Taylors Alaskan Takedown: A Guide Gun with Wild West Roots—SHOT Show 2014

Authors Paul Helinski Rifles SHOT Show 2014

taylor's03Taylors & Company
https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/

Taylors had their new Alaskan Takedown at the range for SHOT Show, and we put it through its paces. Taylors is well known in the cowboy action shooting and historical circles. The Alaskan Takedown is a departure for Taylors, and a step into the modern era by a company that primarily deals with historical interpretations of firearms from the 19th Century. And we’re smitten. The more utilitarian chamberings and compact design make the Alaskan Takedown the perfect pack gun.
The Alaskan Takedown is based off the old Winchester 1892, one of the many John Browning-designed guns. The ’92 was built to be a pistol caliber lever action long gun, and Taylors’ version stays true to this vision. It comes chambered in either .357 Magnum, or .44 Magnum. It has a 16” or 20” barrel finished in what in a matte chrome. The stock and forend look like plastic, but they’re actually rubber-coated wood. The best feature is its takedown design. The rifle comes apart by unscrewing the magazine tube, then twisting the barrel and receiver apart. It’s simple, fast and easy. The Alaskan comes equipped with Skinner Express Sights and it is tapped for a scout scope.

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The example Taylors had for us out at the range on Media day was chambered in .44 Rem Mag, and it was a joy to shoot. The modern sights made for fast target acquisition, but the size of the rear aperture is too big for accurate distance work. That’s hardly a liability. A guide gun is not meant for long distance shooting. It is meant to be small, light and fast. The Taylors has this in spades. The MSRP is $1,324.taylor's04taylor's05

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  • ROBERT SWANSON May 23, 2016, 7:55 am

    I’M AN OHIO COYOTE SHOOTER AND WHILE WE DON’T HAVE THE ABUNDANCE OF THE WESTERN STATES OHIO OFFERS WE DO SUPPLY ENOUGH TO KEEP THE INTEREST LEVEL UP. THE OHIO DNR SAYS WE HAVE WILD PIGS HERE IN THE STATE BUT I’VE YET TO FIND A TRACE.
    CAN/WILL ANY OHIO SHOOTERS WITH LOCATION KNOWLEDGE SHARE THEIR FAVORITE HOG SPOTS ? ? ?
    ROBERT ([email protected])

  • Tom February 24, 2014, 6:01 pm

    This is twice the cost of a cheap Rossi, but then, so is a Winchester. The only Marlin 1894C I can find is on the auction sites going for $900-$1000 used. This rifle is takedown, has a large lever for quicker action, and smoother than a Rossi for sure. About the lasting durability of the barrel finish, or the rubber over wood stock, I don’t know. That’s the only choice. The skinner sight is a plus too. Threaded for a scout scope, or red dot also. This model is not available anywhere. I called Taylor, and they said they are on order from Chiappa in Italy, and orders are on a first come, first served basis, as they come in. I ordered one through an authorized dealer gun shop for $1140. If it’s as good or better action than a Marlin, as they say it is, and I think Chiappa makes some fine products, then the price is not bad. Too bad the case is an extra $50. In a saddle bag, a backpack, many carry options. I ordered .357 cal. as I have a S&W, and a Ruger revolver in that caliber. From standard .38, to 180gr HC, Buffalo Bore .357, this is a very versatile caliber, for shooting small pests, to small bear, to self defense. All ammo will work in all firearms. Right now I’m of the KISS mentality. Yes, a 45/70 would be nice too someday.

  • DHConner February 8, 2014, 10:10 pm

    I’ll just be a stick-in-the-mud and plod along with my 1895 loaded with Garret .45-70’s loaded “zoom to the moon”. If those won’t put the damned thing down, I want a chopper and quick! Besides, I’ve got 3 .44 Mags, so I don’t need a rifle chambered in a pistol cartridge. I know they did it in the Old Days with the .44-40, and a great innovation it was in it’s time. I’ll just say good luck to all of you what ever and where ever you hunt, and come back with no missing or damaged parts–there ain’t no refunds on them.

  • woodman January 31, 2014, 10:25 am

    Make it in .480 ruger and I will buy one.

  • Paul Echols January 27, 2014, 3:17 pm

    I have actually thought some more about this rifle.. They could have used the terms that has been used for the short leaver guns “TRAPPER” for the 16 inch version and maybe “PACKER” for the longer rifle.. Still need to get away from the rubber coated wood.. Composite will be lighter.. But the did-do make a nice Spencer repo in the 56-50 center fire, Thanks for that one.

  • Dale January 25, 2014, 12:04 am

    I am not sure where you people are getting that they erroneously referred to the model 1894. I watched the video twice, read the article twice, and in both – they correctly state that it is based off the Winchester 1892! Having said that, looks to be a nicely executed, modern rendition. I’d like to own one, but I can’t afford one at this time.

  • Jay Loveless January 24, 2014, 9:03 pm

    Awful lot of carping going on. Shoulda done this, shoulda done that, why didn’t they do ‘tother. No one rifle can do or be everything. Reminds me of what Teddy Roosevelt said…

    “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

    In other words, critics, how many rifles have YOU innovated, produced and sold?

    • Jay Childers January 30, 2014, 5:41 pm

      Tres magnifique, monsieur!

  • Jay Childers January 24, 2014, 8:01 pm

    Any of you girls need cheese to go with your whine? MOST of your comments take the tone of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”. I’m sure the rest of us (guys) are sooo impressed with your knowledge and one upmanship. Haven’t read one of these comment sections in over a year, and now I remember why.

  • Ken Morton January 24, 2014, 4:00 pm

    The Alaskan? If I want to carry a .44 I’ve got a Ruger Blackhawk. I’ll take my 45-70, thank you.

  • Jess Duit January 24, 2014, 2:34 pm

    Cute idea. i’m carrying it in Alaska woods where there are bears. Big bears.

  • James Riley January 24, 2014, 1:44 pm

    Everyone makes mistakes even the pro’s.Henry makes a take down in pistal cal’s that has a composit stock that everything fits in.I to would like a 460 SW if its going to be a hand gun carry all it needs some butt for the big stuff.

    • Archangel August 14, 2016, 1:46 am

      The 45 Raptor (basically a 460 S&W Magnum) can be had in an AR-308 style modern sporting rifle and a 20 round magazine should be enough to take care of anything you run into.
      I’m building one now and only need to finish machining the 80% lower and make a blast diverter muzzle device.
      The muzzle blast alone should knock senseless any intruder should you miss the shot.

  • James January 24, 2014, 1:17 pm

    This is also chambered in 45 Colt. You state only .44 MAG & .357 MAG. Not true as I own one chambered (from the manufacturer imported through Taylor’s) in 45 Colt. Also, it is based on the ’92 action, not the ’94. Do some research and maybe proof and spell check before you post? This looks like a “living in Mom’s basement” blog post.

    RE: “This looks great! How would .44 mag rate as a round to go up against wild boar in the southeast? That setup would be much easier to pack for the trip on my road bike without drawing attention like a scene from a movie.”

    Mine, in 45 Colt, has taken 6 boars and 8 sows so far. Weights ranging from 85# to 337#. All under 100 yards, all 300 gr Sierra Flat points on 19 gr of Vht N110, all one shot kills… DRT (dead right there). Hope that helps.

    • Steve C January 24, 2014, 10:28 pm

      Thanks!! That helps with the boar question. The takedown is a real plus for travel when not in a car. Having a riffle case mounted on the bike makes it a target sitting out in front if a dinner or rest stop or even traveling in non friendly states.

  • Gary January 24, 2014, 11:24 am

    How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?

    • Jay Childers January 24, 2014, 8:03 pm

      Bravo Zulu. You sure hit the pin on the head.

  • John Russell January 24, 2014, 10:28 am

    Fantastic for backpack and hiking in heavily forest areas of USA? You got bears and never know if some wacko psycho out there threatens you or your family..always good to be prepared or even for fighter jet pilots too?– who have a Beretta pistol but this would fit in cockpit of fighter jet or back of ejection seat?

  • BEN January 24, 2014, 10:26 am

    Rubberized wood sounds like trouble down the road. How about full composite stock and fore end. No expansion or maintenance problems.

  • Lee Fielder January 24, 2014, 10:10 am

    What an embarrassment of a gun review!

  • frank January 24, 2014, 9:07 am

    If you’re going to shoot a rifle do it in a rifle cartridge not a pistol round. A 444 Marlin or the infamous 45-70 would be just the ticket.

  • S.Mortium January 24, 2014, 9:05 am

    Make one in 460 S&W and I’m in.

    • KBSacto January 24, 2014, 12:23 pm

      I agree. Lever actions in .44 mag and .357 mag are readily available for about $500-$600. I have a 460V in 5″ barrel and would enjoy having a lever gun in the same.

  • Pseudo January 24, 2014, 9:03 am

    This sure appears to be based on what the current TV show “Wild West Alaska” made called their co-pilot. I believe a 45-70, theirs had a removable scope.

    • KBSacto January 24, 2014, 12:28 pm

      That is correct. Wild West guns make several calibers in their Co-Pilot takedown, including 50 Alaskan (.51 cal), 45-70 and their 457 WWG (essentially a 45-70 magnum). They are well made according to those on various forums who own them.

    • CowboyActionShooter January 24, 2014, 1:25 pm

      That was based on the ’95 Marlin.

  • Paul January 24, 2014, 8:43 am

    “Alaskan” in a pistol cartridge.. I’m going t have to think about.
    Maybe they should have called i a “Cowboy” take down because almost every western used Winchester 92.

    And. It looks to use the old tried but works Winchester unscrew the magazine tube, half turn the barrel and take it apart. They should have made it in a nice blue steel and case, leave the rubber off the wood and in 44-40, 38-40 and 32-20 then there would be something to talk about. You did get the 1892 correct in the video.

  • Ed January 24, 2014, 7:16 am

    That looks like it’s based off an 1892 action and not an 1894 action to me

  • Jim Clegg January 24, 2014, 7:03 am

    Really? This gun is obviously based on the model 1892 Winchester action, which was designed to handle cartridges that would be considered pistol calibers today (such as the 32-20, 38-40, and 44-40); NOT the 1894, which was designed to handle rifle cartridges (such as the 30-30). If you need someone who actually has a basic knowledge of firearms history to proof-read your blog postings, let me know. Misidentifying the action of this rifle (twice!) is simply embarrassing.

  • Steve C January 24, 2014, 6:43 am

    This looks great! How would .44 mag rate as a round to go up against wild boar in the southeast? That setup would be much easier to pack for the trip on my road bike without drawing attention like a scene from a movie.

    • arnold January 24, 2014, 3:01 pm

      My first experience with wild boar was in Tenn with six pals on a three day hunt, using dogs. We brought an assortment of rifles, me having a 30-06 and a 94′ 30-30. One friend brought a Ruger .44 cal carbine. We were all surprised to find the 30-30 did little and then even the 30-06 left the hogs up and running a good distance. My friend with the .44 took the second hog and dropped him like a rock. For the rest of the hunt, once the dogs got a big one cornered, the .44 was pasted around to the shooter with good results. On paper the ballistics said it made no sense, but in experience, the .44 repeatedly was the best gun we had.

    • Yak January 24, 2014, 6:42 pm

      Cyclist here. I have killed boar with a spear, a knife and a .357 snub. Over rated as a “tough to kill” game animal. They kill them in NC with .223.
      As a cycling gun….Awesome! I cycle in 5 miles on my Mt Bike at a local WMA and always get deer. Most won’t walk that far.

  • Steve in Merritt Island January 24, 2014, 5:32 am

    Informative article, BUT, while you indícate twice that the rifle is based on a Winchester M94, and hence, designed for pistol calibers, the 94 was in fact designed for.38-55 length rifle cartridges. I believe from the text and the pictures that you intended to say the Winchester M1892 or M92.

    • Yak January 24, 2014, 6:38 pm

      You, sir are correct!

  • Charlemagne January 24, 2014, 3:22 am

    I think you actually mean that the Guide Gun is based off the Winchester 1892 not the 1894!

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