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Old February 7, 2014, 11:20 AM   #1
mardanlin
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Good 30-06 bolt for around $350

I'm not looking to spend a fortune, I'd probably even take a used rifle. I've read lots of reviews but I'd like to get some first hand opinions. I really like my Vanguard in 300 Weatherby Magnum but it's honestly more than I need for my typical deer season. I was thinking about getting a used Vanguard in 30-06 but are there other rifles that are just as good for maybe a bit less coin?
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Old February 7, 2014, 11:32 AM   #2
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Prices on used guns most often go by condition. I have seen a few per-64 M-70 Winchesters for only $300, but they were not worth more because of the amount of rust on them.
So in a nut shell...... $350 is just a budget. You should try to get something in that price range that is in good overall condition and remember that it's easier to refinish wood than it is to repair or refinish metal.
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Old February 7, 2014, 11:59 AM   #3
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Start looking around for a used Commercial 98 Mauser, Winchester M70 push feed or Savage 110 that would be the best bet for $350. Of course there are rifles that you can buy new in that price range but for a hunting rifle it is hard to beat an old commercial 98 Mauser. IIRC Thompson Center is offering a $75 mail in rebate for their Venture rifles right now through April and that will get you in about $400 for a brand new rifle.
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Old February 7, 2014, 12:02 PM   #4
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A couple years back I picked up a Howa 1500 (~Vanguard) in .30-06 with scope included for $400. The free scope was not helpful, but does well on a 22LR. After upgrading to a vortex scope and load development this rifle shoots 5 shots ~ 2 inches at 200 yards (sub moa), with some groups as small as 1.25 inches.

This is by far my favorite bolt action rifle.
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Old February 7, 2014, 12:45 PM   #5
Capt Rick Hiott
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Take a look at the Marlin XL7.
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Old February 7, 2014, 12:52 PM   #6
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If you're looking for NIB, it's hard to beat the Ruger American or the Savage Axis. Both are good, entry-level rifles for hunting.
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Old February 7, 2014, 02:06 PM   #7
mardanlin
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I would honestly like to get a better used rifle than a cheaper new one. I own a ton of old military rifles so as long as the bore is good I have no complaints.

I like the look of the 98 Mauser, but a Google search wasn't very helpful. Are the ones you're talking about a specific brand, or is there a brand I could look for to get me started? I've also heard good things about the savage 110 as well I'm just not crazy about their appearance and this would become my main hunting rifle so i want to love it.
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Old February 7, 2014, 03:58 PM   #8
PetahW
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.

Please dis-regard.........

.

Last edited by PetahW; February 7, 2014 at 10:09 PM.
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Old February 7, 2014, 05:05 PM   #9
doofus47
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Savage 110 or marlin xl7.
If you're patient, you could take your time and troll GunBroker.com. I found a post 64 win70 with scope masquerading as a ted Williams model 53 in 30-06 for 250.
Also, when I was going over different possible ways to make or buy a 260, I saw that winchester 770s were pretty cheap. Nice wood, generally, but they have a blind magazine. That 's a deal breaker for some people.
Good luck!
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Old February 7, 2014, 05:11 PM   #10
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$379 NEW for a remington 700 at academy. You can't beat that price.
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Old February 7, 2014, 05:15 PM   #11
me26245
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30-06

I have a GEW98 re-barreled to 30-06 for sale $325.00 plus shipping.
I have it posted (with pictures) on a couple of other blogs, just haven't got around to putting it on here.

PM if interested
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Old February 7, 2014, 08:59 PM   #12
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I'd be lookin for a Savage 111, they're accurate and damn dependable.
Maybe an push feed #70 winchester, they are just so easy to make accurate and dependable..
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Old February 8, 2014, 10:12 AM   #13
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Pawn shops are your friends. The shop owners are looking at dollars, not the item or condition. Often they pick up guns way below their value and are happy to resell at at reasonable profit. Prowl the pawn shops and don't be afraid to make low offers or be willing to walk away if your price is not accepted.
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Old February 8, 2014, 12:23 PM   #14
Doug76
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I agree with PawPaw, the Ruger American or the Savage Axis if you want to buy new. I have the Ruger in .308 and .243, and my best bud has the Savage in .243. I liked the feel of the Ruger better but both are very accurate. My friend also has the Ruger in .30-06, and he swears by it.
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Old February 8, 2014, 12:27 PM   #15
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mardanlin, granted the American and the Axis are cheaper, but that doesn't mean they aren't as good. The cost was saved in parts not needed to be of the finest quality, while at the same time leaving what was necessarily high quality alone. Don't rule them out just because of their price. You would be doing yourself a disservice.
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Old February 8, 2014, 06:08 PM   #16
RC20
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Why not hunt with one of the Military rifles you have?

Until the advent of the Pipeline, vast majority of the game taken in Alaska was with 1903 Sporter 30-06.

I just read of a guy who took a record Moose in Yukon with a 303 British!

30-06 can be had with hunting loads down to 150. Less if you handload or have a friend that does.
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Old February 10, 2014, 09:59 AM   #17
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Get a Mossberg 100 ATR, Marlin XL7, used Savage (Stevens), used Rem 700.
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Old February 12, 2014, 09:03 AM   #18
doceaux
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30-06

Remington 700 BDL with rings , scope and bases at most gun shops $300-450 due to the magnum craze. If this is you cal. of choice they are easy to find.
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Old February 12, 2014, 09:29 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doceaux
Remington 700 BDL with rings , scope and bases at most gun shops $300-450 due to the magnum craze. If this is you cal. of choice they are easy to find.
I highly agree with this. The Rem 700 should definitely be on your short list. It meets all the criteria you have outlined & is a fine rifle.

FWIW...

...bug
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Old February 12, 2014, 09:50 AM   #20
reynolds357
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TC Venture. Rack price on them is $350 to $400. They have a $75 rebate on them for the next couple of weeks. I am a rifle snob and I like them. Guaranteed Sub-Moa.
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Old February 12, 2014, 07:32 PM   #21
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When I was a kid, I would walk past any rifle that was not a 30-06, thinking, "Where would I find ammo for THAT?"

Now when I buy a 30-06, it is with the intention to covert it to a more over bore cartridge for long range hunting.
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Old February 12, 2014, 08:47 PM   #22
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I agree with the Venture. Mine was $399 and it shoots moa or better everytime I shoot it. I agree with a used rifle as an option. I have a Rem 700ADL in 270 I bought cheap and its a fine rifle. I also think these new rifles on the market that are in the $300-$500 range are good rifles with some being better than others of course.
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Old February 14, 2014, 11:18 AM   #23
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TC Venture has a good following. I have two TC Icons which are no longer in production. The Icons have a flat action receiver while the ventures use a more-economical-to-fabricate round bottom. The Icon uses a full block bedding system while the venture is pillar bedded. What the two have in common are the 5R rifling, full bodied bolt(3-lug I think), and the trigger system.

I'm not crazy about the venture stock and that's why I did not buy one years ago and went with the Icon instead. However, there's a lot on these boards about the venture accuracy out of the box. I believe their barrels and triggers may give them an edge.
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Old February 14, 2014, 01:20 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark
When I was a kid, I would walk past any rifle that was not a 30-06, thinking, "Where would I find ammo for THAT?"

Now when I buy a 30-06, it is with the intention to covert it to a more over bore cartridge for long range hunting.
+1....LOL

When I was a kid I saved up all my lawn-mowing money & bought a Rem 700 BDL at a near by Liquor Store (yes, back then the local Liquor store sold guns & ammo also)! I selected a .270 Win because of all my Outdoor Life reading by O'Conner. I was proud to show off what my $95 bought & when the old deer slayers around saw the caliber they all said "What, they didn't have any more .30-06's?" They snickered at me like some young rebel whipper-snapper that didn't know better! "Are you sure that'll kill a deer?".

48 years later, it will & still does, but to some not as good as a .30-06! The ol' 06 will always be a great choice for a deer rifle!

...bug
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Old February 15, 2014, 02:56 PM   #25
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+1 on the Venture.

I bought one last week, NIB from Bud's (I live close by). 7mm Mag weathershield out the door for 425.00 75.00 rebate right now from T/C makes it 350.00.

There won't be a better rifle for the money.

I love the Savage American Classics, but haven't had the opportunity yet to shoot the newer Axis. It's Savage, so I expect good things! but the T/C won out because a friend had a new one at the range last month, and it was holding 1/2" at 100 yards with factory ammo. (His was chambered in .308).

I own two Icons (.30 TC DSC Ltd. and .243) and they're both tack-drivers. I just had to try the Venture. : )


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