Savage has introduced the Accustock. Their stainless rifles, models 16 and 116 complete with the Accutrigger are probably the best on the market. When you factor in the price, avaialble calibers, accuracy and left hand availability there is no contest.

There is no Overall best. It all depends on what your needs are. But for my money:

Basic hunting rifle for medium and large game - Remington 700 or Mauser 98 in .30-06 or .308. Parts are everywhere and both are very accurate. These cartridges can be found everywhere and will kill most things on N. America easily.

Shotgun - Remington 870. Ammo of all kinds will allow you to kill any most animal. Also great for home/self defense. Parts are plentiful and its as simple and reliable weapon.

Bush-rifle (utility, self-defense type) - M1 Garand or M14 in .308. Good stopping power with readily available ammo, significant rate of fire without wasting ammo, good effective range. Runner-up AR-15 due to the availability of parts, ammo, and lighter weight. I'd just rather have the stopping power of a .30.

best shotgun: I'd go with a Remington 870 or 1100, great pair of guns for all shooters

best rifle: i like the remington model 700 and it comes in virtually all chamberings... also might try Ruger model 77, first rifle i ever owned ind still works like new after 20 of shootin'

Savage, for the price you can't beat the accuracy. It is not necessarily the most beautiful gun but for the performace it's right where it needs to be.

There are many great guns out their but I guess I settled on reliability, practicality and versatility.

I like the M98 Mauser action but would have to say that if buying a rifle today,it would be the Rem 700. It has done very well and has lots of parts available to build whatever you need.

Shotgun: Rem 870. It is economical, reliable and always works. Comes in many styles from cheap to fancy. I used to hunt with automatics but missed many a great and hard won shot due to ice, snow, aged reloads, rain, crud, etc. causing a malfunction.

The M1 Garand gets my vote for best rifle - it helped the US win World War 2 and hold the line in the Cold War, it is a great competition rifle, it serves very well in a defense/civil disorder role, the caliber it fires is great for big game, and it is highly durable, reliable, and well-made.

The shotgun would be either the 870 or the semi-auto cousin, the 11-87. Affordable, rugged, versatile shotguns each one.