Originally Posted by
buffybr
You didn't state what or where you will be hunting. IMO the old .30-06 is still a great cartridge. It was my first cartridge many, many years ago.
You don't have to break the bank on your first rifle and scope. Anything that you get can be modified, upgraded, or replaced if you need to at a later date. You could easily get a lifetime of hunting enjoyment from that Rem 700 .30-06 and Leupold 2-7x. Check that the bore is clean and in good shape, work the bolt, safety and trigger, and make sure that the scope is clear and doesn't have any dings on the tube.
I'm in Oregon now and will be hunting Elk & Deer (both Mule & Coastal Black Tail).
Regarding the Rem 700, all seemed good, the gun was in great condition with a clean barrel. The scope was dusty but no dings that I can remember. The safety seems stiff, but could have just been how they're made. Regarding buying a gun that would be modded in the future, what component do you look for that will be the lasting component? The barrel?