What 30-06 should I get??

[Sharkhunter]

Hello. I am relatively new to deer hunting. I have been borrowing a gun from a relative.

I would like to look into purchasing my own deer rifle. But, as with most things, I don't have much money. I would like a bolt action 30-06.

What would you recommend as far as a decent bolt action 30-06 that also has a decent price? Of course, the more you pay the better you get, but what would be a lower end gun that wouldn't be junk either? Also, any recommendations of where to purchase it?

I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Legionnaire]

Can you at least provide a budget range? Just to kick things off, you should be able to find a good used Remington 760 pump action in the $300 range. It's a great deer rifle.

 

[Sharkhunter]

I would Like to find one for around $300 (w/out scope).

 

[.41Dave]

With a $300 budget, I'd buy the Stevens 200, which is made by Savage and is essentially the pre-accutrigger Savage rifle. Savages have a well deserved reputation for accuracy on the cheap. The only downside is they are not pretty.

 

[Shawnee]

Another decent option is the Mossberg 100 ATR.

30-06 is just one of the calibers it comes in.

 

[CB900F]

Shark;

Unless you're in some kind of hurry, and you didn't mention that you were, I'd poke around the internet to familiarize myself with what's reasonable on the net for several different rifles. Check Gunbroker, GunsAmerica, etc. At the same time, I'd also poke around the local gun shops and pawn shops. After doing this basic research, you'll have a much better idea of what constitutes a decent gun at a fair price.

Then read the classifieds in the local paper(s). That's actually where you stand the best chance of getting the best rifle at the best price. I'll add that I've never found a deal on the web that couldn't be easily beat by either a shop or individual, given patience on your part.

900F

 

[dakotasin]

What 30-06 should I get??

the one that has '270 winchester' stamped on the barrel.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Don't get in a big hurry, shop around, get the word out that you're looking for one, and wait. You might be surprised at what comes to ya.

I've had people give me various guns after 'Dad' passed away.
They weren't shooters themselves, and just didn't want the guns in the house.

Even if you don't find exactly what you want, you might end up with something you could trade for a nice .30-06. And don't be bashfull about buying a used one. A typical rifle barrel doesn't start losing accuracy until its fired about 3,000 rounds. Most used rifles you see haven't shot more than a couple hundred at most.

.

 

[rangerruck]

look for a mossy, savage, stevens, howa, or even the new remmy 770, or a used or new 710. The howa will be the best built and proly the most accurate of these, but will also be the most money. Its a real tossup next, I wouldnt hesitate to get a savage, stevens, or mossy. The remmy would be my last choice.

 

[TCB in TN]

Hit the pawn shops/ gun stores and wait till mid Jan. Folks will be selling off stuff to pay for Christmas and you can often get real good deals then. Bought my oldest son a Mossy 100 30-06 with a scope in great shape here local for $225 out the door, bought my youngest a Savage 110 30-06 combo used at a different shop for the same. Went the other day and saw a Rem 710 used with scope tagged for $200 would bet they would take less than that. Found another Mossy 100 with scope in .270 tagged for $240. Have found a few deals of Remmy 700's but they are usually a bit higher, even used.

Personally I would go with either the Mossberg or Savage for a starter rifle, the Remmy 710 does not appeal to me at all. The one I shot was OK but just looks and feels like junk, but the 700 is just a great rifle. Both the Mossberg and Savage are decent rifles especially for the money, for a starter package you just can't beat them.

 

[brasskeeper]

Savage or Stevens either one would be the way go, I own 2 savages great rifles for the money.
I don't know that much about the Mossberg rifles.

I am a remington nut myself but I would pass on a 710 at any price.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Are there any gun shops or pawn shops around? Maybe try looking in those. I have found that .30-06 is very popular for hunting, and a lot of the time you will find someone's dad's or grandpa's old hunting rifle in good condition for a decent price and with a scope.

Now a scope is no real bet because I never see Leupolds for sale on used guns, probably because if the person has enough sense to get a nice scope, they won't sell the gun.

So look around first. Maybe you will find a nice treasure like that for $400 or so.

Good luck, and happy hunting

 

[CB900F]

Shark;

Don't pay any attention to the above post by Dakotasin. We know, on other sites, that his wife nails one foot to the floor & lets him run around in circles so's to keep him outta the way while she's got more important things to do than to keep an eye on him. Seems she did it a touch too close to the computer this time.

We love him dearly, but you did need to know that in order to have a frame of reference for his comment about some 'other' caliber.

900F

 

[unlearned69]

The advise for the Stevens 200 is good. I had one that was great. Used it until I got my sporterized Mauser. Which so happens to be in .270 Win. That being said 30-06 is a great caliber.

 

[Slamfire]

There are so many 30-06’s made by so many manufacturer’s you have a lot of choices.

In twenty some odd years, I have bought only a couple of new rifles. The rest were used. I just looked for rifles with excellent barrels and good overall condition.

In terms of brands, you really cannot go wrong with a Ruger 77, Savage 110, Remington 700, Winchester M70, Howa. There are a bunch of out of production models and brands that are excellent rifles. With the out of production rifles, make sure the thing comes with scope rings, scope bases. Some of those items can be real hard to find when a rifle has not been made in twenty years.

If you go used, and that is the cheapest route, at least take a cleaning rod with a copper bristle brush, and give the barrel a couple of passes. If the bore is bright, the rifling distinct, and no dark pitting, the rifle passes the first step. Secondly verify that all the screws, nuts, bolts are on the rifle, the safety works, and the action goes click when the trigger is pulled.

Do not buy anything that is missing parts, broken parts, busted stock.

Worn finish without rusting is OK. A super cheap solution to a worn finish is mat black spray paint. Make sure you cover your optics!

 

[Sharkhunter]

WOW! You guys are fast. Thanks for all the advice so far! I am going to start checking into all the brands, models, stores, etc. that you all have recommended so far.

Please keep the recommendations coming. I'm reading them all!

Thanks!

-Shark

 

[George S.]

Slamfire1 has some good suggestions on what to look for in a used rifle and barrel condition. Take a small flashlight with you or get a bore light. MagLite makes a neat little single AAA cell flashlight called "Solitare". You can find it at Home Depot or Lowes among the other flashlights. It's about the size of a 30 caliber shell case and should fit easily in almost any action. It's very bright and will easily allow you to check out the condition of a barrel.

Used (but in good shape) rifles are widely available. Check gun shops, gun shows, ads, or if you have a local range near you, see if there are bulletin board where you can post a "Want to Buy" ad or look to see what's for sale.

You shouldn't have to hold yourself to a .30-06 in your search. While the .30-06 is a real workhorse, there are other calibers that also work well for most medium to large game. .308 Winchester is also a good caliber and check out some of the magnum calibers too.

A friend just gave me an older Sears Model 53 which is really a Winchester Model 70. Great bore, the action is smooth as can be, and the stock looks new. The scope is an older 3x9x32 Bushnell but still looks great and it's bright and clear. You will find that many older scopes were made with better glass and much better build quality compared to some scopes currently available.

Lots of great rifles out there at reasonable prices; it just takes a little searching if you don't want to go with new based on your budget. If you have to buy a scope separately, you have to add in the price for rings, possibly bases, and don't forget a good sling.

 

[Legionnaire]

Okay, if you're looking for a $300 rifle without scope, should we assume you plan to invest in a scope separately? If so, I'd follow the advice given above to watch for a good second hand gun. You might be able to find one with a good scope already mounted. I picked up a mint condition, 1990 manufacture Remington 700 BDL with a nice 3-9X Weaver Scope this past year for $450. It was literally in like-new condition, having never been fired by the original owner. Good deals are out there if you know what you're looking for and take your time.

 

[phantomak47]

Stevens 200, the best sleeper rifle out there.

 

[Sharkhunter]

Yes, I was planning on getting a scope separately. Figured the odds of finding a lower cost rifle with scope I would need already on it would be low. Icould take it one step at a time...gun first, then scope later...unless of course I found a really good deal on a combo.