Why a rifle? You got plenty rifles, right?
How about a Slug Gun with a rifled barrel and integral scope mount? 12ga. Lots of slug choices, practically a new industry with specialty slugs out there. Then you got options for Buckshot as well and the shot does take some spin from the rifling for hold together patterning; but gotta pattern em for your own shooting.
Not much need for a rifle in deep woods; not for hunting game that ain't gonna be hunting you if you wound them...
Even more options for a handgun. A Ruger Super Redhawk with a scope or electronic sight is very fast and the DA trigger pull is really decent right outa the box. Can make it better, of course... But point is, my Casull delivers 2" groups (5 shot) at 75yds from offhand, non-rested position. Full power handloads. Good groups. You got both hands free for clambering through the brush, or dragging out your meat. The .454 Casull or bigger S&Ws will deliver rifle accuracy and give you faster response time. For shooting deer, you can go .44 special or .45 Colt. Also got the .44 Russian and .45 Schofield cases for plinking or small game. Very Versatile, and w/the integral scope bases, very reliable.
Got a handgun with 6" or better barrel? Maybe you're already set, just have to cast some heavy flatnose bullets and load em up!
