I'm about to pull the trigger on a new rifle for the wife and for my smaller nephews to use. I'd like it to be capable of killing an elk. I have plenty of big medicine for elk, but all the rifles are ill fitted for the smaller folks, plus the recoil is a bit stout. The wife has no problem killin targets at the range, and she doesn't seem to mind the recoil, but in a field situation she can not get the proper eye relief on any of my other rifles. Anyway, I have considered the compact in ss 7-08. I just wish they would put slightly longer barrel on it. Most of the old posts here indicate that the compact 7-08 shoots well if you develope yourself some loads. Ok there, but I have not read where any one was using slightly larger projectiles. I would want the rifle to be able to shoot a 160 grn bullet for elk. Anyone with experience here? Thanks