Falco 0 Posted January 4, 2013 OK, I'm looking for a backpacking rifle, i want something that is totally take down, and has the benefit of a full size rifle. i shoot left handed! I also plan to use only iron sights. here are some things I have made some pros and cons about; Henry -smaller -water proof and floats( when stowed) -high vis sights -is very bulbous, on the left side, which seems a bit rough since I'm a southpaw Marlin -has option of stainless steel -stainless could be too shiny -not as compact -breaks down into only 2 pieces both are .22LR, comparable in price, made in this continent and are OK size wise. I'm urging voters to search these rifles, and make the call, I'm really torn as to which to choose! Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwatmo 2 Posted January 4, 2013 I would have to choose the AR 7, based on longevity as well as the compact size (Stores in the butt sealed and water tight). Just my 2 cents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede 4 Posted January 4, 2013 I have the Papoose stainless, .22 auto, 7and 10 round clips, red dot sight stainless, floating carrying case, fast and no jamming as yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 4, 2013 swede-bulk ammo or good stuff? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede 4 Posted January 4, 2013 swede-bulk ammo or good stuff? Any of the small caliber autos should stick to copper clad bullets to cut down on lead build up in the breach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razor sharp 0 Posted January 4, 2013 I really like that little rifle swede has. It would be my choice for a 22. Backpacking rifle. I think a breach loading single shot over and under 22- 410 that breaks or folds in half would be more vercitile. You can shoot 410 slugs and colt 45(not ACP) out of one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Watcherofthewoods 0 Posted January 4, 2013 I'll pass on the ar7. I've handled them and am not a huge fan. Go with the takedown 10/22 or savage 42. The ruger 10/22 is super versatile and accurate. The savage is a 22 410 over and under. My .02 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwatmo 2 Posted January 4, 2013 I do have to agree with the Savage 22/410. (It was not one of your original options). Great gun. The biggest benefit to the AR-7 is it's compact size and water proof floating storage. No case needed. But you do give up some other features to get there. If size was not an option, I'd do the savage, if I wanted something that would actually fit in my backpack, the AR-7 is the smallest. What is the single most important feature your looking for in a backpack rifle? Take your list and assign numbers from 1 to whatever to the features (Highest number being most important feature). This will give you a matrix that you can break down pretty easily to determine the rifle that fits the features your wanting most. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 4, 2013 i have the 10/22, its not small enough, i want it to be completely packable. i DO NOT want a full size rifle, it must pack small Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razor sharp 0 Posted January 4, 2013 Another optipn would be a ruger mark II pistol with 16 in. Barrel. We could break clay pigions on the sand bank at the rang at 100 yards. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 4, 2013 cant pack pistols like that in canada Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwatmo 2 Posted January 4, 2013 AR-7 = 16.5 inches completed self contained. Papoose = 21 inches but needs bag or container Savage 22/410 = (Looks to be about 21 to 22 inches depending on model) again, needs a bag or case of some kind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razor sharp 0 Posted January 4, 2013 As long as the barrel is under 16 in. And it dosnt have a stock its legal most places in the states. Im sure s guy could engeneer something in the wilds for a stock if he had to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razor sharp 0 Posted January 4, 2013 Wrll the stock on tbe papoose and at7 is a bit bulky. A leather sleeve for the other rifles might be more compact. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 4, 2013 AR-7 = 16.5 inches completed self contained. Papoose = 21 inches but needs bag or container Savage 22/410 = (Looks to be about 21 to 22 inches depending on model) again, needs a bag or case of some kind. thats just it, i can fasion a sock or some soft case for in my pack, the self contained AR-7 is a rather hefty bulging stock and is very wide on the left side of the stock grip, i also shoot left Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simpleman 0 Posted January 4, 2013 The ar7 is smaller but I'd personally go with the papoose. However, I would rather have the 10/22 take down over all of them. It's worth the extra money in my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simpleman 0 Posted January 4, 2013 Then again, my stag breaks down pretty well with two pins. :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede 4 Posted January 4, 2013 You dont actually need the carrying bag for the papoose You could put both pieces in a gun sock. With the composite stock and stainless steel you shouldnt have to worry about scratches or damage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KentuckyWoodsman 1 Posted January 4, 2013 The AR-7 would be my pick. It has been made forever by one or more gun makers. It is a tried and true design and very easy to pack. If I was planning on taking one around water it is really the only option. That's my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Watcherofthewoods 0 Posted January 5, 2013 Another option is a Rossi single shot. You can get all kinds of different single shot barrels for them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 5, 2013 again, full size gun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falco 0 Posted January 5, 2013 compact is the key, a 10/22 takedown is the same size as the 10/22 carbine i already own, it isnt all that small Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede 4 Posted January 5, 2013 U.S. Survival AR-7 - Black Model Number H002B Action Type Semi-automatic Caliber .22 LR Capacity 8 round magazine (comes with 2) Length 35" assembled 16.5" when stowed Weight 3.5 lbs. Stock ABS Plastic Sights Adjustable rear, blade front Finish Teflon coated receiver and coated steel barrel M.S.R.P.* $275.00 Henry makes a fine made in America rifle all the way around and they fixed any problem when they started making them. The main complaint Ive found was the sights. Your stuck with whats on there basically so open sights at approx. 35 yards keeps it out of the long gun territory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Machine 0 Posted January 5, 2013 I've never seen these in any shop around here. I wonder why? I might have to research this more. I'd like to get something like this too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites