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I've of course always been aware of these rifles, but never owned nor shot one..those danged M70's always got in the way

I bumped into a mint 30/06 (never scope mounted near as I can tell, and not a blemish on it and NOT salt wood),at what I think is a reasonable price.

Those who are familiar with them,what are your thoughts/experience with these rifles?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

I own several in calibers from '06 to 338WM. I always liked them because their lop is a little longer than the standard 13.5 inches. This makes them fit my long arms better and they just feel "right." The mauser action is tried and true and the sako type extractors (called the short extractor) work very well too.
All of mine shoot 1 inch or better with hand loads, except the '06 which probably needs some bedding attention. Some are put off by the "shiney" finish but I like it. It can crack with age on some rifles. I would advise you to buy the '06. I think you will find it to be a great deer/bear rifle that is easy on the eyes.

I had one in 270 a number of years ago. Mine had a FN action. They are truly beautiful rifles and presented one of the premium commercial rifles available in their time. In their day they were the equivalent of say the Coopers and Dakota's of today. Mine shot very well and if there is any knock it stems from the difference in styles that were considered vogue then vs now. They are somewhat heavy compared to todays lightweights. If the price is right and it appeals to you I would jump on it as it is really a classic rifle imho.

AFTERUM/Bangeye: Thanks for your thoughts....this one has the FN Mauser action with the long extractor,and is for all practical purpose, brand new.For this reason as much as anything I was drawn to it,and agreem that they were nicely made rifles.

I am not put off by the weight,because it really is not all that heavy,and the stock feels very nice to me....has a comfortable feel.I will minimize weight by putting a scope of moderate power and weight on it.

I like and use synthetic stocks but there is a part of me that "likes" handsome wood stocked sporters and this qualifies. Seems like a nice rifle!

Bob: Get it, you'll like it . I have a 270 that my dad bought new. IMO, it's right up there with the pre64's...and that's high praise.

My buddy hunts with one, his only rifle. Finely accurate and he hits everyting he fires at. They are too "clubby" and heavy for me and I am not a fan of the stock style either. No question they are very, very high quality pieces just not my bag. I have a couple of original FN's that I prefer over the Browning import. Lighter and a nice classic stock. Sound like it appeals to you which is reason enough. It will appreciate over time as well.

south texas/Tony: Thanks for the comments...it "feels" likeit would be comfy to shoot,and appears not to need a thing....brand new really.

$900.....sound about right?

sounds like a good deal!

May be a good action to build another Mashburn off of...

Dober

southtexas: OK, thanks!

Bob-I'll be on the road all day, give a call if you've the time. Give me about an hour though.

Dober

Dober; Will do.

I've had several over the years both in standard and magnum actions. They really were visually nicer than all my pre '64s but each style was classic. Considering the condition you found yours in anything under $1K should be a very nice purchase.
You just have to watch out for those salt wood years because there is no way to neutralize the wood other than with a match.
I'm sure you will post the pics in due time.

bigwhoop thanks....yes I will get some pics up soon as I get it. I had it set aside while I decided if I wanted it,but do nt have it yet.

Sako or Mauser action? either way they are magnificent rifles. I have a couple of them and I prefer them to Model 70s in certain calibers. Their 458 is waaaay to light for example, but those 22" barrels for the non-magnum actions combined with superb fit and finish and accuracy make them quite a find!

I bought a .243 (Sako action) for my son's first CF.

Light weight and the stock fits us both to perfection.

A nice light hunting rifle that handles and shoots well, scoped with a Leupold 6X.

BobinNH,

That is an outstanding rifle, and the price is lower than today's going price. Get it! If you don't want it, sell it to me!

I had one exactly as you describe. Like new, large ring Mauser 98 action, claw extractor, in 30-06. I paid $850 for mine around 10 years ago. I eventually convinced myself that lighter rifles are better, so I sold it. That decision is highly regretted.

Passed up one at the last gunshow with an older Leupold on it for $450.00. I'm sure I could have bought it for $400.00 because the dealer only fooled with military surplus and wanted to sell it bad. I probably should have bought it.

jorg/30Gibbs,bigredhead: Thanks for the additional words of wisdom I knew they were a nicely made rifle but frankly just had not run into many who had them.

jorg this one is the Mauser action, long extractor.I am glad it's a 30/06....be a swell rifle for about anything.

Swampy you should have bought it at that price I guess...

Moron!