What rifle for elk hunting?
 

My dad and I are going elk hunting in CO this fall. And we are looking for a new rifle. We have pretty much decided on a 30-06 caliber. we'v looked at the REM 700 CDL, Ruger m77 and Browning Abolt. But without actualy being able to try them out we have not been able to decide. So any help you can give us would help alot. Thanks

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

I feel that all would make fine choices. I have a 30-06 in a remington 700 bdl and it's extremly accurate. I've shot a 30-06 in a browning and would be reluctant to buy one because of the recoil, the browning is quite a bit lighter. I have no experince with a ruger. Possibly somebody else could point out the goods and bads of the ruger for you.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

You might want to also take a good look at the Savage, it's usually a very accurate, out of the box rifle.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

Just curious why you have settled in on the 30-06? I personally feel if you haven't bought the gun yet, look into a magnum like a 7mm or 300 win mag. I'm partial to the 7mm myself hunting Elk for years and years in the Rockies. Hunting in the west tends to lead to slightly longer shots than most expect and the magnums can help bridge that gap. Nothing against the 06 at all. My dad shot one for 30 years and finally bought a 300 win mag. Just a thought to keep in mind and remember it truly is your decision and what you want to shoot. I only want to make sure you have weighed the options considering the price won't change much. Good luck. What unit in Colo?

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

Having owned a Ruger M77 - I'd go with the Remington.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

I've shot both the Ruger M77 and the older remington 721 both in 30-06. I own a remington bdl but in 300 win mag. I would recommend in this order the Remington, Ruger and winchester. All are good guns, but i'm partial to the Remington.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

I own both Abolt and 700 BDL, they are both good choices. Bolt throw on the Abolt is very nice but I curse the box mags of abolt after losing the bottom plate twice their design makes me scratch my head and like anything with the golden deer it costs bigtime to replace! Rem 700's fits me best personally, they have their quirks but hey what doesn't. I like the fact parts, etc are easy to come buy and are cheaper in comparison. This doesn't mean they require more work b/c they have been very durable/reliable IME but rather I have tweaked every rifle I have owned in the past number of years in one way or another, due to the shear market share I can find it easier/faster and for less with the 700's.

I never have liked the M77 but also never owned one either so that is strictly personal not functional on my account.

Lots of great choices and really can't go wrong as long as you buy first on fit and then on features. You can rework triggers, bed and pillar actions, install excellent after market recoil pads/stocks/barrels, etc to almost all but if it feels off it will never be your favorite to grab come opening day.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

In reply to elkhunt4fun. The main reason why we are looking at the 30-06 is that both me and my dad will be using it and recoil bother's me being i'm only in my teens. And alot of people have told me that if I do my part the 06 will hold up it's end of the bargin. we will be hunting in unit 3 during the 1st genral season with some friends.

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

I'm a big Remington fan...;)

RE: What rifle for elk hunting?
 

Hunt4,
There is nothing wrong with your choice IMHO the 30-06 or the 7mm Rem mag would suite you just fine the 7mm has about the same recoil.

I would realy consider the 7mm rem mag in this equasion also,160 gr 7mm round will drop about 7 inches @ 300 yds with a dead on 200 sight in,and 20 in @ 400

The 30-06 180gr bullet drops about 9 inches at 300 yds and 25 inches @ 400.

This gives you about a 295 yds with a dead on hold with the 7mm.
The 30-06 gives you about 280 yds with a dead on hold.After that you might have to hold a little high,if they cross the 275 yds hold top of back.
If it was up to me i would take either the 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag in the CDL by Remington top it with a good burris 3-9x40 and be happy and start practicing.
BBJ