Thanks for all of the excellent suggestions and comments, they're very much appreciated. I am by no means shy of recoil and have never had a problem with flinching. My current battery consists of a 270, 280, 06, 7mm Rem mag, 7mm-08, 257 Weatherby and a 45/70 Guide Gun with several milsurps thrown in as well. I realize that all of these except for maybe the 257 (although it has been done) qualify as Elk medicine, and rightfully so; but my tendencies run toward not just bringing an adequate rifle for most situations, instead bring the most you can accurately shoot in all situations - especially if your paying lots of hard earned money for the hunt! I realize that the shotgun does not offer the best comparison for a rifle but it's the hardest kicker I have, but I haven't fired anything heavier than Winchester 300's in the 45/70. I guess I should just buy or load some heavy hitters for the GG and try them - If I can handle those then the sky's the limit right? As for brakes - no thanks, been there done that and can't stand the blast.