Best all around .30-06 on the market?

[captainjoe]

I may need to replace my trusty old .30-06. I am curious what you wise sages think is the best all around .30-06 currently on the market? I don't want to spend a fortune for some custom job, but I do want to spend enough that it will be around for years to come to pass on to my children. Any thoughts?

 

[Maverick223]

The best bolt-action .30-06 for me would be a new model Winchester Model 70 featherweight. MSRP is set at $800.00, but IIRC I have seen them for about $725.00USD. It is a solid proven design, with a beautiful fit, and finish and a smooth action. If you like a composite stock I think the Browning A-Bolt Stalker is a nicer rifle, but MSRP is about $900.00.

 

[R.W.Dale]

You can't buy a bolt action 06 rifle from a major manufacturer that won't meet tour requirments 2x over. With the possible exclusion of a mossberg or rem 770/710


If you want a rifle that'll look new 50 yrs from now do yourself a favor and buy stainless. You'll thank me later.

 

[tjrahl]

With a few exceptions any facory bolt gun you buy today will deliver everything you need and more, the exceptions are the remington 710 (not 700 they are still great) and a few others.

As for all around bolt gun thats a tough one, and depends on how much you are willing to spend

 

[captainjoe]

As for all around bolt gun thats a tough one, and depends on how much you are willing to spend

How about a budget of $750-1000? I am always happy to spend less though!

 

[goofy grape]

Are you looking for a bolt gun or semi-auto? I plan on passing my Garand down to my nephew when the Ultimate 1st Sgt, calls the final formation. It was passed to me by my granddad and he carried it in Korea. It's been around for 60 years and still puts in a 2" group and 200 yds.

 

[scythefwd]

Krochus,
Not a fan of the ATR 100 or the 4x4? I'm just curious why that is? I've handled both and they felt nice and solid to me, but I haven't seen one after it had 1k rounds through it.

 

[captainjoe]

Prefer a bolt over a semi-auto. Don't know why the preference, except that is what I grew up with and enjoy the most. Funny that!

 

[scythefwd]

I hear great things about the Tikka t3. Savage makes good, inexpensive guns that are accurate. I'm not sure I have ever seen one with wood furniture (which I prefer).

 

[islandphish]

If I was looking for a hunting rifle then I would look at a BLR or a 760.

Both are plenty accurate and have the massive advantages of being easier to carry and quicker follow up shots.

Especially when looking at 30-06, these platforms stand out. The 760 carries one more round in the mag with '06 than .300win mag.

 

[Geno]

captainjoe:

Current prices on the Winchester model 70s in my area are:

Model 70 Ultimate Shaddow: $590.00
Model 70 Featherweight: $639.00
Model 70 Sporter: $639.00
Model 70 Super Grade: $990.00

Here is a link to the Winchester Model 70 splash page:
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/category.asp?family=001C

Geno

 

[mgkdrgn]

Service grade M1 Garand from the CMP.

 

[missouri dave]

I'd look at CZ's offerings.

 

[ojibweindian]

What do you require the rifle do? "Best" is subjective, and can only be defined in terms that are important to the individual.

 

[Sav .250]

As your asking for an opinion about the "best" then that`s what you`ll get.
Not saying those who give their opinion are right or wrong just stating a fact.
What`s the best to one is ordinary to another. Considing you have bolts,pumps,auto`s, single shot and lever action, then with out defining "Best"
it`s kind of hard to pick out one. In that cal, I like a bolt action myself.
Just my opinion of course.

 

[SalchaketJoe]

Winchester model 1895.

 

[jmr40]

Winchester 70 or Ruger Hawkeye are the best hunting rifles in that price range. For a few dollars more I would include the Kimber.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

Over the last few years, I have used a handful of new manufacture bolt actions.

Browning A-Bolt White Gold Micro Medallion
Tikka T3
Ruger M77 MkII Stainless/synthetic stock

The Browning was by far the nicest looking. The Browning and Tikka shot extremely well. The Tikka and Ruger both carried nicely. Of the three, I would take the Tikka, since in seemed the best value for a hunting rifle. The Browning is just too pretty to carry around

The new FN/Winchester Model 70 is next on my list.

 

[achildofthesky]

Just buy a lightly used Rem 700 on GB or the like and be done with the task for well under $500 and live happily ever after.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Krochus,
Not a fan of the ATR 100 or the 4x4? I'm just curious why that is? I've handled both and they felt nice and solid to me, but I haven't seen one after it had 1k rounds through it.

Even compared to the Marlin xl7 or Stevens 200 the mossberg has a crudeness of finish and materials about it.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

Oh, I forgot I tried a Howa/Hogue out 3 seasons ago and was pleasantly surprised. Of the rifles I mentioned above, the Ruger I would not recommend since it is so unpleasant to shoot from the bench.

Also, I shoot a sporter Springfield 03A3 every other year or so. It is a bit heavy.

 

[spartywrx]

Service grade M1 Garand from the CMP.

I second that. My M1 will never be resold. I'll hang onto it forever

 

[benzy2]

Best to me would be a CMP M1 Garand. From there it gets a little hairy. I really like Savage rifles. They seem to all shoot outstanding. The accutrigger is as good as most factory triggers get and the blade can be removed if it annoys you. Its not as pretty as many and doesn't have the heritage of say the Winchester but they really really seem to shoot. The new Winchester model 70 seems to be put together very well. I haven't shot one though. I LOVE CZ firearms. Their adjustable set trigger is amazing. It blows everything else factory out of the water. Some of them don't feel amazing in the store before they get a little adjusting done but afterward they can't be beat. Whats even better is that it really is like having two triggers, a hunting trigger and a bench trigger, all in one. The unset mode adjusts down to around a pound and the set trigger is even lighter. The unset mode can be adjusted to be very crisp. All around it works great. They tend to shoot well also. Today though everyone seems to make a rifle that will hold MOA or better.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

About the best *value* rifle going right now is the T/C Icon - take a look at it.

 

[jakk280rem]

new sako 85's can be had in your price range.

the aformentioned winchester 70.

i really like the new browning x-bolt. very lightweight. 60 degree bolt lift, and it hops to my shoulder like it was made to fit.

the new thompson-center icon is really nice. never shot one, but i put my hands on one and they are well fit using nicely polished metal and a grade of wood that looks like it belongs on a more expensive rifle.

just go to a well equipped shop and start trying them on. pick your materials, wood or synthetic, blued steel or stainless. pick your action, 90 degree or 60 degree bolt lift, controled round feed or push feed, and pick one.