New member, same ol gun ?
 

Sorry that this is probably a question you guys always get. As i am a new member and i need some opinions on what to buy. I thought i would join. With that said...

Icurrently have a 30-06 It has to much of a kick for me. There is no since in practicing when i get so nervous about the kick and I can't hit the target. I want a lighter gun to carry but i want enough power to kill a elk, with not such a big kick as a 30-06. There is also a relay that you can screw into the end of the barrel which takes away the kick BUT it is louder than heck i guess. The reasons that i'm looking for a new gun is because yes it's WAY to heavy to carry in the woods. What do you guys think?

I would like to get a gun in the next couple of weeks. I leave to go hunting in less than a month and i would like to practice with it before i get in the woods.

I have also posted this on a different forum i am registered at and alot of guys told me to get the Winchester 270.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

Z, Welcome to the forum!
I would suggest 6.5mmSwede, 7-08 or .308.
There are many hunters using the .270 on Elk and has alittle less
recoil than the .30-06, but the .300 has more than the .30-06...

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

One thing to remember is a lighter gun will kick harder , given the same caliber and bullet weight , speaking of bullet weight , what are you shooting ? 150 grain loads for the 3006 arnt that bad , 180 grains have more kick . My personal pick would be at least a 270 for elk . 300 winmag would be a better choice , and yes a muzzelbrake will cut recoil but is loud .

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

i bought my wife a rem model 7 in 260rem, it is a pleasure to shoot, it is a compact design, the same gun can be bought in 7mm-08, 308, not sure about this gun in a 270, i am kind of partial to the 7-08 and the 308 mainly because of bullet selection, ruger also makes a "compact" rifle great for smaller framed people, and for people that tree stand hunt,

best of luck, keith

oh yea!!! where are my manners

welcome to the forums

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

I would also recommend the 7mm-08 or the 260 Rem. Either of those would fit the bill nicely.

And welcome to the boards!

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

Yea i use the 150 grain bullet.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, and the warm welcome. :)

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

A 308win would fit your criteria nicely. Little less kick than a 30-06. Thinks that make a big difference is a nice recoil pad. Limbsaver, sims, several out there. Also, there is several reduced recoil loads out there. That would would fine for you.

A muzzlebreak works, but I don't like the loudness, that scares me more than the kick ever would. And its expensive to have one put on.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

How about trying some of the new managed recoil ammo?

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

I would look into an autoloader in 308. The 308 is effective to approx. 250+ yards, has less recoil than an 06 and the autoloader will further reduce recoil. My recommendation would be a Browning "BAR Safari" with the Boss muzzle brake. Between the autoloader reducing recoil and Boss reducing recoil this should be a very low recoil combo. You will need hearing protection when shooting the Boss although the 308 in a 22" barrel will not be asloud as the magnum loads. This package should weight in at 8 1/4 to 8 1/2 pounds depending on the scope.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

Wow so many suggestions! I hope i find something that fits me, and that i like.

Ridgerunner- i got your email. Thanks for the suggestion.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

Let us know how you make out. With t

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

First thing to do is have a competent smith check the fit of your 30/06. If that is up to snuff the installation of a quality recoil pad (or decellerator if you like that term) whatever a quality smith recommends for proper fit and recoil management. Then...as has been suggested by others before, make sure someone that understands bigbore shooting gives you a few pointers. I'm not trying to suggest you don't know how to shoot hard-kicking guns....I'm only suggesting that there are those that love to shoot and get the big Whump!....they just don't wnat more than is necessary out of any particular gun.
Certain techniques when shooting can make a significant difference, as can fit and properly installed recoil pads.
If you are at least 140 lbs. and your 30/06 weighs at least 7.5 lbs., then the suggestions I have made and others have made might get you to keep that 30/06 and actually save you $$.

Oh yeah, Welcome to the Gun Forum...you'll get a great deal of information here.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

I would suggest the .270 Winchester in the Browning BAR semi automatic rifle. You will experience a decent reduction in recoil by dropping from the .30-06 Springfieldto the .270 Winchester, and you will experience another decrease in recoil by switching from the bolt action to the semi automatic. With the failsafe bullets or the Barnes triple shock bullets you should have more than enough punch for elk.

RE: New member, same ol gun ?
 

Hi and Welcome to the board. I think you may have a big problem on your hands, you said the bolt was lose and the safety was real hard to work, the crack depending on where it is at could also prove to be a pain in the butt. The "relay" you put in the stock is a mercury filled tube called a recoil reducer and the best one out there, (in my opinion) is called a "dead mule" (he kicks no more) This will only add weight to the gun so you may want to stay away from it. Others here have made some excellent suggestions on other guns and calibers to look at. I can only second the 260 or 7-08. I would haveyour .06 looked at by a good gun smith before you shoot it again.