I need your knowledge

[straightshooter]

This may be a stupid question but what is the difference between the Savage 12fv, and the Law Enforcement Series Model 10fcp HS Precision besides the stock?

[WyomingShooter]

You said you hunt elk almost exclusively. Then you should be looking at an elk rifle which will do an effective job on elk in all elk situations. If you want a little rifle for short range elk a 325 short mag would do you and you don't have tp worry about upgrading later. You said you could spend that money on a scope later. A 338 win mag would be great. If you wanted to wildcat a little and stay off the magnums then a 338 gibbs, 338-06 imp., 35 whelen imp., etc. Lots of choices but get an elk rifle if that is what your hunting. Don't go with a marginal weapon when you can actually get one that works for the same money.

[straightshooter]

WyomingShooter, I just read the article on this sight about building an inexpensive long range rifle. As I am very interested in gaining knowledge about what it takes to have a good quality long range rifle, I am now thinking of building up on the Stevens action. I can get a 300wm or a 7mm mag long action. Any thoughts on one of these cal. for a first long range rig? I would be swapping out the barrel pretty, quickly so I could go with a different cal. I just need the right size action. If I went this route what cal would you suggest? Remember I will need to practice a lot!

[WyomingShooter]

I would go with the larger caliber since you are hunting elk so I would say the 300wm long action. Then when you wanted to upgrade you could screw a 338-300 ultramag on there and have a real nice longrange elk gun that can easily carry you out to 1k yards. I have seen those savage 111's in 300 ultramag advertised for right at $300 for an inexpensive rifle. Then you don't have to upgrade and buy new dies, and loading stuff. You can learn one rifle and go with it.

[straightshooter]

Thanks for the advice. Seems every time I start to make up my mind on the direction to start something comes up. Just read another post what one guy went through having his rifle built. It cost him a lot of down time. Since I can only afford to have one rifle right now, I can't afford that much down time. Looks like I will be stuck with a production rifle to start, and build up on it one step at a time. Any suggestions!