My favorite deer "rifle" averages four-inch groups at 200 yards, with only six inches of drop from a 150-yard zero, and puts a .45 caliber hunting bullet out there with more energy than a .45-70.

Why the youth-length stock? Simple. It can get pretty cold during the deer season, and that means wearing heavy clothes. And I usually carry a pack with padded shoulder straps when deer hunting. Under those conditions, a full-size stock is unwieldy and uncomfortable, and the shorter stock fits me just right when I'm outfitted like that. I'm surprised more cold-weather hunters haven't figured this out.

LEGENDS: Savage Model 99
1955-73. A lightweight lever gun chambered to such revered deer calibers as .243 Win., .250 Savage, .300 Savage, .308 Win. and more.

Rick Jamison

RICK JAMISON
Custom Ruger Model 77 Mark II
.257 wildcat
I was lying prone, waiting in ambush under cover of long shadows on one side of a canyon, hoping the big buck would come out on the opposite slope before dark. The rifle's fore-end rested over my fanny pack in front of me, and only a slight tilt of my head positioned my line of sight through the scope's field of view. The position was comfortable, and the rest was solid. I had no doubt about the rifle.

It is a practical rig that started life as a Ruger Model 77 Mark II in a synthetic stock--not Ruger's old solid job but the newer one with the hollow buttstock. The action was blueprinted and smoothed in my shop, then fitted with a Douglas 24-inch stainless .257 barrel.

In place of the factory trigger, I installed a finely adjustable Timney, set for a crisp 21?2 pounds of pull. The buttstock is fitted with a thick pad from Uncle Mike's, ground to extend the lines of the stock at heel and toe. The entire barreled action, scope and mounts are coated with a proprietary non-glare camo finish that is all but indestructible and more practical than shiny steel or a flashy stock. The rifle is not excessively heavy to carry in rough country but has enough weight to hang well on target.

A Hornady spire point rested in the rifle's chamber. Some might consider a 100-grain .25-caliber bullet to be light for deer, but its .216 sectional density is enough for any buck. At more than 3,200 fps muzzle velocity, the bullet shoots flat and carries ample energy far downrange. More important, the rifle's kick and blast are minimal, making it fun to shoot, and I shoot it a lot. Rifle familiarity is the main ingredient in field effectiveness. It eliminates any fumbling for the safety or action-cycling awkwardness, and it instills confidence. All this contributes to the making of a favorite rifle. Given a good rest with that gun, I have the confidence that I can place a bullet just right.

As I thought about all this, the buck stepped into the open and walked rapidly toward another patch of timber. The safety flicked off, and it was as if I willed the rifle to fire at exactly the right instant. Even though the buck disappeared at the shot, there was no doubt in my mind where the bullet hit.

I worked my way across the canyon and found the deer stone dead. The bullet had removed the top of his heart.

LEGENDS: Remington Model 700
1962-present. Over the years, this rifle has been available in a vast array of configurations and chamberings.

Layne Simpson

LAYNE SIMPSON
Remington Model 700 BDL
7mm Rem. Mag.
The rifle I have used to take more species of deer with than any other is a Remington Model 700 BDL in 7mm Rem. Mag. When I add to the list the number of elk, moose, pronghorn and black bear I have taken with that rifle through the years, it becomes even tougher to not single it out as my all-time favorite.

I bought my Model 700 in early 1963, only a few months after it was introduced. Back then, hunters would not have been caught dead with a stainless steel barrel, so Remington colored the early 700 BDL barrels black.