A happy ending to provide some closure to anyone concerned:
Update from longrangehunting
Got word that the missing long range rifle was reunited with a local in Bagdad. Apparently the finder, Gerry, returned it to the owner, according to the Sherriff in Bagdad.
I lived and worked a the mine in Bagdad during the early 80's. Great place if you like small mining towns and great hunting. I hunted on Behm Mesa many times.