I'm getting stationed in anchorage Alaska for 3 years and i am planning.on doing a lot of hunting. Never rifle hunted before, just bow and shotgun back in Ohio. I was wondering what rifle(s) would be a good choice for me to purchase for hunting up there? Thanks mossbergman11

Never had the joy of hunting up there, but, over the years, the calibers I hear of the most, are the 300 mags, 338 winmag, 375H&H, and 45/70, and well, the '06. Even heard some using the 416 remington/ruger mags as well. Hopefully someone with solid experience will chime in

I'd reckon a .338 Win. Mag. would be ideal. My next choice would be a .300 WSM or .300 Win. Mag.

Man I envy you. But as for a choice of rifle and not knowing what you will be hunting, I am thinking moose, and big bears. If the big bears are on the slate I would choose the .338 as minimum. on up to the .375 H&H or Ruger (if you can handle the recoil). Now these would be my choices to 'reach out an touch' the critters. But if I was goint to be hunting in close quarters I wouldn't hesiteate to get myself a Marlin Guide Gun in the .45-70 and get yourself some stout loads for it - not the wimpy regular loads designed for the old trapdoors. These heavier loads will drop anthing that walk on this continent and the rifle is a joy to carry. Topped with a quality red dot scope you will be fine out to 100 - 150 yds.

the calibers I hear of the most, are the 300 mags

If it were me I would buy one of the new Winchester M70s in 375 H&H and put the best scope I could afford on it...

Cheers/bg

In 1987 the editon of a popular hunting magazine asked thirty gun writers, outfitters, and shooting industry officials what cartridge they would pick if restricted to hunting all North American big game with one rifle. Naturally, the .30-06 was the first choice by a considerable margin. The big surprise came when the .338 Winchester Magnum, .340 Weatherby Magnum, and the 7mm Remington Magnum tied for second place. The .280 Remington came in third, followed by the .270 Winchester. The .300 Winchester and .300 Weatherby Magnums tied for fifth place.

The Reloading Bench

I own a Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .338 WM - nuff said.

Just go with the King. The 375 H&H will do it all.

That's a tough one. It really depends on if you want to be able to shoot further distances, or if you are okay with keeping your shots to within 150 yards. I hunt Ohio as well, and if that is what you are used to, you are already used to hunting game at fairly close ranges. I don't know if you've had experience shooting at long range, but if you haven't, I personally would not pony up for a whiz-bang long-range shooting magnum. I mean, what is the point if you are not used to shooting at long ranges?

So I would go with one of the previous posters, and based on what you are used to, get a good lever action Marlin in .45-70 or .450 Marlin. This will get the job done on any Alaskan game at ranges under 150 yards. Again, unless you are willing to invest a lot of time practicing shooting at long ranges with your new magnum, I wouldn't go that route. Just my 2 cents...

Winchester Mod. 70 Extreme Weather .338 Win Mag w/ Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 scope is what I bought. Headed up to Kodiak next week for 3 weeks on 2 Brown bear hunts, a Sitka Blacktail deer hunt, & some fishing. Both my guide & outfitter shoot Win Mod 70 .338 Win Mags.