Yep, I agree get a 30/06 for elk. It's what I've been using for years, worls great with 180 grain factory loads. But I understand the "itch" to get a lever gun. I got myself a 444 Marlin----great for black bears & whitetails. It's fun to shoot. I doubt if I'll use it on elk-----I like the fact I can go out to 300 yards if needed. Out of the 2 dozen or so elk I killed, it's @ 125 yards. Several at 25 yards, several @ 225 yards---but the majority were between 100 to 150 yards. CB