Bolt-guns, lever-guns, semi-automatics, and even single-shots can all be capable elk rifles, but you need to match the rifle and the cartridge its chambered for to where and how you hunt and to what fits your budget. Few rifles serve this purpose better than a lever-action rifle, and when it comes to lever-action elk rifles, the Marlin 1895 Trapper is at the top of the list. Every list of great elk rifles must include a semi-automatic elk rifle, and the history of the Browning BAR and its short stroke gas piston operation with a rotary bolt makes it a natural choice.