need help with rifles
 

I have a H&R single shot with a 3-9x scope and a 760 gamemaster pump in 35 rem with a 3-9x with see through scope rings.

i'm a good shot with both but I was wondering if a single shot 30-06 would be okay for elk and moose.

or Should i use the 35 pump?

Since you can reload both rifles, allbeit one slower than the other, I don't think the pump-single shot thing is an issue. The '06 has more reach and power. If you can shoot it accurately, go with the '06. If you shoot straight the first time, a fast follow-up isn't an issue. I hunted deer with a single shot '06 for 30 yr's and never lost one due to a lack of follow-up speed.

What he said...................but if I was huntin the heavy timber I'd lean towards the .35, more open country the .06 would be the ticket!!!

I agree. In timber the .35 would work fine. Everywhere else including the timber the 30.06 is the best choice.

Everything else being equal; I'd prefer the .35 Rem at under 100-150 yards.

Longer shots I'll take the .30-06, and some shooting sticks.

How many shots do you think you'll need?

Magazines and their capacities should only be issues for people who can't hit their target with the first shot. I've hunted deer and pronghorns for years with a single-shot Ruger No. 1. Follow-up shots have never been an issue, even with a "puny" .243.

Although I recognize there's a loyal following of the "brush buster" theory regarding calibers, I've used my .30-06 in some pretty thick stuff and if I've ever considered it a liability, it's more because of the barrel length (22") and the FOV of the optic (4-12x) than the caliber itself. I've never been a fan of "see-thru" rings. Just my opinion, but I feel if the brush is that thick it's better to opt for a lower-powered optic (I lean 1.5-5x) with a wider FOV - or straight iron sights - than something that'll let you use your iron sights, but which mounts your optic high enough over the bore that you can't obtain a proper cheek weld.

Lastly - and probably most importantly - which of the two rifles here do you shoot better? Use it.

Hi all, I want to know what can you recommend for a newbie like my dad? I mean the riffle and where to get it? Thanks! (I'm getting him one as a present) :)

I think someone new to rifles should stick to standard calibers like 270, 7mm-08, 308 or 30-06. For one they don't have a tremendous recoil and you can afford to shoot them a lot more an get used to the gun while gaining good shooting form. I think most people today would do better shooting more and really getting to know the rifle's fit to the shooter as well as learning the calibers exact drops in trajectory. For elk that's what I would recommend but for deer size game you can go a lot smaller like a 6mm or 243 win.

IMO i would look at a bolt action. Very reliable and usually the choice out west.

None of the above
 

If you really want my honest opinion, I think you need to get another gun. if you are wanting a gun that you will use for elk and moose, then I would say buy a gun that really fits those needs, such as a 300 or 338 mag (bolt action) With that said, if you are on a limited budget and all you have are the 2 options you mentioned, and if that is truely all you have, then I would have to say that you are still in a gray area and I would not honestly not recommend either one for elk and moose. I will not go into the numerous debates I have had which argued about all the various calibers and weapons that can kill and elk or moose (yes even a .22 can kill an elk or moose), but I am a serious believer that you need to go that extra step to find the best fit instead of just trying to make something work. All I want to say is that in my honest opinion your 2 guns may not be the best fit for what you need. Just my $0.02

If you believe that having a Magnum makes you a better shot, more ethical hunter and your killing game faster then you have a long ways to go down the marksmanship road. Caliber doesn't help you make good clean ethical kills marksmanship and accuracy does. I cringe every time a new client brings a new super magnum rifle that you know after watching him zero it in hasn't owned it any longer than the pair of socks on his feet. It has became a sad reality. New rifle owners shouldn't start out with something that has 30lbs plus of free recoil. I love watching men close their eyes before the sear releases the hammer. If you can't shoot a magnum as well as you shoot your varmint rifle you have no business hunting with it until you can. Magnums are for two types of people those that can handle them and those that can't. I've seen both sides of the fence I would never ever no way recommend a magnum to a novice hunter. NO. NOPE not logical. It doesn't compute captain.

I own and shoot several magnums and yes I hunt with them too. They all shoot and I can shoot them all very well. As with my standard calibers I shoot them all very well. I'm a hunter, a marksman and I take my accuracy very seriously. Jack O Connor could shoot Elmer Keith was a man that shot guns. So that raking shot mentality don't fly with me.