Need help choosing a rifle

" I’m still torn between a Ruger, Remington and the ar10"

An average AR 10 "build" will end up at least 2# heavier and have a shorter barrel than the typical bolt action hunting rifle. I don't feel that's an advantageous compromise.
I bought an AR 10 with 2 uppers (6.5 Creedmore and 308) and after discovering how heavy the platform really was, left it in the box.
 
If you desire a 270, 308, 30-06 or similar calibers a Howa 1500 ( Weatherby Vanguard ) in your choice of caliber is as good or might I say better than others. I had a Weatherby Vanguard 25-06, I now have a Howa 1500 in 270 Win., nice gun.
 
You already have a lever-action 30-30, right? Maybe it's time to appreciate the advantages of a decent bolt-action rifle. There are bargains to be had in the used gun racks at many gun-stores and virtually all pawn-shops. The most common calibers will be 30-'06 and 270 Winchester; both are excellent calibers. Avoid magnums because they offer little to be gained while sacrificing magazine capacity. Older post-64 Winchester model 70 rifles are under-rated bargains that are better than a Remington 700, in my view, though that is also a decent choice. I concur with the previous advice to put a Leupold scope on it. The 45-70 can wait for another time; I like the idea of one too, but I can live without it. If you were me, you'd forget about the AR-10, or any other semi-auto as well.
Having a good 30-30 and a 30-'06 or 270 will make you all set for anything....
 
IMO: Don't get a .45/70 or a lever action or AR-10. Buy a nice bolt action rifle and install a quality scope on same.

Don't skimp on the scope. Decades of using cheap scopes cost me several trophy bucks. Stopped buying cheap scopes about 20 years ago.

Early last fall i scoped and sighted in a brand new Howa Hogue rifle for first time hunter. The rifle is .308 caliber. The scope is the excellent Leupold VX3i 3.5x10x40. Total cost of rifle, matte scope, rings and bases was around $800.

That rifle and scope combination made 1" five shot groups at 125 yards. Made my day when the owner called to say he killed a 6X6 bull elk.

This the rifle. You can probably find it cheaper:

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...s&refType=&from=fn&ecList=7&ecCategory=485354
 
Well, since i've put my jod application in at Weatherby, i'm gonna have to change my answer..

Weatherby Mark V Outfitter in 6.5-300 Weatherby...
Or same rifle in 7mm Weatherby..

Both excellent options..
 
Eastern Big Game & yotes along with Western {Mountainous} Big Game?
Gee that's: Opposites ends of the lower 48 North American big game shooting Spectrum?

My 5-cent opinion:
280 Remington. (Only because of its superb bullet selection for both locals. And the cartridges >near< 270-win accuracy.)
 
The 45-70 originally suggested has got to be one of the most impractical and overrated cartridges out there if we’re honestly looking for an all purpose all around hunting cartridge.

For hunting “big stuff” a number of guides recommend/require the 270 win as a minimum, so I’d suggest the same as minimum. The .30 cal magnums are at the top end of practicality but are certainly not innaporopriate. They are louder, harder kicking, and more costly to shoot with regularly, and for most hunting they don’t do anything the standard 30s can’t. A bolt gun (my votes going to savage or weatherby, no question) chambered in something not smaller/weaker than 270 and not larger/more powerful than .300 win mag (or weatherby mag if you opt for a vanguard in that chambering) is a guaranteed winner.
 
The 280 is only a good choice for those that are avid reloaders. Still, as a reloader, I would prefer it over the 7mm Magnum for the sake of greater magazine capacity. Lying between the 270 and the 30-'06, it's in the same class, performance wise. I would take the 270 Winchester as first choice; the 30-'06 as a close second; third choice would be a distant something else, maybe a 280, more likely a 6.5 Swede.....
 
If it has to be ambidextrous, you are restricted (?) to guns like the Ruger #1, Browning B78, Winchester 1885, Stevens Favorite, CPA 44-1/2, Sharps, Encore, Browning BPS shotgun, Baikal single shots, over/unders or double barrels, Merkels, H&H's, Westley-Richards,Jeffery's.
Unfortunately, with bolt actions and semiautos and other than a few pumps, you would have to buy a LH and a RH version, if they are avail in both.
Biggest restriction will be your pocketbook.
 
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