Which rifle in 30-06?

[AB3006]

I am just about to buy my first own rifle (since the 1980s when I had a lever 22LR). I have fired a few different ones, but like a dog coming back to its vomit, I keep coming back to the 30-06.

Yes, I know there are better cals out there, more accurate, more powerful... simply MORE BETTER. But I just like the '06, and one day I'd like to get into reloading, so there's that.

Now, I'm looking at two beginner, but not bottom of the barrel rifles: a Savage 110 Engage Hunter XP in 30-06 with a Bushnell Engage 4-9x40 scope (22") and a Mossberg Patriot in 30-06 with a Vortex 3-9x40 scope.

Both would be used for range time most of the time, and once or twice a year to find Bambi.

One additional consideration is that I may (may, but not necessarily) want to take out the action, stick it on a chassis with better optics and take it out to punch some long-range paper or silhouettes.

What would be your advice?

I have also looked at some used Husqvarna 19XX series rifles, but how they relate to HV chainsaws, which I have used, I don't know.

 

[Hitzy]

Not the Mossberg.

 

[hobophobe]

Honestly, id look for something used like a ruger m77, win m70, old bsa cf2, parker hale....I dunno. I have savage axis2 xp, but Its not the first thing I reach for.

Edit, didn't see you want something for a chassis. Savage would probably be good for that.

 

[Hmatt]

The Mauser m18 is what I’m considering getting for a 30-06

 

[woodlotowner]

You've settled on the best caliber/cartridge ever in the history of the world, now just find a nice M-98 action rifle and you are good until the end of time. No, really.

 

[Jahnj0584]

The ruger American really fits the bill, since you didn't list any budget.

 

[pathfinder76]

I would look for a used Remington 700, Ruger 77, or Winchester 70

 

[islandhunter]

I see tikka t3 's come up on ####### in the $800 price range sometimes. I think you would be happy with the quality and accuracy. Good choice on the '06, but dont turn your nose up to its little sister the 270 win

 

[obsessed1b]

Of those two options i would take the savage every time. But a good used 700 or m70 will be better made. Not necessarily more accurate but better made.

 

[track]

I would look for a used Remington 700, Ruger 77, or Winchester 70

Take this advice. Find a great condition older rifle.

 

[SteelFlint]

There is one one true choice OP: The Rifleman's Rifle.

 

[DGY]

Yep I will second every suggestions on finding a used quality rifle before a new cheap one! Ruger M77, Winchester model 70, browning, husky 1900! So many good used rifles!

 

[Hmatt]

Yep I will second every suggestions on finding a used quality rifle before a new cheap one! Ruger M77, Winchester model 70, browning, husky 1900! So many good used rifles!

ALOT of good used husqys out there, I love the ones I have. I wouldn’t ever trade them for a modern rifle in the same chamber.

 

[partial]

An older (over 90 years) gun smith I know, is convinced that the Remington 700 is the most accurate hunting rifle out of the box.

Lately I am impressed by the Remington pump action rifles, I purchased two, 1 in 308Win, the other in 30-06.
Both are very accurate fun shooting rifles, with beautiful deep blueing, very nice walnut stocks, and at around $700 (in excellent condition) a real bargain.

Sure Pump Actions are not for everybody.

 

[Weatherby Fan]

30-06 is the most versatile hunting cartridge on the planet, great choice

Buy an used Tikka T3x stainless if you can find one, Bergara B14, Winchester 70, CVA Cascade (XT) Sako A7, any better quality used rifle will be a great option.

 

[Joel]

In that price range I'd look for a Howa 1500, perhaps stainless if you can find one.

 

[elKrusto]

When my M70 fwt in 30-06 was stolen in Oct 1991, it set me off on a 30 year experiment trying every caliber and cartridge I could think of that might be better.....truth is there is nothing I have done with any other rifle or caliber that I couldn't have done with that exact rifle.
Don't second guess your choice, the 30-06 is an excellent choice.
As stated several times already, don't cheapo out and buy a crappy rifle. I wouldn't touch the mossberg, and the savage will likely be accurate, but its a cheapo. Buy a quality rifle and enjoy.

 

[saskcop]

Classic choice of caliber in the .30-06. All a guy really needs. The rifle choice is more personal. Any controlled feed such as a CZ550, Zastava or Ruger M77 or Winchester 70 would be an excellent choice.

 

[ShrtRnd]

Another vote for the Rem 700 here, but I wouldn’t discount a Tikka T3/X either

Both have a plethora of aftermarket parts avail, something to consider if your thinking a Chassis down the road.

 

[remington jim]

When my M70 fwt in 30-06 was stolen in Oct 1991, it set me off on a 30 year experiment trying every caliber and cartridge I could think of that might be better.....truth is there is nothing I have done with any other rifle or caliber that I couldn't have done with that exact rifle.
Don't second guess your choice, the 30-06 is an excellent choice.
As stated several times already, don't cheapo out and buy a crappy rifle. I wouldn't touch the mossberg, and the savage will likely be accurate, but its a cheapo. Buy a quality rifle and enjoy.

What’s wrong with a Mossberg Patriot ? Just wondering �� RJ