looking for 30-06

Best advice I can give you is to check out several models handle them all see what seems most comfortable and fits after that make a short list and get the features you like
Cheers Tony
 
I've been trying to pick a good rifle based on features rather then the name. I see detachable magazines, floating barels, accutrigers, soft touch stocks and other options listed. Which ones actualy matter?
 
Depends what you want for what matters to you. I personally hate the accutrigger. Dont like plastic stocks. Almost everything comes with a floated barrel now. Detachable mags dont matter to me either.
 
ok, then look for CRF, a safety that allows you to unload the rifle in the 'safe' position, good reputation, good fit and finish, a beefie claw extractor, good feeling trigger which is adjustable, comes with a good quality recoil pad, available in different weights, stocks and barrel lengths so you can choose the one you like, and one that fits you good when you bring it up.
 
v-king said:
I've been trying to pick a good rifle based on features rather then the name. I see detachable magazines, floating barels, accutrigers, soft touch stocks and other options listed. Which ones actualy matter?
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Being a Model 70 is a feature that I consider important.

Seriously though, you have to ask yourself what you think will benefit you and the hunting that you do.

Detachable magazine - Do you hunt from a truck a lot? If so this may be important as it allows you to load quickly. Downside is that they are more easily lost than a floorplate (nearly impossible to lose) and without the mag you're single feeding the rifle. It'll work but may not be ideal.

Three Position Safety - Nice feature due to it's location but unnecessary. The claim that the middle position is safer for unloading a bolt action is on eperpetuated by people that do not understand the mechanical process for unloading a bolt rifle. Point the rifle upwards in a safe direction an dpush the bolt forward until the shell comes out of the magazine then pull the bolt backwards and rotate the action slightly toward the ejection side (right for righties, left for lefties) an dthe shell falls out. Do not close the action or turn the bolt handle down and it is impossible for the rifle to fire. So simple even the boss can do it.

Synthetic stock - Do you hunt in foul weather and not have the desire to maintain a wood stock? If so this is an important option.

Accutrigger - Do you want to adjust the trigger yourself bu thave littel or no gunsmithing experience? If so this will make you happy.

Floating barrel - Can increase accuracy but some barrels (lightweights especially) need some upward pressure. Good news is that almost any barrel can be free floated with judicious application of sandpaper in the barrel channel. Likewise the process can be reversed with some epoxy bedding compound.

Controlled Round Feeding (CRF) - lest my #### drop off, you may or may not want this. Some people swear by it as the extractor engages a great amount of the extractor groove and is more robust than a Model 700-style extractor (tiny spring clip inside the bolt face). The actions tend to be slightly heavier than push feed but can be made to shoot just as accurately.

Integral scope bases - I love this feature as it eliminates one mechanically fastened component (the scope base) and replaced it with an integral one which will always be stronger. Downside is that there will be fewer choices for scope rings and mounting locations. Case in point look at how many types of rings you can get for a Sako or Ruger versus a M70 or M700. The TC uses Weaver style integral bases which may be the ultimate in balancing strength and ring options. That said, there are thousands of rifles out there with a screwed on scope base that work fine and have for years. The integral ones weigh less and are stronger which is hard to argue with.

Iron Sights - Some guys insist on open sights on their rifles but very few people actually hunt with them full time. If you intend on scoping the rifle then sights are added weight that is of little utility. Some rifles shoudl wear sights even if scoped - large bore rifles for dangerous game and "brush" rifles. DG scopes should be easily removable for situations where you want no magnification and maximum field of view (ever walk into the jesse following cape bulffalo - not the place for a scope!). Sights do require that you practice more and that your rifle fits you well otherwise they become a useless appendage that only serves to add weight and a snagging hazard.

So long as the rifle is well built and fits you well it will do the trick. Everything after that is gravy and up to personal preference. Go to a big store and handle as many as you can to see how they fit. If you can fondle some at a buddy's house or at the range then it's even better.
 
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Stock fit more than anything. Also general ergonomics, location of the safety, ease of loading, forend grip, and so on.
An adjustable trigger is nice, or just an acceptable factory trigger.
A good recoil pad, especially on a lightweight rifle.
I have both push-feed and CRF rifles, I have no preference. My go-to is push-feed, but so what?
I like a tang safety.
I like a detachable mag, but not for the quick load. I really like the quick unload, especially when it's cold. Yes, you can drop the floorplate, but it's a bit more fiddly with cold hands. I have been using an A-Bolt for 20 years, never lost the mag. Yes, it COULD happen, especially on older rifles with poorly designed latching systems.
I like rifles to be pretty, or let's say aesthetically pleasing to me. In average-price rifles, I think the Hawkeye is prettier than the X-Bolt. Sounds a bit foolish, but there it is.
I prefer walnut and blue rifles, but stainless and plastic or laminate is extremely practical, and if I lived somewhere wet, I'd have one.
There are few rifles left with open sights, if that matters to you. It doesn't to me.
 
Actually, good responses so far - and all pretty good. The one thing I look for in the 30-06 is a good stock and a little weight. I have shot some of the really light synthetic stocks and find that they tend to kick a little harder than a solid wood stock with a beefier barrel.

In terms of actions, I own both (push feed and CRF). I find the CRF a little more reliable and a clip is a must if you want to put one in the pipe and a full mag. Push feeds are more forgiving in that regard with either the use of a magazine or the floorplate. Fit is going to be important, as it has to be comfortable for you. I actually went for a used Parker Hale (mauser action) over a newer model rifle for my working gun. It's an incredible piece of machinery actually.
 
v-king said:
Great info, thank you very much....so, biguglyman, winny 70 has all that?
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Model 70 has floated barrel, adjustable trigger(it is one of the nicest I have tried), blind magazine, 3 position safety, controlled round feed (THat extractor is amazing). I have a featherweight in 30-06. Love that rifle.

ht tp://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/category.asp?family=001C
 
v-king said:
Great info, thank you very much....so, biguglyman, winny 70 has all that?
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The M70 has the CRF, a three position and safety hinged floorplate. It doesn't have integral bases. I'm not sure if the new trigger is user adjustable (someone will speak up on that) but reports are that in it's stock form it's pretty good. The stock design tends to fit me well an dit's available in a number of chamberings and configurations.

Most modern CRF actions allow you to fill the magazine, drop a round in the chamber and close the bolt on that chambered round thanks to the beveled extractor nose. Older Mauser actions did not allow you to do that though you could squeeze the extractor as you seated it forward and get the extractor to seat in the groove.

The Ruger M77 is also CRF and has the bonus of integral bases and free rings with the rifle. You can single load it in the manner described above as well. The safety operates in the same fashion as the M70 though the lever is mounted to the action, not the cocking piece and bolt disassembly on the M77 is more finnicky than the M70. Still a solid choice.

I don't like set triggers and as such I would shy away from the CZ though by all accounts they are a very well built and sturdy rifle. Worth giving some thought to as well.

I have Ruger, Browning, Mauser and Winchester bolt actions so no one can accuse me of sticking too closely to one brand.
 
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I have a FN M70 Super grade 30-06 and I got my hands on a spring to lower the trigger pull on it and now its really nice...perfect for me. You can also buy aftermarket triggers for them now as well.
 
Ya bang for the buck sounds like your leaning towards a mod 70 to me ... Cartridges are realy personal thing and i wouldnt own a 30-06 any more because of the 300wsm. I think the 30-06 is an awsome cartridge , not belted , tried and tested , lots of bullets to choose from... But you ever thought of a 300wsm ? has all the same features, but comes in a short action and has a little more hitting power. Ive found it to be a great middle cartridge between a 300wm and an '06. Just throwing it out there.

Like said '06 is still a great cartridge.
 
BigUglyMan said:
The M70 has the CRF, a three position and safety hinged floorplate. It doesn't have integral bases. I'm not sure if the new trigger is user adjustable (someone will speak up on that) but reports are that in it's stock form it's pretty good. The stock design tends to fit me well an dit's available in a number of chamberings and configurations.

Most modern CRF actions allow you to fill the magazine, drop a round in the chamber and close the bolt on that chambered round thanks to the beveled extractor nose. Older Mauser actions did not allow you to do that though you could squeeze the extractor as you seated it forward and get the extractor to seat in the groove.

The Ruger M77 is also CRF and has the bonus of integral bases and free rings with the rifle. You can single load it in the manner described above as well. The safety operates in the same fashion as the M70 though the lever is mounted to the action, not the cocking piece and bolt disassembly on the M77 is more finnicky than the M70. Still a solid choice.

I don't like set triggers and as such I would shy away from the CZ though by all accounts they are a very well built and sturdy rifle. Worth giving some thought to as well.

I have Ruger, Browning, Mauser and Winchester bolt actions so no one can accuse me of sticking too closely to one brand.
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Yes you can adjust the m70 trigger. Just remove the goop winchester puts over the screws. It tells you how to do it in the manual. The m70 comes bedded as well.
 
Handled the Trophy Hunter 16 fom Savage yesteday. It has the accutrigger, d/m, three stage safety. Its all stainless with Weaver scope for $600 . What are your thoughts?
 
The Savage rifles are generally very accurate and the trigger is nicely adjustable but people either love it or hate it. It can be hard to get used to if you've grown up with a single stage trigger and if you want to go with a very light weight. The Savage safety is a three position tang mounted safety which is a nice feature, but the middle position is a little tricky to engage. As I said before, I don't see any real need for a safety that allows you to cycle rounds with the safety on - it's just marketing and not a real necessity.

The Savage package will get you up and hunting quickly and will probably perform well in terms of accuracy. You'll spend more than $600 for a Model 70 and still have to buy rings, bases and glass. At the end of the day, it's what fits you and makes you happy that is most impoirtant. If your budget is limited then the Savage package rifle is a very valid course of action.
 
v-king said:
Handled the Trophy Hunter 16 fom Savage yesteday. It has the accutrigger, d/m, three stage safety. Its all stainless with Weaver scope for $600 . What are your thoughts?
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If you like it go for it. Personally I find all savage rifles feel the same action wise no matter if its a $300 axis or they $800 models.
I would suggest you look at a few others and then decide from there. When I was looking for a new rifle at christmas time I tried out a few beside a savage and for the money they are asking for the $7-800 ones they dont compare to the $700 brownings or the model 70, rem 700(never thought id say that lol), Tompson centre,
 
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