Wanting to add a 30.06 to the collection. I'd like stay under $500. Have a fondness for wooden stocks, but understand and know the practicality of a synthetic.

Anybody recommend something they are using that may fit the bill?

Blued Tikka, Savage 111

I just picked up a stainless savage axis xp in 30-06 and it fits the bill just fine. Less than 400 out the door

I just handled a Ruger Amarican and I was pretty impressed.

All Polished Blue Steel barrel, receiver and bottom metal, CRF extraction, oil finished wood stocks & on sale on line at Impact Guns in a limited calibers choices at $399 in a M70 Zastava Mauser.

This is a Serbian made classic 98 Mauser design with minor variants that has been sold in the US under lots of names like the Interarms Mark X, Parker Hale, Whitworth yadda yadda since the 1950's. Bolt is a old style extra strong 3 lug, and the current NIB stuff is a little rougher than the FN's that you can't touch for any where near that price in 50% rough WW II MilSurp's, but like the similar '98 variant CZ 550's built in the Czech Republic under the BRNO brand since the 1930's that are now pushing $800 NIB and have just been discontinued in favor of a more modern aka cheaper to build receiver....the Zastava M70's are equal shooters to the noted accuracy of the hand made CZ's. It would not surprise me to see NIB CZ 550 Americans hit over $1000 in next couple years. The recent Discontiue Announcement, said that only the CZ 550 Full Stock would continue in production for the time being...aka they got a lot of 'em in the warehouse leftover! LOL!

Zastava's a Great gun at $400 in old fashioned over built lifetime ownership workmanship.

Zastava is one of the original mfg'ers of the so called "Commercial Mausers". Remmy imported them for 3 years as a Model 798 with a wood colored plastic stock. Zastava's also come in a Mini Mauser M85.
Ron

Agreed

you should be able to pick up a used Rem. 700 with wood for under $500, and it will probably have a scope on it.

700 combo

They sell these same combos here for around $1500.....

I'd go with the Tikka before any of the other suggestions. Everything about my Tikka impresses me. Even the safety does - the way the top seems machined (even if it isn't) and clicks on and off so sharply.

If you can get the Tikka in your price range, I highly recommend it. I just think it's a step up from the Savage or the Remington, and not just a little step.

Start hitting the pawn shops with cash in hand. They usually have several brands of 30-06, 270, and 300 Win Mag in their racks. During hunting season probably isn't the best time - wait till a couple of month after the end when they come out of pawn.

I bought a Howa .25-06 from this seller a number of years ago. I love it.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/986275654/HOWA_Model_1500_RIFLE_30_06_CAL.htm

Best deal out there on a wood stocked rifle

Remington ADL for $499.95

Oops! Someone already posted it.

Agreed. Two very good choices there. I personally use a Savage 111.

Rem 74-740-742s run around $300-350

My wife bought me a Rem 700 ADL with Camo stock at Bass Pro last weekend for 499.00 even came with a free case.

A Rem 700 ADL or a Tikka T3 will be the ticket if it falls in your budget. Many times you can find a gently used one for very good prices. If you live anywhere near SW Ft Worth check out Firearms Unlimited on Westcreek Dr. He has three gently used wood stock Win Mod 70's in 30/06, 270 Win and .308 in the $500 price range.

I have an NEF single shot in .30-06. It was my first high power rifle (bought it years ago). Have been using it ever since. Just recently I bought a Tikka T3 in .25-06.

Axis 308: I'd get a name brand American rifle like Remington, etc.
I've said it before but it needs repeating....
Eat at McDonald's, buy your girlfriend drug store candy, but never, ever try to save money buying a gun. You are an AMERICAN you have a right and duty to own the best of firearms. Sure you might spend another $100 or so- you'll never regret it.

I bought a Rem 770 in .270 and could not be happier. Have taken four deer with it and it has been spot on every time. They run brand new $349 with a scope.

also pls consider:
http://www.whittakerguns.com/used_rifle.htm

Rem 700 and ad a boyds stock to it. These newer generation of "budget" rifles kinda baffle me. Hell some of them cost more than the 700 and aren't near half the gun.


Somewhere above someone mentioned the M70 Zastava or something like that. Centerfire has a bunch of different ones and I have my eye on the 22 hornet if it ever comes into stock there.

A rem 700 doesn't have "controlled feed" but don't confuse controlled feed with accuracy. Generally a Rem 700 is very accurate although you'll need premium ammunition or reloads. The Rem 700 trigger is set at around 7 pounds because of liability and they shellac the parts. You can break that setting and adjust the trigger down to 2 1/2 lb pull- NO reason to buy an after market trigger. The new Savage- I've heard good things- minute of angle (1" at 100 yards) accuracy right out of the box.

Zastava
Weatherby Vanguard S2
Remington 700 ADL(with trigger adjustment or a Timney).

I got a 30-06 Tikka T3 Lite for Christmas from my wife. The trigger is crisp and the bolt is super smooth. I haven't shot it yet but all I heard was it's a shooter. 599.00 in Academy!