the fact is, there is no "ultimate" rifle. we all have our favorites and it makes debates lively. it's also what makes serious shooters work on loads that will make their rifle the ultimate. at least the ultimate that it can be. but there just ain't ever been a rifle made that will do it all. if you're a crafty enough hunter, a .30/30 is all you need. it you're a clubfooted yeti that doesn't bathe regular, then you best get a lazeroni warbird. hell, look at what some of these bowhunters are doing these days. there ain't a bow around that is as deadly as a .22 long rifle, if it's used right. i remember when i was a kid i read a story about some guys that were polar bear hunting, or they were on a polar bear survey or some deal. anyway, they came across an old indian in the middle of nowhere that had polar bear skulls all over his place. all of them had a .22 hole in the back of the skull by the ear. killed em all with a single shot .22. if you're good enough, it doesn't take much gun. we've all let ballistics and optics and gps's and radios and 4x4's, etc. make us lazy. that ain't a bad deal i guess. but sometimes i sorta long for the days when my ol' .30/30 was all i needed. but shoot on fellers. whatever ya do, hunt.
