All Around Hunting Rifle
- Thread starter MSPHUNTER
- Start date
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Make: Doesn't matter; anything can be made to shoot inside one MOA.
Model: Sporter, 26" "medium" barrel.
Caliber: .30-'06.
Scope: Leupold Vari-X II, 3.9.
Reason: 30 years' experience sez the scope works. 51 years' experience sez the cartridge works.
Next question?
, Art
Model: Sporter, 26" "medium" barrel.
Caliber: .30-'06.
Scope: Leupold Vari-X II, 3.9.
Reason: 30 years' experience sez the scope works. 51 years' experience sez the cartridge works.
Next question?
, Art1. Remington because I like their triggers more than anything else stock to date & seemingly, out of the box accuracy of their bbls is as good as I'm capable of for a hunting rifle.
2. M7s due to the light(er) weight & portability for the use I'm most apt = under 300 yd shots (mostly big game hunting applications in Colorado & packing an extra pound or two less is a perk) - a bit longer bbl = 20"+ would enchance velocity a bit & something I could live with. We're using the 18.5"ers currently. Have yet to see anything negative re the "loss" in velocity = put a good bullet where it's supposed to go & things fall down.
3. Currently = mine .308 Win - which covers everything I "have" to do in one caliber. As much as I am a .243 Win snob, that caliber just doesn't adequately cover larger game. I think I could be talked into a 7-08, with the right bbl length/velocity/twist combo - perhaps a nice blend of the lighter bullets for increased velocities (= varmits) & still the capability for heavier/SD bullets for larger game. I have been told that 7MM is THE perfect caliber for all things good ... I dunno. We could talk ....
4. The Wife's M7 (a 7-08) sports a Luepold 2X7 compact - a very nice scope & tough to beat for the compact/quality & priced-right package. My .308 M7 hangs under a Bausch & Lomb 2X8 compact (a discontinued model - alas). Lower power scopes allow very quick target acquistion at short(er) range & the variable mag affords a bit of the "extras" for a longer shot, if required. Both, after equating duplex subtension, will drop a bullet into the boiler room to 400 yds & that cover the bases for everything we'd want out of these shooters.
5. Covered above.
Things I'd change from what we got:
First, a detachable magazine, but purely for convenience - it has yet come into play in a hunting application. I'd still like to have it.
Too, These M7s seem to have a shorter magazine than is the throat which precludes seating bullets out more so towards the lands for fine-tuning handloads for full(er) potential. Still, hasn't seemed to matter one whit re accuracy - bugs me tho'.
Think I'd rather have a 20" bbl, all things considered.
With the 18.5" bbls, et al, it is a bit difficult to shoot to the rifles' potential soley due to their weight/mass - they are a bit light. Just not enough there to properly seat the darned things in a bag off the bench & stay there. Never a problem in any realistic hunting application - quite the opposite - I suspect it's a fault of mine & not that of the rifles' ...
Other rifles I'd rather use for different scenarios ("bean field"-type = way longer range or varmit apps, stantionary/stand-hunting, etc.) but for what we do most, I'd be hard-pressed to change my mind.
2. M7s due to the light(er) weight & portability for the use I'm most apt = under 300 yd shots (mostly big game hunting applications in Colorado & packing an extra pound or two less is a perk) - a bit longer bbl = 20"+ would enchance velocity a bit & something I could live with. We're using the 18.5"ers currently. Have yet to see anything negative re the "loss" in velocity = put a good bullet where it's supposed to go & things fall down.
3. Currently = mine .308 Win - which covers everything I "have" to do in one caliber. As much as I am a .243 Win snob, that caliber just doesn't adequately cover larger game. I think I could be talked into a 7-08, with the right bbl length/velocity/twist combo - perhaps a nice blend of the lighter bullets for increased velocities (= varmits) & still the capability for heavier/SD bullets for larger game. I have been told that 7MM is THE perfect caliber for all things good ... I dunno. We could talk ....
4. The Wife's M7 (a 7-08) sports a Luepold 2X7 compact - a very nice scope & tough to beat for the compact/quality & priced-right package. My .308 M7 hangs under a Bausch & Lomb 2X8 compact (a discontinued model - alas). Lower power scopes allow very quick target acquistion at short(er) range & the variable mag affords a bit of the "extras" for a longer shot, if required. Both, after equating duplex subtension, will drop a bullet into the boiler room to 400 yds & that cover the bases for everything we'd want out of these shooters.
5. Covered above.
Things I'd change from what we got:
First, a detachable magazine, but purely for convenience - it has yet come into play in a hunting application. I'd still like to have it.
Too, These M7s seem to have a shorter magazine than is the throat which precludes seating bullets out more so towards the lands for fine-tuning handloads for full(er) potential. Still, hasn't seemed to matter one whit re accuracy - bugs me tho'.
Think I'd rather have a 20" bbl, all things considered.
With the 18.5" bbls, et al, it is a bit difficult to shoot to the rifles' potential soley due to their weight/mass - they are a bit light. Just not enough there to properly seat the darned things in a bag off the bench & stay there. Never a problem in any realistic hunting application - quite the opposite - I suspect it's a fault of mine & not that of the rifles' ...
Other rifles I'd rather use for different scenarios ("bean field"-type = way longer range or varmit apps, stantionary/stand-hunting, etc.) but for what we do most, I'd be hard-pressed to change my mind.
Let's see, one rifle for all things?
Make: J.C. Higgins
Model: 50
Scope: Leupold M4 in 4X
Reason: Because I already have it, and in a Butler Creek synthetic stock it will put 5 rounds into .75 inch. Also, a genuine Mauser (FN) action with proper controlled feed. It ain't pretty, but it works for me.
Paul B.
Make: J.C. Higgins
Model: 50
Scope: Leupold M4 in 4X
Reason: Because I already have it, and in a Butler Creek synthetic stock it will put 5 rounds into .75 inch. Also, a genuine Mauser (FN) action with proper controlled feed. It ain't pretty, but it works for me.
Paul B.
make/model: Winchester "pre 64" model 70 in stainless and nylon
Caliber: 30.06
Scope: any good 3x9- I use a Redfield
reasons: This setup is supremely reliable and durable. I feel comfortable in taking this out in any conditions and don't wince (for the rifle) everytime I fall or bump something. With the huge variety of 30.06 loads I can go after any game in North America. It shoots as well as I can. And it's cheap enough that I don't have to sit at home dreaming about it or work overtime to afford it when I should be out tramping around the woods.
Caliber: 30.06
Scope: any good 3x9- I use a Redfield
reasons: This setup is supremely reliable and durable. I feel comfortable in taking this out in any conditions and don't wince (for the rifle) everytime I fall or bump something. With the huge variety of 30.06 loads I can go after any game in North America. It shoots as well as I can. And it's cheap enough that I don't have to sit at home dreaming about it or work overtime to afford it when I should be out tramping around the woods.
44rugerfan
New member
Remington 700 18" barrel 30-06 with a 4X14 bushnell.
Doc Hudson
New member
One rifle for every hunting job?
That would be a Winchester Model 70 Safari Classic in .375 H&H. I can load it up or down to hunt anything on the face of the earth. It might not be the ideal for every hunting chore, but it is the closest to a do it all caliber as there is.
Doc Hudson
That would be a Winchester Model 70 Safari Classic in .375 H&H. I can load it up or down to hunt anything on the face of the earth. It might not be the ideal for every hunting chore, but it is the closest to a do it all caliber as there is.
Doc Hudson
One Rifle. No problem. I pick my Sig Blaser for which I have nine different calibers with just the switch of a barrel and depending on caliber the bolthead. I am covered from 22-250 to .375 H&H. It came from the factory with a two pound trigger pull. Scope mounts are interchangable between barrels. My current favorite all around hunting scope is a 1.5X6 Leupold LPS. The only downside is that once you get one of these guns the hunt for the perfect rifle is over.
Remington 700 ( I like the adjustable trigger), 30/06, w/ Leupold 3.5-10 scope, the 30/06 can handle just about anything (except certain African game!)
Oh by the way,Fuzzy would you really wanna carry a 20 lbs rifle around!? I wouldn't! lol And the MSG90 isn't the carbine version of the PSG1, its the lower cost one, it was made because a PSG1 can sell for about $11000.
M16-Okay..I'm jealous...I need a Blaser! lol
Oh by the way,Fuzzy would you really wanna carry a 20 lbs rifle around!? I wouldn't! lol
And the MSG90 isn't the carbine version of the PSG1, its the lower cost one, it was made because a PSG1 can sell for about $11000. M16-Okay..I'm jealous...I need a Blaser! lol
TRex - you'd have a hard time hunting mulies here in the Southwest with a 12 gauge! But back East, with a slug barrel and a 26" or so vent rib barrel with Rem Choke, it would be a good selection for all-around hunting.
As for my selection, I'd agree with Art 100%. General-purpose hunting rifle in a name brand in .30-06 with good glass (I'm still saving my pennies to purchase the last item). Why .30-06? Versatility, especially if you roll your own, plus I don't expect to hunt or even encounter anything that a 180 gr .30-06 can't take down.
Semper fi.
Bruegger out.
As for my selection, I'd agree with Art 100%. General-purpose hunting rifle in a name brand in .30-06 with good glass (I'm still saving my pennies to purchase the last item). Why .30-06? Versatility, especially if you roll your own, plus I don't expect to hunt or even encounter anything that a 180 gr .30-06 can't take down.
Semper fi.
Bruegger out.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Shifting emphasis a bit: Either these doggoned mountains are getting higher and steeper, or my legs ain't quite what they were some 20 or 30 years back.
I'm starting to think that one of these new Remington ultra-ultra light, titanium actions gazobbies, weighing 5-1/4 pounds in 7mm-08 might be the thing.
A 7mm-08 might not play Ma Bell as well as my Ol' Pet, but the last buck I shot was at 30 yards...Heck, I felt guilty for using a rifle!
A point to ponder.
Art
I'm starting to think that one of these new Remington ultra-ultra light, titanium actions gazobbies, weighing 5-1/4 pounds in 7mm-08 might be the thing.
A 7mm-08 might not play Ma Bell as well as my Ol' Pet, but the last buck I shot was at 30 yards...Heck, I felt guilty for using a rifle!
A point to ponder.
Art
ojibweindian
New member
what about the No.4 MkI? Wouldn't the .303 be considered an all around good cartridge?
You're comin' 'round, Art. 
Although I've a few "full-sized" .30-06s w/good glass, I just don't "need" 'em for 90%+ of the type of hunting I do.
Vast majority of my deer/elk killed in the past 10 years have been under 30 yds & it's doubtful any could've noticed the difference between a 7mm 140 gr at 2500 fps vs a .30 165 at 2400 fps.
My M7 .308 runs right at 7lbs loaded with 5 - 'bout 2 lbs (never weighed either) less than a .30-06 - I'd rather pack less.
Although I've a few "full-sized" .30-06s w/good glass, I just don't "need" 'em for 90%+ of the type of hunting I do.
Vast majority of my deer/elk killed in the past 10 years have been under 30 yds & it's doubtful any could've noticed the difference between a 7mm 140 gr at 2500 fps vs a .30 165 at 2400 fps.
My M7 .308 runs right at 7lbs loaded with 5 - 'bout 2 lbs (never weighed either) less than a .30-06 - I'd rather pack less.
The one I just put together. Model 70 Supergrade (fine metal finish, fine wood, claw extractor, three position safety, fully adjustable trigger, all steel bottom metal).
270 Winchester because it is the perfect deer caliber and capable of taking anything (almost) on this continent with right bullet and proper placement, negligible recoil.
Leupold 6X42 fixed power scope with heavy duplex reticle. I ahve used the 6X for years and have found it to be neither too little nor too much. Simplicity and ruggedness of fixed power with super opitcal qualities. Mounted in "dual dovetail" bases for ruggedness and smooth lines.
270 Winchester because it is the perfect deer caliber and capable of taking anything (almost) on this continent with right bullet and proper placement, negligible recoil.
Leupold 6X42 fixed power scope with heavy duplex reticle. I ahve used the 6X for years and have found it to be neither too little nor too much. Simplicity and ruggedness of fixed power with super opitcal qualities. Mounted in "dual dovetail" bases for ruggedness and smooth lines.
Yeah for the lower 48 states a stainless bolt gun in 30-06 should do the trick. Mine is a Savage 116 fsack (compact fluted bbl, muzzle brake, detachable mag)
I don't think the det. magazine makes much difference, I've used a blind magazine before and just reloaded from rounds kept on the stock.
I use a tasco world class 3x9x40 variable scope on burris steel rings and mounts. This is my only hunting rifle at the moment and I use it for deer, elk, antelope and black bear. As far as caliber goes you can also hunt wild pig, moutain lion, javalina, bighorn, rocky mountain goat or just about anything else in the lower 48 and a lot of african plains game. it might be a tiny bit light for moose, but in the case of Moose I'd load a 220 grain bullet.
If the question was one and only hunting rifle for the whole world, I too would choose the .375, probably a CZ mauser or a pre 64 action Winchester, though i'm told savage makes one with controlled round feeding now as well. I'd top it with a lower powered scope, say 1-6 variable 30mm tube on tip-off rings. I'd sight my scope for 270 grainers and my iron sights for 300 grain bullets.
I don't think the det. magazine makes much difference, I've used a blind magazine before and just reloaded from rounds kept on the stock.
I use a tasco world class 3x9x40 variable scope on burris steel rings and mounts. This is my only hunting rifle at the moment and I use it for deer, elk, antelope and black bear. As far as caliber goes you can also hunt wild pig, moutain lion, javalina, bighorn, rocky mountain goat or just about anything else in the lower 48 and a lot of african plains game. it might be a tiny bit light for moose, but in the case of Moose I'd load a 220 grain bullet.
If the question was one and only hunting rifle for the whole world, I too would choose the .375, probably a CZ mauser or a pre 64 action Winchester, though i'm told savage makes one with controlled round feeding now as well. I'd top it with a lower powered scope, say 1-6 variable 30mm tube on tip-off rings. I'd sight my scope for 270 grainers and my iron sights for 300 grain bullets.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
labgrade, if deer weren't so few and far between in this country, I might make some change in what I hunt with. I just never know if I'll find a happy volunteer like that last buck, or some old recalcitrant "I wanna live!" critter that I first spot at 300 yards, in overdrive.
When you carry one gun for 30 years, you sorta get married up with it. I used a different gun on a hunt, one time, and just the difference in trigger pull cost me a really big, tom mountain lion with Siamese-cat like markings.
With "Ol' Pet", I just figure that if I have time to get braced, anything inside of 500 yards, I own it.
Art
When you carry one gun for 30 years, you sorta get married up with it. I used a different gun on a hunt, one time, and just the difference in trigger pull cost me a really big, tom mountain lion with Siamese-cat like markings.
With "Ol' Pet", I just figure that if I have time to get braced, anything inside of 500 yards, I own it.
Art