[niteowl77]

I'd consider a Marlin 1985SS in .45-70 if the ranges are moderate or a Marlin 1894SS in .44 Mag if the ranges are short. They are quick and handy, relatively cheap to feed, shun the elements a bit better than blued carbon steel guns, and are (to my mind) better choices than bolt rifles or single shots if there is a chance that you might be forced to take out some trash in this oh-so-imperfect world.

Having once disturbed some fine citizens of the American counterculture while on a hunt all by myself, I consider the last point a sad but germane one. OTOH, if you also pack a handgun, then what the heck- get any good, medium length/weight stainless bolt gun in .308 with a mid-low power Leupold or Burris variable scope.

[ghostcat]

I would also suggest the marlin .444 as well as the 45-70, its's basically a tretched .44 mag on steroids! anlther consideration would be a a remington 870 shotgun with 2 different barrels, a slug barrel to put on for deer and a smoothbore w/interchangeable choke tubes for turkey, duck, and various other assorted uses.