[Jeff Higgins]

It would have to be my standard Marlin 1895 in .45-70, fitted with a Skinner peep sight. This rifle shoots readily available factory ammunition, and if one handloads, an incredibly broad variety of bullet weights and configurations. It can be loaded down with light bullets of less than 300 grains at at less than 1,000 fps for casual plinking, or "loaded for bear" with 400 grain bullets at over 2,000 fps, capable of killing literally any game animal in North America. It is accurate enough to win rifle matches that are restricted to lever guns and single shots. It holds five rounds and can be "topped off" on the fly, making it suitable for home defense or outright battle. It is absolutely reliable, and as indestructible as any rifle we are capable of producing. It shoots cast bullets or jacketed bullets equally well. There are at least a dozen different powders that can be used to assemble useful loads. Brass lasts forever, with a couple dozen reloads pretty normal before they have to be discarded. The lighter, lower recoil loads make it a fantastic rifle to teach new shooters. At about eight pounds, it's light enough to carry all day when hunting. Just a very versatile rifle.