If you’re looking for versatility for your hunting trip, there are plenty of semi-automatic rifles for sale. While bolt-action rifles are often seen as the standard for hunting rifles, many hunters are choosing semi-automatic .30-06 cartridge rifles instead. In close range, the ease of a semi-automatic firing time, coupled with low recoil and the consistent accuracy of a bolt-action rifle, makes taking down big game quick and easy.
The .30-06 offers versatility unmatched in other hunting rifle calibers. The .30-06 is capable of taking down the biggest game on earth, should you ever find yourself facing a lion or a bear.
There are quite a few semi-automatic .30-06 rifles on the market to choose from but rent a few at the range first and see which one feels and shoots the best for you. The following list is a sampling of some of the rifles you should rent and try out.
1.) Browning BAR MK3 Stalker
When it comes to hunting rifles, many think first of the Browning line. The BAR rifle has a gas autoloader system along with a 7-lug rotary, which minimizes the recoil significantly and increases accuracy and ease of shooting.
The Stalker edition features a synthetic black stock with molded gripping panels for comfort and style. At only a little over 6 pounds, the Stalker is an excellent choice for a long day or weekend in the woods, and with a 3+1 cartridge capacity, you can get your game quickly and efficiently.
2.) Savage Arms 110 Storm
Built to withstand even the worst elements Mother Nature can throw at you, Savage Arms’ 110 Storm semi-automatic rifle is a great .30-06 gun to shoot. This rifle features Savage’s patented AccuFit system, which allows you to customize your length-of-pull and comb height.
The AccuTrigger system gives this gun a crisp, clean trigger pull. The AccuStock system engages and secures the action three-dimensionally from back to front. At 7.15 pounds, it’s not too heavy to carry around all weekend, and it features a 4+1 capacity to ensure a successful hunt.
3.) Browning BAR Mark II Safari
Much like the Stalker series, Browning delivers again on their Safari semi-automatic .30-06 rifle. The trigger pull is light, coming in at only 5 pounds, and the gas autoloader system and multi-lug rotary keep the recoil down. It’s got that classic hunting rifle look, with that Turkish walnut stock finish.
It’s a little heavier than the Stalker, weighing in at about 8 pounds, but it also boasts a 4+1 cartridge capacity. It’s easy to reload this rifle with the hinged floorplate, and the accuracy stays true to the Browning standard. This semi-automatic hunting rifle is one of the best in its class.
4.) Remington 750 Woodsmaster
This gas-operated .30-06 semi-automatic rifle is a must-have when you’re heading out for a hunting trip. The Woodsmaster is now being offered in a synthetic version, which features an enhanced gas system which promises low recoil, quick cycling, and improved accuracy. The R3 recoil pad makes this gun comfortable to shoot all day long.
Like the Browning Safari, this rifle has that classic, walnut stock which brings back the nostalgia of the classic hunting rifle appearance. The Remington 750 Woodsmaster weighs in at about 7.5 pounds and has a cartridge capacity of 4+1. It holds up under all climate conditions. It’s reliable and accurate, which is one of the best things about buying a Remington gun. It’s one of the best semi-automatic rifles for sale for all-season hunting.
5.) Fulton Armory M1 Garand
This semi-automatic .30-06 caliber rifle was standard-issue for U.S. soldiers in World War II and the Korean War. It’s a classic gun and a fun shoot, but it’s expensive. There are plenty for sale that are used or even considered to be antique, but the old barrels were not designed for anything other than ball ammunition. The pressure of modern hunting ammunition can cause damage to the operating rod, so it’s best to go with Fulton’s revamped M1 Garand model.
The classic walnut finish follows the entire body of the rifle, creating an uninterrupted, sleek look and style. The gas-powered rifle guarantees accuracy, especially when it’s combined with the ultra-light 4.9-pound trigger pull. It’s a heavy gun, weighing in at 9.5 pounds, and it has power, but the weight of the gun combined with the gas-powered system absorbs most of the recoil keeping your aim accurate.
