Suggestions on first 30-06?
10-26-2012, 12:55 AM
#12
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 23
10-26-2012, 02:45 PM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,476
10-26-2012, 05:56 PM
#17
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WY
Posts: 2,056
One .300 Magnum, two .308s, and three .30-06s here. I can kind of understand why one might want a .30-06.
One of your first sources of frustration will be that everyone who's ever made a standard-length bolt-action rifle likely chambers it in .30-06. Along with that, every trim level known to mankind.
I own four M700s, from late 1970s-vintage all the way up to last year. Not a complaint from me about any of them. The latest version is, I feel, the most accurate of the bunch (700 LTR).
I also own a number of CZ550s. Although I've always liked Ruger M77s, I've always had some kind of accuracy issue with them. I think Remington's taken their M798 out of the line, so if I were looking for a solid, Mauser-action rifle, I think I'd still have to lean to CZ.
I don't own a Savage centerfire rifle, so I can't really speak anything good or bad of them. They're popular, and they're economical. That accu-trigger thing looks like a solution to a problem that shouldn't exist in the first place, at least to me.
Value-wise though, I'd recommend the Weatherby Vanguard. The one I own is well-made, accurate, and it's the cheapest centerfire I own. While mine's chambered in .300 Weatherby, I wouldn't hesitate looking at one in .30-06. A number of grades of wood, as well as the ubiquitous synthetic stocks are all available. It looks like Weatherby's website is listing these at MSRP of $599 now, so they've gone up a bit in the last couple of years, but I think I'd prefer the Vanguard over a M700 SPS at the same price point.
What you save on the rifle - spend on upgrading the glass you plan to top it with.
One of your first sources of frustration will be that everyone who's ever made a standard-length bolt-action rifle likely chambers it in .30-06. Along with that, every trim level known to mankind.
I own four M700s, from late 1970s-vintage all the way up to last year. Not a complaint from me about any of them. The latest version is, I feel, the most accurate of the bunch (700 LTR).
I also own a number of CZ550s. Although I've always liked Ruger M77s, I've always had some kind of accuracy issue with them. I think Remington's taken their M798 out of the line, so if I were looking for a solid, Mauser-action rifle, I think I'd still have to lean to CZ.
I don't own a Savage centerfire rifle, so I can't really speak anything good or bad of them. They're popular, and they're economical. That accu-trigger thing looks like a solution to a problem that shouldn't exist in the first place, at least to me.
Value-wise though, I'd recommend the Weatherby Vanguard. The one I own is well-made, accurate, and it's the cheapest centerfire I own. While mine's chambered in .300 Weatherby, I wouldn't hesitate looking at one in .30-06. A number of grades of wood, as well as the ubiquitous synthetic stocks are all available. It looks like Weatherby's website is listing these at MSRP of $599 now, so they've gone up a bit in the last couple of years, but I think I'd prefer the Vanguard over a M700 SPS at the same price point.
What you save on the rifle - spend on upgrading the glass you plan to top it with.
10-27-2012, 01:08 PM
#18
Typical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Indiana county, Pa
Posts: 681
700, the rem. 700 sps is a good choice in 30-06. it comes with a synthetic stock, adjustible trigger. its drilled for a scope. i got mine from cabelas and it came with a 3x9 scope. it cost $499 plus tax. i load my own ammo for it and it shoot well with the load i use.
10-27-2012, 06:05 PM
#19
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 23
I went to a sporting goods store today and held all the models. I must say the savage feels like a great gun (111). One that also stood out was the Tikka. The bolt on that thing felt smooth as butter and light as a feather. However it was a little on the pricey side. Can't say that I liked the M77 as much, the action felt cheap and wobbly. And the 700 will always be on my most wanted list, very light and just looks sexy!
They didn't carry any vanguard's there but those are a little on the pricey side as well.
Looks like I have plenty of research to do!
10-28-2012, 05:46 AM
#20
Spike
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 98
Don't pass up the second hand rack. Your dollar will go a lot further. There are gems to be found there. You could do worse than a S&W 30-06 from the 60's or 70's which was made by Husqvarna or for that matter a Husqvarna. My local shop has a older Sako L61 on the rack. Nice rifle, nice price but I don't need it.
I know people will say why buy another person's problem. But the fact is is that most rifles on the second hand rack are not there because they had problems. Most are not worn out. They are barely broken in. They are there because the owner died, wanted to change, needed the money, had not used it years, or whatever.
I know people will say why buy another person's problem. But the fact is is that most rifles on the second hand rack are not there because they had problems. Most are not worn out. They are barely broken in. They are there because the owner died, wanted to change, needed the money, had not used it years, or whatever.