One Rifle to do it all Or a rifle for each occasion?

[BPollard]

I own way too many guns. Many sit in the safe for as much as a year between trips to the range. I have roughly $22k in bolt action rifle/scope combos. I’ve only used 3 rifles to take game in the last 10 years. The other $19k sits in the safe.

Which three?

 

[saltfork]

I have 23 different centerfire rifles. When I'm on a "serious" hunt, there are one or two that I always use. And those are the ones I shoot/practice with most often. When it's time to fill some doe tags, I use a different one about every year.

 

[Flatlander45]

.17hmr, .223, 6.5CM, .300win mag, .50 muzzy is all I got and all I need. Quality over quantity and knowing the rifle/scope/bullet/dope combo for each really well is my goal.

 

[oldskool67]

2 time World War Champion 30-06

 

[taba]

I agree w the .22 and probably everyone should own a 223/556. Can't get my head around the 243 as a heavy gun. Let's make it something that can throw a 180 or 200 gr bullet and I'm there.

Another reason:

I can imagine sometimes not wanting to explain why using a .223/77gr TMK isn't unethical and why my "tactical" looking rifle (chassis, bipod, 5-20X scope) shouldn't make me suspect.

A .243 in a traditional hunting stock with a 3-9X scope won't provoke anyone (and has some appeal to me as well).

 

[LoggerDan]

I pretty much rely on the 375 Ruger for everything nowadays. Deer, bear, moose, elk. Every great once in a while I dust of the’06 or 35 whelen.
But mostly the Papa bear 375.

 

[Nykki]

I just picked up a Ruger Hawkeye guide gun in 338wm. I checked it out a couple weeks ago and liked how it felt and fit. Now to work up a load that it likes. Should do everything I need.

 

[nosajnh]

If I had to pick one it would be a 30-06 however life is too short for just one gun.

 

[Munkish]

I've got one hunting rifle (30-06) that I use for everything. But I'd happily buy more rifles in the future

 

[Steve O]

I have always wanted what I thought to be the perfect cartridge for every hunt. I’ve used all manners of .243, .257, .264, .277, .284, .308, .338, .375, and .458 rifles in the field.

I’ve avoided the 30-06 like the plague.

I’ve not lost that want to be “specialized” but I just picked up a .308 Win that I can see doing what I have left to do very well for it all.