Your friend can probably buy the rifle and a B+ scope for $1,000 give or take a bit, if he buys both used. My experience suggests to me that in general regular practice and managable recoil matter much more than hardware. I think that's because most modern factory rifles are built on CAD/CAM machine tools and will outshoot most shooters. If he gets enough practice a good used gun that's been cleaned and stored properly probably won't need to be rebarreled. With a lightened trigger and practice there's a good chance it will shoot goups of 4" or less at 400 yrds. As an Easterner I don't really have enough experince hunting beyond 400 yrd.s to comment on those ranges, but statistics suggest very few actually kill game that far out. I have five factory rifles that shoot 1/2" or better at 100 yrds and I don't reload or think I'm a remarkable shot, and I'm sure that I'm that lucky. I do shoot a lot. My guns include two M.70s and one Rem. 700 I bought new, and an A-Bolt and a Cooper I bought used. All have free floated barrels and all but two have the standard factory composite stocks. I had the triggers lightened on all but the Cooper by a good gunsmith and at his recommendation had all of them cryro-treated. Two have BOSS muzzle brake/compensators. With my .270 the cryro-treating reduced good groups from @1/2" to one hole so I had them all done. I suspect a .270 or 7mm 08 would meet his needs better 90% of the time, but if he'll really shot elk at 400+ yrd.s a 7mm Mag seems a reasonable choice. But without more practice than most hunters get, it's harder to shoot a 7mm Mag well because of the added recoil. I owned a .338 for a while and for me imiting range to <450 is an attactive alternative something with that much recoil. Or your buddy could spend $4,000 to go another 50 yrd.s to 500 yrd.s. Maybe!

Matt,

I would check CDNN for specials. They get consignments, and some are excellent.

For example the had some Winchester Custom Sop 7mm -08s for about $1,400, which was half-price.

Don't know what they have right now, but they are worth checking.

jim

Another vote for a CZ 550 (American model for me, 24" bbl,. and high straight comb) in 9.3x62.

Another option is a Browning Safari grade rifle. Used, in the $600 - $1100 range on Gunsamerica.com (300 Win mag run on the higher end, ~ $1100). Calibers seem available to be: 7mm Mag, 30-06, 270 Win, and a 300 Win Mag once in a while).

Classic FN mauser action, sound walnut
stock. Just a good solid hunting rifle that will work forever. Accurate enough for any 300 yard shot at big game. Well made, and will made an owner proud. High quality rifle.

I like Sako rifles, but in the A series configuration. they have flat bottom receivers, and integral recoil lugs. Extremely well made rifles.

Good luck.

Browning Safari (FN Mauser)
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976663084.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976647476.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976679041.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976677954.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976650359.htm


FN
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976677379.htm

Sako A series
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976640990.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976653250.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976653251.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976674868.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976576191.htm



CZ550 9.3x62
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976608200.htm
http://www.cz-usa.com/01.detail.php?id=18

how about a remington xcr in .30 cal

around 730.00

I second the Mauser!

I have had Remington, Browning, Winchester and Sako rifles, but nothing gives the same pride of ownership as a nice Mauser.

To my mind, owning a Mauser (or a similar classic rifle) instead of a modern rifle is like owning a Harley-Davidson vs. a Honda bike. Both will get you from A to B. Its just not the same experience getting there.