I've shot much more modern military weapons, but the M1 Garand can still hold it's head up in the best of company, as an auto loader.
It's accurate and reliable. I have pulled off some of my most spectacular moving shots with this rifle, all over open sights using standard ball ammo.
Yeah.... sure there are lighter rifles and rifles with greater magazine capacity. But nothing beats the pure satisfaction of squeezing off a few rounds from this weapon, the 30-06 round has beautiful ballistics and arrives downrange with enough punch to do what's required of it, well out past my maximum shooting capability.
I served my time using the Australiam manufactured FN FAL commonly called the SLR and it is a fine weapon which earned me my crossed rifles (marksmans badge) but in a long range sporting role I'd still defer to the Garand.
I haven't one single photo of me with my beloved Garand so here's one of the SLR my second choice. Female dingo, taken at approx 600yds on the move
