As for the specific chamberings, I own or have owned generic-type rifles as I've described using Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, Ruger 77 Mk II, Lazzeroni, Carl Gustaf, Montana and Sako actions in various magnum-class 7mms, among them the wildcats .280 RCBS and my own 7mm JRS, 7mm Weatherby Magnum, 7mm Rem. Magnum, 7mm Dakota, 7mm WSM, 7mm SAUM and 7.21 Lazzeroni Tomahawk.

The author has used Ruger No. 1 single-shots for everything from woodchucks to elephant and doesn't believe there's any significant disadvantage to using one for stand hunting, east or west.

Again, any one of these rifles of mine could be considered composites, if you will, possessing those features that would qualify each of them as one of the Great Deer Rifles I've Known. For me, the perfect western deer rifle looks pretty much like one or more versions of the flagship model of any of the gunmakers mentioned. The barrel measures anywhere from .600 to .625 inch at the muzzle and is 24 inches long to take advantage of most, but not all, of the potential ballistics that a moderate-size magnum case (as opposed to super mags like the Ultra Mag, Lazzeroni Firebird and 7mm STW, which are not efficient enough for me) can provide.

The stock is of a simple, classic style, and the scope would be a midrange variable that cranks up to no more than 10X and has an objective no larger than 42mm. With this kind of rig and under the right circumstances--meaning a steady-enough rest--I'd be quite comfortable taking shots out to 400 yards, especially now that any such attempt by me assumes the use of a laser rangefinder to verify the distance.

The Model Seven CDL with its classic stock with black fore-end tip is the newest version of Remington's compact rifle, the author's pick as an ideal choice for whitetail.

The last candidate for Great Deer Rifles I've Known requires a different mindset altogether because I'm thinking single-shot rifle, specifically the Ruger No. 1-B. I've used No. 1s in various calibers for as broad a spectrum of game as you can imagine, from groundhogs to elephant. Although hunting with a single-shot does change one's attitude about the importance of that first shot, the fact of the matter is, if you're prepared by having a second round handy--like in a wristband on the off hand as I do--with a little practice you can get off an aimed follow-up shot in less than five seconds. And in western hunting one often gets a second shot at a mule deer when it's far away and it doesn't know exactly where the danger's coming from. Bottom line is that it's really no great handicap to hunt our western deer with a one-shooter.

There are six variations of the Ruger No. 1, but the Standard Rifle--the 1-B--has always been my favorite. It is not a light rifle by any means, but with its standard 26-inch barrel, you get maximum velocity from whatever cartridge it's chambered for, yet the overall length of the gun is more than three inches shorter than a 24-inch-barreled bolt action. The No. 1 has a wonderful feel and balance to it, and, well, it's just a classy rifle and a classy way to hunt.

The flagship model of any manufacturer would be very close to the author's ideal western deer rifle, which is why he refers to it as "generic." This one happens to be a Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow.

The Ruger No. 1 is now available in 11 models covering 24 different calibers ranging from the .22 Hornet to the .458 Lott. I own only one No. 1 at the moment, and it's a custom job that's had three different barrels on it: 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm Dakota and its current chambering, the 7.21 Lazzeroni Tomahawk. All are in my favored bore size, but the 1-B is offered in several ideal western deer calibers, including .25-06, .270 Win., .270 Wby. Magnum, 7mm Rem. Magnum and .300 Win. Magnum.

The No. 1 is not everyone's idea of a perfect western deer rifle, but it sure is one of mine. For me it makes how I get my buck more important than getting it at all. That makes it an honorary member of Great Deer Rifles I've Known.