30-06 rifle Suggestion $1500 (CZ, Tikka, Nosler...)

[everestwc]

I'm in search of a new deer/ elk rifle.
I currently have a M995 Sako 30.06 (that will be going up for sale) and want to go with a newer, lighter hunting rifle.
I am looking at something under 7 lbs (rifle only) and as weatherproof as possible.
I would like a quality stock such as the one on a new Nosler. I would like to have it cerakoted from new or after purchase.
I want a very accurate gun out to 300 yds that doesn't mind factory ammo. (I don't know the first thing about hand loading and don't plan to get into it. I'm more of an archery guy.)
My rifle budget tops out at $1500 (but I in no way need to spend it all.)
I am leaning heavily towards a 30-06 again.

Please let me know what you would choose and why.

My current possible list is below in no particular order:

Nosler Patriot
CZ 557 Sporter Manners
Tikka T3 lite (replace stock)
Sako 85 (I dislike the aesthetic of the two-tone stock though)
Kimber Montana (reviews have scared me though)

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[ofl0926]

Weatherby Mark V

Love this damn rifle. I have three of them lol

 

[gelton]

If you plan on reloading and want to get to the lands you will likely have to modify the Tikka as the detachable mag is too short. My dad has one and its a fine shooting rifle but he cant shoot my reloaded ammo with the mag. I have a weatherby backcountry that is in your price range with very similar weights of the Tikka Lite and Kimber Montana...mine is in 300 WM.

No detachable mag and the magwell handles my longer reloads just fine. And it comes cerakoted from the factory.

 

[everestwc]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I wasn't familiar with this Weatherby. Seems like a nice package.

 

[Yellowknife]

Curious why you are ditching the M995? I had one of those in .375 H&H for a while, and while it wasn't perfect, it wasn't bad either. Fit and finish were flawless on my copy and it shot great.

If you don't like the two tone Sako, Euro Optic currently has some all black versions for a very reasonable price. If I was currently 30-06 shopping, those would be high on the list. http://www.eurooptic.com/sako-85-synthetic-black-30-06-spr-jrs1c20.aspx

On the original subject though, the Winchester Extreme Weather would be another one to consider. I currently use a Tikka '06 for most things, and it's hard to find much to complain about from a function point of view. A Mcmillan Sako type stock would certainly improve the feel and ergonomics though.

Yk

 

[camping1601]

I've been very happy with my Tikka T3-lite stainless-synthetic. I bought it to be my all weather mountain and I treat it like a $50 gun. No regrets.

 

[NEhunter]

Sako finnlight or the all black version that yellow posted would be my top choices.

 

[6mm Remington]

I think I would do either a Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS or a Montana Rifle Company Extreme X2 rifle in 30-06. Both would be fantastic.

http://montanarifleco.com/?page_id=180

 

[mtnwrunner]

My vote would be for a tikka t3 lite with a manners carbon stock. Saweeet setup and it would be in your budget.
And accurate as hell.

Randy

 

[husky390]

I have a Kimber Montana and after fondling the Sako Finnlight I was half tempted to sell the Kimber and buy the Sako. Unfortunately I saw something shiny (other guns) so now that thought is on the backburner. You might be able to hydrodip the stock if you don't like the two tone.

 

[NaturalJon]

I have the sako finnlight. I have several rifles that I've built that I'm really attached too, but this rifle has become my favorite out of them all.

 

[striker3]

My vote would be for a tikka t3 lite with a manners carbon stock. Saweeet setup and it would be in your budget.
And accurate as hell.

Randy

I have been tempted with that exact setup. I have a Manners tactical stocked rifle and now any other kind of stock just feels subpar.

 

[Matt W.]

My vote would be for a tikka t3 lite with a manners carbon stock. Saweeet setup and it would be in your budget.
And accurate as hell.

Randy

What that arrangement end up weighing? Still use the Tikka mag or does it convert to a blind magazine?

 

[striker3]

The manners website says the stock weighs in at 23-26 ounces with a 1/2" recoil pad. It can be inletted for the factory bottom metal, or a CDI DBM.

 

[Matt W.]

Curious as to how that differs from OEM. As is the Superlight rifle is 6lbs, does the Manners add weight or subtract weight?

 

[striker3]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. I found this old thread that said the factory stock is 28oz, so there is a few ounces saved. I don't know what the difference between the factory bottom metal and the CDI version. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?8652-Tikka-T3-Lite-let-s-make-it-lighter I know that for comfort of use and warranty, you can't beat Manners.

 

[mtluckydan]

I would take a look at the Forbes Rifle - it will meet the weight, accuracy and price requirements. Also, no clip to lose. I think they are available in stainless now, but if you are going to cerakote it really doesn't matter. I am not a 3006 fan because of recoil and l like short action rifles, but the caliber is proven. You will be under 7lbs scoped and probably with ammo.

 

[everestwc]

Anyone have any knowledge of the CZ 557 Sporter with the Manners stock? I have a CZ in 22Hornet which seems to be an excellent rifle.

 

[JP100]

+1 for the Tikka.
I have shot alot of Tikkas and they shoot the best with all types of ammo over other rifles I have used.
they are simple and work.

 

[Big Sky]

I have a Nosler rifle in 30-06 and it matches everything thing you are looking for. For there price they are a hell of a rifle.