Six months in the wilderness; what rifle would I take? This is easy! I'd take my 03-A4 replica. Now ... as to why. Simple. I've been shooting 03-A3 rifles since 1980. I've been hunting with one or another of them for the same number of years. I have not ever had anything ever get up and run off much less walk or crawl off. I've shot stuff at hard off the muzzle ranges right on out to 200 yds. Have shot some stuff running that went down at the shot and never moved. Did miss a shot on a running dog back about 1982. Was shooting iron sights. Grandmother in law wanted the dog killed. He was running on the other side of the pecan orchard. Second shot was right on target. 130 gr. JHP over a maximum charge of powder. Shot as flat as my bank account and hit like a brick.
Would the .30-06 be enough for all the challenges of the wilderness? I think so. With some nice little cast lead loads, it would be ideal for small game, etc. With some heavier loads of cast lead, it would be outstanding for medium game ... not rip up good meat or blow up bone shards, etc. With common 150 gr. hunting loads, it would be fully capable of handling longer ranged medium game. With good 180 gr. loads, it would be more than equal to dealing with big game of any and all kinds. I would if allowed also carry my beloved S&W Model 18 ... so that I'd have it for shooting whatnot such as snakes, pine cones, dirt clods, etc. Sincerely. bruce.
" Unlike most conservatives, libs have no problem exploiting dead children and dancing on their graves."