Greetings:

I've been in the market for a compactautoloader for short range 'woods' hunting (whitetail, black bear mostly) to complement a battery deep on long range rifles,but lacking a quick handling repeater. I however, know only a modest amount about autos and am asking what recommendations some people with more experience have regarding this. I have looked at Browning and Winchester (which I presume to be nearly identical), Remington, andBenelli autos these past few weeks and definitely prefer those with less weight and shorter barrels (ie: the Remington Carbines). I would prefer to keep prices below the $1Kline.Any thoughts or ideas? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I always liked the looks and feel of Winchesters Model 100 (which they have not manufactured for many years). And one chambered in .308 or .284 would be handy.

I use a Savage 99 in .300 savage for my "handy-in-the-bush" gun.

Robin

Ruger made the best all time short range semi-auto with their model 44 chambered in of course .44 magnum. It was olny about 6 pounds,held 4+1 in tublar magazine,accurate enough for intended purpose,and was very fast handling. Look around for one of them second hand and throw it up to your shoulder. Ruger has since came out with another rifle chambered in .44 magnum based off the proven mini 14 design called the 99/44. I believe you will be tickled with either. Also,the older 1s usually run under 600.00.

redonion

Have you considered a pump instead of an autoloader? If you are NOT dedset on an autoloader, you should check out the Rem 7600's. Many, including myself, opt forwhat we percieve to be betterreliability of the pump action over that of the autoloader. The 7600's also come with a fully freefloated barrel and I have found the accuracy to be excellent. They also handle and point extremely well.

Here is a pic of my 7600 7mm-08 and a 100 Yd target shot withmy 154 Grn Hdy RN "Woods" Load.
Dark squares are 1/2", light squares are 1/4" - target shot @ 100YDs.


Remington offers a 7600 carbine version in 30-06. Also, Grice Gun Shop is currently offering special run 7600's in 35 Remington, 35 Whelen, 30-06, 300 Savage and 7mm-08. http://www.gricewholesale.com/specials_7600.php

I chose the 7mm-08 as I wanted a dual role rifle capable of handlinglonger range open field huntingas well as deep woods andyet easy on the shoulder for lots of practice. For a dedicated woods rifle, I would think that a 7600 in 35 Whelen or30-06 carbinewould be extremely hard to beat.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

I agree with firstshot-get a 760-7600 type Remington carbine in a caliber like .308...... A pump can be operated as fast as any semi-auto functions, and they seem to be a lot more reliable. In addition, they are legal in states like PA, where rifles must be "manually operated".