The 30-06 will be PLENTY for elk with the proper bullets. I bought a Marlin XL-7 as a gift for a buddy some time back and it's trigger is every bit the equal of the savage accu-trigger. It averages 5/8" groups at 100 yards-MUCH to my surprise. I'm going to get a XS-7 in 7mm08 for a beater/loaner rifle I was so impressed with his. I topped my buddy's rifle (.270) with a 150$ Nikon prostaff 3x-9x-40mm.