So I'll be moving out to CO this spring and am anticipating my first elk hunt this fall and need a larger rifle. Caliber wise I'm thinking either a 30.06 or a 7MM Mag. I know neither is overkill for elk but I plan to shoot premium rounds so that should all but make-up for any lack of size. Also, I have been debating between a Weatherby Vanguard II, Sako Roughtech Pro, or a Howa Houge (all synthetic stock and stainless barrel). I haven't had the opportunity to shoot either the Sako or Howa, any input would be greatly appreciated on pros/cons of these rifles. Thanks!
New Elk Rifle/Caliber
- Thread starter Wild Bill
- Start date
noharleyyet
Well-known member
I'm being totally subjective...Sako
belly-deep
Active member
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- Oct 31, 2009
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- 3,459
I don't think there's a wrong choice from what you listed
Muleyfanatic
Active member
My ranking
Sako
Howa (without the hogue stock though)
Weatherby vanguard
Sako
Howa (without the hogue stock though)
Weatherby vanguard
JohnCushman
Well-known member
You can't go wrong with the 30-06
Chucknduck
Member
I have that sako in 300 win mag. It's a awsome rifle. I'm also very partial to the 7mm I've killed lots of elk with mine
noharleyyet
Well-known member
Big 7 mag fan.
sneakypete
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- May 19, 2014
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7mm, I have two in case it gets western!
HighDesertSage
Well-known member
What rifle do you currently have?
Remington Model 7 Mountain Rifle in 7mm-08. I know some guys say that's fine for elk but I want a bigger caliber just to be safe.
8andcounting
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- Dec 16, 2013
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7mm-08 is plenty as long as u are a decent shot
Wyatt G
Member
7mm-08 is plenty, nothing wrong with another rifle though either. As for what rifle id go with a tikka and a aftermarket stock (b&c, manners, mcmillan), a howa barreled action with an aftermarket stock, or the sako. For the round id go with 06 for under 400 yards, if you practice enough and can go farther than that go with the 7 rem mag.
Gerald Martin
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- 8,643
T Bone
Well-known member
Use the little 7 if you shoot it well. Save the $ and upgrade your boots, binos, or scope (in that order).
Rancho Loco
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with another rifle, but the 7-08 will kill any elk standing with little fuss.
Rancho Loco
Well-known member
Doesn't matter what you're shooting, you need to be a decent shot.
HighDesertSage
Well-known member
That'll work just fine! Get dialed in with some barnes bullets or accubonds and spend the money you save on a Quality pair of boots or a good pack.
HighDesertSage
Well-known member
If your absolutely set on getting a new rifle, I would definitely try the Tikka T3 Lite in stainless. I love mine.
