First hunting rifle (30-06)

6GunJustice

6GunJustice

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
BC
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
 
The recoil of the 308 is less then a 30-06. Many do not think that the Mossberg rifles aren't that good. So something to consider is a Weatherby Vanguard. Nice design, not too expensive and can be had with a 24 inch barrel. Also another rifle to consider is the Winchester M-70 Alaskan in 30-06 with a 25 inch barrel and is 8.8 lbs. You'd get the full velocity out of that barrel; and with the weight it would tame the recoil down a tad. Definitely a Life-time rifle. In an older rifle I'd look at Sako AV in 30-06. Very well designed hunting rifle that does what it's supposed to do.
 
I've bought a sporterised Swedish Mauser M96 30-06 for $260 and a Winchester model 70 308 for $600 from Intersurplus. Both easily do 1" groups at 100 yards. Ho check them out, lots of great rifles there. They still have a nice wooden Savage 110 308 for $550, can't even buy a used Axis for that price these days Screenshot_20260223_180424_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
OP, take a look at some of the BANNER ADVERTISERS at the top of the page.

Intersurplus has Husqvarna 1640 models, in walnut stocks VG condition, under $500, taxes in.

They're excellent quality rifles, and with ammunition they like, are capable of very good accuracy.

Many of the other advertisers also have used rifles at great prices and better quality than what you suggest, IMHO.

Example:

Husqvarna 1640 in 30-06​

Regular price$429.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.
Default Title
Quantity


Adding product to your cart

Description:​

  • Rifle in 30-06
  • Made in Sweden
  • Drilled and tapped
  • Threaded muzzle
  • No sights
  • Hinged floor plate magazine (Alloy model)
  • Barrel length: 22 inch
  • Length of pull: 14 inch

Condition​

  • Very good bore
  • Shows handling marks
  • Overall good + condition
SKU: 8123
 
leeaspell said:
I've bought a sporterised Swedish Mauser M96 30-06 for $260 and a Winchester model 70 308 for $600 from Intersurplus. Both easily do 1" groups at 100 yards. Ho check them out, lots of great rifles there. They still have a nice wooden Savage 110 308 for $550, can't even buy a used Axis for that price these days View attachment 1099310
Click to expand...
Savage = Fugly
 
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...
o god know anything but
 
I am a Bergara guy, but I would be looking at the Howa/Weatherby Vangaurd. The Calgary Shooting Center has a number of them, including 30-06 last time I looked, for $660 plus taxes.
I had one for my son in 243 and it was fantastic. I would take that over MANY rifles offered today.
A nice bonus, there are a lot of aftermarket parts available for them to bring it more to your personal tastes, should you want to change things up.
 
We live in golden age of budget rifles. They are all functional and accurate enough for hunting purposes. And the included scope in packages will most of the time be fine.
If all you are doing is occasional hunting it will be ok, take everything apart and clean, retorque every screw, maybe with some loctite

*you no longer have to “register” but the dealer takes down your info and checks your PAL online to record a transfer
 
I would have a look out for a Zastava M70 or Parker Hale 1200C in very good condition if wood stock is a must.

Otherwise a Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard S2, Mauser M18... would be within your price limit.
 
My first hunting rifle was a new Win 94 A/E and paid $349 from Dave @ Reliable Gun and Tackle back in 1982.
They are a family run business today still.
As bear hunter suggested check out any or all of them and find exactly what you are looking for .
I’m pretty certain you will find something of interest… actually how about the Browning Safari in the EE for under 1k
If I don’t already have a 7x64 I would be all over it:)
 
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 love 30-06 & recently picked up a very nice Sako Finnbear over at Intersurplus for under $900 . A little clean up and it's one awesome rifle and shoots just fine for hunting. They've got lots to choose from.
 

Attachments

  • 20260120_122726.jpg
    20260120_122726.jpg
    85.5 KB · Views: 21
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom