The "Tempest" rifle -- When the Hunting Gets Really Rough. 

What you ask . . .  is a "Tempest" rifle.  Here's the Dictionary.com definition of a "tempest"

I am an avid hunter and when I think of number one above I think of past hunts in driving rain, heavy mountain snow, and plains blizzard conditions where optics were totally useless.  I like optics as much as anyone however the roughest weather hunting rifle must be as reliable as possible and have useable open sights.  That said, when the weather clears, optics are a nice option to have.  Once reliability and useable sights are established, adding optics that can easily be removed and re-installed is a nice option.  

When I think of number two above I think of social break down which is a different matter than extreme weather hunting.  Survival of social breakdown varies a great deal and there is much information available for those that want to think through what firearms might work for their situation.  However, one option always covered in urban survival discussions is to flee into the countryside with what can be readily carried.  For that purpose, the same firearm used for hunting in tempestuous weather would be viable in fleeing an untenable #2 situation.

The "Scout" concept is very similar to what I call the "Tempest" rifle but the "Tempest" rifle does not conform to the rigid rules of Jeff Cooper.  The "Scout" concept is more slanted toward survival while what I call the "Tempest" rifle is more slanted toward hunting in the roughest weather.  It does somewhat fit the definition of what is called a "Psuedo Scout".  However, a true good "Scout" rifle in an appropriate caliber would have the "Tempest" situations pretty well covered.

Other Uses of the Tempest Rifle
Most serious hunters carry a backup rifle in case something goes wrong with the primary rifle.  The "Tempest" rifle keeps the hunter "in the hunt".  A "Tempest" rifle can also be the rifle of choice for hunting heavy cover where you might not want to scratch up that nicely stocked rifle.

The "Tempest" rifle can also be useful as a "ranch rifle" or "farm rifle" which gets knocked about from time to time but works when called upon to take care of any "tempestuous" events where a firearm is needed.  

This discussion does not attempt to cover social break down survival, only hunting in tempestuous weather.  Now that we have the parameters laid out let's talk about what characteristics we would want in a "Tempest" rifle.

Caliber
The "all around" calibers" tend to be best here.  Caliber is not too critical for the Tempest rifle but should be "enough gun" when hunting the intended game.  Ranges are generally going to be less than 200 yards so any reasonable caliber above 6.5mm (.264) using heavy for caliber bullets would be appropriate.  The 308/30-06 would be hard to beat for 95% of hunters, especially if survival is considered.  The 8mm Mauser is a great choice and is a great value if a good 98 Mauser can be used as the basic platform.  For Alaska's largest bears, a larger caliber may be needed.  

Barrel
A 20" sporter barrel is much easier than long barrels to carry and manipulate in close quarters.  The loss of 100fps or so is not enough to make a significant difference to big game.  Also, during tempestuous weather shots are less than 200yds anyway. 

Action
This must be a tough action built to withstand the elements AND BE EASY TO DISASSEMBLE/ASSEMBLE AND REPAIR.  It would be hard to beat the military Mauser 98 action with the standard trigger and safety for toughness and ease of maintenance.  It can be disassembled and assembled for cleaning with a minimum of tools.  Closed actions and bolt actions with more complicated firing mechanisms can be used but are more difficult to clean out if submerged or clogged with snow and more difficult to find parts for and repair.  The best commercial action I know has been the Winchester Model 70 which easily breaks down for cleaning and maintenance.. 

Stock
Its hard to beat military stocks, especially the laminated ones, for strength and resistance to warping. Synthetic stocks are another option but the less expensive ones tend to be noisy in cover.  Looks are not an issue here so why spend extra money needlessly.

Sights
A solid quality aperture sight is the best rear sight for accuracy, versatility, and price.  They must be durable and work well.  I have tested a quality aperture sight installation side by side with a scout scope and they were as useful in dim light as the scope due to the scope's long eye relief which limits light gathering.  There are very inexpensive options that use the original sights also.   Variable apertures are available both these aperture sights to optimize sight focusing (very useful for those whose arms are too short to focus on near items).

Optics (Optional)
An extended eye relief non-variable 2-3 power pistol scope is ideal when mounted where the rear sight would normally be.  This allows shooting with both eyes (or one eye as some have trouble adjusting to using both) open and the ability to see the wide field of view.  

Carry
Some type of sling is needed.  In thick cover or when still hunting the sling is in the way and needs to be removed, so a synthetic sling with sturdy connectors is needed.

Finding A Rifle
If it fits your hunting scenarios, a surplus 96/38 or 98 Mauser rifle makes an inexpensive basis for a "Tempest" rifle.  My father liked to attend farm auctions and we had an agreement that if he could fine any Mauser rifle in shootable condition for $100 he would buy it for me.  He actually bought a beautiful 1909 Argentine Mauser that way that was worth over $400.00.  Needless to say, he kept that one for himself.  Anyway, this is one of those Mausers that my father purchased for me at farm auctions.  It has several desirable characteristics; 1) It is a 98 Mauser that is known for its strength, reliability, and simplicity, 2) while not pretty it has a strong laminated stock that someone has already semi-sporterized, and 3) it has a winter guard which would be very useable with heavy gloves on.  However, what it does not have is a good barrel, the 8mm bore looks very dark inside and does not clean up nicely.  It may need a good replacement barrel.  

Want To Know More?
I am beginning the process of converting the above surplus 98 Mauser action into a "Tempest" rifle.  I will be documenting what Mausers to be looking and the conversion experience, listing many other available options, and including sources for rifles, parts, and additional information.  I will post a notice on the home page when this document can be inexpensively purchased. 

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