If I were looking for a .30-06 rifle, and were limited to 800$, I would take a serious look at a nicely used Savage M110 or M111. These can be found wth a quality optic for between 350$ (with a Redfield 4X) to 500$ (with a Leupold V2, 3-9).
Next, I would add a B&C Gold Medalist stock and grin all the way through the next many years of shooting.
When it comes time to rebarrel, I would order an ER Shaw barrel and reflect on what a wise decision I had made...a point of rationality purchase, and a modular platform.
JMHO, and point of disclosure, this what I actually am doing. I like my controlled-feed M70s, and have no plan to sell them, but such a rifle setup will be dandy, affordable, modifiable.
Geno
Next, I would add a B&C Gold Medalist stock and grin all the way through the next many years of shooting.
When it comes time to rebarrel, I would order an ER Shaw barrel and reflect on what a wise decision I had made...a point of rationality purchase, and a modular platform.
JMHO, and point of disclosure, this what I actually am doing. I like my controlled-feed M70s, and have no plan to sell them, but such a rifle setup will be dandy, affordable, modifiable.
Geno