Recommend hunting rifle 30-06

Splatter said:
I'd be sorely tempted by the Savage Axis.

Rather than think of it as a "race-to-the-bottom" type rifle, think of it as an incredible bargain.

These rifles can shoot (better than my Mauser in .30-'06), and are damned tough! ( http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?841972-Crash-Test-Axis-THE-FUN-BEGINS )

If you can afford better glass, get the rifle with no scope and put a really good one on; but if you can't afford dropping another $500 (min) on top of the price of the rifle, get the package with the scope... it's entirely adequate, and in a few years, upgrade and keep the old scope as a back-up.
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I had an axis in 30-06. It was a great shooter.
 
A used Winchester model 70 Featherweight Classic is also a super fine all around rifle if you could find one at a decent price. either that or the Zastava mauser from tradeEx. Watch for a used Leopold on the EE and you are set for anything.
 
Wild_Thing said:
Out of all the options listed so far, I'd go with a Tradex Mauser. Then again I am partial to them.
Which one fits you better? Do you have a set budget or max-price?
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it depends it seems like ive added more rifles to my choices id say between 600-800 with scope
 
For that price point I wouldn't hesitate to get another Winchester Model 70 featherweight in the 30-06. Till this day I actually prefer the rifle over a few of my higher end rifles when it comes to hunting. I just have a Nikon Monarch scope mounted on it which is great. At the end of last season I put my Tim's coffee cup out 200 yards and put 2 rounds right thru it within .25"... And I would have to agree with the weatherby vanguard being an excellent rifle for the price too but number one for sure would be the Winchester
 
I looked at the Ruger American on the weekend. I liked the action, but the barrel seemed a little thin - will wait to see what the Remington 783's look like. The thing that really bothered me was that it was light - really light with that hollow stock. That means - at least to me - that it is gonna kick a little bit. The first thing I thought of when holding it was how to increase the weight of the stock a bit.

As for choices, folks on here have really provided some great ideas. Don't rule out some of the rifles on Tradex or the EE. I have a 26" barrel (bubba'd) Eddystone with open sights that surprised me with how easy it was to shoot (heavier rifle) and a Parker Hale. I am now working up loads with the PH. The Parker was cheap, has a very sturdy mauser '98 action (so does the Eddystone), in great shape and a keeper. If it breaks, then so what, I can find parts or buy another one when the desire so inclines me.
 
My son and I have three 30-06 rifles.

Mine are a Rem 700 LSS that I shortened the barrel to 20" and a s/s T/C Prohunter shortened the barrel to 22" making the OAL 4" shorter than the 20" Rem.

My son's 30-06 is a Husquavarna Featherweight that his grandfather handed down to him a coule of years ago grandpa only put 20 or so rounds thru it in the 50 years he owned it.

My son prefers to hunt with the single shot Prohunter more than the other 2 he even scored 2 nice coastal blacktail bucks with it last year.
 
I know that the "internet" reviews have been ok on the Savage AXIS and Ruger American (et al) rifles... I will say up front that I have never fired one... but I have handled them a whole bunch at the gun shop... they feel like crap to me, flimsy feeling stocks, sloppy tolerances on the bolt/receiver, crappy triggers (snap capped em')... They may shoot just fine... but I can't bring myself to sink any money into one... maybe thats just me... don't be offended if you have one and like it... just one guys opinion, for the OP's consideration.
 
hoytcanon said:
I know that the "internet" reviews have been ok on the Savage AXIS and Ruger American (et al) rifles... I will say up front that I have never fired one... but I have handled them a whole bunch at the gun shop... they feel like crap to me, flimsy feeling stocks, sloppy tolerances on the bolt/receiver, crappy triggers (snap capped em')... They may shoot just fine... but I can't bring myself to sink any money into one... maybe thats just me... don't be offended if you have one and like it... just one guys opinion, for the OP's consideration.
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I had 2. Sold one. I agree with you on all points you mentioned. The trigger feels like 10lbs, the stock flexes more then body builders in front of a mirror, and over all it feels like a cheap Chinese made piece of ....
That said my 223 had a aftermarket trigger so that part is better. Last time i had it at the range just putting the weight of my hand on the grip of the stock makes it flex like crazy. No idea how it shoots like it does.
But I bought it when I was first starting out and didnt know any better so took the advice of some gun shop owners and other ppl. Now I am looking for a replacement. Lesson learned buy once and be done with it.
 
Of the 3 choices listed Id go Tikka, but there are many other good choices once you get to that $. I think youd be better off spending a little more and getting one you like, instead of the cheapest. Whenever Ive gone cheap in the past shortly after I wanted something better/nicer, spending more $ in the long run. My advise would be go to a gun shop and handle as many as you can and see which YOU like, then make an informed decision based on your likes and budget, as most peoples are different.
 
I would recomend the winchester m 70 synthetic, x bolt or the TC venture. the marlin bolt gets some realy good reviews also but I have never shot one. I love my tc pro hunter but it is not for everyone. My 2 cents
 
As has already been pointed out. Don't overlook the Weatherby's. They have the 24" barrel. Mine shot superbly well with a 3 x 9 on it. The Tradex folks also have lotsa excellent choices as well.

There is a very broad plethora of brands, models and styles in that popular caliber. Trying get folks to recommend a rifle is basically asking them to pick their personal favorites. You know what, in the end - they are all good shooters. Fit and finish is a matter of personal taste. Are you going to want the rifle to be a thing of beauty to be adorned by all at the intricate craftsman and heirloom or is it to be nothing more than another tool for hunting or shooting paper targets? Only you can decide - just like only you can decide what your personal price point threshold is.

Go up to any gun counter - tell them you want to buy a 30-06 - they will ask how much you want to spend and if you have any idea as to what brand, because they will have a few.
 
I think the Weatherby Vanguard is the best thing going in the lower price range. A close second would be a Zastava M98 Mauser from Trade-ex.
 
outdoors said:
A used Winchester model 70 Featherweight Classic is also a super fine all around rifle if you could find one at a decent price.
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I consider these to be the best deal around these days. I'm biased; this is what I bought. $665 at Lebaron in 30-06. Walnut stock is awesome. Trigger is beautiful - incredibly crisp with no over travel or creep. The quality is superb with FN making these. Shoots real nicely.
 
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