One Rifle Hunter

[crestoncowboy]

Anyone ever voluntarily want to become the proverbial "one rifle hunter"? I've gotten to the point in my life to where I only want to deal with one; a Vanguard in 30-06. It's just easier to deal with only the one rifle, and not have the others messing around in the back of my head. No more "should I take this one, or that one, or the other one"? Just grab the Vanguard, go out, and shoot something with tusks or antlers.

I'll likely still agonize over experimenting with loads for the damn thing, but at least it'll be only for the one rifle.

I never worry about it with rifle. Adjust to the yardage and put the x on the target.
.
But with handguns, during hunting season I do try to only use the one im going to use that season. I think it helps.

 

[Theinkman]

One rifle for me, Rem 700 7RM left hand. I've taken antelope, mule deer, elk, coyotes with it over the past 40+ years. Don't hunt much any more for big game but it's always this gun. I put about 30-40 rounds through it per year, trying out new loads and just making holes in paper. It's like spending time with an old friend.

On the other hand, I have 3 prairie dog rifles that I use a lot. A Savage .204 Ruger and two Rem 700 .22-250s. Thinking about having a custom PD gun made for me; just can't decide which cartridge to have it chambered for. Maybe .222 Rem.

 

[M65Man]

I've toyed with the idea since my 20's (now 77), but found that I really like the experimentation involved in loading for a variety. But, forced to pick one and only one fore evermore...it'd be my wife's wedding gift to me in '71...a Sako Forester in .308. With it I've killed a lot of deer, three elk, a multitude of woodchucks, and even some ground squirrels using cast bullets.

With factory loads from 125 gr HP's to heavy 200 grainers for elk or moose, the .308 will do it all. Mounted with a 2-7x Leupold in solid steel Leupold mounts, and glass bedded for consistent accuracy, it'll still give me ~1 MOA groups with selected loads.

I love that old beast...and the beautiful gal that's spent her life taking care of me....YMMv, but they'll both do for my tastes. That's her in the center, son #1 to the left, and my ugly mug on the right....Pic #2 is my old Sako....Regards, Rod

​

Been looking at everyone's choices, and I got to say I admire this story, rifle choice, everything about it!
Got me thinking again because I had hard time giving my answer, and it was an honest one. But it was so tough a choice between my Mod 64 Winchester and this one. I'm a lifelong admirer of the Finns people, very similar to us, and in all honesty based on just research, their rifles are probably 2nd to none
So if I had to choose just one, I'd be far better served with this one. It's a Ithica LSA 65 30-06, which is just a Tikka M65, the Ithaca stamp just for those sold in USA. It's made in 1975, totally steel & walnut. Tikka then was their own manufacturing company, Sako bought them in I believe early mid 80's. I've hunted with this rifle, but yet to kill anything with it, because I usually grab my Mod 64 Win. But this is a rifle of quality 2nd to none, as is their ability and love in using them, and shoots with the best of them, I've shot it plenty to know. Research from when I first got it showed that many Finns preferred it to the Sako's, and that's saying a lot!
They made it in a standard and deluxe model, the deluxe being maybe different checkering? but it had a rosewood tip & grip cap. This one they are black. If anyone can tell me if this is a Deluxe, or any other info on it, I'd welcome it!
I found it on a pawn shop rack, just browsing, it caught my eye immediately I thought, that's a Weatherby. Then when the clerk was handing it too me, him being a knowledgeable gun nut, he kinda said no, I think it's a Finnbear! DING, my mind went on overdrive cause I knew plenty of Sakos. But we was both lost because the barrel is marked, Ithaca made in Finland. So we kinda thought it's just a Finnbear clone made by Sako sold in America???
But at $600 out door with 2 boxes of good ammo I was already happy!
But after hours research I found the truth that neither of us knew. It's %100 Tikka, Bofors Steel Barrel, and honestly the smoothest action anyone's ever felt, deadly accurate and plenty accurate with most any ammo! I scoped it with regular rings and this Burris, but I also found out the iron sights are superb and I love irons anyways so I changed to these Warne Maxina QD and now knowing the versatility of reloads possible with a 06, I know it's as versatile as a hunting rifle can be!

 

[crestoncowboy]

My first rifle was a 700 mountain in 257 Robert's. I have used and own 20 or more rifle but as of this year.... I'm back to carrying my little light 257 Robert's.



So maybe this year I'm a one rifle hunter

 

[Rodfac]

M65....That's one beautiful rifle and I'd say after having access to a half dozen Sako's over the years, they made superbly crafted fire arms. My son has a 280 Sako that'll outshoot my .308 by a smidgen, and I have a Mannlicher .222 Magnum as well as the .308. Talking with my son last night about this thread and some of the replies in it, he said he'd be happy with that .280 as an all around, do any chore that needed shooting here in the lower 48. I'd agree with that, so long as he'd have access to reloading equipment...

Thanks for sharing your pick of the '06, and I'll agree it's 100%, a Finnish made rifle. Much like the Browning Hi Power marked "Browning", all were made by FN, your "Ithaca" IMHO is a Finnish Sako with the US company stamping their name on it.

Take a look at Creston's .257 above...that too is a beauty, tho a little light, maybe, for some but a truly great cartridge/rifle combination for deer, black bear and antelope. In my long ago youth, I hunted woodchucks for neighboring farms with another teenager who carried a Remington 722 in .257. Mine was a .243 and we both learned to reload with those guns and a pair of Lyman 310 tong tools.

Best Regards, Rod....BTW, I'm 1/4 Finnish from my Dad's side of the family.

 

[M65Man]

M65....That's one beautiful rifle and I'd say after having access to a half dozen Sako's over the years, they made superbly crafted fire arms. My son has a 280 Sako that'll outshoot my .308 by a smidgen, and I have a Mannlicher .222 Magnum as well as the .308. Talking with my son last night about this thread and some of the replies in it, he said he'd be happy with that .280 as an all around, do any chore that needed shooting here in the lower 48. I'd agree with that, so long as he'd have access to reloading equipment...

Thanks for sharing your pick of the '06, and I'll agree it's 100%, a Finnish made rifle. Much like the Browning Hi Power marked "Browning", all were made by FN, your "Ithaca" IMHO is a Finnish Sako with the US company stamping their name on it.

Take a look at Creston's .257 above...that too is a beauty, tho a little light, maybe, for some but a truly great cartridge/rifle combination for deer, black bear and antelope. In my long ago youth, I hunted woodchucks for neighboring farms with another teenager who carried a Remington 722 in .257. Mine was a .243 and we both learned to reload with those guns and a pair of Lyman 310 tong tools.

Best Regards, Rod....BTW, I'm 1/4 Finnish from my Dad's side of the family.

Thanks Rodfac, it's time for me to make some memories with my Tikka, and yes crestons 700 is a beautiful rifle in no doubt a great cartridge!
Your Forrester really caught my attention, since researched it a little, and I've researched your people quite a bit years ago, especially regarding the Winter War, and it shows that when a nation in general is living right, simple basic hard working, and family centered, invasion is not a good idea, no matter how big and well armed your army, or which side the Atlantic they live on!
Thanks again

 

[PapaG]

When I was younger and more mobile, my one rifle that I used for deer, coyote. and antelope (my bear trip to Canada got preempted by birth of son #2) was a 1953 Winchester 70 in 30-06. Still have it. Hope one of my boys wants it.

 

[crestoncowboy]

M65....That's one beautiful rifle and I'd say after having access to a half dozen Sako's over the years, they made superbly crafted fire arms. My son has a 280 Sako that'll outshoot my .308 by a smidgen, and I have a Mannlicher .222 Magnum as well as the .308. Talking with my son last night about this thread and some of the replies in it, he said he'd be happy with that .280 as an all around, do any chore that needed shooting here in the lower 48. I'd agree with that, so long as he'd have access to reloading equipment...

Thanks for sharing your pick of the '06, and I'll agree it's 100%, a Finnish made rifle. Much like the Browning Hi Power marked "Browning", all were made by FN, your "Ithaca" IMHO is a Finnish Sako with the US company stamping their name on it.

Take a look at Creston's .257 above...that too is a beauty, tho a little light, maybe, for some but a truly great cartridge/rifle combination for deer, black bear and antelope. In my long ago youth, I hunted woodchucks for neighboring farms with another teenager who carried a Remington 722 in .257. Mine was a .243 and we both learned to reload with those guns and a pair of Lyman 310 tong tools.

Best Regards, Rod....BTW, I'm 1/4 Finnish from my Dad's side of the family.

I used it 20 years ago then moved on to bigger guns. I've lost all interest in deer hunting and wouldn't shoot a 170 class buck if I had to drag out. Lol.

BUT my daughter wanted to start hunting so I carry the lighter decent rifle now while she does the actual hunting...... lol. I didn't figure id ever hunt with it again. But why carry my 9lb 300 mag or 7mm rum if I don't intend to hunt. I just carry a rifle in case she wounds one. But she is a pretty great shot

 

[horsemen61]

No not me to many choices variety is the spice of life I am a 6.5 Fanatic so I’ve got a few of those all of these deer went down to a 6.5 PRC but I am getting a new barrel for My 6.5x284 Norma just for this spot 26 inches long Magnum sporter is what Savage calls the Contour threaded for my ultra 7 it’s a hot rod for sure!

 

[horsey300]

Can vs want= 2 different things

 

[CptnAwesome]

Anyone ever voluntarily want to become the proverbial "one rifle hunter"? I've gotten to the point in my life to where I only want to deal with one; a Vanguard in 30-06. It's just easier to deal with only the one rifle, and not have the others messing around in the back of my head. No more "should I take this one, or that one, or the other one"? Just grab the Vanguard, go out, and shoot something with tusks or antlers.

I'll likely still agonize over experimenting with loads for the damn thing, but at least it'll be only for the one rifle.

I'm not there yet.
When I was younger and not making much money I was a "one rifle hunter" but was a rifle/cartridge fanatic. I wanted one of everything.
Now I have quite a few rifles and enjoy load development and shooting them all, but still find myself grabbing my favorite 1 or 2 when I head to the deer woods.

If/when I revert back to being a "one rifle hunter", it'll be...
1) a rifle I love, and
2) a cartridge I have full confidence in....

Which it seems like you've landed on.
As long as your still doing what you love ... Enjoy!!!!

 

[crestoncowboy]

When I was younger and not making much money I was a "one rifle hunter"

When I was 19 and my wife was in college I was pretty much a one bullet hunter..... much less "one rifle". Lol

 

[Boattale]

When I was 19 and my wife was in college I was pretty much a one bullet hunter..... much less "one rifle". Lol

And it was a poorly sporterized K98 I traded for and finally traded away.

 

[luv2safari]

Been looking at everyone's choices, and I got to say I admire this story, rifle choice, everything about it!
Got me thinking again because I had hard time giving my answer, and it was an honest one. But it was so tough a choice between my Mod 64 Winchester and this one. I'm a lifelong admirer of the Finns people, very similar to us, and in all honesty based on just research, their rifles are probably 2nd to none
So if I had to choose just one, I'd be far better served with this one. It's a Ithica LSA 65 30-06, which is just a Tikka M65, the Ithaca stamp just for those sold in USA. It's made in 1975, totally steel & walnut. Tikka then was their own manufacturing company, Sako bought them in I believe early mid 80's. I've hunted with this rifle, but yet to kill anything with it, because I usually grab my Mod 64 Win. But this is a rifle of quality 2nd to none, as is their ability and love in using them, View attachment 1182249and shoots with the best of them, I've shot it plenty to know. Research from when I first got it showed that many Finns preferred it to the Sako's, and that's saying a lot!
They made it in a standard and deluxe model, the deluxe being maybe different checkering? but it had a rosewood tip & grip cap. This one they are black. If anyone can tell me if this is a Deluxe, or any other info on it, I'd welcome it!
I found it on a pawn shop rack, just browsing, it caught my eye immediately I thought, that's a Weatherby. Then when the clerk was handing it too me, him being a knowledgeable gun nut, he kinda said no, I think it's a Finnbear! DING, my mind went on overdrive cause I knew plenty of Sakos. But we was both lost because the barrel is marked, Ithaca made in Finland. So we kinda thought it's just a Finnbear clone made by Sako sold in America???
But at $600 out door with 2 boxes of good ammo I was already happy!
But after hours research I found the truth that neither of us knew. It's %100 Tikka, Bofors Steel Barrel, and honestly the smoothest action anyone's ever felt, deadly accurate and plenty accurate with most any ammo! I scoped it with regular rings and this Burris, but I also found out the iron sights are superb and I love irons anyways so I changed to these Warne Maxina QD and now knowing the versatility of reloads possible with a 06, I know it's as versatile as a hunting rifle can be!

I sold mine in 243, the LSA 55. It wasn't a smart move by me. It was the most accurate 243 I have ever shot, let alone owned.

 

[luv2safari]

When I was 19 and my wife was in college I was pretty much a one bullet hunter..... much less "one rifle". Lol

I remember those days well and almost miss them. I was 20, however.

Did I say "almost"?

 

[EIB0879]

I was when I was younger but I like having options now. I always have a backup rifle when I go on a hunting trip also.

 

[EIB0879]

I remember those days well and almost miss them. I was 20, however.

Did I say "almost"?

Yeah I didn't have more than one centerfire rifle until I was in my mid-30's. I really didn't think that much about it until I inherited my Dad's rifle and my wife bought me a nice Sako. Then I realized I had options.

 

[M65Man]

My Tikka T3 in 7-08 covers everything for me. Many years ago my one rifle was a 30-06 742.

My Rem 742 made in early 80's? Is my other 06!

 

[M65Man]

Yes, why not refine it even further by just using a 30-06 with only one load for everything. My choice would be the 165 grain Nosler Partition with 57 grains of IMR 4350. That one bullet hits hard with a big thump and penetrated deep. You don't have to watch the animal to see if you have made a hit because you knew it by the sound of the hit. In my opinion it is more dependable as a hunting bullet than the standard cup & core versions. There is a noted book written by a hunter named J.Y. Jones who wrote "One Man, One Rifle, One Land" where he used only a 30-06 Remingron 700 blind magazine with the Nosler Partition to take many animals. It is an expensive high quality large book with many pictures. I was surprised when I read the book that he had a friend do all of his reloading. He just carried that one rifle everywhere and hunted animals with it. I have been hunting with a 30-06 every year for many years even though my favorite hunting rifles are the 280 Remington and the 338-06. If adverse weather conditions arise out comes the 30-06. If I've got to carry the rifle a long distance in rough conditions out comes the 30-06. In fact, I still own three 30-06 rifles and I have more loaded ammunition for them than any other cartridge. I'm currently using only the 165 grain Nosler for hunting and the 150 grain Sierra GameKing with 57 grains of Reloader 17 for practice. I'm going on a 16 day hunt starting this Saturday and I'm taking a 280, 338-06 and my favorite 30-06. My longest kill shot on a buck to date was 367 yards with a 30-06. The rifle had a Leupold M3 scope that adjusted for distance. I didn't like the heavy scope so I sold the scope and replaced it with a lighter 3-9 variable.

I'd had that book on my wish list a number of years, but had actually forgotten about it. Glad you reminded me, I think Santa may fill that want!

 

[Boattale]

I remember those days well and almost miss them. I was 20, however.

Did I say "almost"?

I don't miss needing to shoot a squirrel, rabbit or catch a couple of fish to have meat with dinner. Not one bit.

 

[ojibweindian]

Well, that didn't last long; I am a hypocrite, I guess.

Stumbled upon a CZ 557 in 6.5x55SE. Another one of those I've "lusted after for years".

I am, at the end of it all, an incorrigible rifle wh**re...

Well, the latest "woman" of my "harem" arrived this past Friday. Picking it up tomorrow.

 

[Hookeye]

If I had to have just one deer rifle........this is it.....

[/vi

 

[Hookeye]

I'll call Penrod Precision and see what he can do with it.
Proly get a Legendary Action Works safety, Jard trigger and bed the forend.
Plus he can check and make sure the crosshairs are level LOL.

 

[md7]

My first rifle was a 700 mountain in 257 Robert's. I have used and own 20 or more rifle but as of this year.... I'm back to carrying my little light 257 Robert's.

View attachment 1182261

So maybe this year I'm a one rifle hunter

That’s almost identical to my Mt Rifle in 270 Win. Got it around ‘95 or ‘96 I believe

Great pic!

 

[crestoncowboy]

Yeah I didn't have more than one centerfire rifle until I was in my mid-30's. I really didn't think that much about it until I inherited my Dad's rifle and my wife bought me a nice Sako. Then I realized I had options.

After that 257 Bob i don't rightly know which i got next. Quite possible i got the 7mm rum cdl next.

Well I got an AR next when the 04 ban died. But didn't really buy it to hunt. I did kill several deer with it though. Other than the AR and AKs though I was at least late 20s id guess before I bought more. I hunted with a redhawk some in between too