I am trying to decide what my next gun will be and I a wondering what are your guys favorite factory guns for everything from target to big game hunting.
I don’t think you can narrow it down to a one gun for everything. One caliber for everything would probably be a 308 or 30-06. In a light weight gun you could load it down with lite bullets for predators or heavy for elk and moose or even brown bear. Target shooting would be good also but not as good as a heavy barrel target rifle. That’s a tough one.
I would echo Kenneth. I have both of those calibers and they are very similar, but the edge goes to the 100 plus year old 30-06 when you want tough heavy bullets for larger game. I find myself using the .308 for deer, the 30-06 for elk/bear, etc. I am learning (partly through this group) how versatile the 7MM mag is. Good luck!
So many good ones out there. Much depends on budget and what is comfortable for you. Do you prefer the more classic sporter style rifle or newer style with vertical grips or chassis style? As far as rounds go if you are into the more classic stuff I would say 7 rem mag or 300 win mag. Love 308 too but if I’m going elk I would rather have one of previously listed and they are perfectly good for deer as well. If your curiosity is peaked by the newer style cartridges I would say 7 prc or 300 prc. I have not tried the 7 but if it performs is as well as 300 prc then it should be sweet. So many great rifle makers out there. lately I am really leaning toward fierce. I have one and love it. Their carbon rival is so sweet, perhaps the new bergarra b2 crest. For chassis guns the cross, the fierce reaper or mountain reaper, or bergarra I really like the mg lite. For classic sporter stuff fierce rogue, browning makes some nice rifles too I have hells canyon in 270 it shoots lights out. Hope that helps
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One gun for everything is a myth but it is one I have been chasing a long time, too. I think this first started bothering me when I heard that in some countries, if you are allowed to have guns at all, you have to go through a bunch of paperwork to apply for a permit, and then, if you are approved, you get ONE. I think in Costa Rica there is a “sporting” license that allows up to three, but that is limited to like 1 handgun, 1 shotgun, 1 rifle or something like that. Anyway, what I have come up with for this imaginary scenario is that you HAVE to impose some boundaries on your decision, i.e. it cannot be truly one gun for EVERYTHING. For example, I live in the midwest, and my chances of ever seeing an elk in my backyard are next to zero. I think the same would be true in Costa Rica, right? So if I am geographically bound with this gun (end times, shtf, etc.) that means I wouldn’t really need my “everything rifle” to be elk-capable. But I would want it to take deer. As for brands, I think what Jim has highlighted before truly represent the best “bang for the buck” out there. CVA, Tikka, Bergara, etc. In my own imaginary “1 gun” scenario I would probably optimize for reliability, weather/wear and weight, so a Tikka in stainless steel would be where I’d start. Then for caliber nothing larger than 6.5 CM would be necessary, and honestly even less would be fine, like .243 even. Of course, your own situation/preferences could wind you up at a completely different solution.
What part of the world are you living in or do you hunt in? I live in the southeast, Alabama, and for me a 22-250 is perfect for everything. Tikka Varmint or Super Varmint in 22-250 is all I need. That doesn’t mean I dont have a bunch of other calibers, but I really don’t need them.
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I really do think it depends on where you live. I had a deer lease in Andalusia Al for a few years and a 22-250 would have been perfect.
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You know I have never owned a 22-250. Since I don’t live in my imaginary scenario of only being able to have one gun, I will add it to my wishlist. But yes the Varmint and Super Varmint would be great choices. The CTR is excellent as well.
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I might vote for a tikka roughtech in 7 mag. Ask me tomorrow and I may have a different opinion, but that’d be tough to beat.
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I am glad that I don’t have to make this kind of choice. I do struggle with shooting all of them with cost and availability of ammo. But I keep buying them. This is my addiction handed down from father to me. My dad is in his 80’s and every time I call him he has a new gun that he cant really shoot. But hey it makes him happy.
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That’s all that counts. I have way too many myself.
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Yeah, Don’t get me started. I’m pretty sure I’m on a list for buying too many guns. Lol.
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Do you live in Canada?
No I live in Idaho
The stuff of 100s of magazine articles (at least!)
I’m sure there are plenty of solid choices. Also depends on where you live (or where you plan to hunt, if you’re a traveller). I live in the Southeast and doubt I’ll ever head out west for anything really big or really long range, so I feel like .270 Win works just fine for me. I think I saw in the thread that you’re in Idaho, so my choice probs not “best” for you… 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟕𝐦𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 & 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
(If you think your all-in-one needs include grizzly…I’ve read that it’s sufficient, but I’m not too sure there.)
Check out Antler arms
1/2 inch moa guarantee with premium ammunition.
Fit and finish is exceptional.
Choose from five different stocks adjustable cheek piece.and steel and carbon barrels. Stainless steel or titanium action many different colours.
I really like how the mountain LR stock feels.
And 1/3 to 1/2 the cost.
My next rifle for sure!
30-06 or 7 magnum variant of some sort.
No such thing as a one gun do all in my opinion.
That’s like asking for a Sports Car and Family car in one.
Target well that depends on how far you intend to shoot.
You can shoot all day out to 1000 with the7mm SAUM 6.5 CM
6mm Creedmoor. 6mm Remington
6.5 Gren
Hunting well small medium or Large?
North America. The 300 Win and the rest of the 300 s will do
The 7mm mag. PRC. STW. 28 Nosler 280 AI
7 SAUM.
It all depends on what game how far and bullet construction and placement.
Too many variables to narrow it down to one.
As far as Rifle selection that will depend on your budget.
I have used the Remington model 700 for over 40 years. Weatherby Winchester Ruger
But the new kids on the block that are awesome are the Antler Arms. Fierce. Christensen. Sig Altera Arms.
Hopefully this helps. And does not confuse you more 
.
Good luck