 am

It is interesting that I've come close to this...

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:32 am

For me and many others growing up in wisconsin a pump 12 gauge shotgun and a winchester 94 was standard issue. Also a winchester model 62 pump .22.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:18 pm

ScottT wrote:I have put a lot of thought into this of late. If I want to put away certain guns for my little boy, they should be useful guns. Guns in calibers that can easily and efficiently be loaded with cast bullets. Accurate, powerful and durable guns that will outlast me.

Such a combination would be difficult to beat. Affordable and not difficult to find. Both can be loaded extremely light for new shooters and adaptable to growing intrests and experiences. I shot a lot of 45-70s as a kid. Mostly light handloads in Trapdoors. Wasn't until I was in my 20s and 30s that I found they could be such fire breathing dragons and even more fun.

Plus I would imagine that this little guy growing up around the classic big bores you own that he'd be thrilled to receive his own pair of Big Boy Guns!!

Planning similar sets for our boys.

ceb · Post by **ceb** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:37 pm

Well, I've got the SBH covered by a 4 5/8 stainless, It is my favorite field gun. Don't own a 45/70, will a 1968 .444 do?

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:16 pm

ScottT wrote:First, the Marlin Guide Gun. It is powerful and efficient. It can take on anything from small game to the biggest game on this continent. I think that this should be the official assault rifle of the redneck brigades.

Amen, brother. I just about pulled the trigger (so to speak) to get an 1895GS, but decided to re-build the 'puter at the last moment. So now I can get onto Leverguns.Com and feel bad about not getting the Guide Gun in half the time!

(This 'puter reincarnation is an AMD Athlon X2 6400+ 3.4GHz, ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe MBoard, 4GB DDR2 RAM, 1TB SATA drive, twice pipes & Tuck-in-roll)
Tom

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:43 pm

Your concept is 100% Sound. I've taken the liberty of having a 6.5" Power Ported 629 instead of the Ruger....I don't load max and the Ruger Single Actions don't fit me properly.

Nazgul · Post by **Nazgul** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:12 pm

600 Nitro Express double, and a 4" barrel 500 S&W.

Don't have to carry matches.

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:25 pm

Here is the one I would add to the 44 for an open sight combo, a 444 Big Bore.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:04 pm

Hey Old Savage, Nice 94 BB. I traded one just like it sans the fancy lever to 2row about 5 years ago. It had a 1/18 twist so it would stabilize the heavies well, unlike some of the shadows and othe BB's that had a myriad of slower twists.

505stevec · Post by **505stevec** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:27 pm

I have a Browning 1886 and love that. I do however like the guide gun. I have considered adding it to the list of "must haves". It is a handy size and a really like the saineless finish. This rifle really speaks "all around outdoors gun" to me also. This one in my opinion would be better to have bump around and if it gets a little dinged up oh well. My hand gun is my S&W 686 in .357 mag. Or my Ruger Vaqueros in .45 Colt.

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:32 am

'T'ain't a Guide Gun but I'm happy with my 45/70 "Smelly Nelly"...

and my Taurus model 44 fills the bill in the 44 mag department.

Batmann · Post by **Batmann** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:41 pm

No .45-70 or Super Blackhawk, but will a M94 in .30-30 and a S&W 629 "Mountain Gun" do?

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:12 pm

I'm not saying you cannot have other guns, but there are things you cannot do with a .30-30 rifle and a .357 revolver.

There really isn't anything you cannot do with a .45-70 and a .44 mag revolver.

cowboykell · Post by **cowboykell** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:57 pm

I think most folks would be best served with a Marlin 336 in 30-30 and a Browning Buckmark .22

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:16 pm

ScottT wrote:I'm not saying you cannot have other guns, but there are things you cannot do with a .30-30 rifle and a .357 revolver.

There really isn't anything you cannot do with a .45-70 and a .44 mag revolver.

Yep. and If I didn't already have all the dies and components for the 480 I'd be getting a Redhawk .44mag. I agonized over that for awhile.

Meeteetse · Post by **Meeteetse** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:06 pm

Don't currently own a 45/70 but I've been pretty happy with my Win. Mdl 94 30/30 that I have been toting around for about 45 years. It has handled all my needs.

For several years a Ruger single six was my constant companion, but in the 1970's I added a Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt. I have now added a SBH .44. Occasionally I pair up the SBH with my Marlin 1894 - .44mag (24" bbl.) as very comfortable companions.

I will say this post has stirred up an interest in a 45/70, but I think mine would have to be like ScottT's, a Big Nose Kate.

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:41 pm

cowboykell wrote:I think most folks would be best served with a Marlin 336 in 30-30 and a Browning Buckmark .22

Well, you go over there and sit in the corner with "most folks." But remember, "most folks" are not levergunners.

41_Marlin · Post by **41_Marlin** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:08 am

45-70 sure do seem to be very accurate rifles.

But I can't help but remembering John Wayne's character ridiculing
Glen Cambell's character in "True Grit" everytime I think about getting
one.

Now if the Post was titled "The Two Best Values for Serious Outdoorsmen"
I'd have to agree 100%.

Living in Florida and hunting in Alabama where a good sized German Sheppard makes a mature Buck look small, I'll take a muzzleloader
over a Guide Gun any day. Now I do suppose some folks would say
if yer "Serious" then you should have at least one Bear Hunt planned.
Well in that case I guess I'm not "Serious". I do get into the woods
every chance I get, and I always leave the places I visit better off
than I found em. I also find that with some skill you can get within 25 yards of any critter you want to kill in the dense brush and swamps I hunt. So I always did consider myself a "Serious Outdoorsman".

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:02 am

41_Marlin wrote:Living in Florida and hunting in Alabama where a good sized German Sheppard makes a mature Buck look small, I'll take a muzzleloader
over a Guide Gun any day. Now I do suppose some folks would say
if yer "Serious" then you should have at least one Bear Hunt planned.
Well in that case I guess I'm not "Serious". I do get into the woods
every chance I get, and I always leave the places I visit better off
than I found em. I also find that with some skill you can get within 25 yards of any critter you want to kill in the dense brush and swamps I hunt. So I always did consider myself a "Serious Outdoorsman".

+1

.In my area of Alabama your statement applies spot on.I usually stalk hunt.I either tote a sixgun or a 92 rossi for Deer or Hog(45 colt).The foliage is so thick you would be hard put to get a shot over 25 yards.

cowboykell · Post by **cowboykell** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:10 am

"Most folks" don't need magnums or .45 cal. to compensate for poor marksmanship.

Jeff Quinn · Post by **Jeff Quinn** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:35 am

I tend to agree on the usefulness of the Guide Gun. Been upgrading mine a bit recently. Details here:
http://www.gunblast.com/Leupold-Custom4570.htm

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:13 am

rangerider7 wrote:The same as my hog combo, but I might sub in my Winchester Model 71 in 348 once in a while.

I can go along with ol' Range Rider, I could probably survive 30 or 45 minutes out in the woods with a Blackhawk chambered in 45 Colt, and packing my .348 Winchester. But I might just have to take the Super Blackhawk.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:19 am

if I were going to 45-70 I'd get the full rifle, not the guide gun. Even serious outdoorsmen may not like the extra blast or recoil.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:06 pm

Booger Bill · Post by **Booger Bill** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:23 pm

How do you find a 8 year old thread? Anyway that's the fun part. There are uncountable brands, models and calibers out there. A case can be made for most of em. We all have favorites. My biggest problem if I ever got called out on short notice and there was no escaping it, I would have a devil of a time deciding what gun I was going to choose!

Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.

Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.

Re: Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.

Re: Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.

Re: Two guns that no serious outdoorsman should be without.