T3x In .30-06 Recoil/Scope Bite

[98TJ10]

I’m a relatively new centerfire rifle shooter and currently have a 6.5cm Tikka. I couldn’t help but notice the .30-06 T3x is on sale for a reasonable price…I already have ammo for my Garand and trying not to add another caliber. My concern is recoil and potential scope bite. I’m 150lb and fine with recoil but scope bite is a serious concern for me. Am I foolish for wanting to pick one up just because it’s on sale and could viably be my “do everything” rifle if I ever move out west. A limbsaver would be going on it day 1. Thoughts? I have a NIB Burris Fullfield which may make a nice budget combo. Thank you in advance.

 

[dsotm]

It won’t do anything your 6.5 won’t already do honestly. Buying a new gun is never a bad idea though.

 

[waspocrew]

You already have a do-all rifle with your 6.5. If you get the Tikka and hate it, you can always sell it.

 

[Brontosaurus]

The 6.5 CM will absolutely work as a do all rifle out west. Many members on here including myself have killed elk successfully with the 6.5 and good bullets. Take the money you were going to spend on the 30 06 and put it towards upgrading your scope, getting a rokstock, or buying bulk ammo for practice. Don't buy a 30 06 for performance reasons.

 

[freezerfull]

Shooting prone uphill and the similar would be the possible scope bite scenario. With the butt back against your shoulder and a good cheek weld in this position it would not be an issue with a scope with typical eye relief. Now if your used to free recoiling light calibers and not applying a consistent cheek weld then your going to have issues. Work on consistent and good form in supported positions, do not free recoil or let it slap back against you. A lightweight unbraked 06 would not cross my mind as a rifle I’d be concerned about scope to face issues. I’d suggest buying if you have the munitions and components! You could always get it threaded for a brake if you don’t like it.

 

[Braaap]

My buddy has been hunting with a Tikka in 30-06 for 5 years. He has had trouble shooting it well due to recoil. Last year I loaned him a Tikka in 6.5cm to try and he’s now selling his 30-06. He killed a bull elk with my rifle at 439 yards, one shot, no drama. Like others have said the 6.5cm does everything the 30-06 will do, but with way less recoil and you’ll probably be a better shooter because of that.

 

[TaperPin]

Getting bitten by a scope is both really easy to do and just as easy to prevent.

Scope should be mounted as low as possible, which gets your cheek down on the stock where it’s more likely to be in a consistent place at every shot. Then the scope should be as far forward as possible when in a natural shooting position - just barely to the point a full field of view is seen is just right. Get into position, close your eyes, readjust your position and open your eyes and slide the scope back just until that full field of view is seen. Scope eye relief can vary as much as an inch between scope models, stay away from those with the shortest eye relief. Avoid oddball shooting positions contorting yourself in ways that allows you to climb the stock and get that eye set up for a scope cut.

Like was said above, pull the recoil pad into your shoulder and don’t allow it to free recoil.

Do these things and you’ll never get cut by the scope.

 

[TxxAgg]

Been there. Too much recoil. It’s not fun.

 

[Brewski]

I only own two rifles a 6.5CM and a 3006 and I hunt with the 6.5 90% of hunts since purchasing. Easier to shoot and flatter shot. Save your money.