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

Big Sky... Can you elaborate on your experience with the Nosler? Is it a Patriot? As I've seen them priced at $1500.
 
Montana Rifle Company Extreme X2: Best of the 98 Mauser and Winchester Model 70 with some of their own refinements all built into one rifle! Made in Montana USA!

Next rifle I get will be one of those in a 6mm Remington!
 
everestwc said:
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!
Click to expand...

Kimber Montana's have come quite a long ways recently - I swore them off completely then went back and was pleasantly surprised - also google "Montana tinkering" on you tube, quite enlightening although I suspect the smiths at Kimber watched it too
 
Kimber Montana and SWFA 6x with the mil quad reticle. Simple and deadly.
 
Don't fear the Kimbers!!!

You can have one sub 5 pounds with "optics" (a peep and front sight install) :)



Or 5.7 pounds with a scope on it in QD rings.


I have owned 5 Kimbers now and all of them shoot atleast one load MOA....which is more than I need as I am good with 1.5 MOA given the distances I shoot.

Granted I could be just one lucky SOB, but I bought my first Kimber in 2010 and haven't had a bad one between now and then.
 
I recently went through a similar search for another rifle and considered several of your choices. I was looking for a new rifle in .270. Here are my thoughts:

I have a CZ 550 in 30-06 that is a limited edition. It is easily my most favored rifle. However, it is a wood stock that is heavy. I had to glass bed the action, relieve the magazine box and replace the trigger with a timney. Now, it's my most accurate rifle. It's well balanced and relatively smooth to cycle. It is not a mountain rifle, however.

I looked at the 557, but it's not the same level of finish. It does, however, have a great stock in the manners. I think total weight was outside of what you are looking for.

I have another CZ as well in a larger caliber. They take some work, the actions take some time to smooth out, but they solid. They also tend to be heavier.

I own two Tikka's. One is a 30-06 in a B&C stock. It's very smooth, very accurate, and lightweight. The other is a hunter in 6.5x55. It's uber accurate and lightweight as well. The triggers on both are outstanding. I just didn't want another Tikka, but it's hard to go wrong here.

I looked hard at the Kimber and have handled a bunch. I really wanted to get one, but have just read too many reports on issues with them and I didn't feel like playing the lottery. Enough said.

I looked hard at the Nosler. It seems to fit what you are looking for with features. However, the stock, I believe, is just another B&C. While I like the one I have, it's nothing special. It was in the running.

I looked at the LAW. Great stock, nice action, coated, lightweight. The price is pushing your ceiling. However, I have read some poor reviews on QC. That was enough for me to walk away given it was a new introduction .

I looked at the Coopers as well. Heavier option in a B&C stock for more cash. The action is awesome, but it seemed expensive given the total package.

I looked at the Mauser M12. I love this gun. Balance is great, action is super smooth, trigger was good. We had a finalist. It's right at your max.

So...I bought a Sako 85 black. Trigger is awesome, it's very light, and the action is another level of smooth. It's an upgrade on the Tikka. This one is a shooter. While I have read some issue with ejecting into the scope tube, I haven't had that problem. The stock, while not a Manner's, is fine. It's very stiff. For the current price from Eurooptic, it's tough to pass up. I have no regrets.

Long write-up, but having gone through the same thing just a few months ago, I thought this might help in your process.
 
Spin... Thanks so much! I appreciate your input. You do seem to have gone down the same road!
 
mtluckydan said:
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.
Click to expand...


Forbes is out of business as of now. Supposedly reorganizing though. Right now, Kimber is making the best light rifle, hands down.
 
spin said:
I recently went through a similar search for another rifle and considered several of your choices. I was looking for a new rifle in .270. Here are my thoughts:

I have a CZ 550 in 30-06 that is a limited edition. It is easily my most favored rifle. However, it is a wood stock that is heavy. I had to glass bed the action, relieve the magazine box and replace the trigger with a timney. Now, it's my most accurate rifle. It's well balanced and relatively smooth to cycle. It is not a mountain rifle, however.

I looked at the 557, but it's not the same level of finish. It does, however, have a great stock in the manners. I think total weight was outside of what you are looking for.

I have another CZ as well in a larger caliber. They take some work, the actions take some time to smooth out, but they solid. They also tend to be heavier.

I own two Tikka's. One is a 30-06 in a B&C stock. It's very smooth, very accurate, and lightweight. The other is a hunter in 6.5x55. It's uber accurate and lightweight as well. The triggers on both are outstanding. I just didn't want another Tikka, but it's hard to go wrong here.

I looked hard at the Kimber and have handled a bunch. I really wanted to get one, but have just read too many reports on issues with them and I didn't feel like playing the lottery. Enough said.

I looked hard at the Nosler. It seems to fit what you are looking for with features. However, the stock, I believe, is just another B&C. While I like the one I have, it's nothing special. It was in the running.

I looked at the LAW. Great stock, nice action, coated, lightweight. The price is pushing your ceiling. However, I have read some poor reviews on QC. That was enough for me to walk away given it was a new introduction .

I looked at the Coopers as well. Heavier option in a B&C stock for more cash. The action is awesome, but it seemed expensive given the total package.

I looked at the Mauser M12. I love this gun. Balance is great, action is super smooth, trigger was good. We had a finalist. It's right at your max.

So...I bought a Sako 85 black. Trigger is awesome, it's very light, and the action is another level of smooth. It's an upgrade on the Tikka. This one is a shooter. While I have read some issue with ejecting into the scope tube, I haven't had that problem. The stock, while not a Manner's, is fine. It's very stiff. For the current price from Eurooptic, it's tough to pass up. I have no regrets.

Long write-up, but having gone through the same thing just a few months ago, I thought this might help in your process.
Click to expand...

Great write up ! On the Kimber they seem to have attacked the QC issue with a vengeance - I suspect someone at Kimber saw the "Montana tinkering" video on you tube and took issue at the shop
 
I just booked a trip to Vegas to attend the SCI show (and have a little vacation with the wife, she LOVES that show) Since I can't afford any of the high dollar hunts they sell there I will be stopping in at virtually every rifle sales booth I come across - The only rifles I would consider buying right now, in addition to Kimber Montana and Tikka superlight that is, would be the Sako 85 and Model 70 EW but that could change - the ONE thing I just cannot get my head wrapped around is a 2 function safety with a non-locked down bolt - I hunt a lot with a buddy who shoots an older Jarrett built on a Rem 700 action and he's found it open and rounds missing several times over the years -
 
That's good to know about the 700 lock down...have a loaner here that I cut down for kids.

I've got two CZs that are very accurate and reliable but the lightweight of Kimbers got my attention some years back and all five of em <1".
I find myself grabbing a light Kimber from the safe 90% of the time.
 
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