horsemans mountain rifle

[Varberger757]

Tell us more about the blaser 95k .Have you tried this? thanks

About 1/2 year ago I started an own thread about this topic on LRH. Lots of good infirmation to find there also!
I tried several different rifles of this kind, among them Blaser K95, Merkel K3 + 4 and Kieghoff's version. SSBA - rifles are extremely popular among mountain hunters over here, and that by very good reason. All of these guns are very precise, short(!!) and of very low weight. With the K95 you have various opportunities of using Blaser's switchbarrel system as well, also with the other companies. You'll find Blaser's genious scope mountingsystem on it which makes it extremely easy to switch scopes as well. And it doesn't matter what (barrels/scopes) and how often you switch, the POI stays always the same. As well you'll find all your popular American LR - calibres like 7mmRM, 300WM and also some Wby like 257, 270 etc. For all calibres stronger than 7mmRM you are absolutely in need of a good muzzle brake. Light weight rifles and highpower ammo can be hard to stand ... Personally I would go for the great rimmed 30R Blaser (almost the same performance than 300WM). It's to be said that rimmed cases normally should work better in these kind of systems, but it's all about preferences. If you will go for one you won't regret it, that's for sure. gun)

 

[Broz]

For my particular needs and preferences I do not need or want a light rifle. Also the longest distance one would ever shoot comes into play. I live and hunt where shooting from one ridge across a canyon to the other side where you can see is often done. These distances will often be in the 700 to 800 yards range. So I prefer to keep some weight and rigidity in the barrel. This will also allow better use of a little larger diameter brake that will be more efficient. Since this is a rifle specifically designed for horseback the few extra pounds of weight will pay off in stability and I already carry an 11 lb. rifle so a 9 or 10 would not be a problem for short ventures on foot should they occur.

I have carried the scabbard in different locations on the saddle as was previously described. The position shown on Omar in the pic I posted, was what I felt best protected the rifle and scope that day. Remember, this was a McMillan stocked 300 win with a 28" barrel plus a 1 1/2" brake. On top this rifle was a Nightforce NXS 5.5~22 with a 56mm bell mounted with a 30 moa rail. A long range rig for sure, a saddle rifle not so much. Thus the reason I see the need to slim it down and shorten it some.

Although I ride very well broke horses Tony is correct. The next wreck could be just around the corner where you meet the Griz or Mountain lion. So I have no desire for a wood stocked rifle or a thin barrel. I have decided I need to assemble my rifle from scratch. That way I can put all the effort possible into making it a tank. Strong, holding zero after being carried for miles, occasional bumps and bends in the scabbard and still holding zero is of huge importance to me. The rifle is going to get rough treatment. What it looks like make little difference to me.

Jeff

 

[tony m]

Hello-All, no wonder there is not #1 undisputed mtn rifle, every one of us has different needs.With some colts ,I 'd hestitate to put an expensive saddle on,let alone a prized rifle.For myself,the rifle is a tool,holds poi, light ,handy and an alternate jack handle) Hell, my wife is beautiful,rope horse is pretty-rifle is not,but needs to be plain reliable.I know myself well enough here, boys..What says you? take care.

 

[Broz]

boys..What says you?.

What say me? I love a 16 yr old gelding with experience, women much older with like experience, as well as a good proven rifle... I have all 3 that have earned my trust so I am simply a happy man.

Jeff

 

[tony m]

Ha! Happy is a choice - Somehow, life's a simple thing,what goes around comes around and never shun the wisdom of your elders.Glad to know you really like the grey too.Cheers

 

[Elkhunter1983]

Picked a rifle up a year or so ago just for this purpose. Found a 95 winchester reproduction re barreled in a 280 rem with a 24 inch #4 contour with a ladder full buckhorn on the backend. Holds right around 1.5 to 2" groups at 200. Fits in a scabbard great.

 

[HARPERC]

With some colts ,I 'd hestitate to put an expensive saddle on,let alone a prized rifle.

Some colts, some days, a good rifle may be the only way to get your tack back.....gun)

 

[tony m]

So I see..you have been to the valley of shadow of death ..too.Per chance ..a Mr Longears?

 

[HARPERC]

So I see..you have been to the valley of shadow of death ..too.Per chance ..a Mr Longears?

My only mule was limited mostly by my ability. Put a good start on her, and then sold her to an old guy that knew what he was doing and put a great finish on her.

Mostly I've been privileged to spend time on good ones. I however can swear the best rodeos aren't in Calgary, Cheyenne, Pendleton, or Las Vegas. The rides last as long as they last, are scored pass fail, and the altitude and airspeed of of a camp stove leaving a pannier would impress even the folks at NASA.

 

[tony m]

Little off this threads direction ..but some are dandy..Had the privilege to head off several of these creatures,.would rope the steer ok..turned them with a piece bicycle chain in their mouth though.was on the bucket list.take care

 

[tony m]

short,clean,accurate-perhaps a single shot,25/06 rem (24" barrel).fits a scabbard or gun boot easily,will have compact scope.must hold poi.Is there anything out there?Pretty does not matter.I have good bolt action rifles,ruger#1 and used several lever action rifles.Nothing really designed for this exclusive purpose that I can see .Custom job?This seems to be no mans land to me.thanks

Y'now one thing about being injured-no chores and time on his hands.So What about the Browning BLR takedown?Not in 25/06 but has anyone used this? Looks well made.Thanks

 

[bigngreen]

Diggn this thread!! I have a goal to build thee perfect ranch, horse, truck rifle, grew up ranching and never was without an old beater rifle that was good for shooting coyotes, elk, high headed cows, or pop cans when you should be fixing fence

I've come very close to building what I'd deem the perfect ranch rifle, I've nailed the stock down to the Precision Stock Works rifleman stock, the fit is great in many positions but still settles real good on a bag for long range work.
I want to try to use a Defiance Deviant action for the next run, I like the integral lug and having the base machined into it taking any worry about those two items out of the equation.
A Nightforce 2.5-10 locked down in Nightforce rings would be ideal, keeping the profile down but still retaining the ability to dial out and touch something that thinks it's out of range.
Barrel would be a #6 fluted or #5 standard, for myself I'd chamber it in my little 6.5 SS so I could run a short action should still run a 160 Matrix 3000 fps with a 24 inch barrel but it would not need a brake and it would run through the mag like butter. Good deep crown to keep things all happy on the muzzle end while riding in a scabbard or floor boards.
That should put me right at 8-8.5 lbs without the bipod, which I'd run a detachable mount for.

 

[royinidaho]

Yep, a great thread.

My saddle gun, in fact my only gun for 40 years, was my Fajen thumbhole stocked 270 Winny w/a 24" bbl and Leupold VX-II 3-9.

I made my own scabbard which left the butt stock stick out. I hung it on the horn vertically. Only bad thing was the thumbhole to the butt plate was above the top of the horn.

Two instances readily come to mind. One was being bucked off and tracking the horse for 20 minutes hoping I had a whole rifle when I found her.

Second was when the two other fellas decided to push a canyon on foot an head for camp. I was chosen to take the horses. I was instructed to ride the bay, not my horse, as she hesitated crossing water. Yep, at the first trickle of a creek she hesitated. My horse, with the rifle sticking up, and the other horse blasted by and away they went.

I went back to camp fully expecting to be greeted by the two nags. Didn't happen. A little after dark, hours later, here they come trotting home. Yep, my rifle was intact.

I had it all worked out when I was going to be afoot with a goat packing the rifle. With me now on a donk w/the goats packing I'll have to work something out. Don't know what but I bet its unique.

Also, as with Jeff, the use will be mainly for woofs. My 28" plus a short brake in 270 Am @ 12 pounds will suit me just fine.

 

[tony m]

You folks make it for me.Lot's of experience and it is great to hear it.Delivering your goods, horseback to the chosen destination is a key thing-sounds easy until you try it..Interesting to hear thte wolf artillery out there too.You really launch 'em.Here , I might be wrong but believe few are shot, some are snared.Happy Easter.