backpacker gun

[Clarence]

I'm looking for a backpacking shotgun. something no bigger then a 20g. The backpacking rifles just don't work for me. I have some pretty hard core vision issues and just have better results with a scatter. The only things I have found are the Scout M6 wich I don't like, and a Snake Charmer which is a big possibility unless I find something better. Am I missing anything else out there. Small is the key it has to be able to fit in a backpack or a large bike panner.
thanks all

[Kyhome]

I have a old 20ga 22lr OU that stores in its own little carry bag, fits OK in the pack but not ready to use without asm first, also an older ar7 22lr which is a fun lite rifle and it even floats. Not sure if they even make these any longer. have had lot of fun with both

[remington]

The NEF Survivor version of the 20 ga is better than the Snake Charmer in my opinion. It also stores ammo in the stock.

[RangerRick]

Ever thought of going to a chopped version? My nearest neighbor is licensed to "re-manufactor" shotguns. What he does is buy's an 870 and cuts it down to a 2 round tube and one chambered, pistol grip, plus some mill work and sells em - mostly to motorcycle cops to keep in their saddlebags. Of course, you MUST pay the $200 license fee for a way less than 16" barrel plus the cost of the gun but they are compact, legal and a riot to shoot.

Rick

[commonsense]

I agree with Remington the NEF 20gauge and have the barrel cut down to the legal limit.

[roolu]

I'm actually looking for something about this size as well, but I've never heard of the NEF Survivor. How does it compare to a Remington or Browning? I like the idea of a pistol grip, but those are very hard to come by around here. Does the NEF have the pistol grip already, or does that have to changed out from a regular stock?

[DM]

*Of course, you MUST pay the $200 license fee for a way less than 16" barrel

Actually, it's 16" for a "rifle" and 18" for a "shotgun".

DM

[velojym]

I'm actually looking for something about this size as well, but I've never heard of the NEF Survivor. How does it compare to a Remington or Browning? I like the idea of a pistol grip, but those are very hard to come by around here. Does the NEF have the pistol grip already, or does that have to changed out from a regular stock?


I believe the NEF Survivor has a pistol-type (or modified thumbhole) stock, and I think it's set up to store a few rounds on the stock.
I have the Pardner in 12ga, and like it quite a bit. Heck, it's simple as heck and goes bang everytime. I also have a Handi Rifle in .30-06, which I also like, though I'm considering swapping the stock for a Survivor stock, and picking up a short .357 mag barrel for bicycle use. I've thought about using my Montague with a small trailer for hunting small/medium game (I can ride just fine, but my arthritic hips sometimes have trouble when I'm on foot).

[remington]

Thumbhole with compartment in stock for ammo or a sort of in stock side saddle. Can be had in .410 or 20. It's stainless also if that is a concern. Like Velojym said, they go bang every time. You can also get a survivor rifle if you are interested.

[jjspirko]

Heck just get you an NEF shot gun for 80ish bucks in any gauge you want then send it in and get a 20 gauge youth barrel for 49 bucks.

Either that or buy the youth model to begin with then order the adult stock for it. Just that will cost almost as much and you will only end up with one barrel.

The NEFs with a shot barrel are very light and easy to carry. Cheap so you won't care if you scratch it up and what not. The tamer and survivor are both decent guns too but I think the plain old ones point much better. Plus for a few bucks you could have a slew of shot barrels for it. Say a 410, 28, 16 and a 20. You could do that for just over 200 bucks.

I am a huge NEF fan and own two rifle frames and a bunch of barrels. You can carry them loaded hammer down and be safer then just about any other gun.

[roolu]

Thanks all, I appreciate all your input! Have a great New Year! ;D

[dannistim]

choate sells a 20 ga version of their snake charmer stock for the hr 1871. also hr 1871 now sells a 20 ga nickel plated tamer. They also sell the .410 ga tamer in nickel as well. Hr 1871 also sells their survivor line in .410/.45 colt in blue or nickel with a storage compartment in the stock and in the forearm.

As for serious vision issues most scopes can be adjusted to correct for near or farsighted folks. I've even seen an optometrist mount a corrective lens in a see thru scope cover so that if you need it its there if you don't (haven't lost your glasses YET) its out of the way.

just my 2 cents.

tim
20ga tamer: http://www.hr1871.com/images/zoom_tamer_20g_2.jpg

410ga tamer: http://www.hr1871.com/images/zoom_tamer.jpg

410ga/45 colt survivor: http://www.hr1871.com/images/zoom_survivorb.jpg

223/308 survivor: http://www.hr1871.com/images/zoom_survivor.jpg

[CSA_Again]

I own one of these and love it , 2 barrels mine is 22 and 410 ... fits in a little 24" carry case.

http://www.rossiusa.com/products/products-matchedpairs.cfm

this is the one I own.

http://www.rossiusa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=S411229RS&category=MATCHEDPAIR

[jim]

Why not just get an M1 Carbine. The groups shouldn't be any worse at 25 yds or so, and you can load with soft points which are as good as a .357 Mag.

jim

[Farmer]

Your backpack would have to handle the 18" barrel or (as said above) you'd have to be willing to pay the $200 fee.

Be careful how you measure the barrel length - you have to measure from the breach face.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i98/KWMcClure/SmallPackage.jpg

This is my Thompson backpack gun in .308. You could as easily put a shotgun barrel on it (in the appropriate length) and fit it into many of the packs that are out there.

My barrel is 16.25".