It seems to me you first should identify the class of cartridges you expect to use, based on what you intend to hunt. Assuming you mean what you said "elephant stopper" then you should get a .470NE or a .500NE. On the lighter end you might consider a .450/.400.
Then you need to think about whether you really care about the gun itself. In other words, are you just looking for a shooter or a beater? Do you want a higher level of quality and embellishment?
If what you decide on is an entry level rifle, then the Merkel is hard to beat. It has reasonable build quality and it comes at a really good price. I have a Merkel 140-2 chambered in .500NE, and I think for the money it is a great rifle. It's no English best, but it is a good solid and accurate rifle.
Probably at the entry level you should expect to have some issues getting the rifle broken in, etc. You should buy what you decide on promptly and then shoot the heck out of it over the next year. You want to make sure the action has smoothed up and everything is working all the time.
Good luck with your decision.
Curl
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