.30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

[Cproflow]

I think I'm rounding out my research on my 1st .30-06. I'll be taking it elk hunting in the fall (1st time for that). I'd like to not break the bank on this purchase, as my other long-range shooting pursuits have, shall we say...depleted my funds a bit. But, there are lots of good choices out there for not a ton of cash, so I think I can find my way into a solid elk rifle. My budget is ~$650 for the rifle. I have a scope already to use.

Here is what I've come up with:


-- Savage 114 American Classic (likely SS)
-- Tikka T3 Hunter
-- Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 (Sporter probably)

All of these come in at about my price point, and all of them have their charms. Frankly, I'm guessing you probably couldn't go wrong with any of those.

I kind of hate to propagate the whole 'this or that?' type of post...but it would be a big help to me if some members of the Hide could share their thoughts on which one should seal the deal. Also, if there are any others I should consider within this price point and with comparable features (DBM, good trigger, good action, ~7 lbs., known to be accurate out of the box)...by all means let me know.

Thanks for any help or insight you can provide.

 

[Dylan in AZ]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

I had an older Vanguard and as a hunting rifle it was good enough. It was by no means accurate, but it was good enough to kill deer, which is what it was originally bought for. Having said that, I would take a Tikka over the Vanguard any day of the week. JMHO

 

[Layton]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Tikka or Savage. Tikka would be my choice. You won't go wrong either way. I'd buy a 700 before I bought a Vanguard.

L

 

[deanq]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Whichever one comes in the lightest to carry configuration

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

I've never used a Tikka before, but have used a Savage and Weatherby Vanguard. I would chose the Savage over the Vanguard. To me the Savage gives the best value for your money - great trigger, accurate and well built.

I've been thinking about building a 30/06 (I have an M700 LA stock sitting around for it), and knowing Lapua makes brass for the '06 just makes it more enticing.

 

[swampbuck]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

I say go Savage. I agree that it does give you the best bang for the buck and out of the box accuracy will likely be best. Also if down the road you decide to change it up you'll be glad to have the Savage. Lots of aftermarket parts and rebarreling is a snap with the barrel nut. Savages are a lot like ruger pistols. Nothing fancy, and not the shit gun at camp, but a great workhorse.

 

[Nortex]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Tikka they have by far one of the smoothest action in their price point a good trigger and are guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA or better out of the box.

 

[Cproflow]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Thanks for the feedback...I was kinda of loosening my grip on the Weatherby, and getting into a standoff between the Tikka and the Savage.

Seriously....I don't think I have put as much thought into the last car I bought!

 

[Texar2]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

I would go with the new ruger american.

 

[jswhitesell619]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Out of the three you have listed I would look into the savage or the tikka. And I have really been impressed with tikka rifles and would go that route. Between savage and tikka you can't go wrong either way.

 

[Cproflow]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

Thanks for all the insight guys...much appreciated.

I think I'm going to pick up a <drumroll> Tikka T3 Hunter. Tough choice, but at the end of the day I just can't deny how slick the Tikka feels (I love my CTR Scout).

Now all I need is an elk to cooperate...

 

[dwtaylorpdx]

Re: .30-06 choice: Final Push to decide

My dads Vanguard in 300 WM is accurate as heck with the old style Aluminum tip flat base silvertip but will not shoot a boat tail...

Based on the number of Elk and Deer its killed its accurate enough...

Dave