Frank Bates’ top 22 deer rifles
Rifles have come a long way since pioneer days. Today, this modernized weapon is the top choice of many hunters who seek white-tailed deer east of the Rocky Mountains, mule deer west of the Rockies and black-tailed deer along the West Coast. Whether it’s stand hunting, still hunting, deer drive hunting, spot and stalk hunting or dog hunting, rifles are used to keep deer populations in check and feed families.
Check out this article Top 10 Best Bolt Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles. The author does a good job covering some of the most popular, commercially-produced bolt-action deer hunting rifles of our time, but I think there are quite a few he overlooked.
Below is a list of the 10 rifles mentioned by the author, plus 12 more that I think should be in a list of the top 20 or 25:
- Savage Model 110 – Well-deserved reputation for strength and accuracy, thanks in part to the barrel locknut.
- Winchester Model 70 – Simple, adjustable trigger; a new version was introduced in 2007.
- Browning A-Bolt – Features include glass-bedding, 60-degree bolt throw and ergonomically-designed bolt knob.
- Remington Model 700 – Possibly the most popular American bolt-action rifle of all time, despite trigger safety problems.
- Ruger Model 77 – Includes non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and integral scope mounts.
- Sako 85 – Slick action with a fairly short bolt-throw, which can add up to quick follow-up shots.
- Tikka T3 – Criticized for “manufacturing shortcuts,” but praised for smoothness.
- Weatherby Mark V – Adjustable trigger, non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and side-mounted thumb safety.
- Weatherby Vanguard – Built to be a less expensive option for those who wanted the Weatherby name but couldn’t afford the Mark V; guaranteed accuracy.
- Marlin X7 Series Rifles – Relatively new on the scene; uses a barrel locknut.
- Others include the Winchester Stealth 308, Steyr Mannlicher, Remington VSFS 22 250, Winchester 300 Win Short Mag, Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow, Remington Model 7 Magnum, Remington 300 Ultramag Sendero, Browning Stainless Stalker 300 Win Mag, Mossberg 100 ATR, Ruger American Rifle, Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 and Konus 4×32 Riflescope.
Do you hunt with one of the rifles listed above? If so, what’s your opinion of it? What other rifles have you used? Are there certain rifles you would recommend to others for deer hunting? I’d love to hear from you.
I have never really been a big fan of bolt action rifles though I have had a few and still have an old Schmitt-Rueben 7.5X55 Swiss that I shoot for fun. most of my hunting is for rabit or deer and I tend to use a hand gun for both, A browning bull barrel (10″) for rabit and a 44 mag Smith for deer, the last few years I switched to the 44mag Desert Eagle as its easier on my wrists. As for Rifles I hunted for years with a 336C marlin in 35 Remington with only one complaint, it was contancerous to reload for. These days I have a 1895 Marlin in 45/70 that more than fills the bill for the type of hunting I usually do, and also a Ruger No 1 in the same caliber, and for the rare occasion I hunt long range I have a Ruger No 1 in 300 win mag that I often kill gallon milk jugs with until my shoulder gets sore. at 800 yards or more no bolt action has an advantage over me that I have seen. More than the gun you use (and I am not knocking fine guns) its the shooter that matters and if he or she put in the work to learn the gun and how to shoot it well.
I am wondering about trigger problems on the Remington 700. I have them in various calibers and no problems. 30-06 is my favorite all around rifle but I have killed more deer with a model 94 30-30 than most anything and the reality is even in the west you can generally get within 100 yards or closer for a shot.
Born in 1939 on a farm in Pennsylvania (Columbia county) I got my first legal deer at the age of nine with a model 94 30-30 Winchester. Hunted every year up until about five or so years ago (still would but lost my hunting partner a few years back) and you can count a deer pretty much for every year I hunted since. Many years two one in Pa and one here in Arizona, occasionally more if I went to Wyoming, Montana or Colorado. Although I have several rifles that would do the job my favorite is a 7MM Remington model 700 magnum which I got in the mid if not early 70′s. It is a gun I can use for deer with the lighter loads and the heavier ones for Elk. Taken a few of those also. Oh I have two 30-06′s (model 700) a Weatherby 300 Mag. And a couple 7mm 06′s in a model seven but I always go back to the one I have the most confidence in reaching out and getting them when it is needed. It is a little overkill for Antelope (we have quite a few here in Arizona) but lighten the load and it works great. The Remington model 700, in the 30-06 is great as well with the lighter loads but I just like the 7mm mag but I really think it is the scope that sets it apart. By the way I never had a trigger problem with any of Remington model 700. I’ve got five.
I’m 65 and have used a Savage model 99 in .300 Savage caliber 150gr or 180 gr depending on the game animal since my 14th birthday when my dad gave me a brand new one with a 4x scope. Just a few years ago I got my hands on a Remington 7400 Pump in 30-06 … it is my new go to gun especially since I put a Williams peep rear and red fiber optic front on this rifle … With 165 gr PSP Federal ammo it will drive tacks at 100 yds if I use a solid rest like a large tree. I still use the Savage 99 as my nostalgia gun to remind me of my father but the Remington is now the choice for me.
My 12 year old son, on his first real hunting trip, bagged a sika buck at 100 yards (in the heart) using a Taurus break action .308 with scope. This is my son’s first hunting rifle. It is one of those rifle combos that comes with the interchangeable 12 gauge barrel.
my first deer ,at age 9.was killed with one shot at about 75 yards.30-30 winchester carbine.since i have used major brands.i have hunted with 222-250,30-06 savage model 110. ruger model one single shot in 30-416. i sight in for 200 yards.personally i feel the gun you are comfortable with is the one you should use
Was sure glad to read some folks speaking up for the lever actions and the 30-30 and the Henry rifles. I’ve hunted whitetail in the Ark-La-Tex for over 40 years with my Marlin 30-30; see through mounts, Weaver K-4 wide-view and they have all been clean, one shot kills. I use the 170-grain Silvertip.
For Elk and larger and/or long distance I use a Browning BLR in .300WSM with a 4×12 drop comp. I use the 180-grain Ballistic Silvertip.
For Squirrel, I use a Henry Golden Boy 22LR with 4x.
However, in the last 10 years I started using my Henry Big Boy 45LC with a special load sometimes. The only critter I shot twice with it was a Black Bear. We startled each other and the second shot was possibly more of a panic shot.
Stay Safe,
Bull
What about the Winchester 30-30 Lever Action I live in South Eastern PA where shots are usually 100 yards. I shoot open sites and usually use 180 grain bullet. It’s short easy to throw and has plenty of stopping power.
I also use a Winchester model 1914 30-06 with military iron sites. I have found however that in this area of PA you need to to stay at or below 180 gr. I loaded some 220 gr and red lined them and at 100 yards they went straight through.. Took me 4 shots to put down the deer.
I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 308 that was very reasonable in price and is very accurate. It shoots under and inch at 100 yds with my handloads. I have taken deer, pigs, and elk with one shot kills. it shoots minute of angle out to 500yds. The 4 to 12 Leupold scope is versatile as cleqr as any one could want. Really, If you are comfortable with it and it works for you, practice and have a supply of ammo. In reality confidence is a great comfort and lets you worry about other things.
I have a Remington 700 ADL. My brother bought it for me ,what a guy! I have been hunting with it for over 30 years now and have not had the desire to replace it. It is good in brush and at long distance. I have used it for deer, elk, bear,and just about anything I want to put on the table.
Frank
I got a rifle from my dads estate that was taken off of a German sniper. Had it chamber molded and it is a 8 X 57 mm. It has a hair trigger and a periscope type scope on it so the enemy cannot shoot at the scope and hit you in the eye. It’s a treasure of a gun and I just got ammo for it. Can’t wait to get it out and shoot it, has not been fired since WW2. Keep well and God Bless.
Over the years I have shot just about everything from a 22 to a 460. If I had to narrow down to just one rifle it would be the Browning A-Bolt 270. Zero it in at 300 yds and it’s only a couple of inches high at 100 yds. Has more than enough power to get the job done and want shake my old bones to pieces.
I have deer hunted with my Marlin 30-30 for the last 20 years and have never been dissapointed.
I like yourself also prefer the Browning A-Bolt but in a .280 Cal , a little better ballistics and like you said not too much of a wallop
FOR ALL YOU NEW HUNTERS JUST STARTING OUT,OR FOR SOME OLD TIMERS JUST LOOKING FOR SOME THING NEW TO PLAY WITH.I LIKE AND STILL LOVE MY 303 ENFIELD RIFLE.NOW YOU GUYS CAN GO OUT THERE AND SPEND A GRAND OR MORE ON SOME BIG NAME GUNS WITH THERE NEW HI-TEC ITEMS,BUT AS FOR ME(MADDOG PARSONS) I KNOW FROM YEARS OF TEACHING FORN. REBEL ARMYS W/U.S.SPEC.FORCES COMMAND THAT THE 303 IS STILL ONE OF THE BIGGEST HITTERS OUT THERE.YOU CAN GET A 303 SPORTERRISE RIFLE FOR ABOUT 300.00 DOLLARS OR LESS SOME TIMES W/SCOPE,THE MILITARY WILL COST YOU MORE BECAUSE ITS A WAR RELIC,BUT ETHER ONE WILL DO A NICE JOB TAKING DOWN A DEER, AND FOR THE MOST PART ARE EASY MAINT. ONCE YOU LEARN AND MASTER YOUR LONG RANGE REAR SIGHT OR YOUR SCOPE PATTERN,YOU WILL FEEL LIKE YOUR KING OF THE WOODS WITH THIS BEAST.
Same holds true for the 8mm Mauser, it will drop them like rocks. But unless you have the components to reload the ammunition is pricey.
SAIGA IZ123 IN 308 CAL. HAS A SCOPE RAIL ON THE SIDE FOR A QUICK RELEASE SCOPE MONT REMOVAL. IT’S ACCURATE TO 400 YARDS. 1.5 INCH GROUPS AT 100 YARDS. SOME WENT TROUGH THE SAME HOLE. VERY LIGHT WEIGHT AND 922R COMPLIANT. HAS A 10 ROUND DETACHABLE MAGAZINE. COST AROUND $499.00
I HAVE HUNTED FOR MANY YEARS AND THIS IS MY OPINIUN ONLY i THINK A 243 OR A 223 IS ALL ONE NEEDS FOR DEER,i THINK THE BEST ALL ROUND RIFLE IS THE 30-06 IT HAS THE MOST CHOOSES IN LOADS,WHICH i USED FOR MANY YEARS,ALSO HAVE A 300 MAG ,WHEN i HUNT IN G-BEAR COUNTRY,My first deer I got was with a 22,that was in the late 50′s. thank You, Kel Lavallee
dear Frank, I`m not into killing animals, but I wouldn`t mind haveing a riffle for protection for home invasion. Would you write article on this.
Ray,
if you out for home protection all you need is a 20 Gauge shotgun pump action and either buck shot or if you are not into killing or hurting get some bird shot take out the pellets and put in Salt Now why a pump ?
Well once you learn how to “pump” the shells or just pump the shotgun who ever is giving you grief once he hear that sound he will be running.
Victor was absolutely correct. A 20 gauge pump is all you need for home protection. The sound of chambering a round will be a great deterrent to anyone trying to break in. If salt in the first round doesn’t do the job, it’s quick and simple to have the next round loaded with lead – either bird shot or buck
Tikka T3 Lite stainless! I have both .223 and .243, both
tack-drivers, extremely slick function, excellent trigger, 6#. Had lots of Rem 700′s- all accurate, hard to beat.
In a survival situation, a .223 is all you need, and an AR
is OK. No FMJ’s, 53gr Vmaxes put them down like lightning.
never have been a big fan of bolt actions. Quite possibly because I’m left handed. Yeah, I know they make tem for lefties as well, but eh. lever action I like, and semis I like. shot a little 7 mm up in Michigan that really liked but I couldn’t talk the owner out of it. can’t remember the brand, but it was a WW2 collectable. only took me two shots to his the center a little to the left. Liked it a lot.
I agree with the handling and utility of the Marlin 30-30 here in the Southeast and use a Modified Remington 700 Mag. Got used to doping scope on long shots w/.308′s as sniper in Marine Corp. Have several other rifles including some hidden from this administration!!
I got a Remington A3-03 back in 1966 with a Monto Carlo stock I shot it till around 1985 when it started to lose it’s accuracy and I had it check and was told it would need a new barrel, someday I will replace the barrel. I got me a Browning A-Bolt 30/06 with a boss and found it to be very very accurate . I have found that the bolt action rifle is the most dependable and accurate and the 30/06 to be the best round for all game.
Frank,
I am partial to a Win 270cal. I use a Remington 700. Very accurate. My daughter uses a Savage-Stevens bolt in a 270. this is a good caliber for most women to use…recoil is med-light. Much less than a 30-06.
The Rem 700 does not have trigger problems anymore. This model in a Rem 7mm Mag is a great deer/bear/elk…gun
Bullet placement is more critical than which caliber.
I have a Savage model 10 in 243 but around here your lucky to get 40 yds so I have a Winchester 94 in Rem 35 cal .Brush does not disturb the shot
Up here I kind of prefer My Winchester 07 in 351 cal with the Williams Peepsight and original King front.
Works every time I have fired it. My other rifles I am not as comfortable with.
This survey has no validity without including Remington 760 or 7600. I’ve shot a 7600 in .30-06 most of my life, and my cousin has used a 7600 in .270 most of her life. Classic, quintessential deer rifle. Needs to be included.
Back in 1982 I purchased my first very accurate Deer rifle, a new Savage 110E, 30-06, for $137.50 from a Wholesale Sports Center in Tucson, AZ. Also purchased a cheap 3X9 Scope for less than $30.00 . I always use 150 gr. Federal Ammo, and have always dropped my Deer on the first shot, as I only care to do neck shots that give an instant kill from my many years of hunting experience. I am now 67 yrs. old and have been hunting with the Savage 110E since 1982. The only draw back is that I do not have any bragging rights when with all the other hunters when we are at our Hunting Lodge, as my Savage was cheap and even looks cheap, compared to the other hunters very expensive guns. I would recommend this gun for anyone that hunts big game. One last thing, is that, I have never had to sight it in since the first time I used it. Savage Fire Arms built a great accurate Rifle when they built the model 110E, and at a great price as well!
I hear you Wayne, My savage 7mm is accurate and I love it as much or more than my remingtons or weatherby. And I think you have better bragging rights. I learned years ago, never make fun of the guy with the old hockey equipment. Means it has been used, ALOT. Same with your rifle, it’s put a lot of meat in the freezer.,
I am still shooting my old 03-A1 Springfield with a Redfield 3X9. I thas been working well for since about 1964 and I see no reason to change. You can load 30-06 to take anything from prairie dogs to grizzlies.
The Remington trigger safety issue is actually modified rifles that have had the trigger pull adjusted to unrecommended lbs. of pull. CNBC even knew this when they reported it and the US Army does not allow their snipper to adjust trigger pull any longer.
Hi Frank, my Reminngton 7mm Rem. mag. (180 grain) has never let me down, @ 600+ yards, you need a gun that can hit the mark. I also use my Ruger 300 Win. mag. (180 grain) for moose hunting, it has alot of knock down power, saves on the walking later. For bush wacking I use the always popular 30-30 winchester (180 grain) for its quick responce time in those tight spots in the bush, lighter in weight, a most when you need to pack-out the harvest.
Frank . . . what a troublemaker you are with this classic statement . . . its like religion, politics, and dutch oven cooking !! Although my preferred therapy is reloading, I think available of ammo in a crisis is an important consideration. I have harvested deer with many 30-06s (’03, 1917, M77) as well as 30-30 and 7mm. Getting to be an older guy, I love the older stuff the best.
What about the Blazer rifles? You only mention American rifles nothing compares with the design & performance of a Blazer.
I have shot over a thousand red with a .270 BSA rifle which I bought back in 1959, it has new barrel & is still going strong.
One thing to remember is, it’s only a good rifle if you can easily find ammo for it. The three most popular calibers in the south east are the 30-30 win., 270 win., and 30-06 springfield. (the 270 win. is a necked down 30-06) These calibers can usually be found in any Mom and Pop Store where you are hunting, in case you forgot to pack your ammo in a hurry to get to the woods. Of course I’m speaking of a time before the government created a false shortage of ammunition.
This administration has done more for gun sales and bulk ammo sales than any other administration. And they are anti-gun? Anyway, these guns with some skill and common sense can take care of you.
1 used a Winchester 308 magnum lever action. it’s good 4 all types
of hunting.With 180 grin
Hi Frank:
My favorite deer rifle is my Browning BAR safari 25-06. I have had it for three years and only fired it four times and have three deer. One for each of the last three years.
I have the Weatherby Mark V in .300 Weatherby Mag. I use it for elk in Colorado with 220 gr
nosler partition bullets. Last kill was 540 yds, one shot. Went down like a billboard in the
wind.
Also Sako 30-06 for deer and have taken 35 bucks with 36 shots–shot one twice as it was
nearly dark and he was pushing himself into a swamp. Here I use 150 gr nosler partitions.
Gary
Frank
For a good brush gun, I really like my pre-64 30-30 Winchester. It’s easier to carry through the brush than a longer rife, and it appears to work OK. For longer shots I like my 1917 Enfield 30-06 with the flip up peep sites. It will definitely reach out and touch somebody. For a good varmit rifle my hands down favorite is my 1927 Remington pump .22. I have to try to miss with that one.
Mosin Nagant 91/30 open sights.
Cheap accurate shooting and surplus ammo.
What more can one ask for?
Yup! I added a timney trigger, bent bolt monte carlo stock and a compensator. It is good for 800 meters.
I too am surprised that you are such a proponent of the bolt action. I have had first hand knowledge of two men killed when the bolt came back and went through their eye. I always hunt lever action or semi. I do tend to favor Remington or Winchester. Since having my first buck stolen by a member of my hunting party (relatives no less) I stepped up from a 30-30 to a 444. They will not hunt with me now as the deer will probable not run as far as it did then. Besides I have let be known I will not tolerate the same shenanigans again I am a middle aged woman who thinks that strong young men should shot their own deer not steal the ones I shoot. I enjoy your columns and have learned a great dea. Keep up the good work!l
I currently own and shoot several of the rifles listed. They are: 700 Remington in 25/06. A .300 RUM built on a 700 stainless action, Ruger M77 in .223, 7mm Rem Mag., .338 Winchester Mag., Tika T3 Lite 22-250 and Sako 85 in .270 Win. Some of these I’ve owned since the 60′s.
I have taken varmints, deer, antelope, bear, elk, caribou and moose with these firearms. I also do a lot of long range shooting with my custom .300 RUM and have shot 5 shot groups under 4 inches at 1354 yards.
Every rifle in my list is primarily there due to it’s action. To date, I don’t think one can beat Remington’s 700. I don’t agree that it is an unsafe action whatsoever! I think it is the idiot that is pointing the rifle.
My fav is my trusty, old, bolt action 22-250, 1-9 variable scope, bench loaded ammo. Used it for YEARS when farming for pigs, deer, ground squirrels, and crows in the corn field. I loaded variable heights, used super explosive bullets (no ricochet), did not hunt in heavy brush and always waited for clean and sure shots. Flat trajectory, has good reach, great hitting power with careful placement (head only on pigs and deer), never had to chase anything down,,, they dropped where they were standing and I didn’t ruin any meat (unless you were after the brains for scrambled eggs or some such). No kick but a very loud report. Would still be my go to rifle if I needed some meat – I am and was NOT a hunter for the “sport” but for keeping the critters out of my crops (truck garden, wine grapes and apples mostly) and putting the meat in the freezer. Worked one year pretty well knocking mistletoe out of some oaks too but the report bouncing off the tree trunk was VERY LOUD even with ear protection. Have 22′s, 30-06, 30-30 but my go to is and will be (except where it is an illegal cal.) the 22-250 with bench loads.
I’ve used a 1903A1 which was sporterized in 30/06 cal. the barrel had 4 lands and grooves bedded in fiberglass very accurate, a Browning lever action in 308 Win., a Winchester mod 98 in 30 cal., a Ruger 77 in 338 Win.Mag. Jon
Frank,
I’m surprised you made no mention of Kimber rifles. I have a Kimber Model 8400 Montana in a 300 WSM with a synthetic stock and stainless barrel and it has become my favorite rifle. I dropped an elk at 370 yards in 2006 and a whitetail at 350 yards in 2008. I put a 4 1/2 to 14 Leopold scope on it as well. It is lightweight to carry and very accurate. It shoots the Federal Premium Vital-Shok 150 gr Nosler ballistic tips the best (at least for factory ammo). I shot the elk with the Federal Fusion 165 gr. It is above average in cost but, in my opinion, worth the extra expense. After all our guns are one of our best investments.
Keith
No Lever-actions? I’ve used Winchester,Marlin, Etc. and found them equal to, or Better than Bolt-Actions in many cases. if not all . Chambered in everything from.22 cal rimfire up to and including .45/70 Govt. I’ve also used a few Bolt-Actions, Arisakas,Mannlicher/Schoenauer,etc, and a whole slew of Govt./War Surplus Rifles in the late 50s-to-the-early 60s [incidentally my stepdad Sporterized,custom-stocked. and modified barrel-length, and on some, re-chamberedr for different Ammo.a Very talented man}, and I found them to be Very Suitable for the task at hand......... Meat Hunting, Or Sport-Hunting. As a youngster POP started me out carrying a 30/40 Krag/Jorgenson to Deer hunt with, he said "It'll develop your character, AND make a man out of you! Out here in the North West, much of our deer hunting areas are Very Steep/Big Country,[we say "standig on its head!"] Although it was a Completely Capable Cartridge the Rifle I used seemed to me [at the time] to be like carrying a “Cannon”[weight-wise it was So-o-o-o Heavy!!} At 68 years of age,I'm gettin' close to bein' useless[not a jumping Kid Anymore!] At Present the rifle I use is a Marlin Lever-Action Stainless-Steel chambered in 45-70 GOVT., with the optional Large-Ring Lever, [I find the Large-Loop to be Very beneficial in winter with gloves on!!!! At this ageI’ve been thikin’ ’bout gettin’ one of thse new-fangled scopes that have built-in range finder-windage indicators, etc. it’s called TERMINATOR III, abit pricey, but I think worth it after trying it on someone else’s gun! Reality Bites Again…. My eyesight is still great….Thank God…… One of the FEW THINGS still working, so-o-o-o, I’ll pobably continue doing what has worked for a lifetime……… just keep using the open-iron-sights as I always have!!!!! J.B.
Notice that several people use the Mosin Nagant 91/30. I bought a lot of 10 and proceeded to customize them. If ind that a barrel length of 22″ is an ideal hunting compromise, as well as a unique looking weapon if you blond the stack. It is much lighter and handier than either the M-44 or the full length rifle. As to the bayonet on the M-44, I hope you were kidding. The next 300 pound plus boar that tries to run over you will if you try the bayonet. And bite your leg off. As to ammo, the commercial 180 grain is great if you don’t handload. And if you want to fire those corrosive rounds that came in the com blocks, go ahead if you want a completely ruined steel finish on the bolt and inside the rifle barrel. I empty them and load into brass, reusing the bullets and powder while lowering the powder load. Also, a pistol scope on one of the custom mounts works quite well.
I grew up shooting a shortened 30-40 Krag with military sights. Right now, there are quite a few of these on the market and they are ideal rifles for the handloader. The only other rifle that I have killed more than one hog at a time with is hitting three with a 30-06. Otherwise, the Krag is the only bolt action, with the possible exception of the .303 Enfield, that is fast enough to get two in succession within two seconds.m Surprised you did not mention the all-time deer killer, the .30-.30 Winchester.
Frank I just want too make a statement about you asking about peoples Deer guns and what type they have. I dont think you should be asking people this due to fact NSA can get info the internet and the Gov. already wants to take our guns and I just know you from the internet and not your real background and how do we know whom you really are Patrick
I have used the old Springfield 06 for a long time but lately I have been using a Henry lever 45 colt carbine. It’s a great brush gun for deer and hogs too
I love my Marlin Lever Action 444, and my Mossberg 338WM, I lkie to shoot by stalk and shoot method. I use open sights and only shoot under 100yds. It makes the hunt harder and when you get one you know you worked for it and gave it the fairest hunt. I also think I go big and close because I want the deer to go down and stay down. One shot one kill, no chasing or wounding and no suffering on the deers part. Just my humble opinion, but the 444 and 338 should have been mentioned. they are all around brush guns and dead on accurate. They also put the animal down where it is standing and it doesn’t get up and run.
I have and love my Remington 700 BDL it is 7mm Remington Mag, very accurate, I have a Leupold scope on it 2.5X12 power. I had a Winchester model 94 it was a 30-30 caliber, when I was in high school loved that little gun for hunting in heavily wooded areas. I also own Remington 760 in 30.06 it is not as accurate at long range but a good mid range.
Circa 1940 Winchester Model 94 in the ancient .25-35 that my dad gave me, and 1979 Rossi M-92 in .357 Magnum. Recently acquired a surplus Yugoslavian M-47/24 in 8mm Mauser. Haven’t gotten the cosmoline off it yet.
one of the best all around rifles is the Henry 22 mag . it is light easy to carry , accurate and ammo doesn’t cost like the heavy cal. the lever action has a very short through and can be very fast with a second round .
I like the Rem.A3-03 also, very accurate. My uncle, a gunsmith, added a Monto Carlo, hand-made, hand-checkered, pistol-grip stock of walnut. It’s heavy, kicks like mule with 220 grain rounds, but steady as a rock at the shoulder. I started using it at 16, very rapidly I learned one shot, one kill. I did all my hunting, still hunting, for the first 20 years. We did a lot of logging as kids selling pulpwood. this created a lot of nice trails. I walked carefully and slowly. When the deer jumps, you only have time for one round. I learnt quickly to put that first bullet home. That what counts! This rifle is very dependable, but altimately, it is only as good as I am. Over the years, I’ve learned to shoot very rapidly and very accurately. I don’t know how many deer I’ve shot, but most have been, one shot-heart and lungs. That doesn’t mean that only always shot once. Some deer take more than one. This is what really important. Get a rifle that you are comfortable with, learn to shoot accurately and rapidly, and you will always have meat on the table.