If you could only have one...

[justwannano]

If you could only have one rifle for all your rifle hunting needs what would it be?
We won't take your shotguns away for this question. Just interested in what your thoughts are for the best all around rifle.
Also what do you hunt and your reasoning behind your decision please.

Thanks for the help muledeer
just

[gd357]

Just one? I'll take a 30-06 bolt-action. It isn't the best gun for varmints, and it isn't the best choice for big bears. There are a lot of calibers that will do basically the same thing it will or better. But it will do all these things if needed, and you can always find ammo for it.

gd357

[Lycanthrope]

Yeah, it's not my favorite, but it's my most versatile. I'll take my Remmy '06.

[VinVega]

If I had to pick one I already owned, I'd say my Savage .270. It'll kill anything in KY's woods (except maybe a stray polar bear) so I'll do fine with it.
If you were gonna give me my choice of one, I'd probably let you give me a .50BMG. Fine for reaching out, and still has plenty of OOMPH up close, to put it lightly.

[bigbrother]

338 RUM
Shoots flat enough for prairie dogs but with solids will kill anything on earth.

[Andy L]

and I dont even own one.....

But, they will do about anything you could think of effectively. They can be loaded from 110 to 220 gr, maybe more with specialty bullets. Ammo is everywhere.

I have never owned a 30-06. I killed several deer with my dads when I was younger. But, if I could only have one. I dont know of anything more versitle or easier to get ammo/components for.

Andy

[ringneck 1]

7mm win. mag Can do it all

[gregarat]

6.5x55mm, I would be screwed If I ever had a chance to go to Africa.

[skeet]

I guess I would have to go with the majority here. My Pre War Winchester Model 70 in...you guessed it ...the great 30-06. It even shoots pretty good for a gun that is (a lot) older than me!!


By the way...I even have some early 60's 06 ammo on belts with the 173 gr AP bullets. I'd even try an elephant with that bullet...if I could stand back a ways. Stuff even shoots pretty good....for machine gun ammo

[Steverino]

My pick would be a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in 30.06.

[Cal Sibley]

I purchased a Remington Classic in 6.5x55 about 5 years ago and it rapidly became my go to gun. Got a moose with it last year using the Sierra 160gr SPSP (round nose to me). There's nothing any bigger in N. American so I'll stay with it and avoid the western bears. It'll handle bullets from 85gr. to 160gr. and shoot them all accurately without turning me into a spastic cripple. I can't ask for much more than that. Best wishes.

Cal - Monreal

[toxic111]

For me, a good ol .30-06 in a bolt action will work. from deer to the biggest bears can be taken with it. It might not be the best for anything, but it will do it all, and there is a great selection of factory loads out there for it.

[Skinny Shooter]

22-250 or 223
I hunt mostly varmints/predators. They are both good enough for deer with the right Matchking bullet.
No desire for bear but if I have to, I'll hunt them with a knife like one of our former members does.

But then again, there's something special about a 50BMG.

Allen

[woodchuckchucker]

I'm going to have to go with Skinny on this one. If I was only allowed ONE, it would have to be the 223. With the correct fodder inserted into that chamber, I would not feel undergunned going after anything short of bear in the north/eastern US. I'd be comfortable taking shots on gray squirrels, bunnies, coon, fox, turkey, woodchuck, opossum, crow, pigeon, pheasant, deer and most importantly, the 2 legged scum that wanted the before mentioned tablefare from my table. Now understand, the 223 would be the choice if I could only have 1 rifle. Hope it never comes to that! Bill..........

[razmuz]

Twenty Two