[/align][align=right][/align][align=right]yeah I agree with stubblejumper on this one....I have one in 375 H&H with a 3x12 Zeiss and it's simply a great outfit.[/align]

You could also take a look at the Savage American Classic in .338 win mag. I have one in the .300 win mag and it is one hell of a good rifle with the accutrigger and price, under $600.

Also the Savage 116FHSS is available in 338.

I have the BLR and a Leupold for moose hunting and I love it. I was always told the big rounds were pretty hard on the shoulder with a BLR, but I have no issues with it at all. My second choice would be an A-Bolt with a Leupold.

I had two Savage rifles in 338 WM. Both were very good shooters.

Ditto...

The Weatherby Vanguard is also chambered in .338 Win Mag and is a good rifle. The prices seem to have gone up lately but itstill canbe had for not much more than $500.

Caldoc

I have the Browning a-bolt in wood and blued with the boss. I love the way it shoots, but the weight and barrel lengths are too much for what you want. I don't think recoil is any worse than my 30-06 model 70 and I can't hear anyway.

I bought this gun 2nd hand for $500 in new out of the box condition. I believe the kid I bought it from didn't know what he was getting into with a big gun and bullit cost and just wanted to get rid of it. Its a great shooter, but like I said earlier too heavy AND Pretty to be lugging around the mountains.

Brad

How about this:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976792714.htm

Top it with a Leupold VX3 2.5-8: http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Pro duct_Code=L55038&Category_Code=35LU-VX3 and you are set.

Rifle= 1,135
+ scope= 379.62
rings & mounts= 100
Grand total= $1,614.62

I got you in under budget!!!