I don't feel the need to include any criteria or price point.

What's the best rifle?

The one with the dead trophy bull elephant with 100lb ivory at the other end.

Purdey or Holland and Holland.

Without criteria, purpose, price point, etc., the whole topic becomes purely subjective.

For me, the Model 70 is the ultimate. But that is for my tastes, my purposes, and all that.

If we're just asking random questions without criteria, my random answer is....anything rifle from Star Trek or Star Wars

Mine. It's the best I could afford. Therefore, to me, it's the best

1873 Winchester

The one that is in the hand of someone who knows how to shoot it.

Just poking a little fun. Seems like every day a thread gets posted for recommendations with no criteria or budget.

I knew it couldn't have been sincere

Welcome to being around here a few years.

My dad's model 700 30-06 made in late 70's still has under 150 rounds down the tube.

Red Ryder...

The one you have when you need it.

My dad has one like that too. He bought it in 78 I think. He saved his money and in 1980 put a RedField "TV" View scope on it. It wore that scope until he put a new Vortex on it last year. I suspect it has killed at least 150 deer with it. He will pull it out and take it with him every now and again. It's a special rifle for sure.

My Sako .270 is the best rifle. I feel sorry for you guys.

This. Deadly accurate.

The one you shoot...... "Beware the man who only owns one rifle....likely is, he knows hot to use it!"

Lot of custom rifles out there....it a all a matter of $$$$S but why a $$ rifle will kill as many anythings...This said if I had $$$$$...I likely try one out!

FWIW I like the Rem 700 and Winchester M-70, But I went to CZ-USA x3 rifles and never regretted it!

Yup

For many years the gun writers in the mags, have posed the "If you only had one gun?" question. It's generally when they couldn't think of anything else to write.

For me, it's my Colt Python and the butchered Eddystone 30-06 that I got a LONG time ago. It's been with me in a lot of different places. Finally had it rebarreled last year. It was totally shot out.

Here's my idea of the "best rifle". - The Mauser M03:



The gun is modular, you can switch out the barrel, magazine and bolt-head to use different cartridges.



It is drop-dead beautiful, and there are an impressive array of models to choose from.

Mauser M03 models

I like the "Old Classic" model best - but that is just me.

Mauser's bargain model, the M12 is also very nice but won't set you back any more than a good Sako.

Mauser M12

There are more expensive rifles out there of course, but the Mauser M03 is the one that I think of as 'the best' rifle in current production.

the one in my hands, which 9 times out of 10 is my Accuracy International AW

I would say the finest baddest rifle on the planet was whatever rifle was held in the hands of Audie Murphy. That Garand and Thompson are both priceless and represent one of the finest american rifleman in our history and therefore they are the best rifles.

Mauser M03... absolutely brilliant.

Nope! Nothing comes to mind.