Mike- Before you rule out the for Alaskan hunting, I'd suggest you toddle on over to 24hourcampfire. In the "Ask the Gunwriters" forum, post your concerns and ask for Phil Shoemaker (sp) for his opinion. Phil's an Alaskan guide and a champion of the .458 for use on big bears. As an aside, when I began hunting in Alaska (1984) I was enamoured of the .300 Win. When I left in 1993, I had become a huge fan of the .375.

Your rifle is built on an FN Mauser action- in my opinion, the best turnbolt ever made.

Cary Nelson