purchasing advice on a 30-06 hunting rifle...

Winchester M-70's and M-700 Remingtons are very popular.

Whatever you buy, be sure to get iron sights on it, even if you dont plan on ever useing them, 'cause up this way, even in the South East of AK there are ways and means to smash, fog, crack or simply be too close for scope work. Iron sights has save many a hunt.

30-06 is an awsome round and is "All Alaskan"........as is 12 gauge, .22LR and .44 magnum

I don't own one but have read good things about the Marlin XL 7. I think CDNN may also have the Howa 1500 in that caliber for a good price. It's basically a Weatherby Vanguard.

If irons are needed, then forget my sugestion. TC Venture. They make a weather warrior model. It's not stainless, but coated with something that TC claims reduces rust issues. I have one in .270 and it's a great shooter. I think I paid around $400.

I agree with "Caribou".
As for the $600 range that might limit you some. For a hunt up in Alaska:

My suggestion...

Winchester Model 70 "Ultimate Shadow"
Caliber: 30-06 Spfld.
Action Type Long Action
Magazine Capacity 5
Barrel Length 24"
Nominal Overall Length 44 3/4"
Nominal Length of Pull 13 3/4"
Nominal Weight 7 lbs.
Metal Finish Blued
Wood Finish Integrated, rubberized, oval-dot griping surfaces on pistol grip and fore-end.
Stock / Grip Composite
U.S. Suggested Retail $759.99

Not a bad deal.

I would add Ruger Hawkeye to the $600 range gun, or if you are looking for one in a lower price point, Marlin has a pretty darn good rifle for the price.

I carry a Howa 1500 for hunting but have considered switching to the Marlin XL7 because it is two pounds lighter. You get a lot for the money with their package and it seems to be accurate as heck. There is one brand new in a local sporting goods store for $280.

Just remember that the lighter the rifle the heavier the recoil. Some shooters can't hit anything with a 7 pound 30-06. But if I were climbing steep slopes I would try to keep the rifle scope combination less than 8 pounds. BW

One of the best values in hunting type rifles is the Ruger American
I've handled several in 30-06 but am waiting to find one in .308 to take home...
Nothing comes close in its price range
http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifle/index.html

http://gunblast.com/Ruger-American.htm

If you want NEW, then I would suggest a Marlin XS7 in 30-06. I have one in 243 and it is a great rifle, smooth action, good feeding, nice trigger. Runs around $330. I do not recommend the combo that comes with the scope for $60 more. The scope is crap. I would put a Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40 Scope on it, $170. If your budget can afford it, a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40. It has a side focus for parallax, which is really nice, but runs $325.

I agree with another poster, the TC Venture with weather shield is nice too, runs a good bit more. Very accurate with its 5R rifling and free floated barrel. If protection from corrosion and weather is a concern, then it would be a nice choice.

On the used market, you can find a Rem 700 ADL for ~$400. They are nice with checkered wood stocks. I also like the Win 70's, and think they "fit" me a little better than the Remington.

I'd suggest handling a few of these for how they feel to you. Some just fit you better than others. Do you want wood or synthetic, blued or stainless. Nice thing about used is they often come with scope bases and rings ($75) and sometimes even a decent scope.

I'd bring a backup scope or rifle rather than limit myself to rifles with sights, but that can add some cost. A Simmons 8pt scope for $35 would be my "budget backup" scope. I still use one on my 30-30. Works great and holds zero for years now.

Get yourself a Ruger Hawkeye, used preferably. I am a big fan of Ruger, and the M77 is a great gun. It is accurate, and built Ruger tough.

I don't know about the Ruger American rifle, but for the price it is probably a good gun, as are almost all Ruger products.

I'd have a Tikka T3 with a 2-7 Nikon/Zeiss/Leupold scope. The problem with open sights is that you can't use a scope (unless you use those rediculous see through rings). With see through rings your scope sits so high that you can't get a proper cheek weld and kind of eliminates the advantage of a scope. I'd choose either scope or irons, but not try to cobble both together.

Browning A-bolt...

Just remember that the lighter the rifle the heavier the recoil. Some shooters can't hit anything with a 7 pound 30-06. But if I were climbing steep slopes I would try to keep the rifle scope combination less than 8 pounds. BW

Click to expand...

Unfortunatly, this is the trade off... I swear I have a Win. Model 70 "Super Grade" that after awhile starts to feel like a anchor draging me down.

Does your $600 budget include a scope. If not another vote for the Hawkeye or Winchster Ultimate Shadow. The Hawkeye might run you slightly over budget.

...nothing wrong with used guns.... they usually hold up well...

the most important thing is that you feel comfortible shooting it and can shoot it well. I would tend to error on the too light side since you will be lugging it for long hunts in Alaska.

I like the Savage/Stevens rifles a lot, and they come as a package with scope and mount for less than $600. My Stevens 200 was less than $400 on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods. One thing about the scoped package, though - it doesn't come with iron sights as a backup. That might be a consideration in Alaska, where if the scope goes wonky, there isn't a corner sporting goods store to go to for a quick replacement. Back-up iron sights are handy to have, if you're going to be off the beaten path.

Used Winchester M70

$450 with the scope.

As was recommended ,above I would go with the savage with iron sights, this particular model is great.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...462/Savage+111+111F+Hunter+.30-06+Springfield

But if you insist on a scope go with somehing like this, both of this are in your price range and both shoot moa out of the box. I own a savage in 3006.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...age+111+111FXP3+.30-06+Springfield+with+Scope

Just my own opinion based on actual experience.

Remember that Hawkeyes come with scope rings.

DING DING DING DING!

We have a winner. Smith 357 just threw you a bone that a butcher's dog would be proud of. Jump on that M70.

Thanks for this thread. I too am in the market for an -06, although I am leaning heavily towards the Savage 111 or 114, I have not made my decision yet. I will keep watching....

Quote: "We have a winner. Smith 357 just threw you a bone that a butcher's dog would be proud of. Jump on that M70."

I agree with prpny, that Winchester M70 looks like a really good buy. The only change I would make would be to replace the scope mounts with a set of Leupold STD bases and rings and add a sling. BW