If you could only afford one centerfire rifle.....

[G-Mac]

Let's assume that you already have a .22LR rifle of some sort. You want an "all-purpose" centerfire rifle...what action type? Semi-auto, lever, bolt, single-shot, etc.? Caliber? Would you want something to match a handgun caliber that you have? Let's assume that this rifle would be capable of taking most typical North American game animals up to deer size, wouldn't break the bank buying ammo, and could potentially be useful in a survival situation. Also, please keep the purchase price at a level that the average person would be able to afford.

This is just a hypothetical question. I've got some centerfire rifles in various calibers...just thought it would be interesting to hear the forum's opinions if "you could only have one".

 

[woodsltc]

I'll play............assuming I already have a rifle in .22 LR, then my one centerfire rifle for all other chores would be a Bolt-Action 30.06.

It's large enough to handle virtually any big game. Shoots flat enough to reach out and touch game at long distance and the ammo is readily available in many different weights.

Bolt-action because it would have be capable of quick follow-up shots and they are accurate and reliable. You have your pick of just about any manufacturer as almost all of them offer a rifle in 30.06, so find what you like in the price range you can afford.

Matching a handgun caliber is not a priority, IMO.

OK that's my .02's worth.

Don

 

[Gunslinger808]

M1A.
Accurate enough to hunt with, good long range ballistics, enhanced mag capacity to be a crowd pleaser, and a proven design.
Additional benefit of plenty of replacement/upgrade parts available.

 

[Dashriprock]

Bolt action .30-06.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Lever action .44 Magnum. It can take any game, and is handy enough for self defense use.

 

[NKJ nut]

Give me any good .30-06 bolt action and I would be happy. My SIG SHR970 for instance

 

[ladder13]

Winchester M1 Garand

 

[PA Reb]

"woodsltc" said it all for me above and saved me the typing !

 

[woodsltc]

"woodsltc" said it all for me above and saved me the typing !

Happy to oblige!!

 

[OFT II]

Another vote for 30/06 bolt action with a 6X scope.

 

[A10]

Either a semiauto or bolt action .308, but the 'ought six is a good choice too. .30 caliber seems to be the answer.......to me anyway.

 

[7tenz]

>Quote Would you want something to match a handgun caliber that you have? unquote<

My first thought was 308 that would be easier on the shoulder than my 7mm rem mags that I may sell, since I have no practical use for a high power cf rifle anyway. I already have a Marlin 44 mag to compliment my three 29s. I'm already set.

 

[Gray Rider]

I actually answered this question once. My BIL, who didn't grow up hunting, wanted to start and wanted to know what rifle to get. I recommended a Rem Md 700 BDL in .30-06 which was what he bought. We sighted it in and he hunted a couple of days before deciding he would never take up hunting. A couple of years later(this was the mid-80's) I had a AR-15 carbine made form parts that I was never happy with. I traded for the '06 plus cash from him. Couple dozen deer later I concluded it was the best trade I ever made.

 

[Badkarma 1]

Only 1?@.@! Ok if you insist. My pick would be a .308, in either a good bolt gun or a Remington 760/7600 pump rifle. .308 is just about EVERYWHERE and you can still find surplus ammo from time to time for it. Nothing wrong with the '06 either, I just like the slightly more compact short action guns.
And that new Savage Scout rifle does look intrigueing for only $700! Dale

 

[feralmerril]

I have a lot of rifles. I inherited from my dad a remington 760 pump 30-06. He had put a peep, sling and pad on it. Dad shot his last buck with it in his mid 80s. It sat in the back of the safe for 10 years. After all, I have many more exspensive and rare bolts, levers and even a bar.
About a year ago I shot it off the bench. Big surprise! It is accurate, light, dependable, fast repeat shots, powerfull, and you can buy a fine one used for about $350s! That is a very hard combo to beat!
I like levers too. Actualy I have taken more deer years ago with my winchester 94 30-30 with a peep than I have with all my bolts etc. Another is a winchester 88 lever I have in 308. I really like my .357 92 lever copy. But for the money its hard to beat that pump remington!

 

[Marshall 357]

Remington 700 in .308 ..with a 3x9 Leupold

 

[fdnyretired]

I'd go with my lever action 30-30

 

[Sebago Son]

SOCOM 16

Inexpensive ammo, very portable, appropriate for up to Deer sized game and beyond very capable self-defense arm. Put some optics on it and you will do much better than I did during this 100 meter fire and advance excercise...

 

[rilkil23]

Bolt action 30/06.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I'd probably go for a Savage Model 99 Featherweight from the late 50's. Mine is a .243 but I'd have it in .308 if I only had one choice.