Im not here to dispute the virtues of the 06.

Most of the time its all I needs to have.
Bug is,I do like it when I pick up a 6.5lb scoped 30/06, and I also at times like it when I have a 9lb(+?) 06' in my hands, For steadier longer distance shots(350yd)


Cenario:

Someone puts an array of components in front of you.

m70 receiver
Scopes:2.5-8x36 Leupold,4.5-14x40LR Leup.(30mm)
choice of stocks:
16oz BrownKevlarPounder',
21oz Edge,
Legend 2.25lb,
Legend 2.5lb(heavy fill)...
Add the HCR Bridges/mcMillan stock to the list,if you know its weight)
Barrels: Fw,#1,#2,#3 profile tubes which you may trim to desired length.Add fluting if you wish
Mounts: your choice.
Given the above,How would you put your "ideal 06" together?(final weight?) Feel free to add/change something thats not listed.

Woodjack,

My Weatherby Ultra-Lightweight is everything I wanted in a 30-06. Its light, looks very nice, handles well and shoots well under a inch at 100. If I had to build one, I would go with the Brown pounder stock, a #2 fluted tube...light but stiff, custom lightweight scope mounts and the 2.5-8x36 scope. I see no need to tote heavy rifles in the light calibers for hunting purposes. Once in the 300mag and up bracket, then a 8.5 to 9 lb. rifle seems more in line as to what most people can tolerate. This is just my opinion and I like light weight rifles, but I have heavier ones too. They just collect more dust in the safe.

Woody

Woody,

I keeps looking at MkV ULW(5.75lb),even the std.LW(6.5lb) I think they are a fine mountain rifle action. If McMillan would just inlet one of their straight Edge stocks to suite that slim receiver, I just might have one by now, but they wont come to the party(yet).

I went hunting in the tropics with an 8lb06' & 9lb.338win. I found myself prefering to carry the 338win not for its power,but for its steadiness for longer shots,but found it a bit slow on close-in moving targets.It was a factory M70 26",2lb factory tupperware,it didnt balance so well as a rifle.
Some would say pick a rig that suites the terrain, but believe me, i was under rapidly varying conditions, where youd be swinging at game 30yds away in creek bed among heavy growth, then 1 minute later youd could well be taking a shot across a plain at 350++yds.

So,as a starting point,I was thinking; 30/06 m70,2.25lbLegend,22-23"fluted .630 muzzle.Though I could be swayed into an Edge without much fuss. Among other things,I think she needs to balance, regardlss of weight.

Save your money and buy one off the rack. $500 or so gets you a Savage 116 Weather Warrior that will shoot in the 1/2" range all day. What else could one possibly need? Fluting, muzzle dimensions, barrel makers - unless someone WANTS to go through the expense and looks at this as a project, none of these considerations should be an issue. If all you want is a tool to put the bullet where it is supposed to go, an off-the-rack Savage will work just fine.

Woodjack, I'm building another 30-06... here's how I'm doing it:

SS M70 Fwt (22" bbl).

McMillan Edge w/ 1" Pad (Blind Magazine).

Sunny Hill SS Trigger Bow.

Low Burris Zee's.

Leupold 6x36 w/ LR reticle.

Uncle Mikes Mountain Sling.

With sling and four rounds should come in just below 7.5 lbs. Use Talley Lwt Rings and lose another 2.5 oz's.

I like an 06' weighing no more than 8lbs (w/scope,sling,ammo loaded) and a 22" tube. A "do all" rifle IMO.

The dimensions of my ideal 30-06 are whatever my dad's M70 super grade measure (24" barrel, about 8.25lbs with a 3-9 scope). That is about the best rifle I've ever handled - perfect in just about every way - except it's not left handed! D'oh!

Woody, if you haven't already, check your PMs. thanx.

On the rifle weight issue, if you want to be carrying a sub-7 lb rifle but shooting a 9 lb rifle, surely its possible to build a light rifle with a means of temporarily attaching a lead weight just in front of the fwd action screw. For instance, use a "T-Nut" as shown here;

http://www.boltdepot.com/T-Nuts.aspx

drill a hole vertically thru the stock, drill/auger a recess in the barrel channel centered on the hole, embed a T-nut from the inside going out. Then cast a 1 or 2 lb lead weight with a hole thru it and a machine screw long enough to go into the T-nut. A chunk of lead 1" thick by 2" wide by 3" long is 6 cubic inches or about 2.5 lb. with a little work the lead block could be roughly fitted to the underside of the stock, and its outer corners rounded. At the range, or when doing long range hunting, attach the weight. When hiking or stalking, remove it.

If you used an eye bolt, you wouldn't need a screwdriver to attach/remove the weight out in the field.

My 06 is a 22 inch JC higgins FN.
I would lile to put a good light synthetic stock on her one day.
I really can't imajine anything heavier being any better unless the recoil bothers you,
Nope a good light 06 is about a perfect american hunting rig. And a 2.5X8 leupold is a great scope...tj3006

Well, I have a couple of 06's around here..

An A Bolt that is well balanced...factory rifle..

A Model 70, 24 inch factory barrel, and with a 3 x 9 Leupold on it.. It is the perfect Rifleman's Rifle..

A 1917 Enfield sporterized, with a 26 inch barrel stamped made in 1918.. that is a tack driver...and is long throated... this one can be souped up with heavier bullets to be a 300 Mag Equal...Winchester Action, Remington Barrel..and a 1960s production 4 power Leupold with a target dot reticle...

Just spun the barrel off a 1903 Springfield action.. as the aftermarket 06 barrel is junk...

This one will probably not be an 06 when it gets its new barrel, as I am having trouble what to chamber it for...

My favorite 06 is a rebarreled 03 springfield, I rust blued it and added a fiddleback Maple stock. Im not sure what it weighs but I would guess its only 7-7.5 lbs, but the limbsaver pad makes recoil a non issue. The tube is 24" and atop it rests a 3X9 Elite. The trigger is a Dayton. Its light enough for working in steep timber for Elk and yet it carries a great punch. Very versatile just like an 06 should be..

Woodjack,

Here's how I would build.

Mod. 70 receiver
3.5X10 Leo
Hunters edge stock
24" barrel Lilja #3 contour
Talley mounts (Talley light LWT's)
Blackburn bottom metal (maybe williams)

I had a rifle just exactly like that except HCR built it and it was a 300HH with their Bridges stock. It balanced as well as any rifle I've ever held and weighed about 81/2 lbs scope included. Easy to shoot... I liked the grip on the Bridges stock OK, but my son's (bigger hands) liked Darcy's stock better. That said I would try an Edge stock for my next build.

Just my opinion but the Echols legend stock is a full size stock and something I would put on maybe .338 and up. Of course that's just me and I've heard the Echols rifles in 270 balance beautifully.

Also ...the Lilja #3 contour that HCR installed weighs less than a pac-nor contour barrel.

All of the above being said...I had a Walther #2 contour 30-06 barrel.., 24", that was real accurate. That and the edge stock would probably move the rifle closer to 8# all up.

Brad,
I like your 30-06 design. A well thought out package.

Do you have a source for steel followers for the stainless models? Did yours come with the plastic follower or metal?

Hi Terry, mine came with the new alloy follower... I also have a little hord of M70 parts at home including a stainless and plastic follower.

Regarding parts, I bought a steel M70 magazine box - just in case...

Jaywalker

Along the lines of the factory M70 "classic" fwt w/ a 22" barrel. No more than about 7pounds w/ fixed sights and around 7 1/2 to 7 3/4 pounds w/ scope is good. I actually like the shape and feel of the "classic" M70 shnabel fwt stock. I've never handled the Mcmillan fwt schnabel stock. I don't know if it can be had as light as the wood stock, but, if it were no heavier and felt about the same, I would go that route.

I think the key to a fwt rifle is balance. For me if it is well balanced I have little difficulty in the longer shots. Going much lighter than this is a bit too pricey for my tastes. Too little bang for the buck.

This is where I like a 30-06. Having one much bigger than this and I'd prefer a different cartridge.

GVA

Sendero300,
your recipe for Edge & #3contour, sounds nose heavy.
HCR do BridgesStock in Edge version also. I like the look of more open grip, dont think my hands are that big that it would bother me. The Bridgesstock looks a class unit. They are 32oz/glass and 24ozEdge Including 1"decelerator.
I tell ya what(as side note), a BridgesEdgeM70sa 284win or.30/284 #1-2(23")2.5-8x36leup.Conetrol rings, is Very tempting! Similar to this. Withsomethin like that aman comes close to being happy with mostly one rifle, thats scary!!!
Curiosity wise Ive been looking at rem700Ti300saum. not bad choice if one wanted ultracompact 30/06+ thump.


Brad,
Ive posted your ex06' hope dont mind, its always inspiring and refreshing to see.
Whats your feedback on 3-9x33 compact?
Didnt think you could live without something like that rig for long. I know its fun building things, but its good to hold on to a good one now and then,or at least wise enough to replace it.

Her's what I did, and it kinda crosses Brad's old with his new.

Model 70 with their fwt contour barrel
Williams bottom metal
Leupold DD's
Leupold FX II 6X36
McMillan EDGE

7lbs 4oz's empty
7lbs 12oz's with sling and 5rds.

"Sendero300,
that recipe you show with Edge & #3contour, sounds she would be alittle nose heavy."

Woodjack..you are correct. The rifle was a bit weight forward and I like that feel but the rifle wasn't light weight per say, at 8 1/2 lbs. It just seemed really handy and the rifle was real easy to shoot and lord was it accurate with the 180 Barnes bullets. With the slim forend on the Bridges stock, the barrel felt right in the hand.

The difference in the Bridges edge and standard is quite a few oz's eh?

Brad, that's a famous rifle...can't believe you sold.... Need to hurry up with your next one!!

Chuck, I love the look of that rifle. My next 30-06 might be near like that with a couple more inches on the barrel.........

Woodjack, that's actually a 2-7x33 with Leupold LR reticle not a 3-9x33 (I love that reticle!). I've used the 3-9x33 and can't like it. No worries posting that rifle, I'm flattered you like it so much. It was (and is) a marvelous rifle but I want to go lighter and I decided to ditch the open sights. Much as I like them in concept I've decided I really don't need them.

Chucks rifle is a beauty... my new will be close to his with a few minor changes including a blind magazine. I'm definately using the Leupold 6x36 with the new LR reticle tho!

Brad,

Why do you dislike the 3-9x33 compact? I was actually considering it for my fwt. I'm currently using a 1.5-5 which is not too heavy for a fwt rifle but the larger eye piece doesn't quite look as good too me as a compact on a fwt rifle.

GVA

Gary, relatively (for Leupold) critical eye-relief, narrow field of view. It's one of only a couple Leupold scopes I truly dislike.

I'll need to check the specs again before I make a purchase. I had thought the 3-9X ultralight was pretty close to matching the field of view and eye relief of my 2.5-8XLEU which is not bad for such scope. I have a 2-7X33 already and didn't think that thing had the best field of view, maybe only a few feet on either side better than my 2.5-8X at 100yds. It does have a bit longer eye relief like my 2.5X ultralight but that's only w/ the scope set at 2X. Other than that, the eye relief drops off quick.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll re-evaluate my choice.

GVA

Why oh why would you have a 22†barrel on any 06 based cases? That’s hardly utilising the available powder capacity is it. Might as well get a 308 and have a shorter action and an extra inch or so on the barrel. You’d be using less powder and the velocity difference would be minimal. Plus it would probably end up being more accurate.

Gary, if you're not really happy with the 2-7x33 you'll hate the 3-9x33.

Paul NZ, what the heck are you talking about...?

quote:

Originally posted by Paul from nz:
Why oh why would you have a 22†barrel on any 06 based cases? That’s hardly utilising the available powder capacity is it. Might as well get a 308 and have a shorter action and an extra inch or so on the barrel. You’d be using less powder and the velocity difference would be minimal. Plus it would probably end up being more accurate.

The great gunmaker, Bob Emmons, told me that
22" was all that was needed on a 30-06, and that
the extra length of a 24 was just unnecessary
weight.

I've never doubted him!

Woodjack,

How about this scenario?

Winchester SS SA
SS featherweight barrel @ 22" from the action face
Cartridge 7X57
Sunny Hill bottom metal
McMillan edge stock with .8" KickEze pad
Leupold DD rings and mounts
Sightron 2.5X10 compact scope
Butler Creek neoprene sling

http://sightron.com/index.php?action=view_category&cat_id=1047415736

Don,

Nothing wrong with that at all.
I actually have m70SSsaFW,2.5-8x Leup/DD superlows.Its waiting to be rebarreled to 7x57 or .284win,but my niece is using it,Though I may have to be cruel and pull the plug on her fun!!!
Unless I come across another m70saSSFW,I have to plan on using m70LA,logical choice being 06'. or .270win.
In an Edge,blindmag,2.5-8xLeup DDsuperlows
(I can just squeeze scope in with some minor base&ring mods,but it becomes a very very close, tight fit, just how I like iT )
It would be dandy setup.
Chuck Nelson said he is considering putting his 6x36 in DD superlows on the o6 he shows above, with its longer tube, it will fit without mods.

For those interested in topEnd m70s, Heres a Darcy Echols Legend Rifle

It's darn hard to beat the M-70 featherweight as it came from the factory.

Vapo, that's why I just "modify" mine... there's got to be some sort of magic in the M70 FWT bbl. contour. I've had a dozen or so and they have all shot well. Go figure...

My light 30/06 is a ruger M77 stainless ultra-light with a 20" barrel and it weights in at just a little over 7 pounds topped with a Leupold vari-x II 2x7.Now my remington 700BDL topped with a zeiss 3x9 conquest is 8 1/2 maybe a little more.

My Rem 700 Ti is my dream rifle. I put a VXII 3x9x40 and have my dream rifle.

I like my Rem 700 30/06 with 25" barrel. I would like it to have a 26" barrel. I have a Leupole 3x9 scope on it and it weights 8 LBS.

This weight seems just right to me.

It's just me but I would love to have a 650mm (25+") barrel on my FN mauser. It would be similar to those African Mausers. The only reason I don't spend the $300 or so to screw a Shaw or Lothar Walther barrel on is that that 50something '06 will put almost any factory or hand load under 1.5" and many under one inch. capt david

I had my dream rifle built in 1982. I wanted light, able to take a licking and keep on killing and in a caliber I could find just about anywhere.

Rem 700 in 30-06, lots of metal removed from around the action, bolt swiss cheese drilled, 22" barrel turned W-A-Y down to .550" at the Mag-na-ported muzzle. Leupold M8 4x scope set in 2pc Conetrol bases and rings. Pine bough looking camo paint job, 3-lb glass breaking trigger, blind magazine, Pachmyer Decelerator rubber pad; total weight = 6lb 7 oz.

Now.....this past year I changed a few things.

The barrel was shot out so I had Dan Lilja put together a 26" stainles 30 cal barrel in the exact same contour so it would fit my old stock. I had Ian Jensen, former gunsmith at Barnes Bullets, chamber, thread, mount and crown the barrel in 30-06 Ackley Imp. I then took my new Nikon 4.5-14x40 Buckmaster w/ mil-dot and side focus (thanks Honey!) and put it in Tactical Precision System alum rings set on a customized Ken Farrell alum picatinny 1 pc base. Weight is now 7 lb 4 oz. Accuracy, so far, with Nosler 180 BT's is running 1/2" to 3/4" MOA out to 300 yds w/ velocity running 3050 fps. Yes, recoil has increased to about 40 lbs. Oh yeah, a new "soft" Decelerator recoil pad.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad:
...there's got to be some sort of magic in the M70 FWT bbl. contour. I've had a dozen or so and they have all shot well. Go figure...

Thats good to hear, I had a 7x57Fw that didnt impress, turned me off FW barrels to this day, though probably unfairly so.
Having said that, a custom mauser I had done has .510"muzzle(.270win) and regulary groups 1"or less, but has larger #1 chamber reinforce.

Mine is already built.

Tikka T3 Lite - stainless with 3X9 leupy.