ORIGINAL: Hunter4ever04
My dad and I are going elk hunting in CO this fall. And we are looking for a new rifle. We have pretty much decided on a 30-06 caliber. we'v looked at the REM 700 CDL, Ruger m77 and Browning Abolt. But without actualy being able to try them out we have not been able to decide. So any help you can give us would help alot. Thanks
Of those you're looking at, and all good choices, I'd be inclined to pick the Ruger77.
It may need a little work on the trigger, but I've owned several Rugers over the last
30yrs., and never had a problem. They're pretty rugged and dependable.
I looked at a Remington 700CDL a couple weeks ago. Nice rifles, and I'm sure the Remington would give good service too. I just prefer the Ruger.
Barrels on the Remingtons are a little long (24" on std., and 26" on mags.). The Ruger will come with scope rings, and that can save you a couple $$$$ (use savings on better quality scope and more ammo to practice at longer ranges).
I'd nix the Browning. It's a good rifle, but as noted, has a detachable mag. Don't like those - they have a way of getting lost/misplaced, and that's the last thing you need when going on an out-of-state hunting trip.
The 30-06 will do nicely for elk. Use a good 180gr. bullet/ammo such as those with Nosler Partitions, Trophy Bonded or Core-Lokt Ultras. As noted, you might want to look also at the 7mmRem.Mag. (160gr. or 175gr. bullets). Both are good elk cartridges.
As for recoil, there's not much difference between the two. A good fitting rifle is most important. Pick what feels/fits you and your Dad best.
For a scope, I'd suggest a Leupold 2-7x or 2.5-8x. A 3-9x will also be good.