Affordable Alaska hunting gun...

F

Full-choke

New member
I am looking to get a good mountain gun for some hunting in Alaska. I'm going to do mostly elk, caribou and moose...and possibly bear if the situation arises. I would like something with some knock down power but I don't want to over power and blow an unnecessarily huge hole in my quarry. At the same time, mainly for protection, I would like to have something with a quick reload. A good lever or pump rifle would be optimal.

I want something affordable and durable. I'm going to be going against weather and I will definitely be crossing some rough terrain. Most of the hunting will be on Kodiak which is definitely a wet hole, I need it to handle a lot of crap and remain extremely reliable. Something light would be nice too, I will prolly be backpacking and be out for a couple of days at a time.

-Ryan
 
I'd highly suggest you get two guns. A side arm and a rifle. A good 44 mag or 41 mag would be highly desireable. As far as the rifle, I'd lean toward a 300 win mag, or a 338, maybe a Howa in stainless, or a remington in stainless synthetic stock. I know those are bolt guns, but combined w/ a side arm, you should be set. You could get away w/ a 7mm rem mag, which will kill a brown, but I'd rather have something heavier for that... the right bullet choice will keep you from blowing your meat to shreads...
 
Virtually nobody uses pumps up here.

Any stainless bolt rifle in any caliber you chose will do the trick. Marlin levers are the most popular lever guns up here.

WildabriefbreakAlaska
 
I think I'd go with a 338 Federal if I were buying an dedicated Alaskan rifle. I'm pretty sure Sako makes a rifle in that chamber, but I don't know who else does (CZ?). The 35 Whelen would be a nice choice as well. I'm somewhat recoil averse, so I believe that's reflected in my choices. If you are not recoil averse you can go with a "mountain weight" rifle and still get adequate performance.

I don't think I'd bother with a handgun. A handy rifle isn't too much burden to keep close and the results are MUCH better at the "meat" end.

JMOs of course
 
Since you are going to be on Kodiak Island, I'd go with a 375 H&H, or the new 375 Ruger (I don't even know who makes a rifle in it?) for an all around rifle with sufficient power to get you out of trouble if it ever comes to that with a bear. Yes, to the backup revolver.

Added: Checked around on the 375 Ruger a little; Ruger has the M77 in it and is new for 2007. The reviews sound like it is a pretty impressive preformer. I've looked in places like Bass Pro and have not seen any ammo yet.
 
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