Best semi-auto 30-06 rifle

M1 Garand!

BAR

IMO the new ones are ugly as sin, I like the older models better.

The new BAR is still offered in its old configuration. Its the Safari II model.

Abel said:

The new BAR is still offered in its old configuration. Its the Safari II model.

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I'm with Abel. A Browning would be my pick, BAR or BLR. I have had a couple of Remington semi's and have had issues.

Or you could look for an old classic, a Savage 99.

clarence222 said:

I agree the M1 is an excellent rifle, however not what we are thinking for a 68 year old man to carry around the woods all day

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How about a Mini-G?

http://www.shuffsparkerizing.com/Conversion_Tanker_Sniper.php

A BAR would be my choice if I bought a semi auto. Semi autos are not quite as accurate as bolt actions, and can malfunction in cold weather. They do, however, have less felt recoil.

I saw Winchester SXR 30-06's on sale for $499.00. They looked nice and are the same
as the BAR. Nothing against the Remington though.

If you do go with a semi auto, the 308 is the way to go. It functions better than a 30.06 in the semi auto per the research Ive done. If I was a 68 year old man (im 29) I would prefer a .270 over a 30.06 because its just as deadly (virtually the same round) but kicks less. Its what I shoot now and my .06 rarely leaves the gun safe.

If you can find a HK SLB 2000 they are about the most accurate semi hunting rifle you can buy. Mine is the carbine model and shooting factory Hornady SST ammo it puts 3 shots inside 1/2" every time, also has the short barrel so reasonably handy to carry around, and it came with 2, 5 and 10 round mags. But I also like my BAR's in 30-06 and .270.

There are a lot more semi-automatic rifles in .308 Win than .30-06. You get a slightly shorter action with almost the ballistics of .30-06 that way.

BSW

A BAR, but I am left handed and that is the only left handed semi that I know of.

A BAR, but I am left handed and that is the only left handed semi that I know of.

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Have you looked at the RFB? I went shooting with a guy that had one, he's a lefty and it's laid out very well.

BSW

Deleted.

I am hunting in Montana right now with my BAR .308 and .300 WSM Lightwieght stalkers. No luck yet, but both are very nice to carry all day. I get exceptional accuracy with the 300 with the BOSS. Good hunting accuracy with the .308. Accurate, light weight, reliable, black....

BAR for auto and Savage 99 in 308 for lever.

I REALLY like my 99 in 308 with weaver bases that are made to fit the 99 contour. I have a Nikon scope on mine and it shoots very well. But, it will be used so it may not be spiffy enough for a real fine Christmas present - most of these 99's in 308 have been hunted pretty hard. More likely you can find a BAR in very nice shape with a lovely stock that will present well

Another choice is a Winchester Model 100. They have issues, but there is a recall update back to the factory to get them sorted - so once that's done they are pretty decent. They come up on AuctioArms all the time

BENELLI R1 is what I shoot! Hardly any recoil with the comfortec stock, its lighter than the Brownings that I have shot, and in my experiences...more accurate than the others aswell!!! plus the stock feels really cool, kind of like rubber. I love mine For some reason on some other forums people dont like them... it seems to me from what people say it is because its made somewhere other than the USA, its Italian

My father shoots a Benelli R1 in 30-06. It is a great rifle. Smooth action, good accuracy, and the recoil is quite manageable. (He's pushing 80 years old this year.)

BAR would do just fine, Benelli would also be a consideration.

I have read mixed reviews on the Binelli

BAR, all the way. Owned 2, a '06 and a 300.

I have not seen any SA hunting rifles locally in .308. Most are 30-06. I have seen an AR-10 in 308 but the OP wants a hunting rifle in 30-06.

The best semi auto .30-06 rifle, bar none IMO, would be the OOW 1918A3-SLR.
http://www.ohioordnanceworks.com/Images/PhotoGallery/1918A3-02.jpg.thumb?width=580&height=425