What 30-06 on a budget?

[condomboy]

$500-$600 including a serviceable scope. I could make a case for $500-$600 for the gun alone if it propels him above the Savage Axis level. No offense to Axis owners, I often recommend them in .223 to new varmint hunters. 30-06~I'd like to see a little more gun.

I picked up a used Howa 1500 with Leupold scope, bi-pod, sling and case on the EE for $650 and it puts all holes into a 1"x1" square at 100 yards when I have a good day

*edit
saw the other posts about the Vanguard, Howa makes the Vanguard's for Weatherby, so that is a great choice as well.

 

[Gunexpert007]

Avoid any Remington 740 / 742 / 7400. They are problematic.

Very true.....those rifles were also known as jam-o-matics ; I had a 7400 in 30-06 and traded it away for two handguns , best move I ever made......

 

[Dogleg]

I always figure that new shooters on a budget should buy new. Its not that there aren't great deals on quality used stuff, but without an experienced helper a lot of those guys come home with someone else's junk. I hate to see people who can't afford mistakes make mistakes.

If they have a helper, they don't need us.

 

[lister]

A friend of mine picked up a Ruger American in 30.06. He likes it, and I think it's around the 500$ mark.

Edit-The only thing I don't like about it is it has no iron sights, but don't know if that's an issue for you.

 

[Mike Webb]

Buy a good used bolt gun, there are lots of good brands. Buy private sale not from a dealer you will generally do better on price. Plus I know a lot of guys who when they are having trouble with a rifle will trade it in at a local dealer, not good to get stuck with.

 

[kamlooky]

One just showed up on the EE.
Slightly above what I would pay, but a Ruger in above average shape
from the photos.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1113316-Ruger-M77-30-06-tang-safety

 

[Longwalker]

Click on the Tradex banner above, and page through the hunting sporting rifles until you find a rifle in .30/06 that fits you budget and grabs your imagination. The descriptions are very honest and representative of the rifle you are looking at. My advice would be to try to find a commercial 1600 series Husqvarna, although it seems the prices of these are sneaking up slightly. The quality of these rifles is much higher than the new bargain basement rifles generally bragged up around here. Once you have the rifle, you can make upgrades to it as your financial situation improves. I have to agree with some of the other posters though, if you insist on a new rifle, the Weatherby Vanguard it probably the answer.

X2 - Boomer nailed it!

 

[rednekhuntr]

Look at the savage 111 package rifles usually around 435-450. Swap out the scope for a leupold vx-1, or a Nikon prostaff.

 

[sunray]

Epp's is listing a used Savage .30-06 Axis package(Bushnell scope instead of the lower end Simmons) at $285. You ain't going to beat that. BNIB Axis' are $367.50 with iron sights.

 

[Albertarookie]

I recently acquired a nib vanguard s2 in 30.06 and using strictly book data, yes reloads, with no adjustment from book data it held up to its moa guarantee 3 rounds under an inch at 100 yds. Two were touching. Now as a Savage guy rather unashamedly I might add, I will advocate the Vanguard over the Axis any day.

 

[icedog]

Listen to Boomer ... go to the Tradex site ... Look for a Husqvarna '06, preferably a model 1600, or failing that, a Husqvarna FN. Might as well start the collection with a high quality classic.

 

[The Kurgan]

If I were starting all over again, and hindsight was 20/20, my first bolt rifle would have been a Howa 1500. In fact, it would likely still be in my collection today. They are a hair over your budget at about $699, but worth every penny. Their actions are every bit as a good as any of the premium labels.

 

[Eagleye]

Another vote for the Vanguard....excellent rifles indeed!

Dave.

 

[TheTooner]

If I were starting all over again, and hindsight was 20/20, my first bolt rifle would have been a Howa 1500. In fact, it would likely still be in my collection today. They are a hair over your budget at about $699, but worth every penny. Their actions are every bit as a good as any of the premium labels.

Certainly as good as the Weatherby Vanguard.

 

[pisces-guy]

I'd look at a Husqvarna, I have one a '56 in 30.06 and it shoots .4" groups at 100 yards...fine Swedish Mausers!

 

[crazy_davey]

Another vote for the Vanguard....excellent rifles indeed!

Dave.

And about 10x the rifle of the Salvage Axis.

 

[crazy_davey]

Epp's is listing a used Savage .30-06 Axis package(Bushnell scope instead of the lower end Simmons) at $285. You ain't going to beat that. BNIB Axis' are $367.50 with iron sights.

Wow, an $80 discount on junk that was junk at $367.50.

Great advice sunshine!

 

[Gunoholic]

Avoid any Remington 740 / 742 / 7400. They are problematic.

Owned a 742 in 30-06 Sprng and a 7400 in 308 Win and never had a problem with either.
The guy who bought the 7400 says it's still working fine years later.
My goto semi is a Winchester model 100 in 308 Win bought from a guy who said it jammed allot.
Striped it down and cleaned the accumulated excess oil and dirt out of it and it's never jammed a single shot since.
The previous owner thought that by drowning the gun in oil it would function better - WRONG !
Moral of the story: You gotta keep them CLEAN and not too much oil.

I have a Savage model 116 Weather Warrior in 30-06 Sprng.
Great rifle.
1/2 MOA with the Nosler 165 grain Accubond bullets.

 

[Gunoholic]

Another round of Savage mania vs Savage phobia comin up.

 

[Gunoholic]

Very true.....those rifles were also known as jam-o-matics ; I had a 7400 in 30-06 and traded it away for two handguns , best move I ever made......

If you are afraid to take your gun apart and service and clean it at least once annually stay away from semis because without the proper care they will malfunction a lot sooner than bolts, levers, single shots.
The actions gotta be kept clean.
Fired hundreds of rounds out of the semis I've owned without a problem.