I have several Ruger's and they are nice, but I think of out of the box accuaracy its hard to beat Savage.

I have one marlin XL7, a couple of winchester model 70's and one Browning Xbolt, and one remington branded model 798(mauser 98). The winchesters (7mm rem mag and 300RUM) are both my go to rifles. Both shoot sub moa. The Xbolt in 300win shoots moa, and is a nice to shoot rifle. The model 70's are stainless, but both sport nice wood stocks now, and look nicer that way. The browning, is the hunter model, matte finish on wood stock. It has about the best feel, with a nice palm swell for your trigger hand. In 308 win, it will do fine for elk, just no long distance shooting. Best thing you can do is go to the store, handle as many as you can, and decide what feels best. I prefer the 3 position safety, as I can have a safety on and bolt locked, or safety on, and able to clear the action with an added level of safety. Lots of guns dont have this, but one more bit of safety is priceless, and has never compromised relaibility.

which rifle
 

try looking at the Rem. SPS rifle. its made in stainless steel and comes with a synthetic stock. also a good choice of calibers.

I would also consider looking at the Tikka...very impressed with the one I have in 270 WSM.

.308 will take all the animal you list with ease and they are inherently accurate.

The .308 is good for your purposes. Very good caliber. Of the choices you mentioned I would go with the Ruger. I have many and they have never let me down. I handload for accuracy in many calibers.

shot my dads ruger a lot in 7mm rem mag. i love how smooth the bolt is accuracy is great too. i love the looks of it

my personal preference is the winchester model 70. as a matter of fact i'll be purchasing the model 70 in .308. just gotta decide if i want the featherwieght or the extreme weather.... plastic or wood..stainless or blued gotta make up my mind!!!!!

Jerry,

Good luck with your decision.


Hope you get a shooter !!!

Jerry, just an FYI... That stock that's on the extreme weather is far from the typical plastic stock. Fiberglass, carbon and aramid fibers and gel costed.

Thank Sheridan. Yup,I know BigBulls.It's a B&C,the stock felt real comfortable.There's just something about that Schnable foregrip that i love!