I need a 30-06. Which one?

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laker415

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I am looking for a 30-06 for my brother in law. He just got his core and his birthday is in April so I want to get him a decent rig. I want something better than an axis but after that I don't know what I should be looking at. I figure around $500 for the rifle and I will let him take care of the glass. I am not sure if this is a realistic budget. I am used to heavy barrel, heavy stock rigs for target so hunting setups are new to me. Thanks
 
I think Browning are out of that price range (even used). I would recommend a Remington SPS or a Savage. The Savage lower end models are a step up from the Remington for features but some people just like the classic looks of Remington.
 
Is the savage I should be looking at the 111 model? I have a remington 700 5R but am not familiar with their lower end models. He is just starting out and with 2 small kids like myself, he isn't going to be going on intense back country hunts. Probably more of a casual hunter so as long as it goes bang and doesn't weigh a tonne it should fit the bill.
 
laker415 said:
Ruger american any good? Step up from an axis?
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Yes, but they are fairly fresh on the market and durability I don't think has been established yet.
Even an older Ruger 77 would fit the bill.
They are out there, just need to be patient.
I'd prefer an older gal with a good past history than an econo newer one.
Could very well be someone here may offer you up something worthy if you're so inclined?
 
Some of the suggestions are still thinking the Canuck Buck is at par.

In the 500 range you are looking at "maybe" a model 11/111 Savage without glass, "maybe" a 783 Remington (forget the 700 SPS even which will be over the $700 mark for new stock in 2015), a 4X4 Mossberg or Ruger American (both without glass).

Whatever you saw for prices in 2014 you can easily add 25% to the cost for New 2015 stock.

There are a lot of Axis floating around in the supply chain right now, but when shops start bringing in new stock, don't be surprised when you see prices in the 500 buck range for them as well.

Even the A-bolt III Browning's are probably going to list in the mid 600 buck range which is what happens when the Canadian Dollar is worth less than 80 cents US.

The new model Rugers are already "on the street", I got a few in a week and a half ago. I do like the American for the most part but will say that the finish on the stock "sucks".

There is a number of very sharp edges from the molding process of the stock - like sharp enough to cut you - particularly right along the barrel channel.

Now, you can "fix it" yourself with a sharp edge, bit of sandpaper etc but there was no doubt in my mind that these are being mfg'd quick and cheap with little to no QC after it goes down the line assembled.

I just maybe expect a little more from a "brand new" rifle, even if it is in the budget line. But will add, aside from the stock, they hold well, seem solid, action/trigger is more than sufficient.

Your best bet during this period of flux is to find a dealer with last years stock (or bought early with last years pricing) that has not yet "blended prices" and buy as soon as you see it. Waiting even a few weeks can turn a 500 rifle into a 625 dollar rifle.

Most of the site sponsors are already warning that prices are heading UP - quite a bit - they aren't lying to you :)
 
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I would say, don't waste your money on a new rifle, especially a cheap modern American one. They are incredibly overpriced in Canada. What we do have in Canada unlike the USA is affordable classic rifles. For $500. or just a bit more and if you put it in a bit of research and negotiating effort you can still pick up a high quality used rifle at a gun show or on Gunnutz. For only one instance, I still see very good condition Husqvarnas for around $500-$600. You will be getting twice or three times or more the quality of rifle, and it will easily hold its value.
 
I bought a Husqvarna from tradex in 30-06. I get 2 inch groups at 100 yards with iron sights with PPU ammo. Very happy I bought that over a new american built rifle. It is actually the only rifle I own that fits me just right. I have long arms.
 
A couple years back I was making the same decision and ended up buying a Weatherby Vangaurd just before the series 2 ones were introduced. You might still find a new series 1 Vanguard hiding somewhere, and it would probably be under $500, even if it has the walnut stock. Or like others have said, an older rifle might be a good choice. Tradex has already been mentioned here, and I'm another happy customer of theirs. Good luck in your search for the right rifle.
Kristian
 
The only new bolt action Rifles in 30-06 you'll find under $500 are:
Savage Axis
Ruger American
Remington 783
Marlin XL7
Mossberg 4x4

Other than that you're looking at used. You said your buddy most likely won't get out much (young family), for me if I had minimal time to enjoy this hobby, I'd want a decent rifle by my side.
 
Of all the budget rifles out there my first choice would be the Browning AB3,...they have added a wood stock model, and a scope and rifle combo for 2015. I know it is probbly a bit more than you want to pay, but worth looking into.
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/finder.asp?f1=034B

There is also the new Winchester XPR.....http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/category.asp?family=029C

But, as others have suggested, maybe a good second hand higher end rifle maybe the way to go.
 
Rob said:
I would say, don't waste your money on a new rifle, especially a cheap modern American one. They are incredibly overpriced in Canada. What we do have in Canada unlike the USA is affordable classic rifles. For $500. or just a bit more and if you put it in a bit of research and negotiating effort you can still pick up a high quality used rifle at a gun show or on Gunnutz. For only one instance, I still see very good condition Husqvarnas for around $500-$600. You will be getting twice or three times or more the quality of rifle, and it will easily hold its value.
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This is exactly what I was thinking.

Check out this link for Tradeex http://www.tradeexcanada.com/produits/95

I'm messing around with my son's built in 1956 Husqvarna featherweight in 30-06 that his grandfather gave to him a few years ago.

Just installed Talley lightweight rings and mounted a Leupold Vari X 11 2-7X scope its a very kool little package.
 
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