This idea actually came to me in a dream the night before last - actually it's no big breakthrough or anything like that - and I'm positive it's been thought of before...BUT I haven't seen it and think it's pretty good if you are actually surviving in the wilderness or backpacking long distances (such as the Appalachian trail), and minimal weight is of the utmost importance.
Basically, all it is - is a combo rifle and shotgun and shovel and axe. Take something like the Springfield M6 Scout or Savage combo (which is all-stainless single-shot .410 bore and .22lr or .22 hornet), give it a little more oomph but not much more ammo weight (I'm thinking .22 hornet or .223Rem, and 20 guage). THEN, put a strong, retractable axe blade which protrudes from the underside or top of the stock, and a strong retractable shovel blade from the end of the stock, with an appropriate short perpendicular "edge" near the stock's lower front for "foot-pushing" the shovel, which I suppose can double as the pistol grip portion of the stock. Extending EITHER accessory will engage a safety similar to a mag-disconnect safety until the accessory is once again retracted. Then of course you use the gun's barrel as a handle for the utilities, which saves weight in the pack. So, it's already been done, right? BTW, does anyone actually go on extended wilderness packs anymore, hunting trips or otherwise?
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited November 11, 1999).]
Basically, all it is - is a combo rifle and shotgun and shovel and axe. Take something like the Springfield M6 Scout or Savage combo (which is all-stainless single-shot .410 bore and .22lr or .22 hornet), give it a little more oomph but not much more ammo weight (I'm thinking .22 hornet or .223Rem, and 20 guage). THEN, put a strong, retractable axe blade which protrudes from the underside or top of the stock, and a strong retractable shovel blade from the end of the stock, with an appropriate short perpendicular "edge" near the stock's lower front for "foot-pushing" the shovel, which I suppose can double as the pistol grip portion of the stock. Extending EITHER accessory will engage a safety similar to a mag-disconnect safety until the accessory is once again retracted. Then of course you use the gun's barrel as a handle for the utilities, which saves weight in the pack. So, it's already been done, right? BTW, does anyone actually go on extended wilderness packs anymore, hunting trips or otherwise?
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited November 11, 1999).]