.30-06 low cost options - recomendations?

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Watusi76

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I am looking to get a hunting rifle in .30-06 but can’t make up my mind on which one. I am looking mainly based on price (in the $400’s is ok but lower is better). I already have a scope so I don’t need a package deal and am looking for a bolt action. No preference as to wood or synthetic. Main criteria is price and accuracy out of the box. I’ve ruled out the S&W iBolt but am looking heavily at the Savage 11/111 and Howa 1500 Lightening. I’ve also heard that Vanguard is a good option. Any personal experience/recommendations? I'm able to get the Howa with synthetic camo stock for $339 right now but want to make sure I can't get more for my money with another option. Especially since I've never shot a Howa before and am willing to go a bit more if it buys more.
 
With the choices you are considering you have already answered your question.....SAVAGE! Check out a recent post on their customer service. That will seal the deal.
 
The Marlin XL-7 is another good choice to look at.

Something you might consider, would be to shoulder up to the one's mentioned here and see which one's tickles your fancy the most. Not all stocks are cut/made the same.
 
This late in the season, start hitting the good pawn shops, any place with a reputable used-gun rack. Shortly after the first of the year, it will have one of several good, clean used .30-06 rifles for sale. With a little bargaining, you can easily get under your price point, and the rifle will likely have a scope already mounted. After Christmas, and until income taxes are due, the pawn shops will take lots of rifles in pawn. Ninety days later, they'll come out of pawn and be on the used gun rack.

If you're looking for NIB, then you should start looking at the big box stores. Look for the Savage Edge, the Mossberg ATR, or Stevens 200,

I'm constantly amazed at the deals I find on good, clean, used rifles in pawn shops. It's all about shopping, being a repeat customer, and building a relationship with the counter guys.
 
I have a Vanguard '06 and it shoots 3/4" groups with about any ammo I've run thru it. Only paid $400 for it new.(about 15 yrs ago). I got a buddy who also has one and shoots very well with it. I highly reccommend it!
 
You should be able to find a Remington SPS or T/C Venture in your price range. I really like both rifles. The Vanguard and Howa would be good choices as well. Good luck.
 
For looks and potential accuracy, You can't beat the Howa/Wby Vanguard in my book. I and my older Son have a total of 6 of these rifles(223x2,257 Wby,7mm08,30/06,&300Win mag) and all are better than average shooters w/o any big problems.
 
TC Venture or the Savage Axis would be your best bets, the TC probably being the better of the 2. Very good shooting 400 dollar guns
 
For $400 the Savage 10/110 at Walmart for $400 with the accu trigger and a cheap scope included would be my choice. Much better than the Axis, or any of the other budget rifles you can get, yet it's still close to a budget rifle price.
 
I have a suggestion, if you're not a collector, but appreciate good quality

I have a Ted Williams M53 which is basically an OEM'd Winchester 70.
I bought the Post 1968 version with the anti-bind bolt. 22" barrel. $245 otd with a 3-9 scope on it.
Got a 11 point buck at 250 yards with it this fall. Apparently, it shoots minute-of-deer.

These usually go for between 200 and 350 b/c they are not "real" Winchester 70s. Keep looking and you will find your baby for cheap.
 
The Savage 110 with the accu trigger at Walmart that comes included with a cheap scope for $400 is one of the best buys imo. It's the way I'd go.
 
Sporterized A3-03
Sporterized Mauser
JC Higgens (Sears and Roebuck) built on a commercial FN mauser
Winchester push feed M70
Rem 700
Savage 110
 
Well if you like the feel of accutrigger's go with the Savage or the Marlin XL 7. Personally I don't like the accutrigger so my cheap rifles that really shoot are the Weatherby Vanguard (mine is .270 win), the T/C Venture in 30-06, and a 95 manufactured Winchester Model 70 in .243 win.

All three will shoot under 1 moa when I do my part and the most expensive was the Vanguard scoped package for around $450 NIB including a hard sided case.
 
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