I have a Win. black shadow in 30/06 and I like it.I don't really like the synthetic stock but like you it is the only one in my price range.The safety has three settings, one that locks the firing pin and the bolt, one that locks the firing pin but you can use the bolt to unload and load the rifle, and off. The scope that came with mine at wal-mart is passable, but will not give you any extra shooting light in the woods. My buddy has the savage 110gxp3 and the trigger on that rifle is a little better than the Win. but IMOP the Winchester is a better made rifle.

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