You guys don't get it if you love your rifles more than introducing a young person to hunting. Pick up a gun that doesn't cost an arm and a leg match it with a similar scope and take a young man or woman to the field and the range.
Think "truck gun" with a more noble purpose. I wouldn't loan my primary rifle out without being there, it has too much sentimental value and I count on it too much. A cheap accurate rifle and a dependable scope that you can loan to a young person or hunting acquaintance in camp can create a new hunter or rescue someone's hunting trip.
My savage 243 works perfect for deer, I'm planning to set up a RAR 30-06 with a 3-9 VX2 this year for elk. The only downside is that sometimes you lose these to sons and grandsons or close friends when they become attached. There are worse things than having your grandson remember you fondly every hunting season long after you are gone.
