Help me set up my ONE rifle

[AKMtnRunner]

Hi Folks,

I'm new here and have mostly been lurking around, reading and absorbing. I think I know the direction that I should head, but will appreciate bouncing off my ideas here.

I'm looking for a moose, dall sheep, and caribou rifle that I can also depend on for two legged wolves if I should, unfortunately, need to. I know that scenario is not likely, but I want that need covered. My budget is limited, with staying close to $700-900 being a huge plus.

I'll start with what I already have:
Springfield Armory XDM 5.25 in .40 (this is my home intruder defense weapon)
S&W 500 6.5 bbl (this is my bear defense weapon)
Ruger 10/22 (this and the 22 pistol for fun, practice, and economy)
Browning Buckmark .22lr pistol

I live in Alaska and my more experienced friends here say that there's a wide range of calibers that will work, but to be sure of having a synthetic stock and stainless barrel and action because of the climate. Is this true? Do I really need to avoid laminate or wooden stocks, and carbon or blued steel barrels?

I feel really good about the .308 win for it's wide range of ability and availability. I think it also fits the gap of what my current guns can't cover, which is medium to long range with significant power.

Okay, so after browsing for a few weeks on this site and others, I've decided that the Ruger Gunsite Scout and the Savage 10FCM (scout) guns are leading candidates. I'm left handed and eyed and these are available in left handed models. I also like their lighter weights, back up iron sights, good accuracy, and reasonable prices. My dilemma, however, is that the Ruger is only available in laminate stock and alloy steel barrel; and the Savage is only available in carbon steel barrel (but their stock is synthetic, though). I've heard good reports of going through Savage's custom shop to get the left handed version and stainless barrel, but get the feeling that the price could quickly head north going that route.

What do people think? Are the materials that important in a rough climate to go the extra cost of going custom or is there a totally different option that I didn't consider? Is there something almost as good for less than $500 if I keep my eye out? Or should I just get really really good at getting close enough for my 500 mag?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Blackrock]

300 WSM for all of that Alaska game especially the Moose and long range Dall Sheep shots. JMHO

 

[A-FIXER]

I would think on the 7mm mag in the weatherby flavor less expensive and has similar balistics to the 300 win mag with out the barrel burnout and recoil.

 

[Abel]

Get a 30-06 at least. Then you can run 220 grain bullets.

 

[AK_Maine_iac]

I have lived and hunted Alaska for over 18 years. From day one i was told you need this, you need that. In all of those belted magnum loads. Not so. Even in big bear country along the coast. I still own a few big bores, 416 rigby, 375 H&H, 338 Win Mag. 45/70.
Guess what the only three that i have used for the past ten years is 30.06, 35Whelen, and 308. Why beat your self and your wallet up with high cost ammo and guns.

Yes the syn. stock and ss is handy to have in the main gun you take into the field, but not 100% needed. If you keep wood and blued gun cleaned and coated with a good paste wax, (wood & barrel) you will never have a problem.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

+1 on the 30-06, even better if you reload. Just get it in a decent rifle, i'd say get a Winchester 70, but I believe that they are only right hand.

 

[No4Mk1*]

Your idea sounds fine to me. If you feel the need for more power or a heavier bullet then just shoot a bullet that will give 100% weight retention like a Hornady GMX.

 

[Inebriated]

My suggestion would be to get the Savage in .30-06, and since you want the durable finish, Duracoat the metal bits (so basically add about $30 to the final cost of the gun). It's tough, can't rust, and has a ton of colors to match your environment, so you could do a nice camo job if you wanted.

The Savage is an amazing rifle. Light enough to carry all day, with the versatility that comes with being a scout rifle. Plus a great all-around cartridge with high availability, and low cost (compared to the magnum calibers and some other "special" ones).