Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Help me pick out a 30-06

Now that is a good action! (the JC Higgins I mean)

Dober

I agree about the J.C. Higgins rifles. Diamonds in the rough hiding amoung the common gravel. Most don't realize what they are looking at when one is seen on a used gun rack.....I have two and both cost less than $200 to buy!!

Thanks for all the input. I've been looking for a while and may have to blow the dust off the wallet

Thanks for all the input. I've been looking for a while and may have to blow the dust off the wallet

Wait a little bit and get a model 70 super grade 30-06.

I have had a .30-06 MCA Mannlicher and the muzzle blast is a bit much out of a 20 inch barrel, but not too bad. I am looking hard at buying another one right now. I would not go shorter than 20 inches, though.

I don't know what kind of other rifles you have, but it seems you like blue steel and walnut. I just saw a used Ruger 77 last week in 98% condition for $400.00. Add a front sight and an NECG aperture sight on the rear integral base and your tired old eyes will be happy.

The beauty of it is, you can pop off that rear sight, and drop on a scope whenever you want, if you mount it a set of Warne or Talley QD rings.

If you are real retro, look for a vintage 1960s sporter built on a 1903 Springfield, with a Lyman aperture sight. I picked up a gorgeous one for $325.00.

My latest .30-06 is the other extreme, a Tikka T3 SS Lite. It would be better in a 6.5x55 or .270, but this rifle rocks with all ammo so far. The traditional rifles are more fun for me for hunting.

Hey, don't forget these beauties:
* Winchester 1895
* 100th Anniversary Ruger No 1 ($999.00 from CDNN)
* 100th Anniversary Winchester 1885 single shot

A cupple years back, I bought a Remmie 700 ADL 30-06 for a "donor" to rebarrel to 35 Whelen. Ended up buying a CDL instead, but that old ADL would put 5 under 1". Wish I'da kept it!
Virgil B.

I love my Husky in 30-06.shoots good groups too.I would get one in a lighter version(4100?)any time!!
Koot

Bring up this thread and check it out.

New Savage 14 American Classic 7mm-08 *heavy pics

Get yourself a pre-64 Winchester Model 70.

I would go with a CZ 550 American all the way. The new American has been put on a weight watchers diet and tips the scales at 7 lbs and four ounces, or there about. The old models came in at 8 lbs, about eight ounces more than the beloved Remington BDLs. The checkering on the new 550 Americans have been improved as well and the price tag remained about the same. Of the CZs I have owned the bolt cycling has been no better, or worse, than most other major manufactured rifles. If you do get one that is rough, a couple of nights in front of the television watching movies and cycling the bolt will smooth it up just right. You get scope rings with the rifle and out of the box accuracy is outstanding. Wood to metal finish the excellent. What I like probably the most is the single set trigger. Also any one with even no knowledge about gunsmithing can adjust pull weight, creep and over travel with little of no trouble. If you do go the CZ route ask for one of the new models. CZ hasn't even put it or any other new deals in the catalog. Good Luck .... Tom Purdom

What's your budget?


Okie John

I have, or have had, several pre 64 Model 70's in 30-06. Not one of them shot under 3/4 or over 1 1/2 inches with factory loads. No wonder it is referred to as "The Rifleman's Rifle".

Just do it. If you don't love it, they are easy to sell and get your money back.

Thirty-Ought-What?

Wayne

I have, or have had, several pre 64 Model 70's in 30-06. Not one of them shot under 3/4 or over 1 1/2 inches with factory loads. No wonder it is referred to as "The Rifleman's Rifle".

Just do it. If you don't love it, they are easy to sell and get your money back.

Thirty-Ought-What?

Wayne

All the above is bad advise except for one post. Buy a Tikka t3, either in the Hunter version or the T3 Lite. They are made by SAKO and for the price cannot be beat. Sub MOA right out of the box with factory or handloads. No tweaking the trigger, no messing with bedding, no sanding of the barrel channel, no other tricks required, no sending off for pillar bedding or that required $349 accuracy and trigger job. Great workmanship, can't tell you about customer service as I haven't needed them. I have four and each and every one is a pleasure to shoot. Major problem I have with them is that the wood is too good for such an inexpensive rifle.

Brownings are good also, if not great.

From what I've personally seen/experienced I would grab a Ruger M77 Mk II or Hawkeye. For a one gun job I'd go stainless/synthetic but you mentioned blued/walnut. I've not shot a Hawkeye yet but dang the one's I've handled felt really darn good! I actually like the looks of the finish in both the wood and metal and again, the feel appealed to me. The Savage Classic would also get attention from me as my experience shooting several Savage 110s has been favorable. Please take note as I don't mention these to be "the best" as I've not shot them all and I don't believe "the best" actually exists. It's what you want and how it appeals to you and your needs. Good luck.

Easy, Model 70 Featherweight

Me too! Was hoping the Stainless would be out this year, but guess I'll go ahead and get a blued steel version.

At your age of 50+ you deserve the classic looks of the Ruger #1 and they do shoot. Ruger has been making their own barrels since 1996.


There is always a blue /walnut Encore.

Doc

If your 50+ you prolly couldn't carry a #1!! Way to heavy.:)