1 rifle, what would you pick?

I would like to say the 8mm Mauser my Father made for me when I was fourteen, I still have it, and it fits like a glove. But if it had to be one for everything it would be my Ruger No 1 A Light sporter, with my Leupold 3x9 x40mm. It is a .30-06. Great to reload for very strong action. You can load or buy ammo in a very wide selection anywhere you go. I reload, and it is a very accurate rifle. My wife has the exact same rifle weight, scope, etc. It is a twin only hers is a .243. The two Leupold scopes are the limited century models. I have never had a No 1 fail me, I know there is better out there, and it cost alot for a single shot but it is very dependable, strong, and accurate. I also have a Ruger No 1 tropical in a .416 Rem Mag. Never ever had a problem with any of them. So it would be the .30-06!
 
Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum

Why?
I like the idea of using the same cartridge for a rifle and handgun. The old west cowboys and gunslingers knew a thing or two about its versatility. ;)

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this sucker is a tack-driver!

Fitted-up with NEGC rear aperture and BSA Cat's Eye 1.5-4.5x32 scope on Ruger's factory base.

I can shoot 180gr ~340gr hardcast. Good enough for everything up to and including moose out to 125-150 yards.


ps - Ruger is manufacturing these fine little carbines again: http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7402&return=Y
 
Just got a Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Rem. Mag.

Glad I didn't pay for the Sub-Moa version because this one shoots factory Winchester 150gr Power Points into a penny at 100yds.

Last group of the day was 0.556 in

This gun just became my #1
 
If I had to pick 1 of my rifles to head for the hills with everything I own on my back, it would be my Winchester 94 carbine in 30-30.
 
When I used to hunt deer often, the 270 win was my 1st choice. Now days, it's more likely to be a 223 which can be loaded with the excellent Nosler 60 gr. Partition for the occasional deer hunt.
 
Model 700 BDL Custom Deluxe in 270 Win.

I have hunted black bear and deer with this gun for 8 solid years.
It's my favorite because it was a gift from my better half.
All she knew was that I wanted a 270.
She actually apologized because she thought it was too fancy: "that was all they had right before Christmas, are you sure you like it?"
Also my favorite because it shoots flat and hits hard.
It's been fun to fit it with a nice Leupold and Jewell trigger.

Most memorable hunt was in early September 2004 when I ran some bear bait up to my Dad's place.
I ran into my Dad at bait #14 just as he was dropping off a couple hunters.
My air conditioning was broken and I was a sweaty stinking human that day.
I can't stress enough how totally unprepared I was to fool a bear.
But as long as I was there I figured I might as well sit on a stand till dark.
20 minutes after climbing the tree the biggest black bear I've ever seen materialized next to the bait.They don't make a sound.
Those critters don't screw up very often.Especially the older ones.
My gun was across my legs and I didn't dare move.
I couldn't believe it when he walked off into the woods.
Two or three long minutes later he came back in and stood broadside.
He dressed out at 460 pounds.
 
I want my M700 Classic in 30/06 back. It shot 1 hole groups with the first load I tried in it- WW brass, 54.0 of WW 760, CCI 200, and a 150 grain Speer Mag Tip.
 
.22LR, possibly the Ruger 10/22 but if the situation was long-term SHTF I might go with a bolt action due to being of simple construction.
 
My favorit hunting rifle is chambered in 300WM. It is a great cartridge. I must submit however that I reload. It makes the cost of ammunition much less. It also makes the cartridge much more versitile. There is a myriad of bullet weights and styles in .308 to choose from.

110 gr. works great for varmits. I use 130 gr. for coyote and pronghorn. 150 gr. works good on deer. For elk 180 seems best. The 220 gr. does a good job on moose and bear.

I own a lot of other rifles in different chamberings and bore that are more game specific, But when it comes to deer, elk, and moose, The 300 always seems to find its way into the field.
 
First, the thought of only 1 rifle literally sends shivers up my spine! Mine would likely be a fairly recent find for me, a pre '64 Featherweight in .270 Win. Came out of the Custom Shop in 1960 with a gorgeous piece of walnut and steel bottom metal. After mounting an older 4X scope to mirror the era of the rifle, it shot a 3 shot group of less than .5 MOA for me (factory ammo). I know, lots of you (and your rifles) shoot better, but my nearly 50 yr old Featherweight has earned it's #1 spot. Jack knew what he was doing when he chose a pre '64 FW in .270 for much of his hunting.:D
 
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.308 carbine works fine for me.

- 150 grain bullets for 'lopes and mulies

- 180 grain bullets for elk, moose, caribou, and black bear

Jack
 
I used to have a mod 660 just like that. Sold it and bought a pair of 600 Mohawks,.308 and .243, custom stocked. They're gone too...lol.
 
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