Savage is a great ML no worries their and if you can use smokeless why the heck not pick the Savage. I agree that not being able to use a scope does make it's potential mooted some but the fact you can use any powder is a big plus! Also not sure I agree that a Savage isn't a newbie gun, as I have seen newbie's/vets double load and make mistakes with the regular inlines, etc. I also wonder if not having any or limited previous knowledge of ML wouldn't be a better thing in some cases as when starting out fresh you learn how to load it, buy/use the right tools and begin the familarity process. However if you had a inline and where use to measuring volume loads of 100,110,120..etc their may be cause for some intial concern of loading the savage improperly, either by method or amount of the smokeless powder charge. I don't even own a savage but hunt with a few guys who do and really see no safety issues if you follow Savages guidelines, really no different than if you buy a Knight, TC or whatever their is a learning curve and the manual/guidelines laid out for the user, it should be followed.

Good point about smokeless it is meant for the Savage only, so if you really want this in your ML - Savage is the only option. As to cleaning regular inlines, they are not nearly as difficult as some make them appear, especially with todays advancements/choice of cleaner propellants for the front stuffers...to me it really isn't a huge issue b/c I still clean my CF's and such regularily.

Also if elk are a possibilty I would go with a 50 cal, not only will it prove better all around usage for various game. Finding accessories/bullets is much easier as it is the standard or most popular with inline users.