What gun should I take to Alaska?

Originally Posted By: Jack RobertsThe Weatherby is way more than 98% can shoot well.

Jack


No offense intended Jack but, 98%??? Sure it's not 97.5%???? Where do you get such specific data on a topic like that?

I admitt shooter strategery is required, but, I was able to get 5/8" 100 yard groups out of the old cannon. Sadly last years retina detachment probably will keep from touching her off again. A couple of bears one LG one not as LG and a passle of elk have fallen to her.
 
I've never shot a moose or a bear but how bout a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70,I'd think that would kill a bear deader than a doornail but I could be wrong.If thats what you choose I'd take a slow friend in case it is'nt enough gun.Challenge him to a raise to the truck before you leave.If he beats you say "Ooohhhh I forgot you can't go with me."
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I would think you will need someone to carry your gun and help you carry out that moose so after some thought I offer my services since you are offering to paying my way and all I can drink LOL!! Ohh and a caribou tag might be nice !!!
 
If the rifle you take has an iron front sight I would take it off just in case you make a poor shot on a bear and don't get a second shot.
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DAB
 
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Originally Posted By: AzMike I built the 03-A3 as an ultimate north american dangerous game rifle, but now I don't want to mess it up.

C'mon man. You're killin' me here with that statement. Take the [beeep] thing and use it for what was intended. You'll like it even better after it has a few battle scars on it and a couple of dead critters hangin' on the wall to show for them. Trust me. It's called "character". You only live once, it's just a rifle.

Take your STW also. Stoke it with some TSXs......
 
I think it's going to be the STW hand loaded with some 168/175 pills. Between the airlines and the cessna into the airstrip I have to keep things to a minimum, or else I would bring both.
I will be hunting 200 miles ENE of Anchorage. This truly will be a dream come true. But because this is so expensive is exactly why I can't just drop another grand on a new gun.
 
Originally Posted By: AzMikeWith some incredible luck it looks like I am going to Alaska to hunt Moose and Grizzly this September. I know this is not really the best forum for this question, But this is the best place to get an answer I can trust. My question is this. Which gun should I take? I have a pre 64 win 70 in 7 STW w/ a SS barrel and fiberglass stock, or a completely custom 03-A3 in 338-06 in the black w/ iron sights. I built the 03-A3 as an ultimate north american dangerous game rifle, but now I don't want to mess it up. Plus I like to have some optic. Is a 160 gr 7mm round traveling at about 3000 fps big enough?

If you're not planning on buying a new rifle, the 338-06 would be you're best bet to kill everything up in Alaska. It's recoil is manageable, and it is a proven killer.
Reading postings by guys who are outfitters and/or hunters living in Alaska, the worst thing you can do is carry a rifle up there that you can't shoot well due to recoil for Bear hunting.
I suggest you discuss this issue with your future Alaskan guide for his recommendation.
 
I have a Browning BAR MKII Safari Edition in .338 WIN MAG. With a Limb Saver recoil pad the recoil isnt more then a .308 and when it hits the target it hits HARD. I havent had a chance to shoot any bear or moose with it but it stops white tails in their tracks. 225 grain core-lokts and 225 grain Federal Vital Shock with the Nosler Accu-Tip is what I use.
 
Either one will do just fine.

At 200 miles ENE of Anchorage, you're talking inland grizzly. They aren't the same beast as the coastal browns. The inland griz are smaller, and won't require as much penetration to kill them.

And either cartridge will drop a moose with ease as long as you hit it well.

Some motivational eye candy before your trip. I went in '04, and while we were hunting caribou, a buddy of mine in Fairbanks managed to kill this grizzly when it ran at him. We were about 80 miles north of Tok.

The sun was setting as he shot it, and we were 30 miles or more on a skimpy trail somewhere northwest of our camp. We got back to camp just before the sun came back up.

BTW-It's really strange the first time you see the sun rising at 1:30 AM. Seeing people mowing their lawn at 11:00 PM almost seemed normal after being there a couple of weeks though. It won't be quite as bad if you'll be there in September though; by then you'll be losing some daylight hours, and gaining some dark.

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AzMike...I'm no expert and I love both or your set-ups, and I personally use all my "finery" but if you wanna leave them home, go to GunBroker and buy a nice, old Ruger Model 77 in .338 Winnie..they're cheap and out there/likley scoped. Sight it in/test loads and take it to bring home the bacon. Who cares if you nick it up some...
Then, clean it up and put it right back on GunBroker and get you $$ back ( it will be just in time for hunting fever down in the lower 48...)...easy to sell...
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunOriginally Posted By: AzMike I built the 03-A3 as an ultimate north american dangerous game rifle, but now I don't want to mess it up.

C'mon man. You're killin' me here with that statement. Take the [beeep] thing and use it for what was intended. You'll like it even better after it has a few battle scars on it and a couple of dead critters hangin' on the wall to show for them. Trust me. It's called "character". You only live once, it's just a rifle.

Take your STW also. Stoke it with some TSXs......



I agee with 2much on this one.
 
ONe other note, I myself got an 03-a3 for my alaska rifle. The one I purchased was in 35 whelen. I understand how you do not want to hurt that rifle. It will be well worth it.
 
SO your the lucky dog that one the hunt off of D. Hunts???How long had youy been registered??Oh yeah,I remember you referred a whole bunch of new people to the site..nice haul,good luck on the big teeth!!
 
No I didn't win anything. I own a business and a guide wanted to trade services. All I have to do is get the tags, licenses, and myself up and back.
 
Originally Posted By: johnkAzMike...I'm no expert and I love both or your set-ups, and I personally use all my "finery" but if you wanna leave them home, go to GunBroker and buy a nice, old Ruger Model 77 in .338 Winnie..they're cheap and out there/likley scoped. Sight it in/test loads and take it to bring home the bacon. Who cares if you nick it up some...
Then, clean it up and put it right back on GunBroker and get you $$ back ( it will be just in time for hunting fever down in the lower 48...)...easy to sell...

Excellent advice if you don't want to buy new!
 
Lately, when you bag game ..... you need a bigger bear gun than when you hunt those same bears in the first place.

This is because rifle shots are registering as dinner bells more and more ........ these are not "your dad's bears".

I would consider the .338 win as the minimum, the .358 Norma as better with the .375 H&H or a .416 Taylor as better still.

The brush bustin' lever guns in .45-70 would be good if you're talking shorter range conditions.

And yes, whatever you chose ...... you are going to need to deliver "minute of Bear" accuracy ....... quickly!


Three 44s
 
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