Gun Models and Calibres for Artic Conditions

[waxied]

Hello!
I hope everyone had a successful turkey hunt and a great fishing season!
I have a question for the knowledgeable and northern hunting members.

I recently accepted a job in a northern community and there should be opportunities to hunt a wide variety of large game. I am looking for a versatile gun model that could take down anything from a wolf to a bear. I am thinking a 30-06 is the way to go. The real question though is what model is a good "artic" gun? I am going to be up quite far north, with lots of heavy winds and snow close to 9 months of the year.

One model that I saw on another forum was the Marlin lever 45/70, but I think that is overkill.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[impact]

FYI,

Canadian Rangers are issued the .303 British calibre Lee Enfield No 4 rifle, with each user being provided with 200 rounds of ammunition every year.
While the bolt action Lee-Enfield has been out of general service in the Canadian military since the 1950s, it has proven to be reliable in the Arctic environment. Canadian Rangers carry the weapon primarily for subsistence and protection against predators rather than with the expectation of engaging an enemy force.
Rifle replacement[edit]

Owing to the decreasing availability of spare parts, the replacement of the Lee-Enfield rifle had long been expected and in August 2011 after user requirements had been determined,^[1] the Canadian Forces officially issued a tender request for a bolt-action rifle compatible with 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester. Approximately 10,000 rifles were to be bought giving the system a service life of about 30 years. The new rifles were to be manufactured under licence by Colt Canada and to be in service by 2015.^[2]

[waxied]

Thanks guys! Another option in another forum was a bolt action stainless steel 338. Apparently better for protection against large predators than the 30-06. I guess more stopping power. But I think the 30-06 is probably more economical as far as ammo is concerned, right? I heard the leupolds have the best warranty on the market!

[Pat32rf]

For a really practical gun get either a 303 Lee Enfield or Old Rem 700 in 270 or 30-06. Peep sights .....

[greatwhite]

I would suggest you also contact people up there and ask what calibers are easy to obtain up there.

[Fox]

If you pick something non-standard you better pack ammo too.

I would suggest a pump 12ga, that is what my buddy used while in the north. They had a pistol grip stock on it with a full length magazine ready for any polar bears that may have decided they were a meal.

[waxied]

On a lot of the forums guys are saying the 30-06 is best bet for versatility. These guys have lived up there, so it sounds like they know what they are talking about. Was just looking at the Winchester M70 Alaskan Bolt Rifle. Looks pretty nice! Not sure if it would hold up in the arctic though!

[patvetzal]

Its one thing to have a rifle for a ten day trip to the north, its another to have one for behind the front door, truck seat or skidoo cowling...

[Bluebulldog]

Waxied.

With respect your Savage Axis XP in camo that you're selling loaded with 180 grain partitions will also fit the bill.

But if you're dead set on buying a new gun, the Winchester M70 Alaskan in 30-06 is a nice one.

[bdog]

An older Remington 7600 in 30-06 caliber.....good to go