RE: Elk gun
If I wanted a new rifle, that has slight recoil for Elk, other than my 270.
I think I would look into useing a 7 mag. With a heavy 175 gr bullet you wont be disapointed. It will do the job on just about anything in the US.
I have taken game from whitetail to Oryx with it.
That would be MY first choice.
hunter338.