New rifle

[fendermallot]

Hey folks,

I need suggestions/help on picking out a first hunting rifle. I think I've narrowed down the caliber to .30-06. I have about $550-600 to spend on the rifle and optics. If you were me, what would you be looking to buy?

I've had a few suggestions:

Savage 111 combo pack. Bi-mart has it for $350 right now. That leaves me room to get any extras I might want to toss on there.
Weatherby Vanguard

Your opinions?

Thanks!

PS, should I only be looking at new guns? I now that Gun Broker in Tigard seems to have a decent selection of rifles sometimes...

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[mrblond]

I am in the same boat as you are, picking out a rifle. from the research I have dont, the savage are good guns although the optics are not the best. Hard to beat for the price though. Another thing you can look at is a used rifle. There can be alot of good guns with good optics for not so much money. I don't know how much of a hurry you are but there is a gun show on the 23rd and 24th put on by ARPC down in Albany that should have some nice used stuff.

 

[fendermallot]

I felt like I was in a big hurry, but I need to calm down and just wait. Can't do gun shows. Started a new job and my days off are tue/thur. Ah well, I'll keep looking. I thought about buying something from bud's guns online. he usually has free shipping and I'd just have to pay to have it transfered and the background check.

 

[Torqk911]

What are you hunting for? Is weight an issue?

 

[fendermallot]

I want something that can be used for deer and elk. Weights not too big an issue. I'm a big guy.

 

[fendermallot]

Savage 110 Trophy Hunter XP 7mm Rem 24 Wood DBM Nikon 39 $512.00 SHIPS FREE

What do you think?

 

[Torqk911]

I would rethink weight. Do you plan to have a pack with you with at least essential items? It adds up if you are actually going away from your vehicle for any distance as well weather conditions.

 

[mrblond]

a 06 will do you fine all around. the optics in that package should be fine as well, I doubt you will be taking game over 200ish yards anyway.

 

[fendermallot]

I'll be hunting with my father. He has some troubles getting a long as he's getting up there in age. happens to us all. I doubt we'll be going too far from a vehicle. I'm not opposed to light weight rifles either. I just need help finding something that will work.

 

[Torqk911]

I would look at this. Good scope. Good gun. And should be able to get at a good price.

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/rifle-classifieds/101752-ruger-m77-stainless-30-06-a.html

 

[Mark W.]

My son bought the BiMart Savage model 111 in 30-06 last year. And with the package optics he's shooting 1.25" groups at 100yards with factory ammo. The Accutrigger is amazing once you get used to it. (It takes about 1/2 a dozen shots to forget the little safety blade is in the trigger) Granted the Stock could be a little stiffer. But it has not in anyway effected his accuracy and it is certainly weatherproof.

I got him a nice sling and he picked up a little nylon ammo pouch that holds 10 rounds for his belt. He bought a spare magazine (about 55.00) and he's set for anything we hunt from Coyotes to Elk and Bear.

I am planning on buying one either later this year or next and buying a EH SHAW barrel swap kit to convert it to a .35 Whelen (35 caliber -06) the Savage action is as solid and smooth as any and strong as all get out. Plus its very hard to beat the price.

 

[Pinfold]

I found a great deal at Wholesale Sports in Vancouver. A Savage 116 Weather Warrior, with a Nikon scope, for $549, in 30.06.

 

[fendermallot]

tomorrow I'm going to go down to Gun brokers in Tigard. If they don't have anything worth picking up, I'll just hit Bi-mart next door and get the savage.

 

[bigbruce49]

I not sure if this is acceptable to post this in this forum but I have a Smith & Wesson 1500 in 7mm mag that I would like to sell it has a Deerfield 3x9 scope and see through scope rings. It is a great shooter nice looking rifle with a smooth action. I am asking $300 if interested?

 

[fendermallot]

post it in the classifieds section man. you'll get more people to see it there

 

[ZigZagZeke]

I not sure if this is acceptable to post this in this forum but I have a Smith & Wesson 1500 in 7mm mag that I would like to sell it has a Deerfield 3x9 scope and see through scope rings. It is a great shooter nice looking rifle with a smooth action. I am asking $300 if interested?

I have a Smith & Wesson 1500 in .30-06. This rifle is made by Howa, the same as the Howa 1500 and the Weatherby Vanguard. All are excellent shooters. My S&W delivers .75" groups at 100 yards. I would jump on this one.

 

[blitz]

if i was you i would pick up the 111 from bimart and either toss the scope or get just the rifle itself and top it off with a nikon buckmaster 3-9 if you have up to a 600$ budget that leaves you 50$ for a sling, cleaning kit and some ammo.

i have had a few of the savage rifles and they are all great shooters just make sure its a 110,111 or 116 dont go for the savage edge, from what i understand they are garbage like the remmy 770's

 

[blitz]

forgot to throw in there i personally would not go with the vanguard, i have had 2 and the both accumulated surface rust at a rapid rate due to the finish not being the greatest they were however great shooters. i am not sure if the s2's have fixed this problem and i gave alot of thought into getting one last time i was in the market for a new hunting rifle because of the 2 stage trigger but i passed due to my experience with them.

 

[Lespaulplayr]

You might check out Tikka T-3 stainless.. made by Sako, very very accurate and lightweight... used they go for around 400... ive got one in 30.06 and it shoots 1/2 moa out of the box...also has the best action out of all my rifles...silky smooth...

 

[longcolt]

I like the Savage and also the Remington 700. Both top choices within your price range.