Browsing through my safe there are many rifles, and it is a luxury to have the perfect weapon for each hunt. However, hunting gear is expensive and those starting out are often looking for versatility instead of specialization. This made me think – if I could only own a single hunting rifle, what would it be?
Action
First of all, the first decision to make is the action of the rifle. A bolt action is the best balance of light weight and accuracy. Most importantly, it needs to feed perfectly, and my preference is for something with a relatively flush detachable box magazine. This eliminates many of the cheaper bolt action rifles as they typically have rougher actions and cheaper magazines making them feed poorly.
My preference for a mechanical ejector initially made me consider the Sako 85, but the ejection issues and Sako dovetail ultimately made me reconsider. The Browning X-bolt, Bergara B14, and Tikka T3X were the other options that immediately sprung to mind. I’ve found that the Tikka and Browning’s tend to feed better than the Bergara. My preference in triggers ultimately led me to select the Tikka T3X over the Browning X-bolt as the action I would choose if I had only one rifle. As a sidenote, aftermarket support also favours the Tikka.
Cartridge
Next, we need to select a cartridge. This decision was actually relatively easy. The cartridge needs to be capable of taking all of North American big game up to and including moose while not being grossly overkill for deer. Additionally, the cartridge needs to be small enough to be shootable in a hunting weight rifle at longer ranges and for prolonged practice sessions.
In order to be an effective moose rifle, I wanted a cartridge 27 caliber or larger. Anything larger than 30 caliber I find excessive for deer. With these calibers in mind the recoil of magnum cartridges is too large for extended shooting sessions so that narrows our search to standard bolt face cartridges.
As much as I want to select the 280 AI, I have to go with the time tested favourite the 30-06. While I don’t place much stock in ammo availability arguments as I handload, the larger frontal diameter and ability to handle heavier bullet weights puts the 30-06 ahead. Recoil is manageable in a hunting weight rifle and the cartridge has the horsepower to be an effective 600 yard shooter with the right projectile.
Weight
Thirdly, we have to choose the weight of the rifle. This will primarily be determined by the stock and the barrel contour used. Heavier guns are easier to shoot well but lighter guns are more enjoyable to carry. A handy tool to optimize the rifle weight for a given task is Bryan Litz’s TOP gun theory.
the TOP gun theory is that shooters can predict large sample size group sizes measured in MOA from the following formula : (kinetic energy[foot lbs]/rifle weight[lbs])/200. Seeing as animals have approximately 10 inch vitals, that makes them an approximately 1.6 MOA target at 600 yards. Using the formula, a rifle should weight at least 9.1 lbs to be able to expect that level of accuracy. To achieve this target weight, the standard T3X Lite, which weighs 6.5lbs, is appropriate.
Optic
Finally, the rifle needs to be paired with an optic. Because having only one rifle means I do not have a backup should it fail, reliability is of the foremost concern. This leads me to select a Nightforce scope. Also, for longer shots first focal plane reticles and turrets with a zero stop are also necessary features. Given our target weight of 9.1 lbs, we don’t need to select a super light scope.
With this in mind I would choose a NF SHV 4-14×50 F1 with a Mil reticle. The illumination is useful in low light with a FFP reticle and the magnification range is practical for 0-600 yard hunting scenarios. Thirdly, Nightforce is known for their durability and ruggedness. Paired with solid rings and a kydex cheek riser to improve the stock and the system should be very close to the target weight of 9.1 lbs.
Conclusion
I enjoy owning multiple rifles and probably always will. However, I can honestly say that I could hunt for the rest of my life with a Tikka T3X Lite Stainless in 30-06 topped with a NF SHV 4-14×50 and never feel handicapped. With the right bullet the 30-06 can serve admirably in the whitetail woods, moose swamps, and sheep country, and a 9.1 lb gun is shootable without being excessive for backpack hunts. As Colonel Jeff Cooper once said “beware the man with one gun, he may know how to use it”.