Well here go's ...does the ability to handle recoil make U a man?? in U're eyes?? Is that the only reason U thinkU need a big gun so U can brag about how hard it kicks???? If thats the case U should be shooting a .460 weatherby or a .458 lott!!!!!! And no place here have I said I don't have a magnum nor did I sayI was afraid to shoot one!!! I just said U don't need a magnum to hunt elk .....I merly said a .270 was more than adequate to get the job done!!!! not marginal......U run into me up in the hilss I might be carrying anything from a 30-30 to a .338 depending on where I'm hunting, deep timber or open sagebrush...but most likey I'll have my trusty old .300 H&H!!!