Hey guys/gals,

This is my first post. I am a younger, somewhat experienced hunter from the rainy mountains of southwest washington. I know more about how to hunt than what I should hunt with. I' m finally in a position to buy the gun of MY choice and want to get it right. I usually hunt(stalk) elk in steep, oldgrowth/secondgrowth forest so I am less concerned with real long range than I am about reliability and stopping power. I' ve been looking at the browning stalker series and remington 700 or 7 series. I hike far and hi so keeping weight down is a concern. Another concern though is my size. I am stalky but short, so I need a short gun. I am also concerned that if my gun is to powerfull without weight behind it, the recoil might kick my A$$. You guys sound like some real old pros, so any advice would be appriciated.