MZ5
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?