One gun for the west.

[deerslyr]

I want to get a new gun that I can hunt everything north america has to offer. Elk, deer, bear, antelope moose etc. Id like to keep it under $800 but Im not exactly sure what caliber or make/model I should get. I dont reload either. Start throwing ideas out to me. I usually like a light stainless/synthetic rifle but im open to other ideas. Im thinking I want a 30 cal mag but theres alot to choose from and im not sure which one would be the best for me (300 RUM 300WSM 300WIN 338 etc.) but Im open to any ideas lemme know what you guys would get.

[ribka]

Tikka T 3 stainless lite in 300 mag, 300 wsm or 30-06 . Some will suggest 7mm

Can pick one up for around $625. Would buy after market rings like Tally or Warne . Less than $700 spent for a very good, accurate proven rifle

[Hyde]

300 win mag or wsm.  But why on earth would someone want only one rifle? 

[bobcat]

I would recommend the 30-06. Or, if you don't mind more recoil and more expensive cartridges, the 300 WSM.

[deerslyr]

300 win mag or wsm.  But why on earth would someone want only one rifle? 

Because I dont have alot of money, im primarily an archer and would rather spend my money on optics than a bunch of guns that do the same thing as one can.

[JimmyHoffa]

Do you have any kind of self imposed maximum range limitations?  What kind of shots do you like to take (body/neck)?  Running animals--requiring quick follow ups?  Dangerous animals?  Since you mentioned any North American animal, I'd say the .30-06 is a good choice with ammo ranging from 100-220 grains (55 if you count accelerators).  Basically has a round for every animal.  A bolt action is pretty tough to beat for reliability, as is a single shot rifle.

[Sneaky]

Tikka T 3 stainless lite in 300 mag, 300 wsm or 30-06 . Some will suggest 7mm

Can pick one up for around $625. Would buy after market rings like Tally or Warne . Less than $700 spent for a very good, accurate proven rifle

I will be first to recommend 7mm! I agree with this post.

[carpsniperg2]

300 win mag

[high country]

Beware the man with one gun.  Just guessing here...but you likely don't reload and not shoot a ton. I would stay away from the big Magnus....rum, 338,etc. The 30-06 is a proven killer to way out. The level of recoil is a bit more forgiving and will likely get you to shoot more.  Nothing wrong with a big magnum...but they do beat on you a g good bite.

[bobcat]

Beware the man with one gun.  Just guessing here...but you likely don't reload and not shoot a ton. I would stay away from the big Magnus....rum, 338,etc. The 30-06 is a proven killer to way out. The level of recoil is a bit more forgiving and will likely get you to shoot more.  Nothing wrong with a big magnum...but they do beat on you a g good bite.

  You WILL NOT regret buying a 30-06. You could get by your whole life with nothing other than a bolt action 30-06 for all your big game hunting.

[6x6in6]

Of the 4 you listed, I'd do the 300WM in a Tikka.
As far as the etc's, I like both my 7mmRM in the Tikka or the Ruger M77.

[Sneaky]

Of the 4 you listed, I'd do the 300WM in a Tikka.
As far as the etc's, I like both my 7mmRM in the Tikka or the Ruger M77.

Have shot two ruger 77's (7mm and 25-06) both rifles just felt right to me. My dad has a tikka t3 stainless LH .308 and has killed several deer with it. Both the rugers and the tikka are tack drivers!

[6x6in6]

Yup, the Ruger I've had since 1979.  Dropped a lot of animals in it's time. Was 14 for 14 on one shot kills with it until 87 or 88 when it took 2 bring down my Utah bull.  Bought the Tikka just because.

[Huntbear]

The 300 wsm will do anything you want it to do, and does not recoil that hard..  less powder burned.. and it kicks an elks butt. lol

[7mag.]

I am assuming that you won't be hunting grizzlies, so for all the other North American big game, I would start with 7mm. Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., 30.06, or .308. All great, dependable and proven cartridges. Then put your chosen cartridge in a Remington 700, and you're all set.