New Bolt action. What to get?

H

Hartsocks

Inactive
Hey guys, I'm in the market to get a new bolt action rifle in 30-06. I'm set on the caliber just not the gun yet. I've been doing a lot of research but am having a hard time making a decision. I'm looking to spend about $1000, but there is a little wiggle room. I will also be using the gun primarily for a combo of Bush/forest and Field Hunting an assortment of wild game.

I've been looking a lot into the Browning X-bolt Medallion, Tikka T3 Hunter and Ruger M77. All three of these guns seem to get a lot of praise and I wanted everyone's opinion on them. What do you guys think, any experience with them? Other gun recommendations?
 
I'd get a Tikka T3 of those three no question. While the T3 is a solid choice, if I were looking for a nicer rifle above $500, Weatherby and HOWA make some very good rifles and there are at least a dozen of them in .30-06 at about $1k or under.
 
My wife has a Browning x-bolt and It's really nice. A friend has a TC Venture and it's really nice also. I think I may actually like the TC Venture better than the Browning X-bolt..Especially for the money!
 
At that price I would definitely go for the Winchester model 70 that suits your needs best. The action is MUCH smoother than the Ruger, and there's really nothing not to like about them in .30-06. Accuracy is generally quite good, which is true of many rifles these days but worth mentioning.
 
CZ550FS........just a joy to admire..is on my list..have its smaller brothers....CZ527FS....223...and CZ452FS......have sold Rugers to buy CZs...
 
No Joke....

What BigD said. Get the model 70 Winchester with a Walnut stock, perhaps the Alaskan version. Forget about lesser rifles when you can afford a Winchester.
 
The others arent "lesser" just different. Im willing to bet that, considering 2 of my "lesser" 700s blow my brothers classic model 70 away. Half inch better at 200 yards. All stock his guns sporting Leupolds mine wear nikon. Go figure. All shot using premium ammo in a lead sled. Pick what feels best to you, not a name. ;) Those new Tikkas are really nice so are the savage 14/114 guns. Look at them all and choose. I will however agree that wood is a must :D
 
I'm going to suggest a Savage. They are known for out the box accuracy and are American made. The Savage will also keep the price down allowing you to buy more commercial ammo or reloading components to practice more. I like my Savage 110 in 270 very much. Personally, I don't see the 'ugly' as reported by others, I see a very well thought out tool.
 
Thx for the input guys, keep em coming. I'm going down to a local gun store this weekend and will try em out see how they feel and what's the most comfortable for me.
 
When it comes to bolt-action rifles, I prefer Rugers. The hefty Mauser-style extractor, the controlled feed design, the three-position safety and the "classic" lines offered by the latest Rugers are all pluses in my estimation. Every Ruger bolt-action rifle I've used and/or currently own has proven to be a well-made, rugged and accurate rifle. I have nothing against Remingtons, Savages, Winchesters or Brownings (of which I have a few) but, if made to pick only one of the many, my choice will always be a Ruger.
 
Take a look at what CZ has to offer. Their 550FS is a joy to look at and shoots quite well. If you're looking for a bush rifle it comes with steel sights and handles quite nicely. I own one in .308 and have been quite pleased with it in the field. The price is nice as well. It will leave you extra money for nice glass if you intend to scope it.
 
Winchester 70 Featherweight or other model 70, for sure. Maybe a CZ 550 or if you can find one, a T/C Icon Classic - best value there was in a turnbolt before discontinued. With that budget, you can get an actual used Sako - the real deal - instead of a Tikka.

But Ruger 77s aren't bad, either. Just not as nice as Win 70s.
 
Agree with the Model 70. I'm getting a Model 70 Ranger in .30-06 for $481 and it sure is slick! Deep Bluing, Great Iron Sights, nice knurled bolt handle, nicely jeweled bolt, only thing "cheap" about it is the stock, and it's just a plain Birch stock, but it's sturdy. Awesome rifle if the fact that it's a push feed doesn't bother you. If you had more to spend a used control round feed would be better though.
 
I'm also looking at another bolt action. I'm giving the Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision in 6.5 Creedmoor a hard look. Still doing some reading before I drop the hammer.
 
The three you mention are all good rifles, any of them would be a good purchase. I would suggest handling each, work the bolt, try the trigger, and take a look at what each offers. Often it comes down to which feels best to you, in your hands.

A few people have mentioned the Winchester Model 70, it is one I would add to your list. I don't own one but it's been very hard to not to make the purchase the times I've handle them.
 
You need to tell us more about your priorities. Right now we are telling you what we want.

Savage - great trigger, great accuracy, 114 has pretty wood, lots of feature choices, push feed

Ruger- average to poor trigger, good enough accuracy, nice wood, controlled feed

Winchester - average to good trigger, good enough accuracy, decent wood, controlled feed

Tikka - good trigger, good enough accuracy, plastic stock, push feed

Frankly, I'm thinking Savage 114.
 
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