r/canadaguns • u/MasterpieceWise7742 • Jun 24 '26
Buy recommendations Best “do it all” rifle
I’m looking for advice on the best rifle for doing a bit of everything. The main use I’m looking for is coyote and deer hunting as well as a lot of target shooting.
I totally understand everyone is going to have a different opinion on cartridge but I’d love to hear what everyone thinks for my situation.
I currently own sks and a 10/22.
Let me know your thoughts! TIA
48
u/theservman on Jun 24 '26
I think the real do-it-all gun is a shotgun with interchangeable choke tubes.
There's not a lot you can't do when you have everything from #9 bird shot to 1oz slug at your disposal.
15
3
u/FacetiousSpaceman Jun 24 '26
Imagine shooting a coyote with 1oz slugs lmao I've blown up a few skunks with slugs cause it was all I had with me but it's quite the mess. Made it easier to eat for the bald eagles that live nearby
4
3
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
Good point! I know you can Even get rifled Chokes to increase the accuracy a bit.
24
u/swift_gilford Jun 24 '26
The main use I’m looking for is coyote and deer hunting as well as a lot of target shooting.
because of these two game animals on a single rifle, check your caliber restrictions in your province. I'd argue 6.5cm would be the perfect fit, a t3x (lite, roughtech or similar) would work very well for this.
edit: if you can use .308 for coyotes in your province/wmu that is also an extremely valid option; i cannot as someone in Southern Ontario so 6.5cm is arguably the next best option.
11
u/Sad-Ad7202 Jun 24 '26
270 win is generally the max for southern Ontario places with caliber restrictions
6
2
u/Critical_Anybody6343 Jun 24 '26
270 is technically.277 so be careful
3
u/Sad-Ad7202 Jun 24 '26
Bullet diameter yes. But the restriction is base on land to land diameter which falls below the restriction.
1
1
u/klipper76 Jun 24 '26
Hold up. Why can't you use a .308 for coyotes?
(Other then: Because it's not allowed)
1
6
u/BlickyBurna Jun 24 '26
I am in same situation and decided to go with the tikka t3x in 6.5cm. The action is second to none, it will last a lifetime and retain its value over that time extremely well. Aftermarket availability is also fantastic, I’ve since ordered the MDT XRS chassis as they just had their annual 30% off sale yesterday.
8
7
u/rileysimon Jun 24 '26
Scout rifle: a mag-fed bolt-action in .308 Win, a 16, 18, or 20 inch threaded barrel for a muzzle brake, open sights, and a synthetic stock with KeyMod mounting for a bipod/tripod and light.
0
10
u/PlanetGuardian-42 Jun 24 '26
Under 600m, 308 bolt
Over 600m, 6.5CM bolt
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
That's a fair way to look at it!
Honestly, cheap 6.5 isn't much more then cheap 308. Sure the Chinese Surplus is a bit cheaper, but any commercial 308 is almost the same price as 6.5 creedmoor
4
u/Jabronski95 Jun 24 '26
Imo a 308 Tikka or x bolt. Ammo is cheaper then creed. You likely won't shoot past the effective range of 308 and if you do you will want a dedicated rig. The range of bullets and performance you can get hand loading from 308 is crazy.
0
u/GodsGiftToWrenching Jun 24 '26
Another pro over 6.5 bleedmoor is you can get cheap 7.62 NATO for less than 30 bucks a box if you just want to do some cheap plinking
1
11
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Jun 24 '26
Maybe a .357 lever action; you can use it for coyotes and deer, but it is also a cost-effective target rifle when shooting .38 Special. Lever actions are not the most accurate and have limited range, but they're fun to shoot and modify!
If you do a lot of target shooting, perhaps a bolt action like the T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor?
Alternatively, you could get a 7.62x39 rifle and share ammo with your SKS.
2
u/tonyarkles Jun 24 '26
Hmmmm, just looked it up… can’t hunt deer in SK with 357 Mag. Not sure what province OP is in but it’s worth looking into.
3
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Jun 24 '26
can’t hunt deer in SK with 357 Mag.
I think Saskatchewan might be the only exception.
2
3
u/iamadapperbastard Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
.308 ammo is absolutely everywhere. It's cheap-ish and can and will dispatch anything you point it at on our continent.
If you're stretching out beyond 300 yards, there's better options. But I feel if you're stretching out over 300 yards you likely wouldn't be asking this question.
So my vote would be for a .308 bolt action. Pick your poison for brands. I like my CZ, I also have an old Winchester lever .308. I grab my CZ every hunting trip and it drives tacks.
Edit: I should also add that the .308 isn't considered a "barrel burner" so you could happily shoot that thing for years and thousands of rounds while some other calibers would have worn a barrel out long before.
2
u/GodsGiftToWrenching Jun 24 '26
Even then I know my hold overs on .308 out to 500 meters and the military used .308 in DMR's for how many decades. Plenty of info on it and plenty of cheap 7.62 surplus to use for plinking
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
Which cz 308 do you have?? I gave the older 557 model, and I like it, but it's off course, now discontinued
1
u/iamadapperbastard Jun 24 '26
600 Alpha
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
How is it??
2
u/iamadapperbastard Jun 24 '26
I'm a fan. As with any rifle there's always the odd thing that you think could be better, but all in all it's a great rifle in that price range and I would have no hesitation buying another. Fit and finish are great, smooth action, well put together and fits me perfectly. I have a Vortex diamondback on it and that rifle is a consistent shooter all day long and the MOA guarantee lives up to the hype. I use 150gr Hornady American Whitetail through it- it was the best shooting factory load I found in my particular rifle and I like the 150gr as it's a good all around fit for my target species. I am anxious to throw some heavier bullets down range with it to see how it performs.
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
Awesome, thanks for the info on it!!! If I get another bolt action, It likely would be the alpha, maybe in 6.5 creedmoor since I already have a 557 in 308
3
u/Penguinbotxv Jun 24 '26
Going to recommend the tikka CTR in 6.5 or 308. It's not too heavy not too light does both adequately, further down the line you can upgrade the stock if you want to.
7
u/Quantis_Ottawa Jun 24 '26
Depends on budget.
Sig Cross is fantastic, light, folds, higher cost, Mlok weights can be added to make it into a bit of a PRS rig.
Ruger American Gen II Scout, great all router, Irons or optics, short and handy.
Both are available in .308 or 6.5.
5
u/rangedehinc Jun 24 '26
Cz alpha 600 is 762x39 Or the new carbine in the same.
2
u/Murray3-Dvideos Jun 24 '26
The new Carbine model looks very promising. And hopefully alot cheaper in price compared to the LUX mini actions.
1
u/rangedehinc Jun 24 '26
Hopefully same price as the alpha 😃 Hopefully it gets all those cz527 scalpels to move the prices down.
1
1
8
2
u/abnormica Jun 24 '26
What ranges are we talking about? If you're looking at medium to long range, you might be best served with a 243, 6.5 Creedmore, or a 308. More short to medium range, I personally like the idea of a lever action in 30-30, 357 or 44, but not everybody rolls that way.
2
u/Trogar1 Jun 24 '26
Depends entirely where you live. This year in Alberta (maybe last year) they are allowing 223/556 for deer. That would be my suggestion. 308 if you decide to go after something larger. Both are readily available and affordable to shoot.
2
u/Accomplished-Beat779 Jun 24 '26
I just bought a CZ 600 in 7.62x39. With a good scope it will do everything you want and its cheap to shoot at the range
2
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
Agreed, cheap ammo, decent range and power, decent accuracy, it's great. Like a 30 30 for half the price, gun and ammo
2
2
u/Strong-Owl-55 Jun 24 '26
6.5 creedmoor but bergara hmr Hunting and match rifle with a integrated mini chassis watch backfire tv or even check the website and will show the most accurate rifles they've tested
2
u/BeerGunsMusicFood Jun 24 '26
I mean you already have it with the SKS but my vote would be a stainless t3x in .308.
2
2
u/stokedon Jun 24 '26
6.5/308 would be my first recommendation. A nice 223 bolt would be my recommendation if you weren't hunting deer and wanted to shoot a lot of rounds.
2
u/Significant7971 Jun 24 '26
If you already own an SKS and a 10/22 all you really need is a bolt action 308Win.
It will handle any large game in Canada and it’s fun to shoot. Ammunition is everywhere.
2
u/boognight220 Jun 24 '26
I noticed you said "a lot of target shooting". Many people here are going to say .308 is relatively inexpensive, but it's personally not cheap enough for me to do significant target shooting with it.
Assuming you don't need to shoot further than 300m you already have a good cartridge that will do everything you need it to do: 7.62x39. Just get an accurate bolt action in 7.62x39 because I'm assuming you already have the ammo, and it actually is cheap enough to do lots and lots of target shooting.
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
Side note, I've (so far) never seen someone who hated their bolt action 7 62 x39. Almost everyone seems to just love them. CZ, ruger, Savage, Howa, doesn't matter.
I mostly hear folks surprised at how accurate it is from a bolt action, and how fun it is to shoot. I agree, 7.62 x39 is a fun round, and a useful one.
2
2
u/wanderinghunter1996 Jun 24 '26
My CZ trail has been my go to " do-all" fits the needs of a hunting rifle and a good pack gun. That being said that is my preference. You can't go wrong with a 308 bolt action, something like a scout rifle is good.
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
I know they have some guns that are similar in design to the Trail but in 308. However, I don't think any of them come close to the reliability of the Trail, and if they do, they don't come close to the Price of the Trail.
Makes me wish for a 308 Trail! Come on CZ!
2
2
u/Freddyfour Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
If you are in Southern Ontario some where the answer is Tikka T3x in one of the 6.5's (6.5×55, 6.5 Creedmore or 260 Rem)
2
u/umbellus Jun 24 '26
.243 or 6mm Creedmoor are great for both varmints and deer, but would have "short" barrel life if you're planning on shooting 1000's of rounds.
6.5 Creedmoor would also be great for coyotes and deer, has much better barrel life, and has tons of match ammo available for target shooting. There is no way that you could load it to be fur friendly when coyote hunting though.
2
u/Most_Bath5811 Jun 25 '26
I'm surprised I didn't see more 243 suggestions. That would be my first thought for both coyote and deer.
2
u/IronAnt762 Jun 25 '26
.243win. I see another say .308 which is darn hard to beat as well and my own preference for bigger game. If you reload, you can do a lot with the .308; both are available on the shelf which is probably the most important thing to consider. .270 is still boss as well.
2
u/Funny-Lingonberry787 29d ago
If you’re coyote hunting in a calibre restricted area you need to keep it under .275” (270, 25-06, 243)
If not, get a .308 and you’re good for everything in Ontario.
4
u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jun 24 '26
Cartridge:
For hunting deer I'd say 308. 556/223 is often considered too small to do ethically (but some people do, also it's illegal in some places, look up your hunting regs). But 556 is fine for coyotes and much cheaper for target shooting.
So if you're doing a lot of target shooting consider the amount of money you'd spend on 308 vs 556. If you target shooting in 556 saves a bunch of money You could spend that bunch of money saved on a second rifle in 308 to go hunting with it.
Rifle choice:
Hunting rifles should be light (and depending on range need less magnification), you don't want to lug around a 12 lbs rifle. The things that make for a food target shooting rifle make it heavy. It's really a personal preference thing on where in that middle ground you want to land, i can't help you out much there.
3
u/iNeedAdivorce Jun 24 '26
30-06 in a nice bolt action rifle. Suggest a wood stock vs plastic. Lots of options under $1000.
You can get 30-06 ammo and components on any continent.
3
u/CrowsFeast73 Jun 24 '26
I agree with 30*06 being a great option. Feels a bit much for deer to me but I do know plenty of people do it. It also gives lots of 'overhead' to move up to bigger game (moose/elk) while being a cost effective and plentiful cartridge. They do need to check their ammo restrictions for hunting cartridges on their area though.
Wood vs synthetic stock is personal preference. I have a mixture of wood and camouflage synthetic stocks in my safe. The synthetics tend to be lighter and the camo can look great, but wood is classic.
My last 2 rifles are both Browning x bolts, in 6.5cm and 30*06.
3
u/iNeedAdivorce Jun 24 '26
I shoot 150gr for deer. Nice and flat shooting. The biggest Advantage with 30-06 is the breadth of available ammunition at many different bullet weights. I reco wood for the lack of flex.
2
u/hafetysazard Jun 25 '26
Bullet and powder selection can make drastic differences on performance. Pretty much any mid sized .30 cal cartridge has such an insane variety of bullets and powders that will work.
2
u/Siberjon Jun 24 '26
It depends where you live. In Western Canada, you need a lot more power than in the southern USA.
The best do it all gun is a 12ga shotgun. Slug, buck shot, bird shot, non lethal, etc. Lots of shorter range options.
Rifle options: If the animals in your area are smaller, 357 is a good contender. For average size animals, 308 or 44mag, depending on the type of gun you want. In Western Canada, 30-06 is a great longer range gun and is very versatile. For in the bush (shorter distances) go 45-70 or 44mag depending on whether there are Grizzly’s in the area.
The real answer is based on the animal size you intend to hunt and the availability of that cartridge in your area. Check your local ammo prices and availability. 357 is a lot cheaper than the bigger cartridges.
1
1
1
1
u/noraku80 Jun 24 '26
Ruger american gen II chamberd in 7-mm 08. Topped off with a vortex diamond back target 3-9x40 . Very affordable
1
u/NeruLight Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
CVA scout in .243 to abide by southern Ontario calibre restrictions for small game, or maybe a double badger 12GA for deer.
1
1
u/Feisty_Flounder_284 Jun 24 '26
I bought a B-14 Ridge by Bergara a few weeks ago and that thing is an amazing value as far as I can tell. I got it in 30-06, but any caliber would likely be good. It has a slightly thicker number 5 profile barrel that has held up to 4/5 shot groups very well. Price point was $1300, fit/finish especially for price point are amazing. Overall weight is 7.5lbs.
Highly recommend.
1
1
u/Iokua_CDN Jun 24 '26
I'd say one of 2 things.
Bolt action in 7.62 x39 Or bolt action in 308.
One with be lighter recoiling but with less range, and you can share ammo with your sks.
The other is more powerful, more range, but more expensive.
I love my sks, and could consider it a do everything rifle, but it isn't the most accurate, and it's hard to mount a scope. I think a do everything rifle should have the option for magnification.
Now my CZ 600 Trail in 7 62 x39, feels like a do everything rifle. Nice and compact. Folding stock makes it even shorter. Easy to throw iron sights on. Easy to mount a red dot or scope. It's wonderful.
But if I wanted more range and was willing to give up compactness, a 308 would be great. A cz 600 alpha is cheap and great but lacks irons. Ruger does some with even shorter barrels. Howa does some too, though the 16 inch barrels are pretty rare.
1
1
u/Unlikely_door22 Jun 24 '26
I have a henry long ranger 6.5cm it will do anything ill ever need beside maybe squirrel hunting lol
1
u/CanadianDrover 29d ago
Your short a 12/20 gauge shotgun, preferably an 870 or 500 but it's your choice. Make sure it can handle 3.5in shells and has 18.5in and 25-30in barrels for home and birds. Slugs are picky and needy, figure out your chokes and pick your ammo accordingly.
You should look at a rifle with point blank range of 300m, these rifles start at 6mm/243 and up. After 30 cal ammo gets expensive and cliche. Popular cartridges include 308, 30-06, 300 win mag, 270 and some form of 338. Ballistics are your friend, so is the ammo guy, buy a caliber you can get in butt-fuck now-where, or one that's been in a war or 2.
Most of the semi autos are banned and most lever guns dont reach this far. This winnows you into bolt guns and that market is turbulent because of bullshit. Find an action you like, it should be smooth and crisp, it should have good aftermarket support and it should have good warranty.
It will need glass because fuck iron sights /s. Anyways
The glass should cost as much as the gun, it should have a lifetime warranty, it should have not Chinese glass, these guys haven't figured out polishing, yet. There are exceptions, do your homework. German glass was the best but it got rare and ridiculous, next best is Japanese and American. If you can't send your scope back for a paint smudge after 3yrs, leave it on the shelf. Or buy shit off Amazon and fake it till it sticks.
Flash hiders are gimmicks and brakes are for guys the shoot more then 20 rounds a session, the deer dont care, dont miss on a cold barrel.
TLDR, buy a shotgun and hunting rifle, dont flake out on the price and get something that always has ammo.
1
u/Snipez9999 29d ago
Like most of these people are saying .308 or 6.5cm, 7.62x39 isn’t exactly beginner friendly when shooting 200 ish and longer. Personally a tikka t3 in 6.5cm would be your best bet. You can basically build them like Lego and over time make it exactly how you want.
1
u/Spiritual_Rope_6952 29d ago
i have a 17hmr and its incredibly versatile. very accurate, works on grouse just as it can work on a large coyote. fast enough to set off tannerites if you want to have some big boom fun, and ammo is not that expensive
1
u/High_rise_guy 29d ago
.260 is another solid option. It can outperform 6.5cm, and you can kill pretty much anything with it.
Now, personally I prefer shotguns, because as was mentioned earlier, once you add a rifled barrel and sabot slugs, you can kill anything on this continent. They’re also advantageous as many regions will have discharge bylaws against rifles within x distance of a dwelling, but shotguns are gtg. That’s my buddy’s situation anyway.
1
0
u/preferablyoutside Jun 24 '26
.223, 22-250 or .22ARC
For affordability .223
For ballistics 22ARC,
Nostalgia 22-250
There are a lot of guys on here whose firearms experience is exceptional when it comes to mag dumping a Turkish made shotgun and while they know their Panzer M4 like the back of their boyfriends hand it doesn’t really build good shooting fundamentals or instruct well in calibre. For price point get a good .223 and spend some range time with it and you’ll be a better shot overall and with time spent in the field you’ll be the the death of many a Coyote
1
1
0
u/Hotdog_Broth Jun 24 '26
It’s a shame that 6.5x55 is a relatively uncommon cartridge here. Would be a very good “do it all” for the specific combination of coyote, deer, and target shooting.
1
u/__WayDown Jun 24 '26
Isn't it really damn similar in a lot of regards to 6.5 Creedmoor?
3
u/CR123CR123CR Jun 24 '26
Pretty much identical but 100 years older
The Europeans have factory loads that are slightly hotter.
If you have a stronger action you can technically load 6.5x55 to similar pressures as 6.5cm and get some advantage of the larger case volume but that's a game for much more experienced hand loaders than I xD
3
u/Classic_rock_fan Jun 24 '26
You really see the advantage of that bigger case when you start using 140gr and heavier projectiles, that longer case allows a lot more powder
2
0
0
u/Fast-Fredzo Jun 24 '26
By all means consider the .270 Win, check out ballistics tables, and the breadth of ammunition available. Also check out used rifle ads in your area, often some great finds there.
0
0
u/Khill23 Jun 24 '26
something 30 cal. 308, 30-06, 300wm. Pretty easy to find and relatively cheap, like other have said Tikka and some other brands will do you well and 308 would be a good choice. I actually use my SKS for hunting in the bush under 150 yards with hornady SSTs and took and Boone and crocket buck with it a number of years ago, gotta clean really good with bore paste but with the right ammo it'll work wonders at a short distance.
0
0
0
u/Critical_Anybody6343 Jun 24 '26
I know it’s not a rifle but a 12 gauge is pretty versatile, also keep in mind in some provinces and municipalities your limited to what caliber you can shoot for coyote. Where I am located the projectile has to be less than .270. For coyote. We use either 22 wmr or #4 buck shot
1
u/K57-41 Jun 24 '26
For me it’ll be a Savage 110 Scout in .308, because I can’t get the Rugers in LH.
If LH doesn’t matter, Ruger Scout or Ranch.
79
u/FroBro243 Jun 24 '26
Bolt action .308Win is probably your best "do-it-all" rifle. I'm partial to the Tikka T3x myself, but there are plenty of good options on the market.