I don't know of anyone making a rifle on the market that won't shoot .So who made it is up to your pocket book . From what you mentioned I would recommend a 30-06 first and a 300 win mag second . I own both of them and it just depends where and what I'm hunting which one I use . Get a good scope and you should do fine . The only scope I wouldn't recommend is BSA ,We have one of those to .Good Luck

jlb66, I support the notion of a .30-06 for the type of hunting you describe. The .300 Win Mag would be another great cartridge, but you probably don't need the extra kick.

I like PaJack's analogy to buying a first car. There are many makes and models out there that will do the trick. You need to go to some shops, go to some shows, look at and handle (always with permission) some guns to see what looks and feels good to you. Some like stainless actions and barrels; others prefer blued. Some like wood stocks; others prefer synthetics. Too many features to make a specific recommendation. But you should do well buying one of the top brands: Remington, Savage, Winchester, Ruger, etc.

On scopes, least expensive I'd go is a Leupold VariX II 3-9X (Leupold is closing out the VariX II line, so some good deals can be had). But I suggest you do a search in this forum on "scope." Been some good conversation about the options available over the past couple of months.

Finally, like buying a car, decide on what you can spend before you go! Prices for Remington 700s, for instance, can vary by several hundred dollars if you consider the 700 ADL on the low end, and 700 Senderos (or even custom shop models) on the high end. It helps to have a good budget number firmly in mind.

Good luck, and let us know what you finally settle on (pics are always welcome).

cogito, ergo armatus sum.

7MM REM OR A 300WIN WOULD BE GOOD PLACE TO START AS FAR AS CALIBER, LOTS OF DIFFERENT AMMO FOR DIFFERENT GAME SPIECIES. AS FAR AS RIFLE BRAND I WOULD STAY WITH REMINGTON OR BROWNING. ALSO MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE IS BOLT ACTION. YOU CAN GET A LEUPOLD VARIX-II 3X9X40 FROM CABELAS FOR $179.00 TO TOP OFF YOUR NEW TOY.

CERTIFIED GUN NUT--

If you are not recoil shy, then I'd go with a 7MM or .300 magnum.
However, ( and I know this may upset a few magnum pushers)....
with good shot placement, at reasonable ranges, anything from the 7MM-08, .308, .270 and 30-06 will be fine for elk.
As for the gun, Winchester, Remington and Savage, as well as a few others make great shooting guns at reasonable prices!
Scope, Leupold!

I started out 21 years ago with a used remington 700 BDL in 30-06. I have killed plenty of elk and muleys over the years with it and am still looking forward to my first bear hunt. I used the same rifle to kill a real nice 13 point buck this fall. Don't agonize too much over your choice, go out and try on a few for size, stick with top manufacturers and DO IT. You'll have plenty of time to add to your collection, first you need to get started. And don't worry about the -06 for elk, IMO it is plenty and none of those I shot with mine seemed to be too offended by the non-magnum bullet!!!!
Scopes, spend the money for a good one, a lifetime investment if you do.

I would go for a 7mm mag as it shoots flatter than the 30-06 with manageable recoil.

A bolt action .30-06 will do you well with all the bullet weights available and accuracy with good range too.

300 Mag. or 7mm Mag.

Mule deer and elk? Never had the pleasure of shooting something that large. I would recommend something reliable like a bolt action. I hear a .308 is about as small as you want to go. I know a 30-06 will really crack some bones on deer. The heavier the lead and the faster the bullet puts more energy down range. Just pick something that doesn't make you flinch when pulling the trigger. If I were to get a chance at an elk I think my .308 would be fine because it is deadly accurate and not a lot of recoil.

I am a true believer in 7mm Rem. Mag.
I think this is a very suitable round for your application.