I agree with just about everything on here, except this comment, not bashing you virginia, but obviously making a comment like that shows that you do not own a Savage. Even die hard Remington friends of mine, laugh and say, "My Remingtons prettier, and feels nicer, but those Savages sure will out shoot it". Dollar for Dollar you cannot beat a Savage!!!

Forgot to mention, check the gun shops for consignment guns as well, nothing wrong with buying a used gun if you take your time and shop smart.

As I said, "IMO"..... Some like blondes, others brunettes or redheads, etc., etc.

Hello Jedi Knight,

The best way to answer that question is hang at the rifle range and see alot of 06's,ask alot of question,maybe they would
let you shoot thiers. Check out what ammo they are using and notice thier targets when they bring them in.
That might help you decide.....If you don't have access to a rifle range,well everyone is going to mention thier model.
I like Ruger! Everyone has thier opinion. But at a range you can see FACTS....Do some compareing on 5 or6 models?
Check the features on all.....GOOD LUCK, JEDI....


KEEP ON ROOTING!!!

Jedi Knight

Noever owned or shot a Savage but like others have said, I've heard they are very accurate.

If you are seriously considering a Semi-Auto, the Browning BAR is the only way to go! I've got a BAR Safari in 30-06 that will shoot MOA or better with 180Grn Sierra Game Kings, 165Grn Nosler Partitions and 180Grn Nosler Ballistic Tips. I've shot about 500 rounds through this gun with no jamming or problems what so ever. The only thing I've done to it is have the trigger worked on, which now has a clean crisp 2 1/2" pull.

firstshot

My cousin had one in 30-06 and it is a jammer. And the more it was used, the more it jammed. It got to where it would jam every single time it was fired. The last time we were out after deer, he shot and missed. Thankfully, the deer never moved. He used my Marlin 30-30 on the follow up shot and got one. If you want an automatic, the BAR is a better gun.

Jedi,
If you come up and go to the range with me, remind me and I will let you shoot my 742, and 7600, and you can make a decision for yourself if you like them.

Of the 2 choices you mention the Savage is a much better buy, IMO. I have a Savage model 16 that I purchased back in December and it is proving to be a very accurate gun, although it is chambered in 270 wsm. I also have a Ruger M77 MKII in 30-06 that is a good shooter and has taken a lot of deer. Having said that I also have my Dad's Remington 742 in 30-06 that he used to take a bunch of deer with. I have put a bunch of rounds through it over the years and have never seen it jam....never heard him talk about it jamming either, however they do have that reputation.

One more thing on the Savage...I see you are looking at the model with the muzzlebrake. You could probably save yourself 100 bucks or more and pick up a 116 in stainless without the muzzlebrake. IMO, the brake is really not needed on a 30-06....unless you just really want it.

Not to make any Remington auto Rifles mad, but I once had a 742 in 3006. It was ok for a while, then started jamming,shooting all over the place and the fireing pin would hit the primer when you loaded the rifle. Got tired of all the new clips,cleaning etc. I went and got me a Browning Bar in 30.06. That was 20 years ago and over a 100 Deer later. If you want a good auto, just compare the two. Slide the actions back and you will feel the differents. Longest shot was 200yds. To thick here in most places to get many shots longer. It did make a good boat paddle.

Good Shot, hawg man.........