A friend wants a .300 WSM stainess steel, synthetic stock "mountain rifle", primarily for elk. He has narrowed down the brands to either a Browning A bolt, X bolt, Tikka T-3, Remmington 700, or Ruger Hawkeye. I would include Savage, but it didn't make his list. Money is always somewhat of an issue, but he will spend the money for better accuracy, but not looks. This one will get scratched up some.

He respects the Browning name but has a rifleman friend (for whom money is no object) who swears by his Tikka.

Any suggestions?