Ok....you are allowed to have ONE CURRENT made factory rifle the rest of your life. It has to be capable enough for deer and Elk. It has to be Rock solid reliable and it has to be in a standard chambering. (this is an issue a close friend is facing)...

Pick just ONE and tell us how its configured and why you picked it.!

Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06.

+1

+1

The controlled feed, current FN made M-70 in a light weight format chambered for the '06 would be about as "middle of the road" one could find. There's not much that rifle couldn't do.

DF

Anything in 300 win mag. ruger 77 mark II would be my choice

And put a good quality 3-9x scope on it. Something like the Zeiss Conquest.

Sako in 7 mag, 3.5x10 VX3,.....Russ

remington 700, savage 110, winchester 70, vanguard, mark 5, encore.

in .260, 6.5x55, .270, or .280

all are accurate, reliable, and chamberings are small enough to still shoot varmint type bullets on up to 140+ grain deer and elk bullets.

Current production factory rifle is easy:

FN model 70 Featherweight in .300 Win Mag, Leupold 6x36 with dots in dual dovetails with low rings (extra lows should fit).

This will go right around 8.5lbs all up.

While the .300 might be a bit much for dinks, it would be superb for elk and as we all know these kind of topics are all about compromises

Ruger M77 Mk II in 270 win. topped of with a Ziess 3x9 40.

Simple Accurate and dead nuts reliable.

Kimber Montana 84L in .30-06. Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 with Rapid Z... That would probably be what I'd get if I did it all over again. I have two rifles that fit the bill though. Ruger Hawkeye All Weather in 7RM with a 3-9x40 BDC Monarch, and a 700 XCR2 in .30-06 with an Elite 4200 3-9x40 on top. Both are nice, but I really like those Kimbers.

+1

Sako 85 30-06 w/Leupy FX3 6x42

- accurate, well made fit and finish, feeds perfect (semi CRF), trigger is easy to adjust, did I say accurate already?

Already sitting in my safe! got a mickey waiting to go on it (thanks to Karnis!!!)

Remington Model 700 CDL in .30-06 with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 scope in Talley LW rings.

Because it's the most accurate production rifle in the world, the scope is a good buy, and the caliber is perfect for North America.

Lots of great choices here but I'd go Remington 700 XCR II 7mm Remington Magnum with a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 matte,and I could easily pick another half dozen that would be just as good............HB

A Savage model 10 in 260 remington because Marlin/remington doesn't chamber the 260 in the "X" guns.

Says it about as well as it can be said!

I'd be happy with a 700 Remington in 7 mag as well as long if it was a shooter. My knod to a Sako is only because they all shoot well, at least all of them I have seen ....Russ

Honestly, that is a great answer........but after owning a new fn made fwt in 308 I'd have to say I really like my pre 64 model 70 30-06 fwt better. The fwt 30-06 weighs the same exact ammount as the 308. Now If I'm not mistaken the new fn made 30-06 weighs 4 oz's more than the new 308. Also the grip on the new fwt's is pretty big and the stock just seems fat in some areas. Don't get me wrong, that's an excellent choice but if it were me I'd opt for one of the new Extreme Weather model 70's (my preference to the 30-06) if that were going to be the only rifle in my safe. Put a micky on it and a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 W/CDS and never look back.....

I agree with the pre-64, but the OP said "current mfg." That's why I went with the FN, as it is the current M-70. I have read some things about the FN trigger vs. the original M-70 trigger. I guess a retrofit would always be possible, if needed. Keeping it simple and factory equipment was my goal. Personally, my "one" rifle would be a custom, as near perfect as possible.

I also agree with the CDS. I have that very scope and am looking to get another one.

DF

DF, you are very correct but I just had to add that about my fwt pre 64 just as an example. I thought it was odd that my fwt 30-06 weighs the same as my new fwt 308. The 30-06 has factory irons and also steel redfield base and rings on it too . You'd think winchester would have these babies down in the low 6's (for weight) by now. I took a chance and bought 2 of the 3.5-10x40 w/cds and I'm very pleased with them. I've compared them to my other scopes and they just shine. Leupold also has one heck of a good name for customer service too. Just something one should consider if this is going to be the only rifle in the safe like the OP asked about. My vote still goes to the extreme weather though by a small margin over the new fwt.

Ruger M77 Hawkeye .30-06.

JP Sauer drilling in 30-06, 20 ga/20 ga with scopes.

Because it will do it all.

Ruger 77, stainless steel, 30/06 with a 6x42 or 2-7x Leupold on top.

700 Mnt LSS in .30-06 w/ 2.5X8 Leupold in DD mounts.

This. Only difference is mine's wearing a VXII 3x9x40 with LRD in Talley Lightweights.

Sako 85 Finnlight in 308 with Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10X44

+1




+ again, and I'd even be fine with Leu 4X

My Model 70 EW in 30-06. No question.

Sako 85 Finnlite 300 Win Mag with a 3.5 x 10 CDS Leupy. Perfect!

Thinking bout that myself.
As for current production..
Blaser S-2 in 20ga./6.5 Swede.

Or a Ruger M77 Hawkeye stainless/composite 30-'06. Why? because it is what you requested. If you can't get it done with either of those you need to hang it up.

For something that will "do it all" she looks a bit dusty

Winchester featherweight or extreme weather.

Ruger bolt gun in 9,3x62. Proven design in well-balanced package, simple excellent dovetail scope mounting system from manufacturer that backs what they make. I would top that with 1,5-6x42 telescopic sight from reputable maker.

You make an excellent point there....Either one would definately get the job done.

Winchester Model 70 Supergrade in 30-06 with a Leupold 3.5-10x40 VXIII w/ B&C reticle in Leupold dual dovetail rings and bases. A little heavy but very nice.

Ruger SS .30-06 w leupold 4x.

Ruger 77 - Stainless - Leupold 2.5-8x36 - 270, 308 or 30-06

Having just purchased one and finding it stellar at the range, I'd have to say that's not a bad choice... But I would rebel against the standard cartridge restriction... They're just so, um, pedestrian...

Winchester 70 Featherweight 270

My M14

Stainless Ruger 77 MKII or Hawkeye (I like the laminated stocks). They are tough and reliable. While it may need a trigger job, once done it's a simple trigger system that won't change and is easy to clean if needed. The scope rings are strong and easy to mount.

ONE? Simple -

Sako

Caliber? Probably 270 but IF I planned to hunt the world over, and needed ammo in a pinch for all game all conditions, I'd have to suck it up and go w/the 1906...Springfield.

Pre-Garcia Finnbear in a McMillan stock will do....but I'd probably 'settle' for a SS/Syn Model 75/85...and would spring for an EDGE stock.

Leupold 6x in FXII or III

..but could 'settle' for a Leupy FX 4x33 or a Zeiss 4x32

yep.

thanks guys...amazing results..near full concurrence on 30-06 which was my hunch and the reason for asking. The final pick was???..............hmmm.....drumroll please.................

Remington Mdl 700 CDL 30-06, tally rings, Conquest 3x9

Is your real name Swampy?

Remington model 700 XCR II in 300 RUM with a Leupold VX III 4.5-14 x 40 mm for deer I'll use the power level I ammo and for elk I'll use the power level III ammo

Well, I picked the current Sako 85 in 6.5X55 because I wanted a quality, highly accurate, and reasonably lightweight rifle in a light-recoiling caliber whose adequacy on a broad range of game has been proven many thousands of times. But I settled for this:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=240822906

a Sako 75 in .260Rem, 'cause it was close enough, the ballistics nearly identical, and for the all-weather materials...and the price was right.

Weatherby Mark V (you can pick the particular flavor) in .257 Wby.

think i would just keep my MKV ultralite in a .308 that i already have

tikka t3 in 270win.

Kimber Montana 84L in 270 Winchester. Scope it with a VX3 2.5-8X36 Leupold B&C. Talley LW lows and run bullets from 85 gr to 160 gr.

Lower budget would be Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 270 Win and the same componets.

Dakota M76 7 Rem Mag.

Ruger Hawkeye 280

M70 FWT SS in '06, or an Extreme Weather in .300 WSM.

I would have said a 700 Mountain Rifle LSS in .280 or 30-06, but Big Green quit making 'em.

Blaser R-93, 30-06, 3.5-10x40 VX3

300 mag weatherby ultra lite Mark V stainless 26 inch barrel with lpy 2 X 8 vX3 36mm.

Ruger M77 Mk II in 308. Just like the one I got.

Model 70 Extreme Weather 30-06, Talley Lightweights, Leupy 3-9X40. If you drop the standard caliber requirement, make mine a 300whizzum.

Ruger MK II stainless 7mm-08. Just like the one I own.

Deans

What he said, except that I may flip a coin to decide if I wanted a 3-9x40 or a 3.5-10x50.

That would be my vote for the rifle except I'd go with a Leupold 6x36 or 6x42LR in Talleys. 22" barrel/140 Accubonds.

Kimber 84M Classic Select 308 Win w/ Leupold FXII 6x36

That would be my pick, with the 2-7X.

M700 SPS Tactical 20"HB in 308 Win,10x SWFA SS 20 MOA rail mt. Cause if things get so bad I can only have 1 the 308 will insure cartridge supply. The arm will take care of anything I need it for, 4 legged or 2. Magnum Man

Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight (5 3/4 lbs)
Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8x32 or Leupold VX3 1.75-6x32
in Talley lt wt`s
Std caliber 30-06
AMRA

Picking it up this afternoon - and the final edition to my gun safe

Sako 85 Finnlight in 270 Win with a Zeiss Duralyt 2-8 x 42

As they say, "Goodnight Dick!"

Gus

Ruger Hawkeye All Weather in .308 with a 2.5 X 8 Leupold. Rugged and reliable. If not current production, Ruger 77MKII SS in 308.

Depending on what caliber bullet

Up to 120 gr bullet:
Ruger M77 Mk II/boat paddle stock in 260 win. topped of with a Ziess 3x9 40.
Simple, accurate and dead nuts reliable.

Over 120 gr bullet:
Ruger M77 Mk II/boat paddle stock in 270 win. topped of with a Ziess 3x9 40.
Also simple, accurate and dead nuts reliable.

Tikka T3 Lite 30-06.

Got one, like it a lot, and it would be the last one to go before heirlooms. This thought train is disturbing me.

Randy

My choice as well.

Easy, my Winny M70 .270 win, hard chromed w/ 3-9 Leupy VX-2. 130TTSX, 140 Accubond, 150 Partition, it matters not.

Ruger Hawkeye SS 7mm-08 with a 3.5-10 VXIII on top.

Sako 85 finnlight in 30/06 with Leupold 3.5x10x40 CDS.

Dink

Given the OP's parameters and given I have only one rifle to hunt all of North America under any conditions....Hmmmmm.....FN Extreme Weather in .338Win. with a Leupy 2.5x8 in Talleys and a very good 210gr. to 225gr. bullet.

Model 70 Featherweight in 7/08... or rebarreled to 260 Rem...

Glad I don't have to make those decisions tho..

Remington 700 LSS in .280 Rem, topped in Talley LW's and a VX3 3.5-10x40 and an M1 on the elevation.

Frankly, I could be happy with a number of choices. I picked this one, because I don't currently own it but would love to! The .280 is easily enough gun for elk. 7mm bullets are plentiful, have high BC's, and the scope will help you shoot them to whatever range you can handle. The gun is only a smidge over 6.5lbs and won't become an anchor. It's the perfect choice!

Howa 1500, 3006

...A standard chambering? That`s no fun.

Now don't be trading in your newhaven classic that you just spruced up for something like that. You've already got a very nice 338 win model 70 that fits that bill......

Equal elk to deer hunting, a 30-06; the occasional elk and mostly deer hunting, 257 Roberts. It would be framed in a Dakota, Winchester, Sako, CZ, or some reliable Mauser type action.

One rifle? Are you kidding me?

Only one without doubt would be M70 Extreme Weather

I'd get a Winchester M70 Stainless Featherweight in 30-06. I'd put it in a McEDGE, Talley Lightweights and a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36. That would fit the bill for a LOT of hunting.

That would be my answer.The only difference is mine wears a Kahles 3-9X42(a little lighter).That's the first one I pull out of the safe.I could hunt the rest of my life with it,and only it.

Sako in .300 Weatherby Magnum.....will kill anything on this continent, and you can always download the round......

One rifle for elk and deer, disgustingly simple concept; OP's friend probably not a reloader. Given that, the 30-06 makes a lot of sense from the availability of a range of factory ammo, effectiveness of the round, overall performance, user friendly profile, etc.

It would not be the first choice of most of us, you and me included. It's often hard to think in those term from where we are, hard for us to walk in their moccasins. I have about everything but a 30-06 hunting rifle. Not that it's not a great round, just too boring for my taste.

DF

It's not really a factory rifle, more hands on.......My 30-06 NULA.
Light with superb balance, deadly accurate & the 30-06 just keeps getting the job done without being over the top. Nuff said.

CZ 550 American or Ruger m-77 .270,30/06 6X leupold.


Looks like Ruger Model 77 is winning. Great rifle.

Rem M700 SPS Stainless with Leupy 3.5-10x40 with B&C reticle in 300 WSM because it balances well, is a handy rifle and it is more fun and louder than an 06.

That may be because Swampy hasn't tuned in yet, extolling the virtues of the 700 Remington. Everyone knows that Winchesters, Sakos and especially Rugers, won't shoot..!

DF

"CURRENT production?" Where's the fun in that?

For me I'm going to say Winchester M70 Sporter .25-06 rem.

Why?

Because I mostly hunt Texas deer, coyotes and hogs. Most any Ballistic Tip or standard cup and core bullet can handle that chore. If I go after elk or similar a heavy Nosler Partition will get the job done well enough.

The rifle itself I feel is a good compromise between a light walking gun and a heavier fixed position rifle.

it would be a 338 win mag in a browning x bolt stailes. its 7 lbs no scope so relatively light for a 338 bore. 225 gr ttsx or tsx for all

1st Gen Ti w/same scope.
[quote=Teeder]700 Mnt LSS in .30-06 w/ 2.5X8 Leupold in DD mounts. [quote]

Kimber 84L Montana, barrel shortened to 23", 3-9x40 w/dotz in Talley Lwt's, and Uncle Mikes Mtn Sling. 140 NAB's or 150 NP's over H4831.

Winchester M-70 featherweight stainless/walnut in '06 w/ 200 gn. NP's

Gunner

You left out what kind of scope. How fast you going to be runnin those 200's??

Oh, 10-Roger....scope would be a 2.5-8 Leupold matte in a set of Talley matte LW lows, NP's would be runnin' just shy of 2700 in the 22" tube.

Gunner

CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery. One rifle does it all from jack rabbits to elk to elephant ... When you shoot them, they don't get up and run off ...

Weatherby MkV Deluxe in 30-06 topped with a FX-3 6x42 ... 8#'s and done .... happy hunting

Great choice Bob, I love the Dakota 76.

Swampman picked correctly.

You referring to the angle he uses when he picks at his back pu$$y?

My Remington model 700 Classic 280 Rem. with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm Scope. It'll shoot under and inch to 1 1/2 inch groups with quite a few different factory loads.

My Remington model 7600 Carbine 30-06 Spr. with a Leupold VX-II 2-7x33mm Scope would be a close second. It's just so versatile. It'll take care of 90% of my hunting needs.

NYH1!

+1.

Beats me, I'm with you on that one.

We're trying to answer the OP's original question and those limitations are his.

If I was limited to only one rife, you can believe it would be a very nice custom job, probably built on a pre-64 action. I'd have to put a bunch of thought into that, as being limited to only one rife would keep me up at night, thinking it through. Fortunately, I'm not there.

DF

just one...ouch !
prarie dogs, fox, coyotes, antelope, hogs, deer up to elk ?
gotta be flat, accurate and have enough ooomph left for across the canyon on and elk but not destroy you in a 2 hr prarie dog session..has to fall between a 270 wsm on the low end to a flavor of 7mm mag on the high and have a bipod on it...maybe the swaro 3-18 with the hash marks...cant be a featherweight cause it will heat up, cant be a heavy weight 'cause you might need to haul it all day...gotta shoot 1/2 moa...glad i can own more then one rifle !!! (30-06...??...NOT !!)

My current set up.

Ruger Hawkeye in 30-06 with a Leupold 1.75-6x32


My rifle is going to be my hunting rifle for life.

Merkel KR-1. Because I see no reason to decide.

no experience,

For me there is only one combo. I just like the idea of a Weatherby Mark V Ultralight .25-06 with a Swarovski z5 5-25X52 in Burris Signature rings. I don't understand "configured". The reason I picked the caliber is it is the minimum I would use for elk hunting. The rifle is sorta inexpensive for a quality rifle that comes in about six pounds. The scope is the lightest with the magnification range I like.

NO!!!!

Funny you should ask. I just bought my "rest of my life" rifle last week. It is a Browning BAR ShortTrack in 7mm-08.

I picked this rifle for its versatility, reliability, accuracy and quick follow-up shot capability. Although it is definitely "Elk" capable, it will primarily be used for hunting Deer, Hogs, & Coyotes in central Texas. The 7mm-08 is an awesome caliber with hundreds of 7mm bullet types/weights available ranging from 100-175 grain, and, even though I'll probably never use them, there is also plenty of factory ammo available. The ShortTrack is well balanced, a good bit lighter than the BAR Safari, and handles & points very well. Enhancing the versatility, I have rigged it with Leupold quick release rings and can switch from 3-9x40 Burris Ballisticplex to UltraDot Red Dot sight as needed depending of terrain and game being hunted. I'm planning on having it Mag-Na-Ported to reduce muzzle jump so I can watch bullet impact and remain on target for follow-up shot if needed.



Well.... there you have it.... My perfect rifle.

firstshot
Make your first shot (and all the rest) count!

This one right here chambered in .375 Ruger. I have a .375 H&H but it ia a custom. For factory rifles I would go with a Ruger. I love how the Hawkeye stocks feel. I could go with a CZ 550 in .375 H&H but I don't like their stocks. Too blocky for my tastes. Any thing would have a Leupold 3X9.

Ruger Hawkeye African

Why would I use a .375? I love them & they will more than handle anything in North America. I have killed antelope, one deer & one elk with one here in WY. Also I would be set for Africa if the chance ever arose.

I woke up at 3:00 a.m. because of this nightmare scenario you put in my head !!
Depending on what you hunt and how often, where you hunt, and how you prioritize the satisfaction you get from each species you pursue, you could range from .243 through .300 mag.........
i have therefor concluded that you should pick your favorite rifle and caliber and borrow someone else s rifle in a different chambering if the situation calls for it...the same goes for the scope
there is no wrong, no right, and no better then the other answer on this one...i have tried since i first read this post last night and again when i awoke to be able to come here and post "what it is" i would have and i cant do it...i quit !!

Savage 116 FHSS 30-06. Proven caliber that will take any animal in NA; factory ammo is less expensive than say the 7 Rem Mag or WSM; every Savage I shot or owned was accurate from the factory; less expensive to maintain (replacement barrels / floating bolt heads etc). You could certainly pay less and get the a similar product from another manufacture, but that would be my pick.

I have essentially the same opinion as at least a third of the respondents.

A Winchester Extreme '06 in a Mickey with a 2.5-8x36 Leupy and iron sights.

I'd have said an 84L but I haven't heard enough about them to say about reliability yet.

A stainless Hawkeye with iron sights would do it for me too.

Kimber 8400 300WSM Montana with a Minox ZA5 3-15 in Talley LW.

Kimber 84L 30-06, select wood, tally LWs aqnd Leupold VX2 2-7x33mm.

M70 Extreme in .300WSM, Edge stock, talleys, VX3 3.5-10.

i'd tend to agree, with maybe a little less cartridge for an all around rifle... anything from a 25-06 to the 30-06 would be fine... the 25-06, the creedmore, and the 7-08 would cover a lot of hunting ground, and be very user friendly...

For only one to do everything in the world I want to do, it would be a Howa 1500 SS in .300 WM, with either the laminate stock that is on it or, even better, a Sako Classic McMillan.

Second choice would be a Remington SPS SS in 7mm-08 if we are talking just North America as I don't have any desire for a bear.

a little sky in 308.. with FXII 6x36 LR duplex

I shot with Ken (Firearms44) last week and he as probably the most perfect all around hunting rifle. Started out as a Remington 700 Mountain 30-06 and he put a Ti takeoff stock on it. Had the bolt lightened. Tally rings with a 3.5-10 Leupold... A 100% bulletproof, weatherproof, lightweight package...

Any 30-06 in stainless with a synthetic stock that fits your friend will work... Won't be beautiful but it will hold up for the long run...

Scope..3.5-10 or 2.5-8 Leupold VX-3 is I what I would go...

Bob

Ruger 77 Hawkeye stainless. 7mm/08 or .280 if you prefer.

I'm a fan of carbines so the Rem M7 CDL and the Hawkeye Compact are high on my list as is the BRowning BLR. Opps, don't forget the Rem R25. Decisions, decisions. Good thing I don't have money for a new rifle or I'd be giving myself an ulcer thinkin about it. 7mm-08 is a must have so whats available and when would likely sway my decision when/if the time comes.

Push comes to shove and money isn't an option........R25 wins. OR is it the M7...... or is it the Ruger..... or.....

CB

Model 70: 7mm-08, .308W, .30-06 whichever was on the rack.
Why? Have yet to have one hicup in 50plus years of use.

Ruger M77 Hawkeye All-Weather, 7-08.

I could live with a Ruger Hawkeye in 30-06, but why should I buy another rifle when I have a very good 30-06 in a Tikka M65 that shoots tiny little groups and has killed deer, moose, grouse and bears? Topped with a Meuller TacII in 3-10X44 it serves me very well, but I'll be darned if I am going to get rid of the rest of the herd just for an internet question.

Too bad the Winchester Stainless Classics are no longer in production. One in 270 Win. would be perfect.

Can't help myself. Remington 700CDL in .257wby Magnum. From varmint to elk, it will get the job done.

Winchester M70 Super Grade in 300 Win Mag. I reload though so throttling up or down is done with ease.

That's easy: a .308 Win. Since it's a military caliber, ammo will always be available. And it's capable of harvesting ALL North American big game.

Kimber 84M Montana in .308 Winchester.

+1

Cant go far wrong with the M77 stainless
Gus

Steyr Scout in 308 with 2.5x Leupold scout scope. It is fast, it is accurate, it has an awesome trigger. What more could you ask for? The rifle has two 5rd mags (one in the stock) and a 5rd cartridge holder on the stock. It has a built in bipod. I sometimes wonder why I've bought other rifles.

Gotts to agree with Karnis:



Damned good thing we don't have to make this choice though. I'm perfectly happy with 4 30-06's, 3 308's, 1 300wsm, 300 win mag, 338 win mag etc etc etc.......If we could only have one then things would get awfully boring

"Socko" 7mm rem mag.

Dakota M76 Alpine Delux in 7-08
Leupold VX-3 2.8-8x36
TSX & NAB

This is so obviously the answer (given the criteria),that I don't know why this thread has gone on for 14 pages......I mean, just ask anyone .

Just what the world needs.....more sheeple....

No no no man, 270 is where it is at

Au contraire mon frere - 7x57

Remington 7600, in .30-06, with a scope of some sort, mounted so I can take it off for rainy days in the woods. Probably would keep the VX-III 1.5x5 off the Savage 99, which I would no longer have because it is no longer current production (Boy, this situation sucks).

Why? Fast, accurate, powerful, and handles like a 20 ga. 870, which I would also have if I bought that rifle.

Don't like the trigger? Put in a Timney, just like so many do in bolt actions.

CZ-550, Weaver Grand Slam 3-10. I'd go 270, but you really couldn't go wrong with 30/06 or 6.5 Swede.(however if budget isn't an issue, 550 UHR 300 mag with the nightforce scope)

Rem 700 ADL in 308 Win. with a Leupold 4 power scope.

Sycamore

Rem ADL in 30-06 with a 3-9 Nikon with BDC.

30-06 ammo is everywhere, and the BDC reticle helps on quick shots over 100 yards.

ADL means never accidentally dropping all your ammo out of the mag.

What's not to like?

I would have thought a switch barrel was the obvious choice. There are some really good affordable switch barrel options these days, though for me obviously the choice has to be R8.

If i couldn't have a switch barrel, 30-06, 270WSM or 300WSM seem reasonable compromises. And i'd probably choose a Sako 85, with Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42.

I'd take the new Ruger Gunsite 308 with Warne QD Rings & Leupold Scout 2.5 scope.
It shoots one of the most common Military rounds & I like the 10 Rd detachable box mags & peep sights. It will take any game in North America if you get close enough & place the shot in the vitals.
Second Choice would be a Tikka T3 in 7 mag with Leupold 2.5x8
Otherwise I would take what I've been hunting with for years. It's not current production, but by far my favorite of all the rifles I own.... It's a WW M70 Featherweight in 7x57 that has factory rifle sights & a Leupold 2.5x8 with Leupold QD Rings

Sako .270 Win

BTW, I have had numerous surgeries on my shoulders, so I am limited to rifles that won't recoil me into the Dark Ages. No more Buffalo Bore .45-70 rounds for me.


R

M-70 Win FW, 270 Win, Leupold 2.5X8 scope, Talleys, restocked in a McM Edge.

Not gonna be hunting big bears, so it's fine for everything else.

I'd also be equally happy with the same gun in 308 or 'o6.

Would prefer a Rem 700 Ti, were they still current production as I have one in 7-08; only reason for not picking it was to play along with the OP's game.

MM

A JP LRP-07 Long Range Precision Rifle in 308 Win 20" barrel a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M3 Riflescope.
The rifle

Ruger Hawkeye, Stainless, 30-06, 4x or 6x Leupold FXII or III
with Ruger rings use the 6x sighted with 165gr for whitetail and use the 4x sighted with 180gr for elk.

My Benchmark barreled Accutrigger Savage 308 (all work done by a close family friend). It is sitting in a Laminated Tiger Shark Stock with a Super Sniper 10XHD on top. Switch that out with one of my hunting scopes and drop it in a McSwirly or an Edge and I could get by!

That being said the Sako 85 in 338 Federal that I bought from CLB with my 2.5-10 Leica or the 2-12 SixX that I just bought from elkivory might could get me by as well.

The 308 ammo safety net would probably rule in this nightmare scenario.

If were talking production guns then Sako 85 Bavarian in 300 WSM. Love the way that rifle looks. Topped with a Swarovski.

My m700 ADL 30-06



Nothing more than a tuned 2# trigger and fine tuned handloads

Ruger Hawkeye, Stainless, 270, Leupold VX-3 2.8-8x36 but since elk is in I may want to change it to ought six

I would have to go with the new Winch all stainless synthetic in 06

The final pick : " Remington Mdl 700 CDL 30-06, tally rings, Conquest 3x9 ". Is this the end choice ? Not a bad choice when it comes right down to it. Plenty of nice stocks available should he decide to change out the wood. Plenty of bullet choices for sure. Varmint to elk size game. The only other choice I would've of made : 700 MR LSS 22" 30-06.

Ken

Ken did you get a deer? Seen anything?

CZ model 550 7mm Mag

Posted that a couple month's back... finally have said 23" bbl'd rifle, but went with 6x36LR... she's a keeper.

Brad, if/when you decide to sell that one let me know, seriously!


Need to starting saving because that sounds like a great setup.

The 30-06 will be the one to get sold... unless I rebarrel it to a 257 Rob!

It shoots great, but I had my heart set on the 270.

Win 270, Model 70 Classic all weather, with VX II. Set the trigger and bedded the barrel. Its a shooter!

Of course I still drag out the ol 30-30, an kill a deer with it every once in a while, just to keep the barrel from getting rusty!

One rifle: Sako 75 SS in .30-06 with a Leupold 3.5-10x40 on top.

Kimber Montana 7mm-08, Talleys, 2,5x20 Leupold UL

If it does not include a .22LR I would say my Brno model 2. Otherwise my R8 in 9.3x62 pushing a 250gn TTSX at 2300. Why, coz I have owned enough to know. Blaser is numero uno for me.

Strong too. Latest DEVA rifle action testing scored the Blaser R8 at over 210,000PSI, without letting go. Germans just do it better IMO......

Nosler TGR in 300 WSM or 300 WIN

Nope, just can't bring myself to doing it..... . Having too much fun as it is....

Winchester Model 70 Sporter with a Walnut stock and a 3-9X40 Zeiss up top.

chambered in.............

Hard to go wrong with a Kimber Montana 7mm WSM or 300 WSM with talleys and a VX3 3.5-10X40 or FX3 6X42.

Or a Model 700 CDL SF 7mm RM with a 3.5-10