I always envisioned my 296 handloaded with "manstoppers" (cup-nosed wadcutters, basically) of moderate weight (say, 200 grains) moving at moderate speeds (say, ~900 fps). That's plenty of oomph for defensive use but not so much that I'd dread practicing.
I regret not buying a Remington Model 8 aroud 15 to 20 years ago. They are cost prohibitive now.
I also wish I had bought about 5 to 10 each of Enfields, Mosin Nagant 91/30s & M44s, and Russian, Yugoslavian, Norinco or Albanian SKS rifles - preferably 10 of each about 15 years ago. Then again, even 10 decent Carcano and 10 Arisaka rifles would have been an excellent buy a decade ago. Who could have imagined what they all go for now as compared to then!
The Model 8 is a true classic. One of the first reliable centerfire semi-auto rifles. If I am ever able to actually save any money again, I may search one out but right now, just cannot afford one without dipping into my savings.We had all my father in law’s guns after he passed. I made a list and offered whatever they wanted to my wife’s siblings (I figured it was only fair). The Remington Model 8 was his hunting rifle until the 80’s and now one of her sisters has it.
All of them.
Phuck you spammer