- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
On left is a Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine in 30-06 and on right is a Brno 802 combination gun in 12ga over 30-06. Both will get the job done well with traditional iron sights. Sorry, I'm biased. 
Best platform for a 30.06 deer rifle
- Thread starter dumpdog
- Start date
I picked up a Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 for my moose hunt last fall and it is a sweet rifle. What made it sweeter is that is is easily a couple of hundred less than the T3's and 700's.
Topped it off with a Bushnell Elite 3200 and it made a great moose gun....
Topped it off with a Bushnell Elite 3200 and it made a great moose gun....
Ruger Hawkeye!
I have one in 30 06 and love it. For the money, you get the most features (controlled round feed, 3 position safety...) and the 2 rugers I have owned have been very accurate guns too. Only downside is their a little bit heavier (really only a half pound) than other rifles in and around that price range. Triggers are ok, and if you were looking for something bigger, I would reccomend that you also replace the recoil pad, but for the 06 i find the stock one fine.
Good luck!
Yak
I have one in 30 06 and love it. For the money, you get the most features (controlled round feed, 3 position safety...) and the 2 rugers I have owned have been very accurate guns too. Only downside is their a little bit heavier (really only a half pound) than other rifles in and around that price range. Triggers are ok, and if you were looking for something bigger, I would reccomend that you also replace the recoil pad, but for the 06 i find the stock one fine.
Good luck!
Yak
The truth is just about every gun made today is good. Most incidents, failures, problems are typically caused by the nut behind the trigger. If you like the Rem 700 with laminated stock you should buy it! They are great guns along with everything else in that price range. If you hunt in thick forest and expect up close shots I would suggest you steer away from the too often recommended 3-9x scope. Rather, you should buy a low powered 1.5-6x model. With both eyes open at the lowest setting it will allow very quick target acquisition and shot placement in the thick stuff. At the 6x setting it will still be more than adequate for a 400 yard shot across the muskeg or down the power line R.O.W...if needed!
And the 30-06 is an excellent choice...my so chambered Remington 7600 pump action shoots under 1/2" @ 100yds with it's favorite load!!!
And the 30-06 is an excellent choice...my so chambered Remington 7600 pump action shoots under 1/2" @ 100yds with it's favorite load!!!
x2, No Deer North of Cochrane, Ontario. You have a better chance seeing a Caribou. MNR money grab, they opened up Deer hunting all over North Eastern Ontario. They even have additional tags???? Seen a few Deer over the years around Timmins, But I wouldn't waste my time hunting for them here.
I would get a .30-06 Tikka T3 Hunter Stainless or Laminated. Good Luck
Last edited:
I hate to sound cliched, but, in truth, the "best" .30-06 for you is the one that feels the best in your hands.
Every person has different ergonomics. Your best option is to go out and try shouldering and cycling as many different .30-06 rifles as you can. The one that comes up to your shoulder easiest and seems to hold the most steady in your hands is the one to choose.
Don't get caught up in the Ford vs. Chevy vs. Toyota hype. In a hunting rifle, you really need to go with the one that is going to work best in your hands because I guarantee you that when you need to use the rifle in the field, it'll be fast and you will probably be tired, cold, and pumped with adrenaline. Under those circumstances, you'll be far better off with a rifle that feels right and works like an extension of your body than one which has excellent "reviews" but may be awkward to handle for you.
Every person has different ergonomics. Your best option is to go out and try shouldering and cycling as many different .30-06 rifles as you can. The one that comes up to your shoulder easiest and seems to hold the most steady in your hands is the one to choose.
Don't get caught up in the Ford vs. Chevy vs. Toyota hype. In a hunting rifle, you really need to go with the one that is going to work best in your hands because I guarantee you that when you need to use the rifle in the field, it'll be fast and you will probably be tired, cold, and pumped with adrenaline. Under those circumstances, you'll be far better off with a rifle that feels right and works like an extension of your body than one which has excellent "reviews" but may be awkward to handle for you.
I really like winchester's crf model 70's in stainless/synthetic. They have a great quality feel and trigger. They also won a recent magazine comparison test. You can't go wrong with them.
Also really like the tikka t3 sporters, but not as much, since you only can load the chamber from the mag (cycling the bolt). They are less money than the winchester crf.
The only gun that I would not want is the remington 700's, mainly because the one's I've tried have feeding issues.
Your best bet is to visit a few gunshops and try them yourself.
Also really like the tikka t3 sporters, but not as much, since you only can load the chamber from the mag (cycling the bolt). They are less money than the winchester crf.
The only gun that I would not want is the remington 700's, mainly because the one's I've tried have feeding issues.
Your best bet is to visit a few gunshops and try them yourself.
I really like the newest Winchester Featherweight M70. Years ago a friend shot on many competitions with one in .308 and regularly cleaned house.
This new one works well if you can get one with a decent barrel. If just for hunting....just buy one and use it. If it ends up you do not like the trigger then put a Jewel trigger on it and you will be amazed. Today if one were lucky and could grab their new Supergrade....awesome in .270WSM.
This new one works well if you can get one with a decent barrel. If just for hunting....just buy one and use it. If it ends up you do not like the trigger then put a Jewel trigger on it and you will be amazed. Today if one were lucky and could grab their new Supergrade....awesome in .270WSM.
Y'know, it's already been stated - but is the absolute truth. When my son was looking to get into the sport of shooting, he asked the exact question you pose.
I replied on the basis of my bias and preferences of course (Remington, Weatherby and Winchester), but also added this:
1) Look for a rifle which suits your budget - remember not to go too much bargain with the scope.
2) Hold the rifle, play with the bolt. Examine the magazine, take it out and insert several times. Open the floorplate.
3) Take out the bolt. Put it back. Judge whether you like the feel of the action. How much do you have to move to get out of the bolt's way?
4) Feel the weight of the rifle. I personally like the performance of longer, heavier barrels.
5) Does it feel good when bringing it up to shooting position, carrying, etc.
6) Does the look appeal to you.
7) Do you prefer the look of stainless, blued, wood or synthetic? How about the laminate look?
8) Every manufacturer swears their product is the best. How does it stack up in the marketplace? On forums such as this?
9) Is the rifle going to be a working gun or a showpiece? Will you mind dirt on it or a scratch or dent.
You know what my son picked out? He picked a T3 for a 223 and a 1943 (8mm) Mauser with a fine sporter stock. He also went out and bought a Weatherby Vanguard in a medium caliber and just acquired an M14 shorty. All are go-to's depending on his hunting that day.
It it up to you and your likes.
My favorites are like my son, and what I intend to do. None are show pieces and I own a Ruger Mini, Remington, 2 Weatherbys, Savage, 3 Marlins, a '54 Enfield No4 Mk2, a CZ 17 hmr and an M14. They all turn my crank and fit nice for what I want to do at the moment.
I replied on the basis of my bias and preferences of course (Remington, Weatherby and Winchester), but also added this:
1) Look for a rifle which suits your budget - remember not to go too much bargain with the scope.
2) Hold the rifle, play with the bolt. Examine the magazine, take it out and insert several times. Open the floorplate.
3) Take out the bolt. Put it back. Judge whether you like the feel of the action. How much do you have to move to get out of the bolt's way?
4) Feel the weight of the rifle. I personally like the performance of longer, heavier barrels.
5) Does it feel good when bringing it up to shooting position, carrying, etc.
6) Does the look appeal to you.
7) Do you prefer the look of stainless, blued, wood or synthetic? How about the laminate look?
8) Every manufacturer swears their product is the best. How does it stack up in the marketplace? On forums such as this?
9) Is the rifle going to be a working gun or a showpiece? Will you mind dirt on it or a scratch or dent.
You know what my son picked out? He picked a T3 for a 223 and a 1943 (8mm) Mauser with a fine sporter stock. He also went out and bought a Weatherby Vanguard in a medium caliber and just acquired an M14 shorty. All are go-to's depending on his hunting that day.
It it up to you and your likes.
My favorites are like my son, and what I intend to do. None are show pieces and I own a Ruger Mini, Remington, 2 Weatherbys, Savage, 3 Marlins, a '54 Enfield No4 Mk2, a CZ 17 hmr and an M14. They all turn my crank and fit nice for what I want to do at the moment.
X3 - I grew up near Cochrane (Smooth Rock Falls)..you are gonna sit a long time waiting for a deer...
