If "reverse snobbery" isn't a problem the H&R/NEF "Handi-rifle" might be worthy of consideration. The standard version, in 30-30 caliber offers a nice 7-pound package that carries easily and offers pretty good accuracy and flexibility with great carrying characteristics. The same rifle can also still be obtained in 45-70 and 50 S&W but those calibers in such a light rifle might be "too much gun" for some folks.
Another worthy "stalking rifle" is the "Buffalo Classic" version. This 32-inch barreled, 8-pound beauty has a fine balance and is capable of excellent accuracy. It is also rated for 1895 Marlin-class loads. This fact should make it "big medicine" for anything that walks or crawls in the Western Hemishere.
H&R single-shot guns can be great "customizers". I had the butt stock of mine reshaped to a Prince of Wales grip configuration and also had the "Schnabbel" on the forestock refined a bit. With its new, "darkish" stock finish the rifle's stock might not pass for a custom-grade walnut masterpiece but it is "pretty", all the same. A gunsmith's judicious trigger stoning and adjustments resulted in a pretty respectable "hunting trigger", too.
