If you were going to buy one rifle?

[bman]

I'm a bird hunter and therefore a shotgun guy.
I have not hunted deer or hogs many times in my life. When I have I've always borrowed a friends gun.

But given some recent opportunities I think its time to get a rifle for the big game in our area.
Not looking for pretty- just effective.

If you were getting one rifle what caliber would it be?
Suggestions or warnings on brands?
Should I get a bolt action or semi-auto?

[slowroller]

If im hunting where I gotta shoot long I take my Savage model 110 30-06(bolt action). Short shooting and hogs I carry a Marlin 444p,(carbine,lever action).I like to grab that Marlin first!

[zload]

For an all around rifle my vote is Remington Model 700 .270 win or 30-06. you can always find ammo, bullet selection will let you hunt just about anything in the lower 48 and it is a very durable and mature rifle meaning parts/scope mounts will always be available just about anywhere, it has an adjustable trigger, and they shoot well...

BUT life is too short to only own 1 rifle ...

[Flint River Pirate]

My favorite deer rifle that I have ever owned is a Winchester model 70, 30-06. It isn't the most expensive gun I own but by far the most reliable.

[everglades 26]

Sako 25 06

[Gulf Coast]

Remington model 700 in a .270.... a quality scope and quality ammo for around here

[FUTCHCAIRO]

I USE THE MILITARY B-A-R, BROWNING AUTOMATIC. I BROUGHT ONE HOME FROM WW 2 AND I HAVE NEVER MISSED A DEER WITH IT YET. I GOT A NICE 10 POINT SEVERAL YEARS BACK AT 340 YARDS, ONE SHOT AN HE FELL IN HIS TRACKS. I REALLY HAVE TO KNOW WHERE I AM HUNTING BEFORE USING THIS GUN, IT IS LETHAL FOR A LONG WAY.
PA
SEMPER FI

[wally]

30-06. Bolt action. Synthetic stock. Scope 2-7x or 3-9x, 40mm+ objective. There are a number of really good shooting relatively inexpensive rifles available now.

[Hoxnan]

As far as deer rifles go, you can't go wrong with bolt action. Durable, wear proof, and easy to clean. As far as cartridges go its personal preference really (I prefer .308), along with factoring in how far you will be shooting. Remington's model 7 & 700 are worth a look.

[redbelly7]

Sako 270 and don't skimp on the scope, get a Zwarvorsky or something w/ German glass. Brings in more light for sunset shooting. Oh, and get very good mounts for the scope and get someone good to put them on.

[dombern34]

a .308, .260, or a 6.5 x55 swede is a pretty good round. and bolt action! might want to look around and see what ammo you can find for whatever gun you choose. where i live, you can't find anything right now.

[MudDucker]

I prefer a .270 for a multipurpose caliber. The 30-06 is a good caliber, but has a lot bigger buck for not a lot more knock down power. If I were to need something bigger, I will go ahead and pull out the 7mm mag.

[slayer]

T/C Encore in 7mm-08
upgrade the swivel pin in the gun where the barrel attaches...she is a tack driver!!!
Add the muzzleloader barrel and use Blackhorn 209 + 250 grain sabot...she is a tack driver!!!!
and you can add the shot gun barrel for your turkey hunting needs

[Flint River Pirate]

Another reason why I like the 30-06 is because the ammo is readily available. Every country store sells 30-06. Not the case when I am looking for 25-06 or 270 ammo in a pinch.

[big bend gyrene]

Barry, your original question is a moot one... know you've likely got more than one 12 gauge laying around... that's all you need... just have to get creative, and use a bit of tape... LONG pull string is probably wise too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZaK7D4XVo8[/video]