Any half-decent, cheap .308 or 30-06 guns?

[Hellbore]

I'm a college student so I'm looking for deals. What is a good bargain for a .308 or 30-06 rifle to use for deer hunting and target shooting?

Also, my nephew inherited a lever-action rifle recently. He says that the rifle says "Winchester 30-30" on it, but it also says 30-06. I don't get it, aren't 30-30 and 30-06 two different calibers? Which kind of ammo does this gun use ???

 

[nickthecanuck]

I've seen NIB Remington 710 for around $350 with an el cheapo scope.

You could also go the milsurp route and get an Ishapor 2A for about $100.

 

[nickthecanuck]

Whoa, I just saw the last part of your question.

30-30 and 30-06 are two very different cartridges. I would bet money your rifle is a 30-30, that is the most popular lever action cartridge. I don't know why your rifle has two different cartridges on it; maybe you should take it to a gunsmith or more knowledgable person and ask about it.

 

[WillBrayJr]

Forget about the Remington 710 Remington has a new line of affordable rifles called the 700SPS. The MSRP is $520.00 so you're probably looking at $450.00 out the door.

 

[EghtySx]

I'd have to agree about the Rem 710. I don't see how anyone would be happy with that thing. They are cheap and they look and feel like it.

 

[Hellbore]

What about all these 30-06 Mausers I see? For example, the CDNN catalog has a Mauser model 98 for $369. Is that one any good?

 

[Ash]

The Savage 110 costs the same as the Remington 710 and is vastly superior. It ranks with the Model 700 and Winchester 70. Plus it comes with the superb accutrigger and can be upgraded any number of ways. The 710 is a throw away rifle, the Savage 110 is a lifetime rifle. Plus, the Savage is known for excellent accuracy, durability (has one of the best gas-control systems on the market), and you can change barrels out yourself without a gunsmith if you have the moxy.

Ash

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

I'd go a step further and suggest a used Savage. They're readily available in my neck of the woods (DFW area) for about $250, including a scope, out-the-door.

 

[iamkris]

+1 on the Savage with Accutrigger as a great value gun. All the accuracy and ruggedness you'll need based on your intended uses.

Per your nephew's question on the Win94...he's probably mistaken. Only likely Win lever gun chambered in 30-06 was the Win 95. There's always the possiblility someone rebarreled it but that seems like a long shot.

 

[Hellbore]

Interesting that you mention Savage... My dad has an old Savage. All I know about it is that he said it is a "38" savage. What does the 38 refer to? Does anyone know anything about this gun? He says he'll give it to me if I want it. It's what he used to hunt deer with.

 

[oneshooter]

How about a CMP Garand. 450$ 30-06, a piece of history in your hands.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
But workin in Mississippi

 

[rust collector]

check out your dad's savage

Savage 99s (lever action) have quite a following, and whether it's that or another Savage, it's always a hoot to shoot a family heirloom. Just have it checked out if it hasn't been shot for awhile, and keep it in good shope for your progeny.

Don't know what the 38 refers to--could be 308 or 358, I suppose. Bears looking into, in any event. And you can't beat the price.

 

[Mannlicher]

get out of the house, and visit pawn shops. so far as the 30/30--30/06 thing, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. its hard to belive anyone with any interest at all in guns can't tell the difference.

 

[greg531mi]

The Ishapoare Enfield and the Israeli Mauser are both in 308, great rifles for deer hunting....I bought mine at auction for $70 each!!! Great bores, and great bolt actions....

 

[Norton]

I'd second the motion on the Savage 110. I got mine for $200 and aside from it bruising the hell out of my shoulder (I really do need to put a pad on that thing) it's a great gun.

 

[Chawbaccer]

If yo got a Walmart there you should find a good deal on a Weatherby Vanguard, or the Savage 110.
You should also find a NEF-H&R single shot for about $170. Very good gun too.
Please don't consider the Rem 710.

 

[Snaps]

I bought my 700 for 325 last year. I tore it apart as soon as i got it but it's a decent price I think.

 

[MrMurphy]

I work in a large gunshop and we've got dozens and dozens of used (both heavily and lightly) bolt actions in .30-06, .308, .270, etc, most around $275-400 depending on who made them, if it has a scope, age, condition, etc. Check your local shop's used rack.

 

[JShirley]

Byron has found some absolutely incredible deals at the local gunshop- like the Parker-Hale customized 7mm Magnum Mauser he found w/ scope for some ridiculously low price. :banghead:

 

[Fumbler]

Hows this for rediculously low; WhiteKnight got a Sagave 110 from Walmart for $75.
I wish I was there :banghead:

 

[icecon]

Go with a Savage 110. The only thing about a Savage is they do not have all the fancy cosmetic features that many of the more expensive rifles have. There is nothing cheap about the function or out of box accuracy with them.
I would not hesitate to buy a used one to save a few extra bucks.

 

[Fumbler]

I think I'd spend the extra $50 for a NEF Handi-rifle ($214 at Walmart).
They're more popular and have a good reputation as well as more accessories.

 

[Hellbore]

OK I heard wrong, I asked my dad again, and it's not a 38 savage. He said it is a "300 savage".

I looked at the gun tonight and it says "Savage model 99" on it and it doesn't say what caliber, so I have to assume my dad is right about the 300 part. And yes, it is a lever action, which I find very cool.

Is this a decent caliber? The gun intrigues me because it has some sort of rotary bullet holder inside of it. I think that's kind of cool. It's a very slim and sleek looking gun.

If I was going to get another Savage, would I get 30-06 or 308? I kind of want a 22" or so barrel so probably 308 right? I heard 30-06 needs a longer barrel, more like 24"... Is this true?

 

[ftierson]

Try a Howa Lightning (1500)... They're great guns, and they're reasonably priced. Wal-Mart did have some Weatherby Vanguards (which, of course, are made by Howa) for really cheap prices, and they're great guns too.

If you can get a Savage 110 series rifle for some of the prices mentioned above, it would be a great buy...

Personally, I think that the Howas are much prettier than the Savages (and I have a Savage 112FV which I like very much too, so don't throw rotten tomatoes at me).

The Howas are still prettier...

 

[Gohon]

Hellbore I'm not sure where your getting all your gun information from but a trip to your local shooting club or gun range is a good place to start.

First thing is don't worry about what looks cool because cool doesn't shoot worth a darn. You really should try out some different calibers and styles of guns to see what really fits you and how you feel about shooting them before making your mind up. Have you ever shot a 30-06 or 308 for that matter. For some people and I'm one of them, even though the 30-06 is not known as a punishing gun if the stock doesn't fit me right the 06 will knock the dog fire out of me. On the other hand if it fits me correctly and usually that means a straight stock for me, I can shoot it all day with no problem.

Just as a side not the Savage 99's are great guns in my opinion but they are no longer made. If I were you and your Dad didn't intend to pass the one he has along to you in the future, I would try to buy it from him. If you do by chance stumble upon a Savage 99 in .308 you had better snap it up because that is all the gun you will ever need for hunting up to and including Elk. Hell, there are a lot of Moose that fall to that round every year.