The .30-06 cartridge first saw use in the military in 1906 and was effective at its job. Fast forward to now and the .30-06 still sees use as a hunting cartridge and a very popular one at that. The versatility of this cartridge has led best .30-06 rifles being produced.
If you were looking for a good rifle then this article might prove valuable to you as it will give information on the best 30-06 rifles to buy in 2023.
We will also try to ease you into the various aspects of the .30-06 rifles and try to answer various questions regarding it so that new hunters can get a good idea about .30-06 rifles.
Top .30-06 Rifles Comparison in 2023
| Model | Barrel Length | Gun Weight | Round Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browning AB3 Composite Stalker | 22″ | 4 + 1 | 6 lbs. | Check Price |
| Winchester Model 70 Featherweight | 22″ | 5 + 1 | 7 lbs. | Check Price |
| Remington 783 Bolt-Action | 22″ | 4 + 1 | 8.5 lbs. | Check Price |
| Savage Axis XP Bolt-Action | 22″ | 4 + 1 | 7.36 lbs. | Check Price |
| Browning BLR Lightweight | 22″ | 5 | 7.4 lbs. | Check Price |
Uses For a .30-06
Here are some great uses for the best .30-06 rifles.
Hunting
While the best .30-06 rifles initially saw use as a prime military weapon, it is now primarily used for hunting, especially big game hunting.
This includes deer, elk, and even bears. Best .30-06 rifles pack a lot of firepowers as expected of a military weapon which makes it a prime choice for hunting as it can take down many of the targets in one shot which is essential in hunting.
Self Defence And Other Uses
The other uses for .30-06 rifles include using it for protection and target practice. While there are other firearms better suited for those tasks the .30-06 can manage.
How Accurate Is A .30-06?
There are quite a few variables that affect the accuracy of a .30-06. This includes both the length of the barrel as well as the weight of the rounds used. So the best we can offer is an estimate of the effective accuracy of the most .30-06 rifles.
Generally, they have an effective accuracy of around 500 to 600 yards. So you can expect to reliably hit targets even 500 to 600 yards away with them, and some of the best long-range ones can hit up to 700 yards.
Top Best .30-06 Rifles Review
The rifles in this list take note of various factors and are meant to be taken as a comprehensive list that details different.30-06 rifles and looks at what makes them the best.
1. RUGER – M77® HAWKEYE® GUIDE GUN RIFLE .30-06 SPRINGFIELD
The first on our list is the Ruger American Hawkeye, a classic bolt action rifle of American origin and one of the best 30-06 rifles.
Featuring style, versatility, and function, this rifle is a good all-rounder and contender for the best rifle overall and a solid pick. It hits hard and is quite easy to use featuring a solid grip and laminate stock.
This guy weighs in at 8 pounds and has a capacity of 4+1 rounds. Adjustable front and rear sights also ensure good performance and comfort when using it.
Like most Ruger rifles, the Hawkeye also comes with the ability to mount Ruger scopes that will also improve your large game hunting experience. It makes use of a hinged floorplate magazine which makes cartridge removal fast and easy.
The Hawkeye features overall great performance, enhanced ergonomics in its design making it easy to handle. You can mount scopes on it to help aim well.
It is all you can ask for in bolt action and is incredibly reliable. Many hunters find it to be a good contender for the title of the best 30-06 rifle.
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2. BROWNING – BLR LIGHTWEIGHT
Browning’s BLR lightweight is a lever-action rifle with strength and reliability that rivals most bolt action ones. It’s compact and lighter (weighing in at 7.25 pounds) making for a great aid and easy to carry around on hunting grounds. The front sight is fixed but the rear sight is adjustable.
The BLR has several characteristics that make it a top pick for a .30-06 hunting rifle. Its claim to fame is its amazingly fast cycling action that allows for quick follow up shots which can prove necessary in bear hunts.
Aiding this fast cycling action is the precision machined barrel that reduces stress and allows more accurate second shots. Aside from these, it also features scope mounts and a strong magazine that protect bullet tips from being damaged. The bolt locks are extremely secure making the gun safe to use.
Overall, this is a solid lever-action .30-06 rifle that works best in time-restrictive scenarios where a follow-up shot is all you need. Even outside of that, it is quite reliable.
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3. MOSSBERG – PATRIOT RIFLE 22IN
At first glance, the Mossberg’s Patriot rifle might look like it belongs more in a gun rack or display than it does out hunting, but you’ll find yourself quite incorrect in assuming that. As attractive as this hunting rifle looks with its sleek and well-crafted design, it performs very well.
The Mossberg’s Patriot has all the great qualities of your typical bolt action rifle featuring fluted barrels and a recessive crown for greater accuracy. The knurled bolt handles allow for good grip and help with follow-up shots.
It is also popular for its adjustable trigger that can be adjusted as per your needs making this rifle comfortable to use. Adding to its comfortable usage is its walnut and laminate stock which gives it great grip even in rainy conditions. The dropbox magazine allows for convenient changing of your magazines.
The patriot rifle combines style with performance and with it weighing in at 7.25 pounds, makes it easy to carry around. All in all, a very reliable and comfortable bolt action rifle with an amazing design.
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4. NOREEN FIREARMS BN36X3 CARBINE-X
BN36X3 is a thing of beauty. It is an AR rifle that makes use of direct gas impingement. Weighing in at just 7 pounds, it is also quite robust being made out of aluminum. Yet, it is quite balanced as its design promotes ease of use and is comfortable to hold and fire.
The rifle makes use of 20 round magazines. It comes with the Luth-AR stock which allows the comfortable shouldering of the rifle helping to target and shoot more easily. It also includes the useful Noreen match trigger that allows for comfort and precise shooting.
Noreen’s BN36X3 combines many of the desirable qualities of other 30.06 rifles and fits them into a light and sleek package. The side charging mechanism is a helpful aid for people who were used to using bolt action rifles.
Overall, an amazing pick if you are looking for an AR .30-06 rifle.
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5. SAVAGE ARMS – AXIS RIFLE
This hunting rifle is all about precision shooting and it is so good at its job that it is worth recommending. Savage Arms is known for making high-quality firearms and this one is no exception.
The Axis is much lighter weighing in at 6.5 pounds. Carbon steel was used to construct the precision barrel which results in the rifle being lighter. This makes it easy to carry by making use of a sling allowing you to traverse the hunting grounds with your rifle at the ready.
A 3×9 scope is also present and is an integral part of its precision shooting. The scope gives a wide field of view and high-quality images making long-distance shooting much easier. The effective range of this rifle easily reaches up to 600 yards.
Newbie hunters needing a rifle to help you get them into hunting, the Axis is everything they need for big game hunting. Superior firepower, range, precision, and easy to use make it a favorite of many hunters.
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6. WINCHESTER – MODEL 70 FEATHERWEIGHT RIFLE
Probably the classiest rifle on this list, this bolt action rifle doesn’t feature much of the flair of the previous rifles in the list but is still a reliable and affordable option. As the name suggests, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is light, weighing in at 7 pounds but still sports impressive firepower that’s enough for large game hunting while being easy to carry around.
The Winchester Model 70 rifle is an amazing pick for quick hunting. The main reason is that there is a perfect balance between the weight and the firepower.
It features a hinged floorplate magazine for easy changing of cartridges along with a polymer stock that is designed to allow easy shouldering of the rifle.
All in all, this is a classic and reliable bolt action rifle that has been quite a mainstay. The wood finish adds an impressive aesthetic appeal to the rifle.
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7. REMINGTON – 783 Rifle
New hunters will often have trouble picking their first hunting rifle as there can be many factors to deciding it and some rifles may not be beginner-friendly. If you’re looking for a good .30-06 Springfield rifle to start your hunting career then look no further than Remington Model 783.
The Remington 783 focuses on being a beginner-friendly rifle and features precision enhancing additions to help a beginner aim much more easily. And the attached scope helps with long-distance shots. Many beginners will find themselves relying on the scope during the first few hunts.
Now, the weight of the Remington 783 is 7.25 pounds, which makes it a bit heavier than some other rifles on the list but still manageable in most cases. The stock is made out of polymer and has a great finish.
Overall, it is really easy to pick up and one of the best choices for a beginner.
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8. BROWNING ARMS CO. – BROWNING AB3
For precision shooting at affordable prices, the Browning AB3 is a great choice for hunters. This one is one of Browning Arm’s best rifles. The superior accuracy and amazing design put it in a class of its own.
The barrel is made out of stainless steel and has a fluted exterior. This helps prevent heat build-up from firing shots and increases the longevity of your rifle. A muzzle brake also helps with follow-up shots. The barrel of the AB3 can also be fitted with a sound suppressor for reducing the heat and sound during firing.
It also features an adjustable stock that is quite durable and usable during many harsh weather conditions like hunting in the rain. It also includes recoil pads that help to reduce recoil and make the rifle easier to use.
This rifle is a solid all-rounder with good features and performance with a reasonable price tag
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9. SAVAGE ARMS – 11/111 TROPHY HUNTER XP
Some notable aspects make the Trophy Hunter such a good pick and worthy of the name. It features all of the general positive qualities of a bolt action rifle with the precision of most Savage Arms rifles.
Amazing design and a well-constructed barrel ensure your shots are straight and accurate. Helping you with this is the Nikon scope that comes with this particular rifle.
The scope is generally found to be one of the most useful rifle scopes and helps with aiming. It covers a wide field of view and provides a high-quality image and magnification. An incredibly well-designed rifle alongside one of the best scopes makes for a powerful combination!
The firepower is good enough for big game hunting and features a synthetic stock. It is one of the best .30-06 hunting rifles for precision shooting but on the heavier side.
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10. Browning BAR Mark II Safari Rifle
Amongst semi-automatic hunting rifles, the Browning Mark II stands out. The first thing that will strike you is the classy look of the rifle featuring a gorgeous finish and unique design. This rifle isn’t just for show though. It’s quite reliable and packs a punch.
The rifle weighs in at 7 pounds with a steel sporter barrel. Its hinged floorplate magazine makes for easier replacement during hunting. And the polymer recoil pad reduces recoil. You can also mount a scope to increase accuracy.
Finally, Browning’s Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System helps with follow-up shots. This can be customized to your liking which makes this rifle a powerful tool for many veteran hunters.
The BAR Mark II features a lot of good and amazing qualities that push it ahead of other semi-automatic rifles and earn it a spot on this list amongst the other best .30-06 rifles.
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Buying Guide to Consider
Here are some things you want to look out for when buying a .30-06 rifle.
The firepower of best .30-06 rifles
Rifles, in general, have great firepower which lends them to be used in large game hunting to hunt hogs, elks, and bears. You’ll want your rifle to be powerful enough to stop the elk or hog in one shot.
Generally, rifles with longer barrels allow for the bullet to reach greater velocities before leaving and thus tend to hit harder.
Ease of Making a Follow-Up Shot
While follow-up shots aren’t always necessary in some hunts, you’ll find it necessary to make a follow-up shot. Some rifles are better at this than others with muzzle brakes to help reposition faster after the initial shot.
If you feel like you need to make use of follow-up shots, it is important to keep this in mind.
Accuracy and Effective Range of best .30-06 rifles
Another important factor is the accuracy and effective range of the gun. If you’re going to be doing some long-distance shooting, having a rifle that has a large effective range and a good scope will help immensely.
Some rifles are made to reduce bullet deviation in both initial and following shots which will generally help most hunters.
Weight and Ease of Carrying
The weight of your rifle is an important thing to take into consideration. Many times, you’ll need to walk for long durations to locate either a good vantage point or a particular animal you want to hunt. Carrying a heavy rifle can easily cause fatigue which can slow down your reaction time and cause you to miss.
Some rifles can have slings attached to them so that one can easily carry them on their shoulder and also draw them when necessary. Being able to easily draw your rifle into firing mode is essential to catching tricky prey.
Ease of Use of best .30-06 rifles
This is something to take into consideration if you’re a newbie hunter. Rifles pack power but fumbling with your equipment in the middle of a hunt is not a good idea. Some rifles are easier to pick up and much more comfortable to shoulder and use due to recoil pads and a comfortably built stock.
Some rifles with adjustable triggers are also helpful so you can customize them for a better fit. An easy-to-use rifle can improve your hunting prowess a lot.
Price
Rifles are pretty expensive. You might be eyeing the newest model with a shiny finish and lots of features, but you need to at times stop and ask yourself whether you’ll need all that.
Rifles have varying prices and sometimes a cheaper and easy-to-use rifle can be all you need. So, consider the price carefully when buying a rifle.
The Extreme Versatility of the best .30-06 rifles
When the .30-06 was first introduced it was revolutionary. Even now with new cartridges being introduced, the .30-06 still finds use amongst hunters.
One major reason is that for hunting, it can compete with other rounds used in hunting but is smaller and produces recoil. The other major reason is the versatility of the best .30-06 rifles.
The best .30-06 rifles work even with different grain sizes which save hunters from having to invest in multiple guns. While Springfield .30-06 mostly makes use of 150 grains, it can also make use of the extremes of both 55 and 220 grains (used in bear hunting).
This versatility allows a hunter to make do with one best .30-06 rifle as they can be used in many different scenarios.
With this inherent versatility combined with advancements in gun-making and ballistics, it’s no surprise that the .30-06 has withstood the test of time and will probably continue to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites to buying rifles?
You will need a Firearms License and need to meet a certain age requirement as stated by many of the manufacturers of the rifles in this list.
Does my rifle lose accuracy after use?
Yes. Firing rounds produces a large amount of heat and eventually, this can cause some damage to the parts of your rifle. While how long this takes varies from rifle to rifle, generally expect it to happen after 3000-4000 rounds.
What grains should I use for my .30-06?
It depends. If you have no fixed purpose in mind, you will generally want something between 130 to 145 grains. They’re usually the most commonly used ones.
Can I change my rifle scope?
Some rifles do have detachable scopes that you can remove and mount a different scope. A Torx screwdriver will help.
Is there anything else a beginner should buy?
Goggles and ear protection are recommended to buy if you’re new to the scene.
Final Words
Hopefully, this article has helped to narrow down your options and give you some insight into which best .30-06 rifles to use. There are many to choose from but going through your requirements will often help to narrow it down and make the best purchase possible.