First hunting rifle (30-06)

I have a few 30-06’s that I rotate through and I live in grizzly country and I never felt under gunned while having one with me. Heavy for caliber bullets are my preference for most situations. I spent(wasted) some time on one of the firearms market place on the web and man type 30-06 and there is pages of nice classic rifle in really good conditions and most of them for less than $1k!!
The beauty of the 30-06 is there is so much choices( like for the 308) of ammo and bullet weights it is easy to find something that wil work for you to practice with low recoil and something to hunt with with higher quality bullets. 150gr federal blue box 30-06 ammo is easy on the wallet and the shoulder.
 
The problem for the 06 (or .308 & .270 for that matter) in todays world, is it has become boring..

In today’s hyper marketing world being shoved in our faces, of chassis/vertical grips/carbon fibre barrels/muzzle braked configurations and the turret twisting so called social media influencers getting paid with said flashy new Cals, it/they don’t stand a chance.

Simple fact and reality of the matter is.. any three (08/06/270) of the main five (08/06/270/7RM/300Win) will cover off 85-90% of NA hunters quite easily and efficiently, save for the larger Bears…
 
DGY said:
I have a few 30-06’s that I rotate through and I live in grizzly country and I never felt under gunned while having one with me. Heavy for caliber bullets are my preference for most situations. I spent(wasted) some time on one of the firearms market place on the web and man type 30-06 and there is pages of nice classic rifle in really good conditions and most of them for less than $1k!!
The beauty of the 30-06 is there is so much choices( like for the 308) of ammo and bullet weights it is easy to find something that wil work for you to practice with low recoil and something to hunt with with higher quality bullets. 150gr federal blue box 30-06 ammo is easy on the wallet and the shoulder.
Click to expand...
I agree. I've lived in the Yukon, Nwt and northern manitoba and I've known dozens of hunters that have used the ol 06, 303, 270 etc on the biggest bears in chinaderp without feeling under gunned.
The inuit used 303brit on polar bears when I was on baffin Island.
There's a vid about a guide on Kodiak Island that used a 30-06 for years.
"All dead bears with complete pass throughs" was his comment.
He only changed calibers later because he wanted something different.
He even killed a bear w 147gr cast bullets from a pistol when it attacked a couple he was guiding.
There may be more stopping power out there but it's really not needed.
It's like engines. In 1981 a 350chev engine had 175hp but people think 400hp in a new engine isn't enough.
 
Last edited:
ShrtRnd said:
The problem for the 06 (or .308 & .270 for that matter) in todays world, is it has become boring..

In today’s hyper marketing world being shoved in our faces, of chassis/vertical grips/carbon fibre barrels/muzzle braked configurations and the turret twisting so called social media influencers getting paid with said flashy new Cals, it/they don’t stand a chance.

Simple fact and reality of the matter is.. any three (08/06/270) of the main five (08/06/270/7RM/300Win) will cover off 85-90% of NA hunters quite easily and efficiently, save for the larger Bears…
Click to expand...
I guess boring is a matter of perspective. I understand what you're saying, but for me, being new-ish to big rifles, not so boring ... yet anyway! ... gimme some time, I guess! lol

6Gun
 
I'm really starting to be a fan of the 7mil non mags. 7x57, 7mm-08. My old FN in 7x57 is pushing 150grn noslers at 2820fps. That would more than come with me for elk etc. Making me think about getting out of 8x57.
 
6GunJustice said:
I am hoping to buy my first hunting rifle (at an up coming gun show maybe) and trying to do some research, but I find it somewhat overwhelming. Up until now, I've been a restricted guy, but I'd like to expand & maybe get into hunting.

The choice was between a 30-06 or a .308, but I am leaning towards to 30-06.
Not looking for anything fancy, just functional and reliable & pretty accurate ... you could say a good, but 'budget' rifle and scope.
I do not want a synthetic stock.

One that keeps coming up in my searches is a Mossberg Patriot (walnut stock), which also comes with a cheap scope at one store (3-9x40mm ... brand?) for about $900

^ Is this gun any good?
What brands should I avoid?
Will I have to register if I buy brand new from a dealer?

Keep in mind that this is more about having it (for now) and not regretting buying one later (when it might be too late), but I have been thinking about trying hunting for the last few years, so hopefully this will give me a push.

6Gun
Click to expand...
I have not read this thread so don’t know if this is covered but, first, your calibre choice is excellent imo. Another thing to consider is, A-lots of good used options, I wouldn’t even consider new personally, and second, imo, budget more for the scope (assuming you intend to use one) than the rifle.
 
Licensed to kill said:
I have not read this thread so don’t know if this is covered but, first, your calibre choice is excellent imo. Another thing to consider is, A-lots of good used options, I wouldn’t even consider new personally, and second, imo, budget more for the scope (assuming you intend to use one) than the rifle.
Click to expand...
Just to add to my previous post quoted above, depending if you plan to hunt, I highly recommend a fixed 4x power scope. Better optics for the $ and all you really need. If you plan to be a sniper, I can not help you with recommendations for that but many here can. However, if you do choose to go with a variable, I suggest while out hunting to keep it on its lowest setting. If you want to shoot something far away you have time to turn up your scope, if something shows up at 30 yards, you will have a hard time trying to get a good shot that close on high power.
 
Last edited:
On my hunting rifles, I want a variable power, however, I go low. I am currently using a 3-18 on my main hunting rifle and I don't think I've turned it past 10 power while actually hunting, and even at that, it was over scoped. That is eastern Alberta where there are a lot of rolling hills and flat. Over scoped is as much of a problem as being over gunned. The only time I really use higher power on the scope is sighting in, or just having fun on the range. But keep in mind, the more you're zoomed in, the smaller the sight picture. That means the bigger the "wobble zone" getting on target, as well as more chance of NOT seeing your actual point of impact when you take your shot.
 
I love a good 4x scope, harder to find these days I found. The scope that I like the best is 2.5-8 with German #1 reticles for hunting I also like the old scopechief with the command post I wish someone would make that again in a modern scope!
 
DGY said:
I love a good 4x scope, harder to find these days I found. The scope that I like the best is 2.5-8 with German #1 reticles for hunting I also like the old scopechief with the command post I wish someone would make that again in a modern scope!
Click to expand...

I’ve settled on either 4x, 6x, 2-7 or 2.5-10/3-9x40’s for most of my setups. Each one being scenario/setup specific of course.

Kinda why I jumped all over a rarely seen these days a Leupolution (Redfield Revolution) 2-7x33 recently for a steal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DGY
6GunJustice said:
Any opinions on a late 80's English Parker Hale Mauser 1200c super clip ... never fired ... new old stock.

6Gun
Click to expand...
I think one wouldn't go wrong purchasing one of those. Where and how much ?

If you get the clip/mag (better two) with it than thats even better. The 270s are using the same clip.

Mine likes the 165 grain standard factory Federal Nosler Partitions and a 125 grain Sierra handload.
 
ShrtRnd said:
I’ve settled on either 4x, 6x, 2-7 or 2.5-10/3-9x40’s for most of my setups. Each one being scenario/setup specific of course.

Kinda why I jumped all over a rarely seen these days a Leupolution (Redfield Revolution) 2-7x33 recently for a steal.
Click to expand...
I've got a Redfield 2x7 on my .223 Mossberg Patrol in low rings. It's a good light scope with a decent FOV at 2X.
 
6GunJustice said:
I am hoping to buy my first hunting rifle (at an up coming gun show maybe) and trying to do some research, but I find it somewhat overwhelming. Up until now, I've been a restricted guy, but I'd like to expand & maybe get into hunting.

The choice was between a 30-06 or a .308, but I am leaning towards to 30-06.
Not looking for anything fancy, just functional and reliable & pretty accurate ... you could say a good, but 'budget' rifle and scope.
I do not want a synthetic stock.

One that keeps coming up in my searches is a Mossberg Patriot (walnut stock), which also comes with a cheap scope at one store (3-9x40mm ... brand?) for about $900

^ Is this gun any good?
What brands should I avoid?
Will I have to register if I buy brand new from a dealer?

Keep in mind that this is more about having it (for now) and not regretting buying one later (when it might be too late), but I have been thinking about trying hunting for the last few years, so hopefully this will give me a push.

6Gun
Click to expand...
You live in BC . an old friend lives in PG BC and he uses a 3006. shot both . 308 and 3006. 3006 seemed to recoil more than a 308 but you can shoot heavier bullets out of a 3006. don't cheap out unless it's all you can afford. do your research . had a Browning A bolt as someone suggested sold it . Ruger Savage or maybe as someone else said one of the used Husky rifles. but remember they are used . you can pick up a Ruger Ranch for $700 or a bit more. remember once your in the bush hunting the last thing you want to regret is your shooting iron.
 
ShrtRnd said:
I’ve settled on either 4x, 6x, 2-7 or 2.5-10/3-9x40’s for most of my setups. Each one being scenario/setup specific of course.

Kinda why I jumped all over a rarely seen these days a Leupolution (Redfield Revolution) 2-7x33 recently for a steal.
Click to expand...
I put one of those on a 358 Winchester. It's perfect for a lightweight scope on a smaller rifle.20251028_170031.jpg
 
6GunJustice said:
I live in the same valley as you, so local game. That said, hunting might involve some travel, but not too far. I think I would want to go with a mentor-type experienced hunter the first time. Not ashamed to admit that there are things I could/should learn. Last thing I want is to be a 'bad' hunter.

6Gun
Click to expand...
6Gun . I’m glad to hear you are branching out into hunting !
Music to my ears ! Think you will get plenty of answers to what make of rifle
As far as cartridge , 30 06 you can take any game in British Columbia with it
Lots of fellas like Tikkas . I personally don’t own one but a fella I knew bought a Tikka Hunter in 30 06 . So smooth and accurate . Don’t think you could go wrong there
You will need good glass for it as well
Hey Reliable Gun is going to be opening up in Langley so you don’t have to travel to far to browse what rifle fits you best
I will be watching the thread !!
 
Leavenworth said:
6Gun . I’m glad to hear you are branching out into hunting !
Music to my ears ! Think you will get plenty of answers to what make of rifle
As far as cartridge , 30 06 you can take any game in British Columbia with it
Lots of fellas like Tikkas . I personally don’t own one but a fella I knew bought a Tikka Hunter in 30 06 . So smooth and accurate . Don’t think you could go wrong there
You will need good glass for it as well
Hey Reliable Gun is going to be opening up in Langley so you don’t have to travel to far to browse what rifle fits you best
I will be watching the thread !!
Click to expand...
Reliable Gun is going to be opening up in Langley?
When go you think this will be ... I googled and could not find anything.

6Gun
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom