Firearms enthusiasts have latched onto the .30-06 when it was first introduced in 1906. Modern guns rival the old standby, but hunters worldwide remain loyal.
One reason for the gun’s popularity, other than tradition, is that there were many rifles sold through military surplus outlets. Guns have been handed down from father to son (or daughter), making their place in history a certainty.
The history and ruggedness of the .30-06 is one of the main reasons the gun remains popular as a hunting and target rifle.
Some say the recoil on a .30-06 is at the upper end of what the average shooter can handle, so the weapon is chosen over others with a larger caliber ammunition.
.30-06 Ammo is rarely in short supply which is another reason to make it part of your arsenal. If you’ve never used a .30-06, the following rifles might give you a reason to try.
Best .30-06 Rifles
Remington Model 783 Bolt-Action Rifle
The Model 783 is a good starter model with a matching price. Novice shooters will have an easy time learning on this gun, although it is slightly less accurate than other models. Choosing the right ammunition will help its accuracy.
Experts call the CZ-USA 557 the heavyweight of modern .30-06 rifles. The gun is slightly more expensive than other models, but the quality can be seen in the details. It is an excellent rifle that can withstand heavy wear and tear.
Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Bolt-Action Rifle
The Vanguard is a budget model for Weatherby and doesn’t have the same features of a Weatherby Magnum. The gun is versatile, and the shooter has the option of purchasing a less expensive ammo. Although the price is on the lower end, the quality of workmanship is still apparent.
Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Centerfire Rifle
The Winchester Model 70 is the gun that started it all. It is the rifle that will be handed down from generation to generation along with tall tales of hunting adventures. The workmanship is top-notch, and it is built to last.
Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker Bolt-Action Rifle
This bolt-action rifle is an excellent choice for those on a budget. The light weight makes it ideal for hunters with snowy hills to climb, but demand accuracy and high performance.
Kimber Mountain Ascent Bolt-Action Rifle
The Mountain Ascent is a specialty firearm. It has the features you’d expect from a premium weapon and carries a price tag to match. Hunters that require an ultra-lightweight weapon will be pleased with the starting weight of 4 pounds, 13 ounces. The quality and precision are backed by Kimber.
Conclusion
The .30-06 rifle remains an iconic gun, even in the presence of lighter and more powerful weapons. The cartridge is reported as the most used hunting ammo in the US. It is commonly used for deer hunting but can handle large game as well as any competition match.