As I have posted before, I have been on the never ending search for a "walk-about" rifle and kit. During our last snow I put a lot of effort into coming up with the kit only to find that the rifle I was basing the kit on wouldn't shoot to my standards. Out went the all- weather lightweight Ruger and in comes the Marlin.
I wanted a rifle I could carry on my walks and rely on when needed. Also I wanted to be able to carry a few items that would come in handy but not overload myself. If it gets too heavy, you leave it behind. My choice my not suit everyone. Living in NC and doing most of my wandering on my own land in the foothills, what I may come across will be different than someone in the Rocky's. My biggest concern is feral dogs. I can add bobcats, feral pigs, and even a black bear at times. Now the bobcats and black bears are welcome to hang around as long as they leave me alone but the dogs and pigs have to go!
This past weekend I came across a new rifle and it just jumped out at me. It's a 1894P Marlin based on their "Guide Gun" but in 44mag. It has a 16.25" ported barrel and weights only 5.75 lbs. Now that is handy! Being a 44, I would consider this a 100 yd. weapon. So the first thing I did was order a Leupold/Gilmer red dot sight for it. Then I got home and started playing with the leather.
The first shot is the total kit waiting on the sight.
The items are as follows.
1. A Jerry Hossom Hunter/Killer model knife and sheath. The sheath also carries an ARC light.
2. The rifle sling with 15' of paracord wrapped around the bottom. A comnpass is sewn in along with a pouch and top attachment loop. The pouch holds a Boy Scout firesteel, sharpener, and small vail for asprin or tinder. A Photon light and whistle are hooked to the loop at the top of the sling. The last item for the sling is my "harpoon" which will be lashed into the paracord keeping it out of the way but available.
3. The buttstock cover carries an additional 5 rounds of 44. The rifle carries 8 rds.
4. My cell phone so I can call a taxi if needed.
The second shot is just the rifle with the buttstock cover in place.
The rifle with sling, 13 rds, and all of the other items weights a total of 7.5 lbs. On my belt I will have a total of .75 lbs for the knife and sheath with light and 4.5 ounces for the phone.
LETS GO FOR A WALK.
I wanted a rifle I could carry on my walks and rely on when needed. Also I wanted to be able to carry a few items that would come in handy but not overload myself. If it gets too heavy, you leave it behind. My choice my not suit everyone. Living in NC and doing most of my wandering on my own land in the foothills, what I may come across will be different than someone in the Rocky's. My biggest concern is feral dogs. I can add bobcats, feral pigs, and even a black bear at times. Now the bobcats and black bears are welcome to hang around as long as they leave me alone but the dogs and pigs have to go!
This past weekend I came across a new rifle and it just jumped out at me. It's a 1894P Marlin based on their "Guide Gun" but in 44mag. It has a 16.25" ported barrel and weights only 5.75 lbs. Now that is handy! Being a 44, I would consider this a 100 yd. weapon. So the first thing I did was order a Leupold/Gilmer red dot sight for it. Then I got home and started playing with the leather.
The first shot is the total kit waiting on the sight.
The items are as follows.
1. A Jerry Hossom Hunter/Killer model knife and sheath. The sheath also carries an ARC light.
2. The rifle sling with 15' of paracord wrapped around the bottom. A comnpass is sewn in along with a pouch and top attachment loop. The pouch holds a Boy Scout firesteel, sharpener, and small vail for asprin or tinder. A Photon light and whistle are hooked to the loop at the top of the sling. The last item for the sling is my "harpoon" which will be lashed into the paracord keeping it out of the way but available.
3. The buttstock cover carries an additional 5 rounds of 44. The rifle carries 8 rds.
4. My cell phone so I can call a taxi if needed.
The second shot is just the rifle with the buttstock cover in place.
The rifle with sling, 13 rds, and all of the other items weights a total of 7.5 lbs. On my belt I will have a total of .75 lbs for the knife and sheath with light and 4.5 ounces for the phone.
LETS GO FOR A WALK.
