What new rifle for dad for Yukon?

[WestDan]

My dad and I are going to the Yukon next year and I want to get him a new rifle. Nothing crazy but something that will be nice to carry and easy on the shoulder, yet have enough take-down power for the moose and grizzly up there. He's getting older and all my rifles are a little on the rough end for him recoil wise and have more than he needs. I'd probably stick a low power Leupold/Swaro on it. I was originally thinking 308 could be a good choice. I'm not going to reload for him, so I just want to get him factory ammo. The rifles that immediately come to mind are the Tikka Lite, Winchester Extreme Weather, Browning Xbolt stainless, and Kimber Montana (although I'm a little nervous about these bc some shoot and some don't). Any recs on those or others?

 

[Stid2677]

I have hunted moose and bears on the Yukon with both, Winchester Extreme Weather model 70 and my Kimber. Both are stainless, and I recommend this, even though blued would be fine. Expect wet conditions, from both rain, wet vegetation and river running.

I have 2 newer Kimbers and both are shooters, Kimber got real popular in the early 2000s and put some junk on the street for a couple years. They have since got their stuff together, I have not heard of any bad rifles coming out of their plant now in several years and all the folks I know that have new ones are happy. I would buy another tomorrow.

I would get him a 30-06,, lots of ammo options, to include low recoil. Plenty for moose and bear and bullets can be bought anywhere.

The shots, IMHO are close as the country is very thick. Any quality scope will be fine, just make sure it is waterproof.

 

[WestDan]

thanks Steve! Yea, I was thinking 30-06 is probably on the border power-wise for the lighter weight options for him, but I am sure the slightly lighter loads would be okay. I'll re-examine the Kimbers.

 

[COlineman78]

I am a huge Weatherby fan. The Vanguard line provides great accuracy for the money. Both synthetic and wood stock options; lots of different calibers to choose from. I'd go with .308, 30-06 or .300 Win (avoid .300 Wby due to cost of ammo). If you like wood stocks, check out a Cabelas exclusive Wby Lazerguard.

 

[6mm Remington]

Hard to argue with the Winchester Extreme Weather rifle in 30-06 or 300 WSM. Neither recoils much and ammo is easy to find for both. Probably be simpler in the 30-06 though using a good 180 gr. Partition or Accubond. Every dealer shelf probably has those two.

The Montana Rifle company makes a very sound extreme weather rifle as well. You might want to look those folks up on-line. As for scopes it's hard to beat a 3-10x40mm Leupold, or 2.5-8x36mm Leupold. I like fixed powers myself and the 6x42mm and 6x36mm are both excellent and durable scopes.

David

 

[RCR]

All good posts and recommendations so far. I've shoot several moose with a 30-06 and it killed 'em just fine. No experience with shooting bears or a 308. If you are concerned with recoil, use a lead sled or equivalent for practice or spend the $ on a muzzle break. I don't know of many folks that notice recoil when shooting game. I've had great success with Win 70 or Rem 700's. I would definitely invest in stainless/synthetic or a water resistance coating.

 

[Stid2677]

To farther muddy your waters,,, my favorite now for that hunt is a tricked out Marlin Guide gun ported in 45/70 with a detachable scout scope. Great rig for boat and beaver dam hoping in river country where a bear might be happened upon. Excellent 200 yard rig.

 

[WestDan]

To farther muddy your waters,,, my favorite now for that hunt is a tricked out Marlin Guide gun ported in 45/70 with a detachable scout scope. Great rig for boat and beaver dam hoping in river country where a bear might be happened upon. Excellent 200 yard rig.

thanks for all the help guys. lots to look at and these suggestions are very helpful. Steve - you just took it to another level haha. with all these options already and then adding a lever action to the mix is definitely muddying the waters. great suggestion though as it could be pretty cool for him. He wouldn't be shooting far anyways.

 

[ofl0926]

Another Weatherby fan here. I have a vanguard in 30.06 and a accumark in 270 Weatherby magnum. Love the rifles. Mark V action, one of the best and indestructible.