I just bought a Tikka T3 in camo and stainless for $700, I put a nikon AO 4.5 x 16.5 scope it. The caliber is a 25-06. I love the gun and scope and it shoots what they advertise right out of the box. I adjusted the trigger down low as it would go and it's very crisp and nice. For elk, I'd go with a little bigger caliber but I wouldn't pick a 30 cal just because of the kick. I also got a 7mm mag Ruger Mk II but that's a finnicky round seems like. I reload mine my ownto make it shoot good. If I were you, I'd go with a 280 or something like that.