Once in a lifetime--how about something like the DG looking 22lr rifle that Duane Wiebe created? Unique, fun to shoot, easy on the shoulder and a thing of beauty.

If a rifle made in the "American" style then 270, 30-06 or 35 Whelen.
If a rifle done in the "European" style then 7x64 or 9.3x62.
If a rifle done in the "British" style then 7x57, 300 H&H, or 375 H&H.

The primary purpose of the rifle would be the main determinant for appropriate caliber.

I made the choice for my rifle. The caliber is 300 H&H and it truly is my 'once in a lifetime' rifle.

300 H&H

6.5X53R on a small Farquhason action (or Hagen action, depending upon which way the wind is blowing)

a bench rest accurate 22 lr in one of Bailey Bradshaw's or some other small falling block. Maybe a low wall or Ballard Gallery Rifle. It would need a small but powerful scope. I don't know which ones would qualify but I'd find one. It could have some light engraving by Rodger Kehr, (sp), Rust Blueing and a nice piece of English or European walnut. I have a blank that would do. I can't think of anything I would enjoy more.

A toss up between a couple of calibers:

A 6.5x54 MS or a 318 Westley Richards on custom LH Mauser action, English style stock

I voted .32 and up, and would go with my old stand by of an '03 in 35 Whelen, but that is a tough decision against an old European classic in 7x57. The light 7 is such a sweet round, but the '03 and the Whelen just seem to be made for one another.

Provocative question,this. Thought about if for a while. Would choose on the small side of 30 caliber. But then I thought some more. I already have a 7 x 57 in a Mauser. And a pre-64 Model 70 in 270 [2 x7 Leupold, Conetrol mounts ]. And a featherweight Savage 99 in 300 [my original 1959 deer rifle][ old Weaver K4/post n crosshair ]. They all shoot really well. and I am set up to reload em all. So I don't get too excited about a 'once in a lifetime' rifle. I probably wouldn't want to use it. Once passed on a perfect $280 gem of a handmade canoe paddle for the same reason. And if I did get one of those 'lifetime' jobs my wife would find out and she would just have an excuse to buy more pairs of shoes. But if one of you gentlemen was going to offer to pay for it, just send me the money.....

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
7 x 57 on a tricked out g.33/40 mauser action with premium barrel, french walnut, premium scope.

Same for me, though I would also consider a 33/40-ized 1902 Mexican or 1909 Peruvian. With a 1909 Peruvian, along with the front ring conversion to small ring, I'd have the front ring shortened to standard length. The custom 33/40 that Toomanytools posted recently would suit me just fine. Ralph Martini's half octogon barrels are pretty sexy though.

I go with a 9.3X62

If I could only do one custom build I'd do another fast 375 of some type in a portable package because I'd want to hunt with it for everything. 250 TTSX for long shots and most NA or mountain game. 270 or 300 TSX for DG and Africa with a few solids for ele and small antelope.

Mark