RE: short range caliber
How about a .308 with 125 grain Reduced Recoil Remington ammo? My choice would be a RMC 24" 50 caliber flintlock shooting 250 grain .452 Hornady HP's from a MMP short black sabot.
The 30-30 lever actions would be good also. The 300 Savage and 44 mags would be good choices. Problem is most of this stuff is not in production anymore because of the magnum craze. I don't care for all that bang but that's what's out there.
A nice 30 caliber pointed bullet rifle with a short barrel and wide angle scope is great for short and quick action. My Browning Micro Medallion in .308 is a fine brush riflewith plently of long range capability.