What's your favorite big game capable walking gun?

Jason_W · Post by **Jason_W** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:34 am

By walking gun I mean something that's handy to carry on an all day trek through the woods.

Mine is my Marlin 1894C, but at some point I may get something with a bigger bore.

I consider my 336 in .35 Rem to be my long range gun.

3leggedturtle · Post by **3leggedturtle** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:50 am

For a day or less Marlin 1895 22" 45/70, more than a day Puma 45 colt SS with a stiff load behind Lee RFN 255 gr boolit

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:59 am

I carry a 1886 Winchester 33 WCF half mag when I just walk the woods for deer or hogs. It's old but feels great and shoots great.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:02 pm

this year, will probably be one of my double rifles, either 9,3x74R, or the paradox in 12bore, 2 1/2". After that, probably my 92 in .357. or my 1886 in 45-70. then there is the .475 Linebaugh. I have too many favorites.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:05 pm

45/70

RSY · Post by **RSY** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:11 pm

Light and handy on one end, authoritative on the other.

The "other" .375...

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:12 pm

I have a 1936 era Winchester carbine that would fit that bill. It has a redfeild peep on it. 30-30 is enough for any big critters found in this area... and works well enough on coyotes, bobcats and armodillos.

I need to post a picture of this gun... I own 7 1894's and the '36 model is just beat up enough I dont worry about putting some more "laugh lines" on the old gal.

levergroup.jpg

GoatGuy · Post by **GoatGuy** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:16 pm

For me on an all day woods hike, a 5 1/2" barrel stainless Super Blackhawk, stoked with the mid-range .44 mag load it favors. In addition, another six mid-range and six "full on" loads in an MTM Ammo Wallet carried in my hip pocket. Should handle any of the ordinary situations I'm liable to encounter in my neck of the woods.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:21 pm

Alaskan Walking Stick2.png

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:29 pm

this year I want to take a deer with my
win model 94 legacy in 38-55 with 26" round barrel with 4 rounds in it
its not heavy at all........
or win model 94 in 44 mag with 20" barrel

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:32 pm

356 Winchester in my 336ER or 45-70 in the 1895G

ab4ka · Post by **ab4ka** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:30 pm

it would have to be my Winchester 94 .30-30, considering that's the only one I've got right now bigger than a .22

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:40 pm

Either my Taurus 431 in 44 SPL or my Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt. They pack nice and tight to the body allowing one the use of hands for negotiating tough spots in the trail, etc.

86er · Post by **86er** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:54 pm

Now is this just a "trek in the woods" as you put it or am I intentionally hunting? For woods walking I'd have my CA 44 Special or Taurs 45LC 2". If I were jump shooting deer or hogs, probably a 94 in 45 Colt. If I were hunting all day I'd more than likely carry the 1886EL if the cover was thick and ranges short or the Sav 99 in 308 if there were open area/shots.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:00 pm

If I'm hunting, it's prolly the 1895GS with my 405 Rem handloads, and a AirLite .22 JFrame for grouse/whatever.

A walk in the woods could just be the .357 JFrame, or if I feel the need for a long gun, the 1894 .44mag...actually, any of my small or big bore levers....

GoatGuy · Post by **GoatGuy** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:13 pm

What's your favorite big game capable walking gun?

AmBraCol wrote: ..... They pack nice and tight to the body allowing one the use of hands for negotiating tough spots in the trail, etc.

Just what I was driving at in my first reply to this post.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:40 pm

Depends on the time of year, and exactly where I'm walking. In winter, I'll carry a little less rifle when the bears are supposed to be sleeping. In open country, I like some reach, and have taken the 30-30 less, and the scoped 308 or 30-06 more. This also has something to do with more bear problems the past few years, and the realization that they don't stay in "bear zones" or areas traditionally considered bear areas. The glass also gives me much better ability to see whan it gets dark early. Even moonlight is shootable light with decent glass. Up in the trees, I sometimes take the 86 carbine, or the 71, if its mixed country, and good light. The 35 Whelen bolt also is getting some carry time. This is all just walking. When actually "hunting" its most often a scoped bolt gun in '06 or 35 Whelen. The 375 H&H has been hard to shoot with my shoulder being out of whack.

Always have a 44 or 45 sixgun on when out, no matter where or what I'm doing.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:03 pm

Always -- any of my .45 Colt-caliber Single Action revolvers.

If I take along a rifle, it's normally a '73 clone in .45 Colt. Nothing around here that can't be 'taken' with a 250-gr slug at 1430 fps.

Where things could get decidedly Western, and in a hurry, the long gun will be my '86 Extra Light in .45-70.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:21 pm

hmmm revolvers well
accusport bisley 45 colt

or 44 ruger

reddnek · Post by **reddnek** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:10 pm

my marlin 336 in 30-30 or my 44 mag ruger super blackhawk

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:38 pm

I'm considering weight to be a factor so will probably switch to the 1894c, and I may order a Handi-Rifle Superlight Compact in .243. The HR would weigh only 6 lbs with scope, and I could get factory ammo with unleaded varmint grenade or TSX bullets.

I haven't developed a copper load for .357 yet, but I have the bullets. The 1894c weighs 6 lbs without scope.

76/444 · Post by **76/444** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:48 pm

Walking, riding, packing, business or pleasure, 24/7.... nothing says it like a 444.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:50 pm

Hey txpete! Who did the leather for your 45?

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:56 pm

http://cid-37700c349c0618b4.skydrive.li ... lbums.aspx

wes does some fine work and he also did a shoulder holster for a hunting buds 44 smith.I give him a big thumbs up.
pete

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:01 pm

These days, I pretty much always have my .45 Colt Blackhawk at hand. The rifles only come out when actually hunting.

tman · Post by **tman** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:10 pm

rifle; 94bb .356. handgun; if there's bears around, 4" 357 loaded with 180gr. buffaloe bore. otherwise; glock 27-13 shot mag.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:33 pm

txpete wrote:http://cid-37700c349c0618b4.skydrive.li ... lbums.aspx

wes does some fine work and he also did a shoulder holster for a hunting buds 44 smith.I give him a big thumbs up.
pete

Hmmm.... Your link doesn't work for me.

barbarossa · Post by **barbarossa** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:53 pm

Though I just got it before the season started my favourite is my Remington 81 in 35 rem.I m hooked on them and I m thinking on starting a collection.

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:17 pm

Mine is my 336 Scout Rifle in 30-30AI. If I'm walking in the mtns. or on horseback (nag) I leave the scope off. When out like that I'm usually after small game & take 20 or so of my favorite load. I've come home with a load of rabbits more than a few times. I'm so tuned into the 30 WCF thanks to Fadala that I no longer use most of my stuff.

Just being out and away from civilization is really reward enough.
LB

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:44 pm

Older 444 Marlin with a receiver sight. Nothing carries as nice as a balanced lever action without a scope. Second choice was a Ruger #1 375 H&H with a receiver sight, action a little too fat and a touch barrel heavy but it was a nice handling stalking rifle. I carry all day and keep my sling in a pack using it only when I need my hands to climb.

A fulltime sling and scoped bolt action is my worst rifle to carry.

RKrodle · Post by **RKrodle** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:48 pm

For me it would be my 94 45 colt trapper.

coachise · Post by **coachise** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:59 pm

I'm with RSW on this one, my 94BB in 375 Win. Perfect.

Poohgyrr · Post by **Poohgyrr** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:01 pm

Around here there isn't much a pair of heavy loaded .44 Specials can't handle.

SmokeEater2 · Post by **SmokeEater2** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:14 pm

Marlin 1894FG .41 magnum. Fast,light and quick handling,in my eyes it's the perfect woods bumming rifle.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:28 pm

I've packed a 12 lbs. Sharps elk hunting in the Cascades for days. It isn't the easiest, but it wasn't the hardest either. And, that's without a sling. Depending on where I'm going and what I expect to see, anywhere from my '86 in 45-90 to my '94 in 30-30. I always pack a sidearm and it's at least 45 Colt caliber.

L_Kilkenny · Post by **L_Kilkenny** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:30 pm

ab4ka wrote:it would have to be my Winchester 94 .30-30, considering that's the only one I've got right now bigger than a .22

Ditto here. Although my top end on .22's is a .22-250 I still wouldn't call it a big game gun. You could also toss in my .357 Security Six but I'd just as soon not deal with the blast and carry a long gun anyway.

LK

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:37 pm

Win 94 Wrangler in 32 special attached to a saddle ring sling. You hardly even notice it's there.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:56 am

Usually for just wandering the trails it's my Marlin 94P/ .44
but lately I've been toting around the Model 99 / 30-30 I got last summer.
Really like that little carbine.

jb

NonPCnraRN · Post by **NonPCnraRN** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:14 pm

tman wrote:rifle; 94bb .356. handgun; if there's bears around, 4" 357 loaded with 180gr. buffaloe bore. otherwise; glock 27-13 shot mag.

Is the mag for the Glock 27 from a Glock 23? Or do you have one of those magazine extenders that gives the grip a longer area to hold onto and increases capacity? Mine holds 10 rounds, but I don't know if that is because it is a California 10 round mag.

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:51 pm

Seems lately I've been grab'n my '94 Timber Carbine chambered for .444, but my general all time snatch it as I walk out the door has mostly been my '94 Trapper chambered for .44 Mag. That little Trapper has taken everything from regular Whitetails to a 310 lb Black Bear and a 4 X 4 Bull Elk up in the BitterRoot down by the Clark Fork...so I guess it can do the job 'cause it is experienced. Then again, that Timber Carbine has actually taken the biggest Whitetail I've ever gotten a dressed out 240#er, that'd put him at around 300# on the hoof. That being said, gotta pretty good size doe a few years back with my 7 1/2" Ruger BlackHawk spit'n out a 270 grain LFN w/GC and 10.5 grains of Unique from about forty yards.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:27 pm

Handguns in Deer Country - Redhawk or Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum.
Handguns in Grizzly Country - .454 Casull, .500 S&W, or .460 S&W (none of which I have)
Handguns in Africa - .460 S&W (as long as my companion runs slower than me, and has a .700 Nitro Express

)

Levergun Carbines in Deer Country - .44 Mag Marlin 1894 or .357 Mag Marlin 1894 with 180gr loads
Levergun Carbines in Grizzly Country - .45-70 Guide Gun (4-shot), or .454 Casull Puma (10-shot..

),
Levergun Carbines in Africa - .45-70 Guide Gun (as long as my companion runs slower than me, and has a .700 Nitro Express

)

Rifles - same as above, but if I were in Africa I'd pick a double breakopen or a short-throw bolt-gun in .416 Ruger.

Disclaimer - I don't live in Grizzly country, and I never have been to Africa...

tman · Post by **tman** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:04 pm

NonPCnraRN wrote:
tman wrote:rifle; 94bb .356. handgun; if there's bears around, 4" 357 loaded with 180gr. buffaloe bore. otherwise; glock 27-13 shot mag.
Is the mag for the Glock 27 from a Glock 23? Or do you have one of those magazine extenders that gives the grip a longer area to hold onto and increases capacity? Mine holds 10 rounds, but I don't know if that is because it is a California 10 round mag.

it's the 23 mag without any extensions.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:59 pm

For me that's easy: my Ruger BH in .45LC.

Not only is it the most portable of my rigs but it's the most powerful too.

GoatGuy · Post by **GoatGuy** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:47 pm

Hey Andrew, haven't seen you around here much in the last little bit. Good choice ... and sound reasoning for choosing your Ruger Blackhawk!

Warhawk · Post by **Warhawk** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:08 am

S&W 629 Mountain Gun ...

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:48 am

With my bad knee, I reckon a walking stick would be mandated if moving through the woods on broken ground, here in the nearby thickets of East Texas, so a walkin' gun would be the same thing as a PPP, Perfect Packin' Pistol. That would be a toss-up between a .357 double-action GP100 or a .45 single-action, probably my Accusport Ruger Bisley Convertible with the .45 Colt cylinder in place. Now, if we are meaning rifles, well, one of my Browning BLRs in .308 is the obvious choice; easy to tote in one hand, and able to reach across the local Texas coastal prairie.

The ONE favorite, if pressed to pick one, among these three would be the GP100 that saw me through a shooting incident in 1993 it is my favorite firearm, period. A .357 mag will kill anything that walks the earth here in Texas. This does not mean I would purposely go hunting big game with a 4" .357 sixgun.

zack coyote · Post by **zack coyote** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:29 am

Rossi trapper, in .45 Colt goes with when I walk the woods around my house almost every day. We have plenty of Hog sign, but my Lab, who acts like an unruly child, keeps me from connecting. The gun is almost as handy as a handgun.

Meeteetse · Post by **Meeteetse** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:17 pm

Growing up in the Rocky Mtns in the 1950's and 60's I had two choices for a rifle. A Winchester 30/30 or an A3/03 Springfield in 30/06. As a kid, the obvious choice, because of weight and recoil, was the Winchester and I still use one today. I've tried several others and own several other choices but there is no easier carrying rifle than the Winchester 30/30. I often add a handgun, either a Single six .22 or SBH in .44 and a good knife.

I have taken all the big game available in Wyoming with a 30/30 including deer, black bear, elk, antelope and moose. Wyo grizzly are not game animals but. . ., well lets just say I've scared a couple out of camp.

Now that I live in Texas, the deer are smaller, but the 30/30 still works. I'm also trying a couple of other lever gun calibers on the hogs.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:07 pm

I know it's not a lever.

But here is what I bought as a walking/pack rifle. It is a H&R Survivor in .308 it is compact only weighs less then 7lbs and has the reach and power to take about anything.

I always pack my .45 Vaquero when out hunting also. Just nice to have a side arm for times when you set your rifle down to conduct business.

66GTO · Post by **66GTO** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:19 pm

rangerider7 wrote:I carry a 1886 Winchester 33 WCF half mag when I just walk the woods for deer or hogs. It's old but feels great and shoots great.

When I grow up I want to be just like Rangerider!

Until then, I'll just walk around the woods with my Marlin 1894, .44 Rem. Mag.