Looking at buying my first rifle.

I have already decided to go with a bolt action 30.06 as this will work for any deer and if one day i choose to start hunting moose will work fine for these as well.

Need to find a gun that is best bang for my buck and what brands i should really stay away from.

Thanks,
Jeff

Stay away from the Remington Model 710, you should really look into the Savage package rifles.

The responses you will get will come from everyones personal preferences. I am a Remington guy. So I am telling you Remington. Other than my personal preference I would also tell you to look at Brownings and Tikas. Go to a gunshop and see what you like.I can't think of one manufactur that i would not try.IfIcould only buyone rifleI would spend apretty pennyon it.

PS you have made a good choice in thecartridge to hunt a varity of game. Probably the most versital cartridge made.

Ruger MK77 II.

I'd also look at the savage american classic 14. Very nice and accurate gun for the money. The website states 540.00 but you can find cheaper at dicks or wal mart, gander mountain... Your not going to get the high gloss finish, but it's a good wood that's dark and looks pretty good. But shooting wise it's second to none. There are package deals for 479.00 with a simmons 3x9x40 scope< not the best scope> but it works just fine for what you want. Unless you plan on 2-3-4 hundred yard shots.. then it sucks. But if your looking for just 40 to 100 yards shots it's fine.
Just my 2 cents

if you are not looking at buying a "package" gun that includes a scope look into the remington sps. it is a replacement for the remingtonm700 adl, and a fine replacement it is. i also like a savage, especially one with the accu-trigger. if you are looking for a good gun for the money in a "package" look for the mossberg 100atr package. it can be had for less than $300, including a scope.

Well people keep tossing price out there, I was looking at spending about the $500 range, probably try to find something nice that's used for that price, and would perfer a synthetic stock and stainless barrel.

Location is up in canada so i don't have the option of buying from a Walmart, they just don't carry guns up here. I have been looking on the Labaron website, they seem to have the best prices that Ihave foundfor new http://www.lebaron.ca/pdf_access_pgr/index_eng.htm
and I will keep looking at the used shops in town and online at http://www.shooterschoice.com/used%20guns/used_guns.htm
if anyone feels like checking these sites out and sees a deal let me know.

Mossberg 100 ATR, weatherby vanguard synthetic, reminginton SPS or the savage line. I do not own any of these guns but they seem to be in your price range and appear to satisfy your needs. I owna browning a-bolt SS with BOSSand love it but it may be out of your price range.

The Encore with a 24 inch barrel makes a handy rifle. I just bought one with a left handed thumbhole stock, and I really like it. Also an Encore will shoot about any choice of ammo, and normally quite accurately. With the 24 inch barrel(2 inches longer than most), it is still 3 to 6 inches shorter than most bolt actions. Very handy. Tom.

A couple I have seen for sale are the Parker Hale and the Cooey, does anyone know about these? They are posted used and in my price range.

Thanks