Elk

[OhioOutdoors]

Hello everyone, I've been offered a hunting trip up North to Hunt Elk with my uncle... All expense paid.. But the only gun I've got to take is a Marlin 512 12gauge slugmaster... Rifled Barrel, Rifle Stock, bolt action.. Shooting sabot slugs at 1,900 fps and 3,100 ft lbs... Would this gun humanely take an elk? Please help..
Matt

 

[wmidbrook]

Yes, it's very similar to an inline muzzleloader. Without looking up the ballistics, I'd say it's good out to at least 100 yards.

You might want to consider buying or borrowing a high powered rifle for the purposes of the hunt if it increases your effective range.

Here are some popular elk loads:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/factory_loads_elk_condensed.htm -

Some listed loads are 200 yd max loads while others are good out to 400 yds or so if the shooter can handle that.

 

[Mr.Redneck]

OHIO,

If you're going on an all expense paid trip, do yourself a favor, and go spend about $400 or so dollars on a bargain priced Rem 710 or Vanguard at your local Wal-Mart, make sure you get at least a .270, or bigger caliber rifle. I believe for right around $430 you can get a Weatherby Vanguard with a scope on it and the paper to show where it was sighted in at the factory and I believe it is available in .300 Win. or Weatherby Mag. calibers. Don't cheat yourself taking that pumpkin shooter. This is the hunt of a lifetime and you want to be able to make that 250-300yd. shot get yourself into something that will get you there. You may also look into getting a copy of the Petersen's Hunting Annual magazine, it has ballistic info on everything from a 22LR to a .454 Casull. It may guide you in your search, but don't skimp on the firearm and regret it.

P.S. I am also from OHIO, and am planning a DIY archery hunt in NW Colorado, as well as spending as much time as I can afford myself in my treestand bowhunting our wonderful Ohio whitetails, what area in OH are you from.

 

[YORT40]

OHIO,
I totally agree with dmorehouse. Help yourself out, get a good rifle. If your hunt is guided, you might want to check to see what type of firearm minimum the guide requires.

 

[Haary]

I agree with the last two people that replied. During rifle season in Colorado your odds of getting close enough to shoot an Elk with your current gun are very remote. Go out and spent the money to get gun you will have a better change of getting an Elk with. You won't regret it.