All round rifle

[s&w 24]

can't go wrong with an '06. Another vote for a savage 110 if your on a budget. If you want to switch to a differing case head (i.e. '06 to mag) you can buy a new bolt head and install that on your bolt you have.

But if it were me I'd find a used 1903 sporter in the paper or at a gunshow or pawnshop just cause I like them a bit more than most other bolt guns.

 

[B.D. Turner]

I have a Remington 710 in 30/06. Before anyone starts no the 710 is not the finest looking or best working rifle on the market. Yes you can buy a better rifle yada yada yada......... You can't change the barrel. yada yada yada... By the way I don't buy rifles to change the caliber I buy another rifle in the caliber I want......

Ok that being said I like the Remington 710 for what it is a good accurate hunting rifle. Shots on deer are likely one shot kills so I am not fighting a war with it so the bolt is just fine. It was also at a good price. Yes I have better rifles but for hunting it is all I need.

 

[ArmedBear]

Why have to have a bland, utilitarian rifle when you could have a classy, classic.

Because in Alaska, fashion statements don't count for much?

WRT the 710: it's functional. People seem to forget that. However, a Howa or Vanguard package gun can be had for close to the same price, and they're much better rifles (action very similar to 700, accuracy guaranteed), that can wear different stocks should you want them to.

 

[HankB]

With proper loads, a .30/06 is fine for all thin-skinned, non-dangerous game worldwide. Sure, it may not be ideal for giraffe or eland, and if I were specifically going after a big Kodiak bear I'd choose something larger, but the .30/06 will get the job done.

Just about any name brand 150 grain or heavier expanding bullet will do fine on deer, but if going after moose, bear, or something larger, a premium 180-grain or heavier bullet (plus good shot placement!) is the ticket.

As far as rifles . . . get the one that FITS YOU best. Rifle fit is nearly as important as shotgun fit; if you can't focus on a target, close your eyes, shoulder the rifle, and immediately see the crosshairs are darned close to the target when you open your eyes again, the rifle doesn't fit you very well.

 

[Old Time Hunter]

.444 Timber Carbine... Everything from squirrels to elephants, especially if you load your own.

Noth'n wrong with an '06, pretty good over all chambering, maybe even better than a .30-30 ($8.00 a box), but usually comes in those loose wrist, twist and pull models. Need a real AMERICAN traditional rifle.