If a guy decided he was settled on .30-06 cartridge to be a good round for deer and elk and now he is looking at the myriad of choices available to him, where should he start when selecting a rifle (manufacturer, etc.)? Or, was this guy mistaken in coming to this conclusion concerning .30-06? If so, what round would you recommend? (This guy chose that round based on reading in hunting books and asking a buddy)

I know what the fishing counter guys at Sportco know or don't know about fishing, are the gun counter guys similarly knowledgeable? If not, is there a store with more knowledgeable folks?

This guy is trying not to break the bank, knowing he has lots of other equipment to buy, and knowing that as he learns more about hunting in the coming years he will likely trade up to a better rifle as experience and disposable income converge.

This guy is a new hunter, freshly minted and a recent graduate of a hunter safety class. This guy has spent a lot of time outdoors, climbing, backpacking and fishing, but not in the pursuit of warm blooded critters.

Thanks,

From that guy

I think 30-06 is an excellent all around cartridge.
You can shoot 150's for deer and 180's for elk or just go with 165's for everything.

I like Remington Model 700, Ruger M77 and Savage 110 series.
Savage might be the best value.

Savage 110 or 111, Nikon Buckmaster scope is a good beginner package, with great accuracy out of the box, the scope is clear and bright...

or up it to a Remy 700 ADL or BDL, with the same scope, for a little more money...

the Ruger M77 MKII is another great rifle, but new they run the same price about at the model 700..

the Winchester model 70 is another great gun, but prices for those can go through the roof with age of rifle...

personally, i would go with a 110 for a beginner gig, you will love it, and upgrading it is easy, and wont break the bank doing so...

Savage 110 bolt rifle in .30-06 with a budget Redfield or Simmons 3-9x40mm scope and he is set for anything on this continent. A set of open sights would be a plus. Bullet choices run from 110gr to 220gr, with up to 240gr if you hand load.

Lots of excellent bullet choices. I love Barnes, but the Nosler partitions are also outstanding.

Don't underestimate budget glass. Not everybody needs a $500+ piece of glass on top. I only own one Leupold, with all other pieces of glass in my vault under $200.

30 06 is an awesome round
just a bit boring because everyone's dad had one.

Guys, thanks. Savage 110 with the budget glass may just be the ticket. I know I spent hours and hours researching my first rod and reel only to find out there is no way to really know what you want until you really start to fish. I figure hunting is probably a similar experience. I'll buy a budget rifle and then in a few seasons upgrade if I feel it necessary.

There's somethin' about that first rifle and the places it's been.
You will likely want to hang onto it.

For your scope, take a look at Redfield.
Some are built in Beaverton, Ore. at the Leupold plant.
I believe that they are all backed by Leupold.
These could be the best bang-for-buck in a rifle scope.

Lots of good choices for rings, Burris are nice for the price.

So very true! If I ever wanted to buy another rifle, that would be it.

Unlike my 300 savage, you can buy the rounds anywhere.......including gas stations in eastern Oregon.....

I just read this article yesterday....http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/bargain-hunting-rifles. Author likes the Ruger for $300 new.

I went old school when buying my son his big boy hunting rifle and got him a Rem 700 from the early 70's. I paid $400 for that gun without glass. I didn't steal it but I thought the price was fair for an excellent condition and not very "used" gun.

If you don't reload it does seem that when you pay more for the ammo the groups get smaller.

160-185 grain for deer to elk

I was at Wally World during lunch. They had a Savage with a 3-9x40 scope for about $350. Plain Jane, but it will get the job done.

06
.270
.7mm mag

Are all great choices . You will not see much difference inside 300 yards. As you approach 300yds the .270 and 7mm will out perform the 06 . The .270 was my favorite . The 7mm mag will give you a wider band of ammo choices. I started with the .06 and switched to a variety of calibers. The .270 was my favorite by far.

I would by a used rifle before I would by any of the new off the shelf store guns. It's not unreasonable to expect to find any of the above on the $450 range with a leupold variX of some flavor on it. A much better choice than an off the shelf package with cheap glass. Lots of people buy guns and never use them . Look for Ruger , Winchester model 70 . Rem model 700 BDL Tikka, husqvarna. To name a few.

Ask people what to look for in used rifle if you are not sure.

I have some experience with handguns so I know what I'd look for in a used rifle, but is there something I am missing?

opening and closing action is smooth and looks well maintained, no rust.
stock doesn't show signs that the rifle may have been abused, no cracks or major dents.
barrel is parallel to stock with even gaps
safety works
barrel is clean and rust free
firing pin is straight
trigger pull feels good if dry firing is acceptable.

Anything else?

Bore light.

how much do you have to spend Ted?

Take a hot friendly woman with you to negotiate the deal. Have her ask questions and engage the seller in any topic. Make sure she has a tight shirt, no bra roll down the windows on the way to enhance the presentation. Tight jeans and cowboy boots or a short skirt and high heels. Bright lip stick, if yet packing a mean old sour sow leave her home, you get the picture . You will get the best deals ever. Most guys never know what hit them as you drive off.

Bolt face isn't pitted due to too much spice in hand loads.
Muzzle crown isn't dinged.
Bolt locks up snugly.
Separate the barreled action from the stock to oggle for corrosion and the trigger assembly/stock inletting for ham-fisted gunsmithing.
SS trumps CS for wet climates.

Be patient and you'll recognize a good'n when you see it....

If I buy a rifle in the next month or two, $600. I've got bonus money coming in September, which could double the budget but I thought early Fall might not be the best time to buy a rifle.

You'll be able to find something.

I haven't been burned by used glass either. Check 24 hour campfire, eBay and CL to find treasures. Leupold in 3.5-10 or fixed 6x42's with a duplex reticle in Talley L/W rings atop a Remington 700 would serve well for cloven hoof pursuits....

There are many options to putting meat in the freezer. That said, I like the slipperier BC's and flatter trajectories of the pills smaller than .308. A SAAMI .280, 7-08, .270, .260, .25-06 or even .243 would serve as intended.

For shitz & grins, look at factory ammo ballistic tables (bullet B/C and muzzle velocity) and then play with this.

Compare bullet B/C's and 100, 200 & 250 yard zeroes. Optics are about 1.5" above the bore centerline for POA/POI intersections. You might learn a thing or three....

Happy hunting!

.06 is great choice for deer and elk.
140gn. -165 for deer
180 for elk
I'm a remington fan but I also own a ruger hawkeye it shots great.
I personally would buy a used high end rifle than an entry level gun.
A used leupold still has a lifetime warranty.

My Dad told me once you never go cheap on your boots or your optics.
Out of the dozen or so rifles in my safe only one doesn't have a gold ring, they take abuse way better. First time you take a tumble in the bush you'll wish you had spent more.
E-bay for glass.
......Os