Takedown rifles are guns that can easily be broken into two much shorter sub-assemblies that can be more easily stored or transported. Takedown rifles reached their peak of popularity in the decades on either side of the turn of the last century.
Today’s Best Takedown Rifles
But even today, takedown rifles have retained their appeal wherever space is at a premium. Bush pilots and backcountry travelers in particular value these compact shooting tools.
Today’s takedown rifles are available in calibers as small as .22 Long Rifle and as big as the large African safari-class cartridges. Here’s a sample of the great takedown rifles available to today’s hunters.
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7
We’ve covered the Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 before. This lightweight, .22 caliber subcompact takedown rifle has been the go-to survival rifle for bush pilots and backpackers since 1959. MSRP is $290 for the black version and $350 for the camo. For even more info, please visit henryrifles.com.
Marlin Model Golden 39A
Marlin’s .22-caliber Model Golden 39A rifle made its first appearance in 1891. It has been a favorite lever-action option for generations of shooters. MSRP comes in at $709. For even more info, please visit marlinfirearms.com.
Taylor’s 1892 Alaskan Takedown
Another rifle we’ve covered at length before. Lever-action rifles are the classic takedown rifle design. Taylor’s Alaskan in .44 Magnum is a modified 1892 Winchester design that is very popular with Alaskan bush pilots for backwoods shooting. Lastly, MSRP comes in at $1,366. For even more info, please visit taylorsfirearms.com.
H-S Precision VTD Pro-Series 2000
H-S Precision is bringing the art of the takedown rifle into the modern era. The Pro-Series 2000 is a stainless steel, bolt-action takedown rifle with a 22- to 26-inch match-grade barrel that can be chambered in anything from .204 Ruger to .458 Lott. MSRP is a cool $5,495. For even more info, please visit hsprecision.com.
Dakota Arms Model 76 Traveler
This is the Cadillac of takedown rifles. The Traveler is available in three grades— Classic, Safari and African—and you can choose from a limitless array of upgrades. This rifle has a unique takedown system that offers threadless assembly and disassembly. It’s available in calibers from .22-250 to .450 Dakota. Lastly is MSRP, which comes in at $8,890. For even more info, please visit dakotaarms.com.
Sauer 202 Take Down
This rifle raises the bar on standard takedown rifles. It has a solid action with a receiver that can accommodate all calibers from 6.5x55mm up to the massive .458 Lott. Numerous options and calibers are available, including beautifully figured stocks of grade 4 Turkish walnut. MSRP can get up there, ranging from $6,333 to $10,607. For even more info, please visit sauer.de/en.
