I have puzzled over this one quite a bit. Do you loan a new hunter a rifle that you would never abuse? NO. Do you loan them a rifle that is barely functional? NO. Do they need a rifle with a $500 scope that will serve as a cushion for their first tumble? NO.
Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that a good old Mauser with a vintage steel Weaver scope of 4x will be just fine. You can handload the 8x57 upwards by a considerable margin over factory fodder, but the factory stuff still goes BOOM and kills animals. My old Mauser has the military barrel on it, shoots well, and has a Boyds replacement stock. Not a prom queen, but no junker, either.
I refuse to loan out my nice hunting rifles, no matter how many I have, to just any ole' Joe. When they can afford to spend what I do on a rifle, they will come to understand my position!
