I have had a few rifles over the years but have never had a 30-06 and have never considered myself an expert by any means on equipment and gear. Have about $1,000 to spend. What's the best rifle / scope combo in that range in your opinion.

Thanks!

(Sorry, posted this in Gear section first but guess it belongs here more.)

What kind of distances will you be shooting?

None of my blinds have anything more than 300yds, but the last time I was shooting that far was twenty years ago qualifying with an M-16A2. I'm very confident out to 200 but usually don't take longer shots than that. Have hunted with a .270 for years, just want an -06 because I have the money and I want one. Seems like ammo is usually cheaper and more available for them too. At least right now that's about all that's on the shelves...

AT that Price I would go with a Thompson Venture 30-06 (which I have owened and was the most accurate out of the box rifle I have ever had) and Send the remaining $500 on a Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50.

TC Venture or Tikka T3 and either the scope Chuck said or a Zeiss Conquest. would get my vote.

X1000

And mine loves the Core–Lok 150gr inexpensive bullets as well.

Looks like a really nice rifle. Bas Pro lists it on their web site for $490. Neither Academy or Cabela's have it. Where in the DFW metromess would you shop for one?

If you are considering shooting 300 yds and want a good rifle that is steady, I'd suggest you get one w/a 26 in tube that the
wgt falls to the front and has a great adjustable trigger...It really doesn't matter how accurate the weapon if the trigger pulls so hard as to affect you shots..Then I'd set up a target where my longest shot would be w/my new rifle and practice. We have a 300 yd range setup at the ranch in Tarpley and have had numerous hunters/shooters over and they mostly can't hit a 55 gallon drum w/a target painted on it..off a mech. rest on a bench
even w/multiple shots...200 to 300 separates a lot of shooters.DD

I agree, which is why I rarely attempt much past 200. I am a very confident out to and <200 but like I said, I haven't attempted 300 since the military where I was about 50% on popups at the qual range. Chris Kyle, I am not!

Checked Bud's online and the Bass Pro price is better.

Tikka T3 w/ Zeiss Conquest 3x9.

I've heard for years that if you are on a limited budget you are better off spending more on your scope than the rifle. This coming from the OP who has hunted with (and has been extreemly successful) with a Rem 700ADL .270 with a cheap Simmons 44Mag scope. I really like the price of the Thompson Venture so I can finally afford to put better glass on top.

id buy the cheapest savage i could find, and put a z3 swaro on it. Should come in around a grand.

Not sure where OP is located but Cabela's is having a sale this weekend on Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 for $299.99.

Ruger American + Leupold VX3 CDS

I've got a marlin xl-7 and leupold VII 3-9x40 that I'm quite happy with. ~650 for everything iirc. DNZ scope mount.

I think I would do something like this:

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=521420 (check out the demo unit for the #4 reticle)

+

http://www.gunsamerica.com/996952845/HOWA_Model_1500_RIFLE_30_06_CAL.htm (call them in Victoria. They have these Howas in a variety of chamberings stacked floor to ceiling in their warehouse - I bought one of them from them and can vouch for that particular rifle)

+

http://swfa.com/DNZ-Lightweight-1-Scopemount-P41652.aspx

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http://www.laxammo.com/ammunition/30-06-sprg-ammo/remington-30-06-sprg-150gr.-20rds/29-211 (x5)

Thanks for all the input everyone! Lots of options I never would have thought about.

It looks like here's in the ballpark of what you're looking for.

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...Mon#Post4024639

plus it saves you some money.

However, given your requirements, here is the way I would personally go with a Tikka in any of the Wally World calibers for about $550 +
these rings
http://swfa.com/Talley-Lightweight-Aluminum-Scopemounts-C746.aspx

and this scope
http://swfa.com/Nikon-4-12x50-Buckmaster-Riflescope-P42207.aspx

My input would be a weathebry vanguard because of accuracy out of box and nice price on it.

Zeiss 3 x p 40mm for 399.99

Ended up going with the TC Venture and Vortex Viper with Warne rings. Very happy with it! Thanks for all the advise and input!