How about the Ruger 96/44?
Sorry if I'm hi-jacking this thread :p

Ok, I guess I'll throw in my 2 cents.

If I was just going with one gun, then it would be a 12ga shotgun - pump (ie rem 870). Wide wide range of applications.

If I was just going with two guns, then the above plus a .357 revolver. An autoloader is 'sexier' but the wheel gun is much simpler, more reliable and easier to work on. If I was to be located outside the US though, I'd definitely consider something that fires 9mm.

If I was going with 3 guns, it would be the 2 above plus a .22lr rifle.

If I was going to go with 4 guns, then a center fire rifle in 5.56 or 7.62x51 (.308). I'd put this down at 4th, because I can't envision a high probability situation where I need to take out a target @250 meters. And any big game hunting can be accomplished by getting within 100 meters and using a slug from the 12 ga. Any smaller hunting can be done with trapping, or the .357 or 22 rifle.

Finally (and much much lower in priority to the above 4) would be a .22lr hand gun.

IIRC: Model 1894C is .357 the Model 1894 is the 44 mag

ToddW

You are correct I meant to post the 1894SS. Thanks for the correction.

Hi All,
Just a follow up. After firing a dozen different calibers this past weekend, I've come to a few conclusions.
Due to the ease of use and price of ammunition, the .22 will be my primary firearm. A close second would be a 12 gage shotgun with both a smooth-bore and slug barrels. Deer hunting in this area is restricted to shotguns, though in a survival situation, I don't know that it would matter. For a longer range rifle, I'm going to go with the .243

Thanks again for all of your input. You all helped me ask the right questions.

I know that the Papoose comes with a 7 round magazine.

Do you know if a 10 round magazine is available for this rifle?
Also, can you mount a scope on this rifle?

I just did some googling, per the Marlin website, the receiver is grooved for a scope. No luck with any aftermarket or 10 round mags...

I have a Papoose. Good rifle. Yes, you can put a scope on it. I have a cheap 4-9 zoom. It even fits into the bag with the scope on it.

It has two groves along the receiver. Uses standard 22 clamp type scope mount.

What about the magazines? Do they exist as 10 round species?

Hi Redflare,

I bought a Marlin Papoose last year and am pleased with it. When I bought it I also bought an extra Marlin 10 round silver coloured magazine, it works just as well as the standard 7 round.

It will take standard grooved .22 scope rings but I think I am going to put a peep sight on the receiver to keep the light/handy/streamlined feel to it. I did add a black nylon Uncle Mikes Mountain sling with QD swivels. When I am brushing trails in the fall I carry the light rifle on my back and forget it is there until a grouse appears (the stupid northern sitting on the ground, soon to be dinner, kind of grouse).

Mike