Gun Manufacturers Rifle Making Suggestion

me | May 18 2012 | Yosemitest

[Yosemitest]

Gun and Rifle manufacturers, I want your attention.
I've been looking for a rifle/shotgun to take on a long hike, and there's not many choices.
Take a look at Henry's U.S. Survival AR-7.



It's a good product for backpacking, but too small on caliber.
The fact that when it's packed inside its waterproof stock, it can float if dropped into water,
and can be retrieved and will still work, is a great deciding factor.
But being a .22LR is a detractor.

Now take a look at the Rossi Circuit Judge and their many different variations.



I like the 3-inch Magnum .410 gauge and .45 Colt varity that can also shoot 2.5-inch shotgun shells in .410 ga.
At 85 and 1/2 ounces, that's pretty good and a lot of choices, from shooting birds, to defending against bears.
A stainless steel model is a must on the trail, due to 100 percent chance of getting rained on, and on a long hike, probably getting dropped.
But, we need the capability of breaking the rifle down and putting it in the backpack, similar to Henry's AR-7.
Rossi's Circuit Judge doesn't offer this. Here's where someone can make some money, building a rifle that would fit this need.

The main goal is to keep the total pack weight down, to preferably under 30 pounds.

Rossi offers a model with a Black Tactical "Blued" barrel and a Black Synthetic Stock that only weighs 75 ounces,
but a hiker needs a stainless steel or weatherproof finish and prefers
"the pieces when disassembled, fit inside a impact-resistant, waterproof stock, which will float."


Okay builders, any thoughts?

[Yosemitest]

Good question, I also intend on carrying a machete, but that not much help.

The only time I need the rifle broken down is when I have to go into a store to buy supplies, or come into a campground where there's children.

[Yosemitest]

I just wish some company would build and sell something like the Circuit Judge with a stock and breakdown capability like Henry's AR-7.
Right now, the Circuit Judge is on top of my list.

[Yosemitest]

Thanks again.

[Yosemitest]

Just click on the photo. It’ll take you straight to it.

[Errant]

They've gone up in price some. About $500.00 now, and weigh 7 lbs empty.

A little heavy but nothing comes close to a shotgun's multipurpose capabilities.

[Yosemitest]

I've got a Garand, but it's too heavy, and there wouldn't be nothing left of a quail.

[Yosemitest]

"Don’t use stinger ammo in the 10/22."

Why?

[Yosemitest]

I did 2 years at Plattsburg AFB New York.

[Yosemitest]

Yes, long guns are not a problem across state lines. Hand guns are the headache.

[cayuga]

New Jersey, New York good luck with that, being from out of state ha ha ha.

I spent a year in PRNJ, and found out that you can't even buy a pellet rifle without a ton of paperwork and approval from the rulers.

I wouldn't try to carry a weapon there, and I wouldn't be on a trail there unarmed.

[Yosemitest]

"you don’t want a big noise signature"

... Point well taken.

[ansel12]

If you do settle on a 22, there is always this one.

[FLAMING DEATH]

While we’re at it:

I’d like a midweight .223 auto...
that was as reliable as an AK...
that takes AR mags...
with lightweight aluminum or stamped steel construction, designed from the outset to work with a piston mechanism, and accepts a folding stock (no buffer tube).

Accuracy isn’t paramount. 2” groups at 100 would make me happy.

Don’t get me wrong. I like AR’s, but want something that’s almost zero maintenance, without the infuriating “star chamber”.

The .223 AK and Mini 14 are close, but take special mags. The Kel-Tec SU 16 from a functionality standpoint is perfect (except for the aforementioned star chamber), but there’s too much plastic. Not that I’m opposed to that, but I worry about long term durability.

There’s really nothing out there that fits this niche.

Is there?

[taxcontrol]

Modify the AR7 to support either: .22 mag, .223, 7mm-08 or 9x23

[eartick]

headspace issues. resulting in overpressure and booooooom

[Ratman83]

Passing thru they will give you a very hard time.

[FLAMING DEATH]

Do you have one of those?

I came within a frog’s hair of buying one. Went with an AR instead. And it won’t fire steel cased ammo (at least not for long). Wonder if the SU would be any better?

[Yosemitest]

$500.00 is a little less than the Circuit Judge, and 7 lbs is a little heavy, but not much.
I agree with you about a shotgun's multipurpose capabilities, and I have several 12 gauges already.
That one could be put into a quick draw position on the pack.
It IS a thought to consider, but it'd be louder than the Circuit Judge.

[tacticalogic]

They’re definitely pricey, but you don’t necessarily have to buy new, and it’s pretty hard to wear one out.