After doing a lot of reading, here and other places, I am just more confused as to what caliber and gun to purchase. It will primarily be used for deer and elk in montana. I' m most likely going with the Tikka T3 or the Browing A Bolt, or possibly a 700BDL. Obviously, I want a flat shooting, accurate and low recoil set up. I only weigh about 160 so I dont really want a 300 wsm. This is for my 18th bday by the way. Im leaning towards a T3 in 270 WSM. Accoring to a Winchester ballistics chart, it' s energy in foot lbs is slightly greater or equal to the 30/06 but with a lot less drop at longer yardages. Any cartridges I may have looked over that would be good for deer and elk with not to much recoil that can reach out to those longer yardages? Then after caliber, what stock/barrel finish? (too many choices!) I sort of prefer the wood/blue. I like that synthetic will not warp, but with free floated barrels on the T3, does that matter that much as far as accuracy? Im not too worried about being light weight or having it rust, Im good about taking care of my stuff. Also, T3 owners with wood stocks, how is the quality of the wood grain? I saw one and it looked pretty cheap, id rather have a synthetic/stainless or even the laminated/stainless before a bad piece of wood.

Thanks a lot!, Shawn

I think the 270wsm would be ok, although never shot one I have heard many singing the praise for this offering. However I would think about a 280 rem, if you don' t mind long action. I have 2 pals who use this for deer, elk and moose it is great flat shooting rifle and more than capable of handling the task you are asking. It will allow you to go up a bit in bullet grain for elk and offer less recoil than 7 rem mag at only marginal loss in energy, bullet choice and fps to the 7 rem mag. Cost of ammo if buying over the counter will be less than the 270WSM(at least here) and more offerings - comparable with the 7 rem mag - if this is of a concern. I know more confussion but I think it is really worth a look and maybe others will chime in on the 280 and 270wsm to help you out a bit.

As far as finish I would go with synthetic/SS over wood, it is more durable and less care. I also love wood scrolling and blued barrels but the dings they take make them lose their luster. think practical, plus I think the synth./ss with a matte scope look pretty nice as well and will continue to for years to come.

As far as manufacturer choice well it is all personal and how much you want to spend. All three you mentioned are solid choices, just get the one that won' t let you put it down with all the features you need and BUY IT! FYI, I have both rem 700 bdls and browning abolt they have been excellent rifles and shoot very nicely. I also know many others who use Tikka and other various brands, fit/feel is the most important thing and it is personal. Also if you like wood/blue buy it, it is your gun and you have to be happy.

good luck

i would go with a 30-06 springfield. It is the perfect bullet for you. I have one and the ammo is cheap, plus there is alot of ammo to choose from.

Even the 270 winchester would do the job well.