Looking for opinions on my Moose rifle choice..

The Axis, with scope set at 3 power. The M14 is the only other possible option, no one uses pistol ammo or slugs for moose or elk unless they're forced to, even if they're legal. The M14 copy is heavy, and the extra weight will wear on you over time in comparison with the lighter Axis...the .308, however, is a competent round for elk and moose.
 
Its tough to argue with the choice of a .30/06 bolt gun, but the way the options are phrased gives me pause. Not just any scope will do, and if the OP is referring to one of the Axis-scope package deals, he has better choices. While an appropriate, good quality scope is not necessarily an expensive one, the combination of the scope and good mounts would exceed the price of the rifle by a considerable margin. If the combination of a good scope, good mounts, and the rifle prove too expensive, an M-14, that can be put to work right out of the box, might be his only option. Although the M-14 is a good deal heavier than the Axis, it balances better than a heavy barrel bolt gun, and is reasonably quick handling when carried with a round in the chamber, and safety on. Over time the M-14 can be upgraded in a number of ways, be it with aftermarket stocks, springs, sights, and optics, each representing an upgrade over the original; whereas an Axis is always an Axis.
 
hatman1793 said:
Hello. In my last Moose hunt I employed my Savage AXIS scoped 30-06 scoped rifle. With a possible 300 yard view, the rifle & cartridge is acceptable.
The new hunt is brush & trees, no long shots. Plus I was advised that a scoped rifle might not be an advantage. Lever guns & short distances in brush & trees is the norm. 100 yard shots are a stretch, open sights an advantage. Closer shots.

This is what I can deploy:
Option 1. Savage Axis, scoped in 30-06.
Option 2. M305, M14 clone in .308, open sights.
Option 3. H&R Handi-Rifle single shot rifle using factory .44mag 240g XTP's
Option 4. H&R Handi-Rifle single shot smooth bored shotgun with rifled slugs

I don't particularly want to buy a new gun/caliber as I think one of the above might work. Perhaps two choices with one as a backup.
Weight is a consideration but not a deal breaker. Looking for sage advice.....thanks...
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Like the consensus seems to be upgrade the scope if its the one that came with the axis. It will likely fail at some point, and would be a poor reason to miss a shot opportunity. I've killed most of my game inside 70 yards, in many cases 30-20 yards. For most of those I was carrying a .30-06 with B&L 3-9x40 scope, it wasn't a handicap. A quality clear scope will do wonders, I'd lean towards a 2-7 if its to be your 1 and only all purpose hunting rifle.
The m305 could get it done but is heavy, they do point naturally and come to the shoulder surprisingly well though.
H&R .44 Magnum, not sure about the sighting system on it. I'd also lean towards a tougher bullet if using it for moose, perhaps I am wrong but my impression of it is as a soft fragile bullet.
Smooth bore shotgun with slugs, likely not a weapon I'd choose. Although with quality sight or optic and knowing 100 or so yards was my max I wouldn't hesitate. IF IT SHOT WELL ENOUGH. The luckiest man I know in the moose draw in this province has killed all but one of his moose with an Ithaca 37 deer slayer and Remington slugger slugs.
 
Jim870 said:
I'd lean towards a 2-7 if its to be your 1 and only all purpose hunting rifle.
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+1

A good quality scope that can be had on the EE for a little over two bills is the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33. I have a few, and they are very good scopes for the money. They also have a lifetime warranty from Leupold (they are made in the USA by Leupold). Note that only the "Revolution" line has this warranty.
 
I would consider the M14 with their good battle sights, called ghost rings by the trendy. The 308 with 180 grain with stout bullets is a moose rifle to 200 paces or farther if you can hit. If the weight of the M14 isn't an issue. My moose rifle for decades was a 444 Marlin with a receiver sight. I used a 2.5X20 fixed Leupold for awhile. It was a dandy brush scope from up close to 200 yards and would suit that 30-06 as well. 5" of eye relief is nice too!
 
hatman1793 said:
The new hunt is brush & trees, no long shots. Plus I was advised that a scoped rifle might not be an advantage. Lever guns & short distances in brush & trees is the norm. 100 yard shots are a stretch, open sights an advantage. Closer shots.
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I can't imaging a numb-er statement than that. A 30/06 with a lower powered scope would be perfect for close hunting and better than a lever in a few ways.
 
100 yards? I'd chose the m14, unless the axis has irons. For that distance I hate scopes, they are bulky, add weight, can brake and fog when it rains not to mention the god damn eye relief! Your panoramic vision is better with iron which improve your general situational awareness when aiming. With the proper stock your m14 will be of similar weight to the scoped axis and will have much less recoil.
 
Dake21 said:
100 yards? I'd chose the m14, unless the axis has irons. For that distance I hate scopes, they are bulky, add weight, can brake and fog when it rains not to mention the god damn eye relief! Your panoramic vision is better with iron which improve your general situational awareness when aiming. With the proper stock your m14 will be of similar weight to the scoped axis and will have much less recoil.
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Apparently you need to try shooting with some decent, modern scopes.
 
Canuck Bob said:
I would consider the M14 with their good battle sights, called ghost rings by the trendy. The 308 with 180 grain with stout bullets is a moose rifle to 200 paces or farther if you can hit. If the weight of the M14 isn't an issue. My moose rifle for decades was a 444 Marlin with a receiver sight. I used a 2.5X20 fixed Leupold for awhile. It was a dandy brush scope from up close to 200 yards and would suit that 30-06 as well. 5" of eye relief is nice too!
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I have one of those 2.5X20. Found it sitting on the shelf the other day, forgot I had it. I will have to find a gun for it. Dandy little scope.
 
Dake21 said:
100 yards? I'd chose the m14, unless the axis has irons. For that distance I hate scopes, they are bulky, add weight, can brake and fog when it rains not t o mention the god damn eye relief! Your panoramic vision is better with iron which improve your general situational awareness when aiming. With the proper stock your m14 will be of similar weight to the scoped axis and will have much less recoil.
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Mmmmmmmm ok :rolleyes:
 
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