My Perfect General Purpose Rifles Ramblings (Long)

[Caimlas]

Personally, my perfect rifle would be an M1 Carbine in a slightly more powerful .30 caliber round, like 7.62x39. The rifle itself is perfect - perfect sight picture, perfect shoulder fit, perfectly instinctively indexable.

I'll settle for an SKS, but I'd rather have the M1 Carbine in a slightly hotter/more powerful cartridge.

 

[boerseun]

I live in Georgia so I seldom get shots past 100 yards.
So far, I've used a Mosin Nagant M44 for all the hunting except squirrels.

My IDEAL hunting rifle is a mauser in 7x57. It is flat shooting, hard hitting and low in recoil. With a good set of Irons and a scope on some QD mounts, it would allow me to take pretty much anything on the Continent.

This same caliber has taken Cape Buffalo, elephant, rhino, hippo, lion, leopard, Giraffe, impala, Kudu and numerous other game....I think Tiger as well.

Also throw in quite a few thousand British soldiers.

It is a proven caliber in my view and I trust it. Is it a common caliber? Nope, it can't be bought at a 7-11. Can I hunt tree rats with it? Probably, but I don't like seeing red mist. Will it kill a deer? You betcha.

7x57 is probably one of the more underrated calibers - mostly because of local (American) ammo manufacturers fear of loading full power cartridges.

 

[Malamute]

Another handy gadget for small game is the chamber insert that uses a 32 auto cartridge in a 30-30, 308, or 30-06. The 32 auto shell just chambers in the back of the insert, no extra parts to keep track of. It looks like a blued empty shell, with the back end open for the smaller round. In 30-30, I have had good results plinking and small game shooting with them. They are now available from Ace Adapters in Anchorage.

He makes a variety of inserts, and will make about anything thats practical or possible.

 

[Striker]

Interesting and enlightning thread.

My primary go to rifle for hunting (and the proverbial "one" if ever limited to a single rifle) is a Ruger 77 in 30-06. I am comfortable with it for most anything in the US, even the big bears with a premium 220 Gr load. It wears a Leupold 1.5-5 variable, and I do have a ringed up and sighted fixed 4x Leupold compact as a spare scope. I used this rifle extensively in Alaska and have taken moose, elk, caribou, black bear, sheep, goat, and blacktail deer.

I also have an early Weatherby/Howa Vanguard synthetic in .308 that I'm also fairly comfortable with, with the exception of big bears.

I've recently become intrigued with the 6.5s and 7mm's but in the .260 and 7-08 Rem variants. I like the handiness of the Model 7, but not the balance of the short barrels. I'm looking to rebarrel a short action 700 in .260 with a 22"-24" light medium contour barrel and top it with a compact, replicating the weight and balance of my 700 Classic in .250 Savage. Could be my new go to rifle for the lower 48.

Having said all that, I still think you would not be ill served if you follow your instincts and refurbished and rescoped your 06. It gets the job done if you do your part.

Just my opinion, YMMV.

 

[MCgunner]

Let me throw a couple thoughts your way just to see how they strike you. I was reading this thread late last night, so bear with me if you already ruled out this first notion: How about a single-shot? I don't know about the Brownings, Winchesters, or T/Cs, but H&R makes a stainless model. With something like that, you could get (for example) a 26"-barreled .280 Rem that would be no longer than a 22" sporter barrel on most repeaters.

Well, for single shot, I'd go Encore in .308 for a primary deer/hog gun, maybe add a long range caliber in a belted magnum with some thump like 7 mag (my favorite) and a light varmint/small game caliber, say .22 hornet. You'd have one rifle in how ever many calibers you decide you need or want. You could even rig up with black powder for BP season, maybe a shotgun if you got carried away with the TC concept. TCs are offered in stainless, too. They look a little funny, but they've got the accuracy to get the job done and they've got a lot better triggers than the H&R/NEFs I've handled.

And, you left out the Ruger Number One.

 

[Charles S]

MZ5

How about a single-shot?

I think Single Shots are elegant rifles and are a rifleman's rifle. I currently have two that I love a Ruger #1 and and a Thompson Center Encore with several barrels. I love the singles shots, the two thing that keep them from being my go to rifles is hog hunting and elk hunting. In hog hunting it is not unusual for me to have 3 or more targets I choose to deal with on a rather quick basis. In elk hunting (I have yet to experience this) I just keep hearing stories about people who shoot their animal 3-4 times to ensure they don't go a long ways. Maybe I am giving too much credence to those stories.

With something like that, you could get (for example) a 26"-barreled .280 Rem that would be no longer than a 22" sporter barrel on most repeaters.

MCgunner,

Well, for single shot, I'd go Encore in .308 for a primary deer/hog gun, maybe add a long range caliber in a belted magnum with some thump like 7 mag (my favorite) and a light varmint/small game caliber, say .22 hornet.

For my Encore I currently have a 223, 270 Winchester and 300 Winchester Magnum barrel (by the now closed Virgin Valley arms). McGunner, my thoughts parrelled yours on how to set up a multi barreled gun. I honestly am thinking of adding a 6.5 of some flavor next - the 6.5X55 seems to be where I am leaning, but there are a lot of good choices, the 6.5X284 Winchester or the 6.5-06 are interesting also. Maybe I will get one in 338-06, I have always wanted one.

Of course, you could get a Browning BLR

Honestly the new BLR in the SS package can meet all of my requirements. Great gun, I have wanted one in 358 Winchester for a long time (do I need it, no just want it).

I will be surprised it the 308 Marlin makes it - I really see it as a solution to a problem that does not exist.

How do those concepts strike you?

Great ideas. For some reason I am just most comfortable with a good, smooth bolt action for simplicity, accuracy, reliability, and weight. I have practiced with my 30-06 until working the action after the shot just happens (quickly, I might add), and a second shot is available. Is this bias justified? No, honestly it is not, the BLR is plenty accurate, light enough in weight, and would work. I am just leaning toward a bolt because I am very comfortable with it.

BTW, Striker, your go to setup sounds just about perfect.

Having said all that, I still think you would not be ill served if you follow your instincts and refurbished and rescoped your 06. It get the job done if you do your part.

Probably the most economical route. The barrel is already set up for Remington sights, which I have. I could change to Warne QD bases and mounts (not too expensive) and refinish it. Durracoat?

I wounder if anyone on this board does Durracoat and has good references?

 

[Charles S]

have always admired 6.5 bullets....... I have always wanted another rifle that shot LOOOOONG skinny bullets But, I did not want another MAGNUM...lately I've had .270 Short Mags, and .300 Win mags.......I'm tired of the NOISE....tired of the hassle I wanted a mild, calm rifle...but one that was very capable. After studying all that I could, and talking to folks that have used many cartridges.....I settled on the 6.5 Swede

Me too. I really like the idea of the 260, 6.5X55, 6.5X284 or or 6.5-06.

Malamute,

Thanks for the info.

 

[Eleven Mike]

The obvious answer.

 

[B.D. Turner]

My grab and go GP gun is a Marlin 336 in 30-30. I have no need to kill brown bears, moose or elk so the 30-30 is just fine. It will take deer and black bear just fine. It holds seven rounds of ammunition can be reloaded with a round in the chamber. It is a very reliable and proven design. The 30-30 can also be had in an all weather finish with the 336XLR.

 

[iamkris]

Based on your criteria, the best choice all around rifle for you seems to me to be obvious

• Stainless steel, synthetic stocked, lightweight-version high quality rifle of the Winchester / Remington / Savage / CZ / Sako flavor -- go anywhere rifle platform, proven actions
• Leupold mid-power variable, stainless finish with quick detach/throw lever mounts - never fail platform
• .300 Win Mag chambering -- plenty of power for the big boys, relatively flat shooting, available everywhere, proven accuracy, can be loaded up or down, MASSIVE bullet selection

There are many permutations of this, but based on everything I've heard argued to date, this seems the best matched to your needs. If you didn't want the blast of the Magnum, you could always back off to the 30-06...with heavy bullets, it will take anything roaming North America.

Personally, my next bolt rifle will be in 6.5x55 Swede -- thinking about one of the new T/C Icons once they come out with a long action -- but that's because I already have the big boomers covered.

 

[Charles S]

iamkris,

You, of course are correct, I will probably go with 30-06 if I go with another 30 caliber, I already have 4 300 magnums, one of which is in a rifle that weighs 8# total weight (a single shot) and shooting it off the bench is interesting. I just don't need that level of power or recoil for most of my hunting situations.

I don't plan on this rifle being my only rifle, just my rifle that I use 95% of the time. I will carry a bigger gun when the situation dictates. This rifle will just be my go to rifle; I would like it to be capable of taking the bigger game so I can use it as a backup on those hunts.

Personally, my next bolt rifle will be in 6.5x55 Swede

Honestly, I am kind of leaning that way.

The only problem with your suggestion is that Winchester/Remington/Savage/CZ/Sako are not equipped with sights, so I would have to rectify that. The Tikka T-3 Butte comes with sights. I am not sure what else does at this time.

A good stainless rifle with good open sights and QD scope does meet all the requirements I set forth.

Any suggestions on after market sights?

 

[JShirley]

I ...did train tactical methods regarding, revolver, auto pistol, fighting shotgun, assault weapons, SWAT, and Tactical K-9 training and deployment

de,

That's an impressive resume. I just have one question: what the hell is an "assault weapon"?

I mean, you obviously have a good deal more training than the average Joe, or even someone like me, with a few years in the military and with a dabbling in training, and I am not aware of a recognized firearm category of "assault weapon".

Perhaps you can help me understand what "assault weapons" you trained others on?

Regards,

John

 

[Essex County]

Lots of good imput. After much thought I'd go with any of a number of sporter weight .308s with quality fixed 4X scope in good mounts. It will get the job done............Essex

 

[iamkris]

Any suggestions on after market sights?

Honestly? Without perusing the Rmchester websits and looking into their custom shop offerings...no. May be a job for a gunsmith.

Personally, my next bolt rifle will be in 6.5x55 Swede

Yeah, my recent affliction with M96 Swede Mausers has kinda sold me on that cartridge.

 

[TimboKhan]

Hmm. I really don't have an all-purpose rifle, in large part because I have a lot of rifles! If I had to boil it down, my suspicion is that I would go with my 03-A3. It's heavy as a hunting arm, but certainly up to the task. I think that the .30-06 will slay anything on this continent that needs slaying, and thus the cartridge is about perfect. I have no intention of bubbaerizing my 03, but you know, if I had to, I could easily mount a scope on it.

Thats just of my existing rifles. If I had to choose a new all-purpose rifle right now, it would likely be a Remington 700 in .30-06. I have 2 hunting rifles right now, both Ruger MkII's, one in 7mmRemMag and one in .270. I like both rifles just fine and have no intentions of getting rid of either, but I just have an affinity to the Remington action.

 

[Will Fennell]

iron sights.....

Charles,
One option is a set of TALLEY bases, as sold by JIM BROCKMAN, availible in brownells, that have a pop up rear ghostring apeture machined into the rear base. Use this in conjuntion with a barrel band mounted front sight post, and you have all of you bases covered.

When you remove your scope from the QD Talley scope base, a nice ghost ring apeture pops up for instant use!

http://www.brockmansrifles.com

 

[Eleven Mike]

Neat suggestion about the pop-up rear sight, except for this:

Currently only available for Win. M70 Classic and Montana Rifle Co. Model 1999.

 

[AStone]

My grab and go GP gun is a Marlin 336 in 30-30. I have no need to kill brown bears, moose or elk so the 30-30 is just fine. It will take deer and black bear just fine. It holds seven rounds of ammunition can be reloaded with a round in the chamber. It is a very reliable and proven design. The 30-30 can also be had in an all weather finish with the 336XLR.

Yep.

What he said.

Translation 1: (in outdated THR language) +1.

Translation 2A: .30-30 (Marlin 336A; incoming) is good enough for me.

Translation 2B: I may even favor my Marlin 39A as "perfect GP rifle".

Dang you people write
a LOT of words.
(I can, too. )

<Best Au'nold voice>

Auh'll be back...

 

[5x5]

Kimber 84M Montana in .308. Leupold 2.5-8x and a back up 4x. Both in Warne quick detach low rings.

Firelap the barrel with Tubbs ammo.

Send it to Fit4Duty to have the barrel microslicked and the whole thing ceracoated. (you don't need to but that's what mine will wear)

Uncle Mike's mountain sling.

No need to reload. You can find everything from 125-220 gr. (If you do reload that opens up the .260 and 7mm-08.)

The whole rig will go a bit above 6.25 lbs

 

[Charles S]

5x5,

That sounds like a very nice setup. I have been eye balling a Kimber Montana for a while.

 

[de]

Well JShirley, in reference to you question on your post #37, regarding assault weapons it was my mistake generalizing things like MP5's, AR15s-M16s, Ingram 10 & 11s ect. as I know some people are super sensitive to the term and want it defined, more clearly, so therefore, occasionally nits must be picked. I also have some limited experience with the select fire mini-14s (can't remember their proper model designation), but detested them more than any light machine gun I have ever fired. So! There is a basic description of what I was refering to, although you might have eventually figured it out on your own. Sorry to send you into challenge mode with a too commonly abused term that some pretend doesn't exist. I am not as PC sensitive as some. Perhaps I should be.

 

[WFR]

My "go to rifle" is a Remington 700 Mountain Rifle in .280 Rem.
It wears a Leupold VXII 2-7X33 mounted in Leupold low rings & bases.
It does not have a back-up sighting system.
My "go to rifle" for larger game is a Remington 700 Classic in .35 Whelen.
It wears a Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5X20 in Leupold QD low rings & bases.
The factory sights are still on and @ 100-150 yds will take care of business.
I have had the thought of putting the QD rings on the Mtn rifle as well and since they are both LA model 700's could move the scopes between the 2 as I see fit. I would also like to add a Leupold VXIII 2.5-8X36 scope to the collection.
I feel that with these 2 guns and the appropriate loads I can cover about 95% of what needs shooting in North America.
Regards,
WFR

 

[Striker]

Kimber 84M Montana in .308. Leupold 2.5-8x and a back up 4x. Both in Warne quick detach low rings.

5x5

Nice setup! How does it shoot with the the heavier bullet weights/ loads?

 

[Eleven Mike]

de, I don't think JShirley was being PC. I think he's just not familiar with "assault weapon" being used anywhere except in media hype. Neither am I. I think I would have used the term "automatic weapons."

 

[Charles S]

WFR,

That sounds like an ideal two gun setup with two great calibers, with that combo you are covered for any game that walks in NA and for that matter the vast majority of the African Plains game.

Very nice. I have always wanted a 700 Mountain Rifle, that very may be my next rifle. Decisions....decisions.