Help me pick a rifle to hunt elk with opening weekend

[Bullthrower338]

I am torn between three rifles that need to get an elk under their belt.
The Dakota is beautiful and a wonderful elk cartridge. Topped with a Swaro Z6i
The Winchester 54 is a second year production 4 digit serial number gun that is almost 100 years old and screams pick me, this rifle has a peep sight and folding leafs
The Ruger Express passed through the hands of @sestoppelman and @IdaRam before I got the privilege of the dance with her, chambered in the finest elk cartridge ever invented, the 338Win Mag, topped with a 2-8 Swaro.

 

[Trophyhunter01]

I say the 54 would be a fun rifle to carry along.

 

[Shootist43]

Cody, from the build-up that you gave the 338 Win Mag I'm assuming you've used it before. That being the case why not give the 9.63 X 62 a go? It is pretty much the same as my 35 Whelen and properly loaded should be good Elk medicine.

If you are guaranteed a shot at 100 yds or less the 54 with a peep sight should give you some bragging rights

 

[Bullthrower338]

Cody, from the build-up that you gave the 338 Win Mag I'm assuming you've used it before. That being the case why not give the 9.63 X 62 a go? It is pretty much the same as my 35 Whelen and properly loaded should be good Elk medicine.

If you are guaranteed a shot at 100 yds or less the 54 with a peep sight should give you some bragging rights

I’ve shot many elk with the 338, just not this particular 338. Where I will be hunting this weekend will almost guarantee 100 yards or less. I will have a second rifle along just in case I go hunt a different area where I need a scope.

 

[Shootist43]

Cody, your choice of hunting spots almost makes me want to grab my old Mod 71 Lever Action Winchester (Peep Sights and all) and come hunt with you.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Cody, your choice of hunting spots almost makes me want to grab my old Mod 71 Lever Action Winchester (Peep Sights and all) and come hunt with you.

The model 71 is also an option

P.S. you are welcome any time

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

338 WM

 

[JimP]

The model 71 is also an option

P.S. you are welcome any time

Putting the 71 into the picture will get my vote.

I have a idea of using mine for a bison hunt if I should ever get a tag for one.

 

[CBH Australia]

I think take the .338wm.

Seems like a safe bet.

 

[CoElkHunter]

“The finest elk cartridge ever invented, the .338 WINCHESTER MAGNUM”! I second that!

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Since you’re at close range, this is a great chance to wring out the peep sighted oldie. And besides, the 30-06 is never a bad choice in North America

 

[IdaRam]

Hey Cody! Good luck on your hunt and have fun.
I’m a little biased but that Express would look great in a grip and grin photo

 

[krish]

If you have a 71, then the 71. I forgot you got one from @tarbe
Krish

 

[Wyatt Smith]

The 54 no doubt.I have an express 338 and may take it after elk if I ever get to go. But a 54 loaded with 220s at 100 yards or less is a dream.

 

[Ridge Runner]

100 yards or less I'd opt for the 54 as a first choice.
But you need a scope so the 338WM would be the next choice or second rifle.

If your in grizzly country then it's a no brainier the Dakota 9.3x64 with the 54 as a second rifle.

 

[Inline6]

I voted for the 9.3

 

[Mekaniks]

I love the .338 and think its by far the best all around caliber. That said, every 100 year old model 54 needs to get out and spend some time in the field. I voted for the Model 54....

 

[mdwest]

I thought you’d be doing the sharp stick and loin cloth elk hunt again this year???

:confused???

 

[Mekaniks]

I thought you’d be doing the sharp stick and loin cloth elk hunt again this year???

:confused???

Valid Question!!

 

[wvfred]

Any of those would be a good choice ........which one you would most like to use would be the deciding factor.Personally I am a Dakota fan and also a fan of the 9.3 so it would be an easy choice for me.