30-06...Which Rifle?

[Mosin9130]

Ok all, it looks like my first African safari hunt will be early next year in South Africa (Limpopo). This will be my first hunt in Africa and I'm wanting to use a 30-06 for the PG we will be hunting (impala to gemsbok). I also have the intent of getting a 375 H&H in the next year or two for larger animals including DG, potentially (also liking the 404 Jeffrey but hey, one step at a time).

Soooo...I don't have a 30-06 rifle and I'm looking for some advice on which rifle to get. I've read up on the Winchesters, Rugers, Brownings, CZ, etc and I'm just not sure which one to "pull the trigger" on. I'm pretty confident I'm wanting a CZ550 for the 375 based on everything I've read so with that said, should I also get a 30-06 CZ so the feel/action/operation/balance/etc are the same across both rifles??? I don't mind paying a little more and have even considered the AHR Big Game version of the CZ as I'm really eyeing their Dangerous Game version of the 375.

Any thoughts or leanings towards one brand or the other...custom or not??

 

[Scott Slough]

I think matching the two rifles is a VERY goof idea. Lots easier to practice with a 30-06c than a 375! There will be many who recommend the 375 as the perfect plains game rifle with the 404 as a dangerous game rifle.

 

[Divernhunter]

The 375 will need to be a heavier rifle than what a 30-06 needs to be.
There is some good in having both rifles feel the same.

So the choice is yours. What ever feels best to you.

"For ME" I would get a Tikka T-3 in 30-06. It is super accurate, light to carry, handles fast and just put a Limbsaver Direct Replacement Recoil Pad(2 phillips screws) on it, buy an extra mag, put a Leupold 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 scope with Duplex reticle sighted 2.5-2.75" high at 100 yards and a Claw sling on it. You will be set for life and so will your kids/grandkids with it. Aim on the animal at whatever range and it will be dead.

I shoot Tikka, Ruger, Rem, Savage, Vanguard/Howa, Weatherby and they all are fine. I have shot Win(do not like the safety), Browning, CZ, H&R and they also work.

I suggest you try rifles and buy the one that FITS YOU and YOU LIKE

 

[gizmo]

CZ all the way. Love them. Their 06 is awesome and the CZ 550 American safari in 375 H&H is the best 375 bolt gun out there, imho. I have one and it's probably my favorite gun.

 

[Pheroze]

What kind of rifle do you have presently? I think you will have fun figuring out your dilemma! For what it is worth, I have a Browning A-Bolt II in 30-06 that I like very much. It's nice to hunt with, good action and is very accurate. I have two Zastava based rifles with the Mauser 98 action. The action feels totally different. I really like that action, it is so mechanically simple but sound so really confidence building.

For me what makes the biggest difference is the length of the barrel. I like how the 22" barrel handles. My '06 and 375 both have 22" barrels and so they have that quick handling feel. I am happy they both have that quick feel even though the 375 is definitely a bulkier rifle. Otherwise, I like having the different rifle types to play with.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[Milan]

My vote is also for the CZ, especially if you are planning on acquiring another one in the future. Nothing wrong with the others and for sure those Tikkas just work. But so do the CZs and they usually handle very well. But fit and handling is very personal, so try them at least in the store to see how they come up to your shoulder and face.

 

[stug]

Even better than a CZ try and track down a Brno 600 in 30/06 Load her up with 220gr round nose projectiles ( or Woodleigh 240gr PP) and you will have something similar to the 318 Westley Richards.

 

[Spooksar]

I have 5 CZ from 9.3x62 up to a 505 Gibbs love them. But I also have a few Winchester model 70's, I Have a 375 in in both rifles and it's a toss up of which I like better. Both will do the job. Handle the rifles a see which fits better. I know that Ruger rifles do not fit me at all, with a factory stock they beat me up bad, but change the stock and they are good.

 

[sestoppelman]

Cant go wrong with the '06. As to rifles, well that's where it gets interesting. There are sooooo many choices. Mentioned above about the BRNO 600, great rifle, good luck finding one! Not easy. Also I really only see the '06 in the CZ American series which are nice rifles but have no sights. I like sights on the barrel though many will argue they are not necessary, and given the quality of optics today, they probably are not, but I still like sights. Don't discount the Remington 700. Its a push feed gun but a good one. My brother took a 700 Classic in .300 H&H to Namibia and it worked just as well as my CZ 9.3x62 Mauser, no issues with either.

 

[ack]

Ok all, it looks like my first African safari hunt will be early next year in South Africa (Limpopo). This will be my first hunt in Africa and I'm wanting to use a 30-06 for the PG we will be hunting (impala to gemsbok). I also have the intent of getting a 375 H&H in the next year or two for larger animals including DG, potentially (also liking the 404 Jeffrey but hey, one step at a time).

Soooo...I don't have a 30-06 rifle and I'm looking for some advice on which rifle to get. I've read up on the Winchesters, Rugers, Brownings, CZ, etc and I'm just not sure which one to "pull the trigger" on. I'm pretty confident I'm wanting a CZ550 for the 375 based on everything I've read so with that said, should I also get a 30-06 CZ so the feel/action/operation/balance/etc are the same across both rifles??? I don't mind paying a little more and have even considered the AHR Big Game version of the CZ as I'm really eyeing their Dangerous Game version of the 375.

Any thoughts or leanings towards one brand or the other...custom or not??

We have a couple Tika's..Very accurate,made by Sako with same barrels...Super slick action and you can get wood or molded..Triggers are easily adjustible..Just get aftermarket rings

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Nothing wrong with a .30-06, but there's nothing wrong with using a .375H&H on PG either. Load up some 250gr bullets and you're set for anything PG wise.

 

[Hearties]

I'm biased but the Win M70 would fit the bill very well in 30-06 (sporter or super grade) and the 375 Safari Express.

 

[Bruce]

Again, my bias would be towards the CZ in 30-06. I personally only have a 30-06 in Remington 700... and have hunted a LOT of PG with it all over. Very accurate... my concern with this Remington ( and others) is that with the push feed, CERTAIN ammo does not feed well and jams happen... not a real issue with PG, BUT for DG you DON'T want a jam when looking down the nostrils of some angry beast!!
I am on the look out here in RSA for a BRNO 30-06 to add to my collection....

 

[greyfox]

Good thinking there Mosin, I am of the same opinion, get the rifles the same, trigger, safety, action, etc. then you can CONCENTRATE on the shot, not the safety or scope, etc....

 

[cpr0312]

For the 30.06 I would consider Browning, Tikka, Ruger, Remington. All will be similarly priced except the Browning may be $100-$250 more. To me any of these would be a good gun

 

[Just Passing Through]

I use a pair of Winchesster M70 rifles in 30-06 and 375. Both the Winchester and the CZ models were owned by friends so I was able to handle and shoot them. I just did not care for the stock and trigger on the CZ rifles but they seemed solid. You should handle both the Winchester and the CZ rifles to see which one floats your boat.

If you buy a good 30-06 and later change your mind it should be easy to sell. A Model 70 would not last long on the market in most places in the US.

 

[BWH]

I have the Browning Stainless Stalker in 30.06, as well as 375 H&H. I think they are badass. I took 10 PG with the 06 2 years ago. Going back with me in 4 weeks!

 

[jduckhunter]

My vote for an 06 would go to the Ruger Guide Gun. It may not be the prettiest gun in the world but it will do the job and last for several lifetimes. With it's 20" barrel and it's adjustable length of pull stock it will handle great and will fit anyone. The stainless steel construction makes field maintenance a breeze. It come with the barrel threaded and a muzzle brake for the recoil sensitive shooter, I chose to go with a suppresser, to save what little hearing I have left. Good luck with your decision making, that's a big part of the fun.

 

[CAustin]

Nothing wrong with a .30-06, but there's nothing wrong with using a .375H&H on PG either. Load up some 250gr bullets and you're set for anything PG wise.

My vote for an 06 would go to the Ruger Guide Gun. It may not be the prettiest gun in the world but it will do the job and last for several lifetimes. With it's 20" barrel and it's adjustable length of pull stock it will handle great and will fit anyone. The stainless steel construction makes field maintenance a breeze. It come with the barrel threaded and a muzzle brake for the recoil sensitive shooter, I chose to go with a suppresser, to save what little hearing I have left. Good luck with your decision making, that's a big part of the fun.View attachment 58059

If you don't already have the 30-06 skip it and get a 375. I agree with jduckhunter the Ruger a Guide Gun will do the job!

 

[Gemsbok Gangsta]

Tikka T3 real light,great trigger and smooth action. First trip dropped em all withe one shot!! Heading to KMG in 55 days and using the same set up. My rifle loves the Nosler trophy grade in 165 NAB. Half the fun is planning the trip!!!