Hi All,
Hmm lot's of advice but not sure if is all not confusing. Part of the trouble is that although you gave soem information to be really accurate and helpful some more would be usful.
Now Vickjo, you mention Antelope and Elk hunting, both these pastimes will require a reasonable level of fitness and may require carrying your rifle quite a distance, no doubt this has crossed your mind. You said possibly you would require a youth model due to being quite petite, good on you
you have stumbled onto somethig that some more experienced shooters ignore. Rifle fit! the rifle has to fit you for you to be able to shoot it comfortably and quickly should the need arise. The rifles weight can be adjusted more easily tan fit, cheaper too I believe, stocks can be weighted in the butstock and forestock. Balance must be preserved when doing this so as the rifles handling is not upset.
My personel views are that you may be better off choosing a short/medium length action, left handed will limit your choie here. However have you considered a single shot rifle like the Ruger No1 or the Thompson G2 ? thses rifles and other single shots can be operated easily by both right and left handed people just as easily
The G2 at least comes in Youth stocked models, not sure about the Ruger though
As to cartridges........ well as mentioned the Swedish 6.5x55 cartirdge will do it all and takes hundreds of Moose yearly in Scandinavia, the 260 rem is also highly rated. The 257 roberts cannot be overlooked nor can the 7x57 mauser all will serve your pupose well with factory ammunition. i will not suggest reloadign as I ahve no idea if your interests le in that direction
Some ladies like to get involved others prefer just to purchase factory cartridges and get to the shooting, men seems to be drawn to reloading for some reason, I am guilty of that.
Please let us know how it turns out and what you decide upon and get.......... Oh scopes......... as Jack said... do not scrimp on this item get a vey good quality scope, after all you don;'t want to miss an opertunity of a lifetime though not being able to see your quarry or the reticle in your scope clearly. It happens more than some will admit
