Synthetic stock 30-06 hunting rifles in the $1k range

I've always hunted with hand me down rifles, for the most part they've performed as expected and I've had no complaints. Now I'm getting older and bringing others into hunting, who are in need of hand me down rifles, so I'm using that as an excuse to get myself a new rifle while continuing to pass others down.

The weather in Western Washington is generally foul during hunting season, very wet and not cold enough for snow - so I'm going synthetic stock and some sort of coated metal setup. I'll be using the rifle for up close thick forest hunting as well as long range desert canyon type shots when I head over to the east side. Once the rifle is picked I'll probably be topping with a Vortex 4-16 scope.

Below are the three best options that I could come up with based on a weekend or so of research, and now I'm at the point that I can't really land on any one as the best option. Of course I am going to see/feel them in person before ordering, but like to get as much information as possible before hand since my LGS will not have these, and I'll be looking at about an hour drive or more to get my hands on anything.

If you have feedback on the good/bad of any of these specific models I would love to hear it, also if there is an obvious choice which I've left out please do let me know.

Also adding poll just for fun.


Remington – 700 XPS II - http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-xcr-ii.aspx
- Gold standard action/barrel
- TriNyte finish
- X-Mark Pro trigger
- 22” stainless steel barrel
- 7.375 lbs
- $795


Browning – X Bolt Composite Stalker - http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=023B&cid=035&tid=201
- New design (not sure if that is good or bad)
- Dura Touch finish
- Feather trigger
- 22” barrel (steel type?)
- 6.563 lbs
- $711


Weatherby – Vanguard Series 2 Back Country - http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/backcountry
- MOA guarantee
- Cerakote grey finish
- Adjustable 2-stage match trigger
- 24” fluted chrome molly barrel
- 6.750 lbs
- $1,091


No Winchester – my current rifle is an old Winchester Ranger which is a cheap furniture version of the model 70.

I remember something about no linking to or copying copyrighted material, hopefully the above links are not in conflict with that rule.

Thanks for the suggestions everybody.

After looking at all the offerings you've brought up, plus a bunch that work friends have suggested I've got it narrowed down a bit further to:
- Howa 1500 stainless
- Savage 116 Weather Warrior

Luckily I even found a friend that has both of these and has offered up some range time. A few months down the road I'll try to come back and post up some pictures of the final package and provide a range report.

I ended up getting the Weather Warrior 116 and decided to step up to .300 WM for the chambering.

All up I couldn't be happier with the package, more details here - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9616979#post9616979

Basically I wanted a bit more punch for high desert long range shots, and knew that I could toss a brake on it to get recoil down to acceptable levels. If I'd have known it was going to shoot this nice though I'd have bought this package years ago.

CaliCoastie said:

How far can you shoot (do you routinely? )?

Click to expand...

My previous rifle was only good to ~2-3MOA so most of my practice was on an 8" gong at 200 yards, which also used to be the furthest and smallest target available at my range.

With this rifle I can consistently put rounds on a 4"x8" popper at 400 yards (the first cross hatch down on my scope), confirmed that during our last shoot in the woods. We just put up a 4" popper at 200 yards at our range so I'll be practicing on that primarily, with practice at longer ranges when the opportunity arises again.

Just for fun I was taking pot shots at a 775 yard half profile in the wind, and managed to land 3/15 shots which I realize isn't good enough for any practical use but is light years beyond anything else I'd have been able to manage in the past.