Well I traded off my .30-06 M700 ADL with VXIII 2.5-8 about three weeks ago for a much rarer rifle (358 Savage 99). Well the problem is now I'm missing my old 06, it just doesn't feel right not having one in the safe. I'm thinking of heading back to AK in 09 for a spring bear hunt, so I'm looking for a synthetic stainless rifle. The problem is I've came across some good deals lately.

First deal is a nice figured wood stocked JC Higgins (FN Mauser) with a Denver Redfield 2-7 scope for $300. The stock was obviously replaced and is similar to the older Win FTW stocks pre schnable forearm. The only thing missing on this rifle is the recoil pad as the stock hasn't been finished yet.

Second deal is a Win M70 Classic FTW NIB old stock for $700. I've always wanted a light weight hunting rifle in .30-06 or .270 for chasing elk in the mountains.

Third deal is a Rem 700 XCR for $849 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. Not really a deal but I do get 5% off for being military. I just liked the way the XCR felt and the action was the slickest of any I worked when comparing to the Ruger and Savage rifles, The SPS was a close second and quite a few dollars cheaper so that might be the comprimise.


I really think I should buy the first and third deal but I don't think I have the funds budgeted for both right now. I have plenty of other rifles to hunt with but none that are as durable as the XCR for hunting costal AK. I love Winchester’s as well and always wanted a feather weight rifle in a classic caliber. The FN action alone is worth the $300 asking price on the first rifle.

I don't like problems but this one isn't too bad of one to have!

I'v got an ADL i'd set you up with. shoots 200 grain speer over 43.5 gr H4895 into .67 (last group) with mixed brass.
shoots factory 180 hornady exactly 1.75" higher.

Me,

I'd pick the JC Higgins out of the three you mentioned.

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:
Me,

I'd pick the JC Higgins out of the three you mentioned.

X 2 roger

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:
Me,

I'd pick the JC Higgins out of the three you mentioned.

Me three.....

Larry Gibson

Make that four...

quote:

Second deal is a Win M70 Classic FTW NIB old stock for $700. I've always wanted a light weight hunting rifle in .30-06

End of conversation.....buy it!

Go with the Sears FN, as you said the action alone is worth more than $300.00. I have a J.C. Higgins 51L 30-06, which has a Husqvarna action; it is one of my top three pets.

I'm with z1r.

And by the way, is that Z1R as in Kawasaki Z1R?

Make it a straight flush. #1!

quote:

Originally posted by 900 SS:
I'm with z1r.

And by the way, is that Z1R as in Kawasaki Z1R?

Yup. Used to have one that I updated with GSXR forks, wheels, BRAKES, and clip-ons. I also replaced the swingarm with one off a Zephyr. Then of course, I breathed on the motor. Alas, guns are my primary interest nowadays. That and no room in the workshop for machines if its full of bikes.

Yep ! that higgins is a good rifle, just had mine (06)restocked at MPI and am thinking of buying another in .270 and doing the same with it.

Well I took everyones advice except Vapodog's. Sorry Vapo, I figured with the M70 coming out again I'll have another chance at the FTW. I picked up the JC Higgins this afternoon after work from the pawn shop that does most of my FFL transfers ($15 first firearm $5 ea additional). He has been very good to me so I thought I could throw some money his way and buy a rifle from him for a change. Here are the pictures of my new .30-06.








BTW this rifle had a buddy in the rack that I just couldn't bear to separate. I would hate to see both of these rifles go through the trauma of separation from each other. Really I couldn't decide which one to buy so I bought both at least they are both .30 calibers and can share bullets.










I'm pretty sure I did the right thing by not separating these rifles.

I think you done right!

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:
I think you done right!

Thanks Mike! I can't wait to try these little rifles out. This is my first Krag, but I've been loading for my brother-in-law for a few years. All I need to do is get some reloads back from him and go fire this bad boy!

quote:

Well I took everyones advice except Vapodog's.

You didn't do bad at all.....The "Higgins"is an excellent rifle.

I killed my first deer with a JC Higgins 06. FN mauser action and all. My brother in law has it now, I might try to buy it back from him.

I agree, the Higgins would have been my choice too. If nothing else, you have an excellent action to re-barrel later on.

The stock looks like the original factory stock to me. Looks like the buttplate is missing. I think someone might have done a bit of whittling in the pistol grip areas and maybe slimmed the forearm down a bit.
I have about five of these rifles, but all but one have had a bit of changing on the stock.The original stock is somewhat clubby, but the nice thing is one can slim it down ito a really neat sporter. Four of mine are still in 30-06 and the fifth one was rebarreled into a 7x57 and custom stock made up along the general lines of the Winchester Featherweight with the schnabel forearm. You got it for a darn good price. I know if it had been me, I wouldn't have even thought about it.
I like the trigger system, but have a gunsmith harden the pin that holds the trigger to the floorplate. Sometimes, they have been known to wear through.
The chrome plated barrel is a good feature as well.
If you get the impression I like J.C. Higgins M-50s, you're right. I can't sen to go past one at a gun show without it hooking it's claws into me.
Paul B.

Wow! Not really a comment on the old Krag sporter. I figured some guys out there would appreciate it. I knew everyone would like the JCH rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
Wow! Not really a comment on the old Krag sporter. I figured some guys out there would appreciate it. I knew everyone would like the JCH rifle.

Well, the question really was about, "Which 30-06 rifle should I buy?"
Paul B.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul B:

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
Wow! Not really a comment on the old Krag sporter. I figured some guys out there would appreciate it. I knew everyone would like the JCH rifle.

Well, the question really was about, "Which 30-06 rifle should I buy?"
Paul B.

I was happy with my 06 don't get me wrong and I knew I wouldn't pass up that JCH for the price I paid. I just didn't want to start an new post that is why I thew the Krag in. I was way more stoked to find that rifle than I was the JCH.