[RedRyder21]

I need to ask the toughest question there is.....

If you could choose only one rifle, what would it be? You would have to use it for self-defense in rual and urban areas, hunting game to eat, and so on and so on.

I would have to choose an AR-15 (.223 caliber)

I ask this question so I can quit spending many sleepless nights worrying about this subject!

 

[capt9992002]

Since you included self-defense in rural and urban areas, I would agree with the AR.... however, I would probably go with an AK in a 7.62. That way, when I take out several foreign terrorists, I could take their ammo and use it........

 

[mountainview]

Well R-Ryder, I'd much rather have multiple tools for the job but this is an interesting theoretical question. I'd opt for a pump shotgun (I know you specified a rifle) for the conditions you've outlined. A 12 bore can be loaded up and down and I'd prefer it for suburban hunting where range must be limited. For big game, a 12 gauge slug can knock down big game on both ends. Self-defense is a slam dunk at close quarters with a 12 gauge while sabots can reach out and touch something if needed.

As to a rifle, hmmmmm, maybe a lever 44 mag might cover the jobs described. Not overkill for smaller game but enough pep for some of the larger stuff and a high capacity mag would not be a bad thing. Maybe not ideal but I'd go with this if I had to work with one rifle for everything.

 

[huntswithdogs]

Hey Mountain,
I agree entirely about the shotgun. If ya go into a gunfight go with something that hits big.As for one rifle,I'd have to have a .308 . An M14 would fill this just fine!

 

[mountainview]

H w/dogs, that M14 sounds like a good alternative to carry, a tad heavier but hard to beat as a good self-protection piece. I'm proposing that since forage hunting for small game is on the venue that adding a sidearm might be a good way to accomplish the orginal stated goals. A small caliber handgun to harvest food and your choice of bigger medicine for those other situations which require it.

 

[Guest]

AR-10

 

[RedRyder21]

Re: re: One rifle shooter

As to a rifle, hmmmmm, maybe a lever 44 mag might cover the jobs described. Not overkill for smaller game but enough pep for some of the larger stuff and a high capacity mag would not be a bad thing. Maybe not ideal but I'd go with this if I had to work with one rifle for everything.

I was hoping someone would say 44mag lever action. I was needing an excuce to buy one. I have always been impressed with the round after shooting my father's 44mag blackhawk. Enough power like a rifle, but small enough to carry alot of rounds. Can anybody sugges a 44mag lever? I think the marlin cowboy rifles would be fun, but not pratical for this purpose.

I appreciate all the responses. I inherited a large piece of property and can never decide on one rifle to carry when I walk around that could cover all the needs I mentioned earleir, but the lever .44mag sounds like a good idea!

 

[markIVbigblock]

Ruger makes a lever action .44 mag its the model 96 I believe, I cant tell u how it shoots but i can say i have an old ruger .44 mag carbine thats awesome and makes a nice brush gun for deer

Aaron

 

[clayshooter25/25]

I'd take an M1 Garand in 30'06! It was used throughout WWII in urban and rural areas and it doesn't jam like the AR-15 does. Plus, it has high frepower and doesn't forcus on spray and pray like the AR-15.

 

[mountainview]

RRyder,

If you are still in doubt about what to get, go with the firearms you like rather than sticking with just one firearm. Nothing wrong with having different tools for different jobs or just having something different to carry from time to time.

Sorry I can't comment on a particular 44 lever gun. Check over at the lever forum for particular recommendations/likes/dislikes on a given model. Even though I don't own one, the Win 94 always has gotten my attention. I used the 30-30 version as a youngster and regret getting rid of that firearm (too soon old, too late smart).

Give us an update when you have settled on a new rig.

 

[Guest]

hmmmm.......EITHER:

A) a winchester lever action 30-30. Would be suitable 4 everything u mentioned.

OR

B) A Weatherby .340 with a short barrell and a muzzle break. (Great 4 home defense u c b/c if u don't hit them with the 1st round..........no problem......the NOISE will give them a heart attack

 

[Guest]

Rem. 700 "Scout" rifle..... from 0 to 200yds, from a bit of cover (hopefully).

 

[luv2safari]

Ruger 10/22 with a 20 round magazine. I can carry 1,000 to 1,500 rounds on me and kill anything I need to with a 22 LR. :idea: :wink:

 

[Logjam]

I guess an AR-10 in .308 would be alright, but if I could only have one gun it'd be a Winchester Pre-64 in 270. A 270 is a good big game rifle with 130 and 150 grain bullets, and a good varmit gun with 110 grainers.

You could use it as a self defense weapon too, I suppose. If you could us a Garand you could us a Model 70.

You could also load cast bullets for small game.