Greetings everyone,
I moved out west recently and am going to start rifle hunting here in MT in about a month (originally from West Virginia). I have hunted for many moons--whitetai--and currently own a 6mm and .308. However, I need a longer range deal that can comfortably take muleys, elk, and perhaps one day even sheep or moose. A gun store here in helena currently has ruger m77 mark IIs on sale for $450 (retail according to them and ruger is $695) I can choose any caliber that they make (if they don't have it--they'll order it for the same price) so I'm thinkin 300wsm (currently my top choice), 7mm rem mag, 7mm wsm, 270?. The .308 that I currently own would probably work but it is my grandfather's ol' Winchester model 88 lever action that he left to me and I just can not seem to get it to group well at longer distances (300yds) and I have changed ammo, plus I would rather leave it in the gun rack except for special occasions b/c of the sentimental value. The sale ends sunday (tomorrow) at 4pm mst. Any ideas--sorry for the short notice--just made up my mind to go for it. Is ruger still as reputable as always? Should I jump at this price? What about the recoil of the 300wsm? if it is to much maybe I could get one of those limb-saver butt plates. any other ideas. I'm going to be researching online as much as possible (ballistic charts and such) THANKS FOR THE HELP