Back Up Rifle

[SigsRule]

My primary Elk rifle is a 300 Weatherby and I have a perfect record with it - one shot, one Elk. But with the 4x12 Leupold scope it's a bit on the heavy side. I have always lusted after a Browning BLR and the new take down versions have me thinking it would make a good back up rifle to take along with stock iron sights (at least this season). The question is what caliber?

The .308 and 300 WSM are both nice light, quick handling rifles with 20 inch and 22 inch barrels. The advantage of the .308 is it's the same caliber as my FAL, but the 300 SWM has similar ballistics as my 300 Weatherby. Are there any opinions on the .308 as a back up for Elk? I've narrowed it to these two because they are the only two short action calibers I've found in the local stores.

[sniper7]

they are both great calibers. ammo is cheaper for the .308!
If you are going to shoot iron sights, I wouldn't depend your final decision based on the comparible ballistics.
If this is truely a backup gun, then the .308 for cheaper ammo, availability of ammo, and for re-sale if you decide to sell it some day. that would be my choice, but I am not the messiah who knows everything!

[Marlin]

Just get a 5 rnd mag for the Fal....

Tactical Elk....

[SigsRule]

I've got a 5 round mag for the FAL, but I made up my mind and just bought the BLR in .308. It's extremely light and quick handling with the 20 in barrel. Now I'm thinking of a LER scope in 4x. Any suggestions or alternatives to keep it light and quick handling.