Best Multipurpose Rifle?

I sold my 270 Savage about 2 years ago because I'm just not a deer hunter (don't have time to ride, let alone hunt!) and am looking for something to put in it's place as more of a multipurpose rifle. I've got a few 22's and a 20ga and 12 ga shotty, so am looking for something to round out the stable "just in case". I had thought about a lever gun in 357 since I do have a snubbie of the same caliber, but have read that that is not necessarily a good choice. I'd rather not invest an arm and a leg and ammo has to be readily available. I'm not a "tactical" type person - would rather not explain why I shot an intruder with an AR-15 with a 30 round clip, laser sight, etc.

What do you guys think of this? rossi ranch hand A bit gimmicky, but thought it would be something my wife would feel comfortable using in my absence.

Thompson Encore. Quality piece with barrels for multiple applications. Having to make that 1 shot count has it's merits.

need to get that new Tauras 14 shot 12ga. 18" barrel. I want one.

for home defence!! auto 12ga

243 or 308,270 if you want to ever use it deer hunting.

I agree with the 243, a good 30/30 is hard to be too.

wvyankee2 wrote:

Thompson Encore. Quality piece with barrels for multiple applications. Having to make that 1 shot count has it's merits.

X2

Wouldn't trade the one I have for nothing!!!!

Lever gun would be my choice for an all around gun, 44 mag, 30/30 would be the cal. I like.

My old Army issue M16 and the 2 clips that we fab'd together.

What do you want it for? Just for home defense, or do you want to play with it too? That .17 is a badass little gun. It is a flat shooter with better ballistics than a .22, and also would be enough to put a nice sting in the hide of a coyote at 75 yards, although maybe not enough to kill it unless you placed the shot right. If you are looking for something in tight quarters, I would go with a nice light, short-barreled tactical shotgun. If you are looking at something with some kick to kill varmints out past 100 yards, I would likely go with a .223. Bullets are not that expensive, there are a multitude of applications and accessories, and they are very accurate.

I have a 12ga moss berg for Home defense, but wanted a general purpose rifle- sort of a shtf gun that is light, ammo readily available, could be used for hunting in a pinch. leaning towards a lever gun in 357, but a mini14 might be a better choice?

mini14
i just got this one. shots great but its HEAVY.

wvyankee2 wrote:

Thompson Encore. Quality piece with barrels for multiple applications. Having to make that 1 shot count has it's merits.

Ditto, you can switch barrels in no time. every caliber/gauge available including muzzleloader calibers. Mount a scope on favorite barrel and your ready to go.

I wonder if it has a two inch hitch.....for trail protection.