Help pick a new 30-06 or 308...

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fowkes

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Posting for my brother who doesn't do the internet thing...

He's decided to upgrade is arsenal of one. He has a 1917 Eddystone 30-06 that was sporterized long before he got it. In some ways, his ability consistantly shoot Moose, Elk, Black Bear, and Deer with it (he has a Grizz draw this year and plans on using the Eddystone... but lets not start that debate), puts a stamp on the "best all-round North American Caliber" debate in my mind.

However, he has decided to take the plunge and buy himself something new. He wants a new "out of the box" rifle. He is not a target shooter, but he "might" go sight in the rifle before the season... although realistically he'd only sight it in if he started missing what he was pointing at. He's a big fan of stainless steel, although I'm not sure his preference regarding stock material. He's talking about either a .30-06 (go figure) or a .308 (he's a rebel that way). Lives in northern BC. Considering that he will probably keep the rifle until his unborn grandkids get it, lets put an emphasis on durability/quality. He's not a bells and whistles kind of guy. Something that will last 100 years and be just as accurate then as the day he buys it, as opposed to an overpriced piece of junk with a hybrid motor and push start ignition.

Thanks for your input.
 
Oh, advice on pros and cons of stainless steel would be great too. Appart from looks and maybe light reflecting off it while hunting, are there and plus/minus to it? I've heard rifling wears down faster in ss?
 
I am also Looking for a good all weather big game rifle for use in central ontario (Parry sound) also thinking about 30-06 or perhaps a .300, not overly concerned about price as I want my first rifle to be a good one that will last me through the years. any suggestions?
 
I would vote for the Savage 116FCSS. Stainless synthetic, and like the 30-06 it's sledge hammer reliable. Only thing might be how your brother feels about the accu-trigger.

Good luck with the Grizz.
 
Ok i'm practically in the same boat as your brother. I'm looking for my first rifle and i want it to last forever. I will obviously buy more rifles in my life but i'd like to keep it for a long time.

I've done a s**t load of research and so far i'm leaning towards a browning X-bolt stainless stalker in .308 ... mounted with a reidfield or leupold scope (the scope is probably irrelevant though)

Browning is very good quality, but pricey.
This should price at around 1500$ probably less - price is dependant on wich model he prefers (obviously lol)
Theres many to choose from..

But before buying a new rifle you should at the very least hold it IMO, and maybe play with it for a couple minutes. Idealy you should test it out at a range.

You should also let us know how much your brother would like to spend.
If he would like to spend less then maybe look into savage, i'm not sure of its life span though.
 
Good call man,

As far as no nonsense guns go, my suggestions to him were either a Ruger Hawkeye or the Browning x-bolt. And you're right about at least holding them. Although getting the gun shop to let you take them shooting would be tricky :) ...narrow it down to a couple models then go to the shop and get a feel for them, don't even ask to hold the ones that aren't on the list.

p.s., I love my .303 Enfield and still consider it to be the best everything gun I've ever owned. I love the history behind the gun and it was built to last a lifetime. 10 round mag is nice too. Not the most flashy gun out there though, but you can pick one up for under $200 if you wait long enough and then buy a cool new stock to make it look pretty. ...but good call on the Browning x-bolt.

Mr.Brown said:
Ok i'm practically in the same boat as your brother. I'm looking for my first rifle and i want it to last forever. I will obviously buy more rifles in my life but i'd like to keep it for a long time.

I've done a s**t load of research and so far i'm leaning towards a browning X-bolt stainless stalker in .308 ... mounted with a reidfield or leupold scope (the scope is probably irrelevant though)

Browning is very good quality, but pricey.
This should price at around 1500$ probably less - price is dependant on wich model he prefers (obviously lol)
Theres many to choose from..

But before buying a new rifle you should at the very least hold it IMO, and maybe play with it for a couple minutes. Idealy you should test it out at a range.

You should also let us know how much your brother would like to spend.
If he would like to spend less then maybe look into savage, i'm not sure of its life span though.
Click to expand...
 
Your brother sounds like the kind of guy who would like one of the new Winchester all-weathers. CRF, stainless steel and a very nice stock for a factory synthetic. He can't go wrong, although they are not a budget rifle at about $900.

Make no mistake, no matter what rifle he buys he will HAVE to sight it in. It's unethical to shoot at an animal if you have no idea where your round is going to hit. Boresighting is NOT suffcient.
 
Of course he would sight in a new rifle.

To clarify before there are other replies like this. He's a very safter hunter. There is sarcasm in my original post, and a bit joking around at his expense. Obviously he would take a few shots pre-season to make sure his rifle is sighted.

cam1936 said:
Make no mistake, no matter what rifle he buys he will HAVE to sight it in. It's unethical to shoot at an animal if you have no idea where your round is going to hit. Boresighting is NOT suffcient.
Click to expand...
 
Savage 116FCSS. Stainless synthetic is a good choice like ducdiver suggested. If he wanted to spend more money, he could look at a SAKO. or even a Remington 700. I believe all three have all metal action parts.

oh and 30-06 or 300WSM would probably be more appropriate in BC than a .308Win I'd think. But I'm no expert by any means.
 
tikka t3 lite SS with laminated stock, or synthetic if you want to save some oz

shoots very well, great action, good quality

Shoots nicer than the 700 IMO, the aciton felt a lot smoother
 
Just for the hell of it, show him this rifle:

http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=view&gid=5&iid=5492

It's a BRNO ZG-47 in 30-06. My opinion of these rifles is a little biased since i own one and it's probly the best rifle i've ever purchased. I lucked out when i found my'n and got it for a pretty decent price. There were only 20,000 of these rifles ever made. They were made during the 50's and 60's as far as i know. From what i'm told, they are very sought after, which is reflected in the price of this little beauty. It may not be SS or synthetic but when you hold one, you'll find out how much of a work of art these rifles really are. Good Luck helping your brother.

Dorian
 
The Weatherby Vanguard is an excellent option. I have the synthetic version in 270 WSM
and my last trip to the range resulted in a 5/8 group. New the Vanguard only runs about
$500 - $600. Don't let the price fool you my grandchildren will be shooting my Vanguard.
Just opt for a larger calibre for a grizz..... 300 WSM is pretty ###y!
 
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