You have me thinking now (I know scary thought) I may take on a project along these lines. I am thinking a center fire rifle, short barrel (18" - 20"), maybe in semi-auto since accuracy is not the main objective and to make short range follow up shots a breeze (I own no true hunting rifle in semi-auto so diving into new a new area on this one). I will say for deer size game out to 200 yards max. Something to take along on hikes through heavily wooded and rugged moutain terrain. Scoped but not over powered, max something in 3 x 9 with the widest field of view possible. I think I will go with a used rifle so caliber may be determined for me, but I think I would prefer something in .30 cal in one form or another and most likely not a Mag, that would just be blowing power out the end of the barrel. Most likely I will cut and re-crown the factory barrel, again since accuracy is not the main objective and to stay within a budget. I am just forming this idea, any suggestions? Anyone out there use such a creature?