The general purpose rifle

[Hoodie]

I find it interesting how many folks think this is a good theoretical internet banter but not much more than that.

I almost think the opposite.

1) Common stainless/synthetic bolt action
2) Pretty much any centerfire cartridge from .223 up to .300 win mag
3) Durable optic with a low end power of no more than 3x.

Given those criteria, I think most people could do pretty much any NA big game from up close and personal in the timber out to 500 yards or so (assuming appropriate training).

I used to get hung up on optimal barrel length and stuff, but I've killed my last two bucks from the ground in the timber at 40 and 90 yards with a 24 inch barrel. No real issues.

 

[Maineotter]

For me general purpose is 10 yards to 200 yards. Walking the woods to hanging in the gun rack in my Tacoma. Coyote to deer. I love my Remington Model Sevens for that. Both stainless synthetic dnz one piece game reaper rings vortex viper 3-9s. One 7mm-08 one 308. I wish they were more accurate but I can hit the boiler room confidently inside that range. Light and compact. I know y'all here love 223 243 6 or 6.5 but I live in Maine. Dense brush. High velocity smaller diameter bullets aren't my cup of tea because lots of my shots are in thick woods. Id rather shoot bigger diameter slower bullets. If I had to pick a third rifle for general purpose Id toss a 243 in the mix though

Edit: I do hate those scopes. Its a work in progress

 

[Matt5266]

Tikka 223 suppressed
Stockys VG2
Maven scope

 

[Moose83]

I have a safe full of rifles that could fit as a one gun and done!

I hope we don't start in on fishing rods.

I'm very streamlined on that front.... ugly stik all the way! Lol

 

[hunterjmj]

My rss lives in my pickup most of the year. I can swing into the range, shoot prairie dogs, coyotes or deer while traveling around for work.