If you are going to be hunting elk in the Montana rockies, go with the M69. At 5000 ft +- elevation and some seriously challenging terrain, every extra ounce feels like a pound at the end of the day. The handgun is a good idea when your rifle isn't close at hand and when field dressing you harvest.

You should have no problem taking a deer at 30 yds with the 4 1/4" M69.

FWIW,

Paul