Looking to buy a nice 30-06 under $1300

C

CanadianMarksman

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
Ontario
Recently I've gotten into long range shooting, so I've been looking into buying my first precision rifle and I have decided that I'm going for a .30-06 rather than a .308 or .300 Win mag.

Now I'm having trouble deciding on a good rifle that fits in my budget of $1300. The cheaper the better, but I'm looking for a rifle that has a good (non-wooden) stock, a free floated barrel, and is chambered in .30-06. I've been checking out the Remington XCR II, but from what I've read, the stock is a piece of junk. Although I haven't shot too many precision rifles before, I do have a soft spot for Remington 700s, but I am more than willing to look into other brands if they can deliver what I need.

The rifle will only be shooting at paper & plastic, and it will be maintained regularily, so there's no need for any special weather-resistant coatings like those offered with some modern hunting rifles.

Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.


Also, how is the recoil of a .30-06?
I'm a relatively big guy and I shoot 12 guage slugs often, so I'm not really worried about it, just curious as to what I can expect :D

Thanks again! :sniper:
 
While I can't speak to the precision end of things as I'm just beginning to dip a toe in that skill pool, I can talk to the recoil of the 30-06. If you're used to full power 12 guage slugs, the 06 is going to be fine for you. I regularly fire 50-80 rounds in one range session when I'm in the pits with friends. Nice to see someone giving attention to this cartridge.
 
Take a look at the Ruger American, I have no complaints with it and like it! My cousin showed me his Remington 700 and complained about the bolt sticking (which I gather is a common thing). I picked mine up for $399 and added a bushnell trophy XLT on it, out the door for $600ish bucks!
 
"...Remington XCR II..." Epp's is listing one at $886.80. You might get it for less as it's been there for a year. Stocks can be changed.
"...a free floated barrel..." Guarantees nothing as each rifle either likes it or not. Remington's tend to like it, but don't think in terms of it must be that way.
"...the recoil of the 30-06..." It's the same as any other .30 calibre cartridge. Recoil is subjective and is easily tamed with the stock design and weight of the rifle. Among other things.
 
sunray said:
"...the recoil of the 30-06..." It's the same as any other .30 calibre cartridge. Recoil is subjective and is easily tamed with the stock design and weight of the rifle. Among other things.
Click to expand...

Felt recoil is just a function of the projectile weight and velocity, charge weight and velocity, and rifle weight. So, in equivalent rifles, a 30-06 will have more felt recoil than a .308, but less than a .300 Win Mag (unbraked). That said, rifle weight plays into it more than anything. A longer barrel, scope, bipod, etc will all tame the kick. 30-06 is better served by 24" barrels anyways, due to the case's extra volume relative to .308. And anyways, if the recoil is beating up your shoulder, just switch hands. :p There are worse reasons to learn to shoot ambidextrously.
 
You are limiting your rifle selection with a 30-06 if you are just looking for a long range target gun.

.308 is a more typical choice for such things and provides more options for rifles with heavy barrels, and bench style stocks.

Felt recoil will be less as well.

If your budget is for the rifle alone take a look at Remington's 700 5R model in .308. If you are a Remington fan I can't imagine a better option.

There is one for sale right now at Prairie Gun Traders for $1200
 
What is your desire to have a 30-06 vs the .308 or .300 win?

The type of rifle that you seem to be after is a target/varmint type rifle if which I can't actually think of one available in 30-06.
If it's the extra velocity that you are after, you're not really gaining enough to make a difference over .308 for pure target work.
.308 easily shoots to 1000 yards and beyond if you just need to make a hole in paper or ring a gong.
 
Wow, thanks for all the advice! :D

I think that a change in caliber selection may be in order. Right now I'm leaning towards the .300 Win mag rather than the .308, even though the ammo is more expensive. The Remington 700 5R (as suggested) and the Remington 700 XCR LRT have really caught my eye now.

All I know for sure is that the wallet is gonna get hit very soon.
 
Good and bad in every make, but some of the best off the shelf rifles for accuracy and not having to do anything to them have to be Tikka. I even shot F-class matches with a Tikka. Great guns.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom