Having given some of my guns to my grandchildren in the last couple years, last year I found myself facing deer/bear season with a Savage 11 in .223. Now, if that is all I had, I would have used it with little trepidation, but having some time to buy and sight in, I bought a Ruger American in .308 and a CVA .44 mag and I have been pleased with both. The Ruger got my buck first day of season, but I haven't used the .44 mag in earnest yet.
...But as I was saying, a man can never have enough guns, and I am blessed with a Mrs. who never questions any purchases I make.
So, last evening I went down to my local gun shop and bought an Axis Savage in .243. This one has a somewhat unusual camo stock.
The camo is called "harvest moon", and the base color is very dark, almost black. It has white & gray twigs running through it. I figure it is for hunting northern coyotes in winter.. but still should do well for big game in winter.
Next, I mount a scope and I have some 100 gr Hornady interlocks and 100 gr Nosler Partitions, just waiting to be loaded..