Smitty do you mean the 308 cartridge or 308 caliber? There are many in the 308 caliber with the 30-06 the most popular.
Although the 308 itself is capable of taking an elk with the proper bullets it would not be on the top of my list. Depending on your stature and ability to withstand recoil I go with a 30-06 or 300 Win Mag for elk. The old 06 with a quality 180 bullet is hard to beat as a meat getter.
As for rifles Savage makes a good one. I've also heard good things about the Mossberg Patriot and Ruger American too. But don't overlook the used gun racks. You can sometimes fine a great deal on a fine rifle there.