30-.06 -- what should I buy?

c-fbmi said:
Most hunting in the Yukon actually happens during the more temperate months of Aug, Sept and early Oct, however barren ground caribou most times don't come down until the weather is in the -30 to -45 ranges and this is where one finds out if his rifle is up to the task. My absolute coldest hunts have been for caribou, polar bear and musk ox, however the latter two were both bow taken. Now there is the late season bison hunts, which fall in the coldest months as well. It's tough to beat a good reliable turn bolt that has been properly winterized........JMHO and experience.
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Was it you or another member from the frozen north that had tikka's freeze up?
 
hometownhero said:
Was it you or another member from the frozen north that had tikka's freeze up?
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I own no Tikkas but yes it was I who reported it to the masses here. It was 3 of my son's buddies who all experienced the same phenomenon with the Tikkas during a cold, late season bison hunt. Even after complete winterizing the rifle would not fire in sub -30 weather.
 
back to the OP a 30-06 with stainless and synthetic stock.
i really like the ruger hawkeye and winchester model 70 and the weatherby vanguard but that is just me and i can t even have them ... only for rh shooters ...
 
What it comes down to is what “feels” good to you. You’ll have to handle a few in person if you want to buy only one retail. Used is a different ball game.

As a new shooter you may take to buying a used rifle and adapting you shootings style to suit easier then guys who are used to a specific LOP or comb/stock style. It’s a personal learning experience.

Guys like me can pick most anything up and adapt accordingly. Give me a gun and I’ll find a way. Not every shooter is like that.

Take the SKS for example. I’m a bigger guy with good reach and the rifle doesn’t “fit” my body type. Yet I adapted and have no complaints. Others will tell you differently. It’s all trial and error. A short 12” LOP 870 I can handle but, short 12” LOP Mossberg I can’t stand to shoot.
 
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medvedqc said:
back to the OP a 30-06 with stainless and synthetic stock.
i really like the ruger hawkeye and winchester model 70 and the weatherby vanguard but that is just me and i can t even have them ... only for rh shooters ...
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How do synthetics hold up in extreme cold? I'm asking because my nephew bought an entry-level rifle in plastic (I forget what it was - a Rem, I think, but not sure) and, on a cold-ish day (around -10 IIRC) he hit the trigger guard against his truck and it snapped off. Not it was a cheapie stock, not a Hogue or B&C.
 
medvedqc said:
back to the OP a 30-06 with stainless and synthetic stock.
i really like the ruger hawkeye and winchester model 70 and the weatherby vanguard but that is just me and i can t even have them ... only for rh shooters ...
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Why can't you have them? I am a left handed shooter and either own or have shot vanguards, model 70's, kimbers, remington's and others with the bolt on the proper side of the action.
 
After doing a bit of research lately, I've come to the conclusion that the Winchester XPR is a bargain for what it is. Very good reviews online, and Winchester currently has a $75 rebate on them. Synthetic stock, so not as pretty as wood, but looks like a very good gun for the money.

$555 on sale after the rebate with a Vortex optic and rings and two mags makes it a steal in my opinion... though bolt guns really aren't my area of expertise!!
 
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CobraGT said:
After doing a bit of research lately, I've come to the conclusion that the Winchester XPR is a bargain for what it is. Very good reviews online, and Winchester currently has a $75 rebate on them. Synthetic stock, so not as pretty as wood, but looks like a very good gun for the money.
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It's basically a Browning AB3 with a different trigger, a Savage Axis type barrel nut and "floating" recoil lug, and a worse magazine.
Receiver/bolt are identical and made in Japan.
They are pretty much the same price too.
 
Interesting thread. I myself am looking to order a new Winchester Model 70 Sporter 30-.06 with 24" barrel. Seems here in Canada (or at least where I've been looking) It's almost impossible to order one through the local gun stores. I live in Abbotsford, there is a Featherweight at the Cabela's here, but I don't want the 22" barrel and lighter setup. Was told by them they cannot order the "Sporter" Tried several local shops they are all telling me to just get a Browning X-Bolt (I don't want that) Then I get an explanation it's not easy to order Model 70's in Canada... Maybe you guys could point me in the proper direction? Thanks!

-Derek
 
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Svarog said:
Interesting thread. I myself am looking to order a new Winchester Model 70 Sporter 30-.06 with 24" barrel. Seems here in Canada (or at least where I've been looking) It's almost impossible to order one through the local gun stores. I live in Abbotsford, there is a Featherweight at the Cabela's here, but I don't want the 22" barrel and lighter setup. Was told by them they cannot order the "Sporter" Tried several local shops they are all telling me to just get a Browning X-Bolt (I don't want that) Then I get an explanation it's not easy to order Model 70's in Canada... Maybe you guys could point me in the proper direction? Thanks!

-Derek
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Would a Supergrade interest you?

http://www.irunguns.com/product.win-m70-super-grade-30-06-24
 
Svarog said:
Interesting thread. I myself am looking to order a new Winchester Model 70 Sporter 30-.06 with 24" barrel. Seems here in Canada (or at least where I've been looking) It's almost impossible to order one through the local gun stores. I live in Abbotsford, there is a Featherweight at the Cabela's here, but I don't want the 22" barrel and lighter setup. Was told by them they cannot order the "Sporter" Tried several local shops they are all telling me to just get a Browning X-Bolt (I don't want that) Then I get an explanation it's not easy to order Model 70's in Canada... Maybe you guys could point me in the proper direction? Thanks!

-Derek
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There should be lots of dealers than can order one. If you want a wood stock by used. Now its hard to give them away. New http://www.winchesterguns.com/produ...ent-Products/model-70-extreme-weather-ss.html
 
SuperCub said:
While it is true that there are more pump guns here in the east and in Ontario, there is no reason why on would not be a good choice where you are either. They have been in my experience as reliable as any bolt gun I use and quite accurate as well. I does realize that there is a lot of tradition that would prejudice one from using one esp in you part of the world and the rest of western Canada but the fact is that most who don't or won't use one havent ever tried one out. They are accurate and easy to load for. The only downside I can see is that the brass has to be FLR for reliable function and doesn't last as long. I've never had to use small base dies for any of the many I've loaded for. Most of the chamberings are easy to get brass for anyways.

One of those pumps in 35Whelen (or the 9.3 that Ted is doing) would be a perfect working gun up there.
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In the recent past, I hunted caribou in North-Eastern Quebec at -35C with the Remington 760 and being outside all day with no (rifle) issues and two cows harvested. Had to change out my Sorels for USGI "Bunny Boots" as my feet began to freeze but otherwise, I had a great three day hunt.
 
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