Preferred hunting rifle for under $600

[AZ_Five56]

I’m starting to lean towards the Ruger American “go wild” in 30-06. Anyone have any experience with it? Or better yet, does anyone know anywhere in the southeast valley that has it or any Ruger American rifle in stock? I’ve never handled one. I’ve read that some people find them to feel very cheap. I’m curious how it feels in hand.

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/203895

I've never shot one of these, but I have several Rugers. They're pretty good guns. This is kind of cheap rifle compared to what else is out there, so I wouldn't be surprised that people report them feeling that way. They may be referring to the synthetic stock feeling cheap as they often do. I wouldn't worry about that on something like this. I'd be more concerned about how smooth it is to actuate the action and the quality of the trigger. Those are the things that are going to bother me more.

I just did a quick search to see what's out there, and someone posted a 30-06 Weatherby Vanguard today. I don't know how good the Cabelas scope is that comes on it, but if I were you, for $550 I'd snatch this thing up in a heartbeat. https://www.armslist.com/posts/10630270/phoenix-arizona-rifles-for-sale--weatherby-vanguard--30-06-bolt-action-with-cabellas-3-12x40-scope--bipod---sling-inventory---g-27752-1-

 

[BananaHands]

I’m starting to lean towards the Ruger American “go wild” in 30-06. Anyone have any experience with it? Or better yet, does anyone know anywhere in the southeast valley that has it or any Ruger American rifle in stock? I’ve never handled one. I’ve read that some people find them to feel very cheap. I’m curious how it feels in hand.

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/203895

I've never shot one of these, but I have several Rugers. They're pretty good guns. This is kind of cheap rifle compared to what else is out there, so I wouldn't be surprised that people report them feeling that way. They may be referring to the synthetic stock feeling cheap as they often do. I wouldn't worry about that on something like this. I'd be more concerned about how smooth it is to actuate the action and the quality of the trigger. Those are the things that are going to bother me more.

I just did a quick search to see what's out there, and someone posted a 30-06 Weatherby Vanguard today. I don't know how good the Cabelas scope is that comes on it, but if I were you, for $550 I'd snatch this thing up in a heartbeat. https://www.armslist.com/posts/10630270/phoenix-arizona-rifles-for-sale--weatherby-vanguard--30-06-bolt-action-with-cabellas-3-12x40-scope--bipod---sling-inventory---g-27752-1-

Thanks, I’ll take a look.

 

[ShortRound]

Following, I'm in the same camp. Looking to buy a hunting rifle, and I've also decided to go with 30-06. I've read a lot of good reviews on the Ruger American. I think I'm leaning that direction.

 

[etprescottaz01]

The Ruger American, and specifically the Predator is, by most all reviews, a great buy for not a lot of $.

As others have said, those Tikka rifles are REALLY nice for a factory rifle, but more $$. In the long run, maybe a little more money, but very well spent??
Good luck,
Buckshot Bill

Ruger makes a fine rifle and is a good value. The others mentioned are really nice and are even nicer to own I imagine (I have a Remington model 700 made in 1960) Whatever you do, don't let anyone talk you into buying a cut down or sporterized ex military rifle like an 03 Springfield or Pattern 17 you won't be happy with it and will just end up owning a ruined military rifle. Nice used hunting rifles hit the market from time to time so keep an eye out also.

 

[pvreb]

I'm not familiar with the Ruger American. Ruger makes excellent guns. If it has a synthetic stock, I would make sure it is rigid enough to not touch the barrel when shooting it. That can adversely affect accuracy.

 

[ShortRound]

I'm not familiar with the Ruger American. Ruger makes excellent guns. If it has a synthetic stock, I would make sure it is rigid enough to not touch the barrel when shooting it. That can adversely affect accuracy.

I've seen a few videos showing that they can slide a dollar bill between the stock and the floating barrel.

 

[kmj831]

I was under the impression the Ruger American was not a fully floated barrel?

The Tikkas are nice for the price for sure. I'm also really interested in the T/C venture. Awesome warranty, MOA guarantee, and made in America. Looks like a lot of rifle for the price.

If the need for a magnum isn't present, than as an all rounder, I'm a big 7mm-08 fan.

 

[BananaHands]

The Ruger American, and specifically the Predator is, by most all reviews, a great buy for not a lot of $.

As others have said, those Tikka rifles are REALLY nice for a factory rifle, but more $$. In the long run, maybe a little more money, but very well spent??
Good luck,
Buckshot Bill

Ruger makes a fine rifle and is a good value. The others mentioned are really nice and are even nicer to own I imagine (I have a Remington model 700 made in 1960) Whatever you do, don't let anyone talk you into buying a cut down or sporterized ex military rifle like an 03 Springfield or Pattern 17 you won't be happy with it and will just end up owning a ruined military rifle. Nice used hunting rifles hit the market from time to time so keep an eye out also.

Funny you mention that. I happen to have my grandfather's old hunting rifle which is a Segley sporterized 1903 action. I know he harvested many deer in the Tucson area while my mom was growing up. I wouldn’t take it in the field, it’s irreplaceable.

 

[BananaHands]

Thank you to everyone for the input. After a trip to a gun shop and handling a Ruger American, Savage axis and 110, Weatherby vanguard, Tikka TX3 lite, I settled on the Tikka. The action is so smooth! I liked the Vanguard as well but it was much heavier. The Ruger American was the grittiest of the actions by far. Surprisingly the stock on the American didn’t seem any cheaper to me than any of the other synthetic stocks. But it had the worst action of the group.