Rifle Reccomendations

[Jrzbullelk]

Savage Axis 270 win. you cant go wrong with this gun i have two of them, plus there is a lot of 270 ammo out there still and they are very accurate 

[HighlandLofts]

You should check out some of the Pawn Shops for a rifle, I've bought some nice guns from pawn shops. Most of them will give you ninty days to pay for your item with 25% down. When I buy a 280 it will be a Ruger 77, I like that caliber. I have 30-06, 7MM mag, 243, 308 and a few others.

[coachcw]

I'm not a big fan of pawn shop guns , good chance you could be buying some ones crapper . there is plenty of decent new rifles that wont break the bank . savage , and tika both fit the bill .300wsm is a tough all around caliber to beat , blt action accurate clip gun . decent lep rings and a vx 2 you will get many good years outta her.

[Tikka300wsm]

check out the t/c venture. looks like a good gun for the money

[2labs]

Buy a Howa or a Ruger American. Hey billdo guess who makes that new weatherby of yours?

[Dan-o]

I like the 338 Win Mag for a dedicated elk rifle.  You should consider a Savage 111 package.  It comes with a Nikon scope and is only $511 at East County Guns

We have a winner.     
If you want a good deer/elk rifle, that combo with the NIKON BDC scope comes in 7MM Rem Mag.   Sweet combo for under $500.

[Dan-o]

I won't hate on the Savage AXIS package, but it comes with a fishbonker scope and doesn't have the accu trigger.

The Savage 111 with the accu trigger and the NIKON BDC scope is $100 or so more expensive, but a way better bargain IMHO.

[navy83]

Of your 2. Get the 30-06 and for a rifle look at the tikka t3. You cant go wrong with that combo.

I personally have that gun and it is great. I have never had a rifle perform as well as the Tikkia. I shoot 180 grain bullets out of it and couldn't be happier. it has a free-floating barrel and is on overall good gun

[jason stevens]

Anyone you choose will work I like my 7mm rem mag for everything but shot placement is all that matters

[C-Money]

I would think a Howa would be a good choice for the money. .270 win, 30-06, or .280, no worries, good, proven elk killers. Use good bullets, and shoot enough to get use to your rifle before season. Let us know what you get!!!

[turkeyfeather]

I'd also say the T3, but because its a lighter gun I prefer it in a .270

[summit creek]

7mm mag

[Simcoe hunter]

I'm not a big fan of pawn shop guns , good chance you could be buying some ones crapper . there is plenty of decent new rifles that wont break the bank . savage , and tika both fit the bill .300wsm is a tough all around caliber to beat , blt action accurate clip gun . decent lep rings and a vx 2 you will get many good years outta her.

Coach is right.  There are several low priced rifles that are capable of far better accuracy than rifles used to be.  Marlin, Savage, Howa, Tikka, T/C Venture, Mossberg and Ruger American to name a few.  All of these rifles have been used and tested with more than satisfactory results.  Some with excellent results.  And others have come out with features that have sent the higher end manufacturers scrambling to play catch up.  So the rifle should be something that fits, or feels good when you throw it up to your shoulder.  If you aren't comfortable with fit/feel and aesthetics you will cuss it the rest of the days you own it.

Caliber is easy.  NOT.  Have you shot a high powered rifle before?  Do you know if you are recoil sensitive or not?  If recoil doesn't bother you get the biggest caliber you want- 300 mag, 338 etc...  If you haven't shot high power before find a friend and explain your situation and ask if you could shoot a round or two.  The .270 Win is very capable in the hands of a true hunter who is willing to wait for a good shot or get a better position.

And here is where I agree with Coach the most.  GET GOOD GLASS AND MOUNTS.  All of the rifles above are very capable.  But aren't worth a rats hiney if you can't see what you are going to shoot at.  Good mounts will help to keep it aligned and on target.  And their is a huge difference in how well you can see out of the glass that different companies sell.  Do at least as much research and leg work on this as the rifle.

[WSU]

If you haven't shot much I would get some kind of standard caliber that isn't too punishing to shoot (that's good advice even if you have shot a lot).  I'd buy .270, 30-06, or something similar.