Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- Comparison of the Best 30-06 Rifles
- Features to Consider
- 5 Best 30-06 Rifles
- Best 30-06 Rifle Overall: Remington 783 Bolt-Action Rifle
- Best Budget 30-06 Rifle: Weatherby Vanguard Select 30-06 Springfield Rifle
- Best 30-06 Bolt Action Rifle: Ruger American 30-06 Rifle
- Best 30-06 Rifle for Hunting: Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
- Best 30-06 Rifle for Long-Distance: Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP 30-06 Rifle
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Remington 783 Bolt-Action Rifle
Custom-grade hunting rifle.
Best on a Budget
Weatherby Vanguard Select 30-06 Springfield Rifle
Gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Best for Hunting
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Bolt Action Rifle
Iconic all-around rifle. A classic.
Best for Long-Distance
Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP 30-06 Rifle
Offers unparalleled performance and accuracy.
The 30-06 rifle’s versatility is famous among gun enthusiasts and hunters worldwide. That’s because of its tolerable recoil and its ability to handle small to large game among its other extraordinary qualities. Enough talk, let’s get into the best 30-06 rifle this year.
Comparison of the Best 30-06 Rifles
Model | MSRP | Weight | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remington 783 Bolt-Action Rifle | $514.90 | 8.5 lbs | 4+1 Rounds | 22″ | Black |
Weatherby Vanguard Select 30-06 Springfield Rifle | $499.99 | 7 ¾ lbs | 5+1 Rounds | 24” | Matte, Bead Blasted, Blued |
Ruger American 30-06 Composite Stock Rifle | $449.99 | 6.25 lbs. | 4 Rounds | 22″ | Matte Black |
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Bolt Action Rifle | $849.99 | 7 lbs. | 5 Rounds | 22″ | Brushed Polish, Satin |
Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP 30-06 Rifle | $629 | 8 lbs | 4 Rounds | 22″ | Matte |
Features to Consider
Purpose
The 30-06 rifle is mostly used by hunters. Aside from the features that we mentioned above, its rounds can also be hand-loaded. Most experienced hunters also love its versatility because you can choose heavy or light rounds and this rifle will perform equally well. This allows them to switch loads instead of changing calibers.
For most of these rifles, you can buy short barrels for hunting in thick cover, ultralight versions for hunting out west with long walks, or heavier and more accurate barrels for stands over fields. We’ll judge based on the base model for this post.
Weight
Your rifle’s weight is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re expecting to walk miles in difficult terrain. You don’t want to exhaust your energy carrying a heavy weapon before you can even fire a shot. Heavier models can be more accurate. So if you’ll be choosing a heavy rifle, make sure to train for it and don’t carry unnecessary stuff.
Accuracy
The .30-06 rifle is known for its accuracy most particularly when hunting. But, every gun’s design and manufacturing quality affects the precision of the groups it is capable of. We’ll evaluate which are best with a variety of ammo.
They all work best with a reliable scope, of course. So, go ahead and make the best 30-06 rifle scope combo. We’ll get into that a little bit more in a bit.
Aside from the rifle’s performance, your accuracy depends on how much practice and shooting experience you have. So go to the range as much as you can.
Price
It’s true that most premium rifles are expensive. Thankfully, manufacturers produce high-quality models that are both reliable and affordable, like the Remington 783 that we reviewed in detail below.
5 Best 30-06 Rifles
Best 30-06 Rifle Overall: Remington 783 Bolt-Action Rifle
The Remington 783 is one of the most functional, affordable, and accurate 30-06 bolt-action rifles today.
Its accuracy is supported by a free-floating barreled receiver that attaches to the stock via a dual-pillar bedding platform. Plus, this carbon steel barrel is also button-rifled and underwent precision bluing.
The Remington 783’s bolt has dual, opposing locking lugs that come with a sliding plate-style extractor and a 90-degree lift. It also features a stock that has the trigger guard and front and rear swivel studs molded into it. This rifle loads and unloads swiftly with its detachable steel magazine that fits flush with the stock.
Its smooth CrossFire™ trigger system is also user-adjustable and features a center lever that keeps the trigger locked until it is fully depressed. It also features a 2-position thumb safety (safe and fire).
One downside is that some users find the Supercell Recoil Pad too stiff. If you’d ask us, it manages recoil and does its purpose well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Safety isn’t as convenient as the tang safety
- The molded sling studs are made of low-quality plastic
“This is a great rifle. I don’t personally own one but my dad does. When I turned 18 we decided to get a rifle to go hunting chambered in 7mm rem mag. This was an amazing rifle under 400 dollars and with sub moa accuracy and a great light trigger. The one issue I found was that the scope you had to get closer than normal which is an issue if you don’t properly size yourself up to the gun to handle recoil. The crosshairs on the scope are a bit large too, but it isn’t a huge issue as this is a hunting rifle, not a competitive match rifle. This gun is overall very accurate and has a nice smooth and crisp trigger. I killed my first three deer with this rifle as well.”
“I bought this 2 years ago, and have shot it many times probably over 500 rounds. A lot of reloads, high loads, low loads, copper-jacketed, brass solids. It has been accurate. The scope has held 1 MOA or thereabouts at 100 yards – maybe I got lucky with the scope, but I also have a Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9 x 40 waiting for the day it gives out so I can mount it.”
Best Budget 30-06 Rifle: Weatherby Vanguard Select 30-06 Springfield Rifle
The Weatherby Vanguard Select is an affordable rifle that comes in a simple but rock-solid design. Like our first pick above, it also features a recoil pad.
The Weatherby Vanguard’s overall finish was impressive, including the bead-blasted bluing on the metalwork. The bottom metal didn’t fit as smoothly into the stock, but it’s solid and acceptably functional.
Its black Monte Carlo stock gives off a premium look, so the rifle appears more expensive than its price level. The stock is also made from a hard-wearing rubberized material that allows for optimal grip even in the most extreme circumstances. The forestock’s ribbed design guarantees rugged durability and prevents side-to-side flexing which is common in low-quality stocks.
Pros
- The receiver has an integral recoil lug
- Guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy
- Affordable
Cons
- It’s a little chunky
What Customers Say
“It has the excellent Howa 1500 action which, in my opinion, is better than the Remington 700. The receiver has an integral recoil lug that’s part of the receiver. The action has the AR-15 style extractor, unlike the Remington 700. The bolt handle and bolt body are one piece on the Vanguard/Howa bolt. The Remington 700 is not. I personally like the Weatherby stocks. They feel and shoulder well. Vanguard’s come with an accuracy guarantee.”
“The most accurate rifle I own is also the least expensive, a Weatherby Vanguard in 270. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to buy another Vanguard in 308 because of my experience with them and .99 moa promise. I love expensive rifles but I also love accurate ones. I’m not saying a synthetic stock is as pretty as a wood one but if it’s for hunting it just makes sense to go synthetic .”
Best 30-06 Bolt Action Rifle: Ruger American 30-06 Rifle
The Ruger American 30-06 rifle offers sub-MOA accuracy at $400!
It features a free-floating barrel. This barreled action is firmly embedded into steel V bases and molded into its thermoplastic stock, so metal-to-metal bedding pressure is consistent. This solves the problem of the flexible plastic stock.
The Ruger American 30-06 rifle comes with a full-sized bolt body in a three-lug design. So guide rails and binding are no longer needed as it already slides smoothly as is. Plus, its hammer-forged barrel is fastened to the action with a locking nut, so consistent and precise headspacing is guaranteed.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with a Marksman adjustable trigger
- Comes with a passive trigger-mounted safely
Cons
- The magazine is difficult to feed at times
What Customers Say
“I love the gun and palmetto made it very easy to work with”
“this rifle is probably on the much better side of all of them i have owned. the rifle has so many cool features that makes it a winning gun. it has a 3-lug bolt that makes it so much smoother. it has a user adjustable trigger for 3-5 pounds. and a 4 round rotary magazine for easy cycling. all in all this is a amazing gun for a even better price. you will enjoy it a lot, cause i know i sure have.”
Best 30-06 Rifle for Hunting: Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
Our list of the best 30-06 rifles won’t be complete without the iconic Model 70 Featherweight.
This Winchester 30-06 rifle has been around since 1936 and underwent dozens of improvements. And one of its most highlighted features is the solid feel it provides despite being lightweight. Its polished metal surfaces give off a simple but refined look.
The Model 70’s free-floating barrel that’s cold hammer-forged helps achieve long-range accuracy. The rifle also comes with a single-stage trigger that’s as rugged as military triggers and can be fine-tuned according to your preference. It also features a 1-piece alloy bottom metal that aids in improving accuracy.
The Winchester Model 70’s receiver is made from forged steel and is equipped with an integral recoil lug. This recoil lug is bedded in the front and at the rear to help maintain zero even after a hundred rounds.
Pros
- Three-position safety
- Lightweight
- Pre-64 controlled round feed
- Blade-type ejector
Cons
- Very expensive
What Customers Say
“I got this gun for graduation and I don’t think I could have got a better gift. chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and topped it off with a crossfire scope. Feel like the king of the woods.”
“Bought a model 70 because I prefer: a wood stock in my hands, controlled feed, the three-position thumb safety, the looks and history of the Winchester.”
Best 30-06 Rifle for Long-Distance: Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP 30-06 Rifle
Our last pick guarantees pinpoint accuracy and simplicity, and that’s one reason why it’s one of the best rifles for deer and other game hunting.
This rifle’s barrel is completely free-floated from the receiver ring to the muzzle that helps in maintaining constant zero.
The magazine that comes with the Trophy Hunter XP has a 2 to 4 round capacity and is designed simply but efficiently. It reliably feeds round after round and automatically locks into place. This rifle is equipped with the innovative AccuTrigger system that delivers a custom fit trigger pull without creep or over-travel problems. Its safety features a 3-position design: bolt and trigger lock, lock, and fire; and works easily.
The Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP 30-06 rifle also comes with an Allen wrench tool and an AccuTrigger tool to adjust the scope ring and the trigger pull.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very accurate
- Smooth and uniform rifling
Cons
Heavy recoils cause the stock to touch the barrel at times, affecting accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 30-06 rifle is the best?
The best .30-06 rifle depends on your shooting needs. So you need to be sure and specific as to how you’ll be using it. We picked the best brands suited for every category above. But if you want the best overall 30-06 rifle, we pick the Remington 783. It’s versatile, dependable, and it’s definitely the brand we’ll recommend to any friend who wants to shoot a good 30-06. Check out our more detailed review above.
Is a 30-06 big enough for a grizzly bear?
Yes, the 30-06 rifle works efficiently on both small and big games. If you’ll be using it on a grizzly bear, we suggest loading it with a 200- or 220-grain bullet for optimal penetration.
Is a 30-06 overkill for a deer?
No, in fact, many hunters love using the 30-06 rifle for deer hunting.
Is 30-06 a good sniper rifle?
Yes! In fact, the 30-06 Springfield served as the official sniper rifle of the US Military during World War I. That’s because the 30-06 has good ballistics and outstanding accuracy.
Conclusion
All of our picks above are the best of the best. So we hope we made it easier for you to decide which brand is best for your intended use, whether it’s for hunting or for long-range shooting. Pair your new rifle with the best 30-06 scope for a better shooting performance.
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