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I posted earlier regarding moose hunting in the Swan Lake area and got some good responses - thanks to those of you who weighed in with some advice and food for thought.  

I've heard the .375 recommended as a good "all-around" gun for Alaska because it's powerful enough to deal with bears and *reportedly* fairly easy to shoot.  Having never shot one though, I'm concerned that this (or indeed, anything larger than a .30-06) might be biting off a bit much for my first big-game rifle.  The largest centerfire I've ever shot is a .270.  I never had any problem with that gun, even as a kid, but want to make sure that I don't end up buying something that's going to make me flinch.  For that reason I'm inclined to err on the side of caution and go with a .30-06 but don't really relish the idea of buying a rifle that will soon get left at home once I work up to a caliber that is better suited for bear concerns.

What are your recommendations here?  I realize that this type of "best gun" question gets hashed out repeatedly and have read through many of those discussions, but people's opinions don't generally seem to account for shooters who have limited large-caliber experience.  Thanks again for the responses, your thoughts are appreciated.

Message Thread:

• .375 or .30-06 as first big-game rifle akpryde Feb 22 2006
  • Definately put in trigger time before buying Paul H Feb 23 2006
  • Try this 375ultramag Feb 23 2006
  • Anchorage Gun Shops? akpryde Feb 23 2006
    • Northern Guns fish doc Feb 24 2006
    • Boondocks B_M Feb 23 2006
    • WalMart Brian Richardson Feb 23 2006
      • Of Course... Brian Richardson Feb 23 2006
        • Limited experience... Michael Strahan Feb 23 2006
    • akpryde and others Jeff L Feb 23 2006
  • Fit GunsmithRob Feb 22 2006
    • Fit2 GunsmithRob Feb 22 2006
  • First rifles Ronnie Feb 22 2006
  • 338 Win alaska bush man Feb 22 2006
  • First big-game rifle LaneW Feb 22 2006
  • Comments on the .375 Michael Strahan Feb 22 2006
  • 375 AK375HH Feb 22 2006
    • split the difference Daveintheburbs Feb 22 2006