Need an new Elk Gun!

[roosiebull]

The old question again...


I'm traditionally a Midwest hunter and have used the 308 before on elk hunts. But...I'd like to buy a new gun! and why not! The gun I'm buying is light, at or less then 7lbs. Ideally, and I think there's not "too" much to argue, the 300wm would be the ultimate elk round but I'm not fond of the recoil on such a light gun. Not a "huge" fan of muzzle brakes and not looking at suppressor...yet.

You're at the gun buying store, your wife gave you money for a new gun, dedicated for elk, it's around 7 lbs give or take, it's not threaded (nor will be), the only other gun you have is a 308. So, what caliber would you choose and why? But again, your only other gun is a 308...keep that in mind when deciding.

Factor in your own max range, but state that if it's important in your decision.

Tikka 6.5prc in a rokstok (if I was personally buying a factory gun for elk, it would be an 8 twist tikka 243 in a rokstok)

The 6.5 prc will do anything you ask of it as far as you will shoot, and there are really good factory ammo options. A tikka in a rokstok is still reasonably light, and is just a great reliable platform that’s easy to shoot and carry

 

[Pharmseller]

 

[sodaksooner]

Beautiful gun! Is that piece by the mag where you attach your DOPE?

Shell holder... I do have a turret, but keep my dope on the phone as a backup. I don't intend to shoot super long range. It shoots well out to almost 700, but that's as long as our range goes. My only hunting shot with it was only 220 and it dropped him in his tracks.

 

[highcountrymuley]

I ve got a dumb question that I ll ask here instead of doing any research: what is a muzzle brake vs suppressor, can....? One reduces recoil and the other reduces sound? Do u have them both on a rifle or do u have to choose one or the other? How expensive are these to put on a rifle (say a Ruger American in 3006? Thanks I am dumb AND lazy

 

[Chris in TN]

I ve got a dumb question that I ll ask here instead of doing any research: what is a muzzle brake vs suppressor, can....? One reduces recoil and the other reduces sound? Do u have them both on a rifle or do u have to choose one or the other? How expensive are these to put on a rifle (say a Ruger American in 3006? Thanks I am dumb AND lazy

Brake: turns recoil into noise. Obnoxious, painful noise.
Can: slightly reduces recoil and greatly reduces noise. Essentially turns noise into heat, though that's an oversimplification.

 

[highcountrymuley]

So the can/suppressor is preferrable.. how much does a decent budget option cost? I assume a gunsmith has to thread the barrel?

 

[Chris in TN]

So the can/suppressor is preferrable.. how much does a decent budget option cost? I assume a gunsmith has to thread the barrel?

Threading barrel: $125. But there's tons of new rifle options with threaded barrels now.
Can: $500 to $1000 depending on how light/short/quiet/fancy you want. Plus the $200 tax stamp but that's going away next month.