Robo, the Mossberg ATR100 i had in 30-06 was a very accurate rifle. with some handloads i worked up for it, it became even more accurate. the only drawback i could find was the hard recoil. as i shoot way more than hunters on the average, it was just plain uncomfortable. it has to be one of the hardest recoiling 30-06 rifles i have ever owned. i even had the headspace checked just to be sure it was okay. if you are wanting an accurate hunting rifle, you definately won't go wrong with the Mossberg at that price. at that price you can afford to put a better scope on it. my groups with handloads were under .5 inches at 100 yards. i think for that price, it's a very good deal.
I picked one up at Big 5 (30.06) awhile back, the scope had issues and added a Sightmark.
i was shooting anywhere from 60 to 80 rounds in a weekend, and my shoulder was definately sore! i will say that mine was a very accurate rifle though. i would like to try one with the walnut stock to see if there is a difference in the felt recoil. several months ago, i bought an older Remington M700 in 30-06, and the difference in the felt recoil is night and day when compared to the Mossberg.
Walnut is slightly less kick than the synthetic stock. I went to Mossberg and that model was not offered in the 30.06 model, only .243 and .308 versions. This walnut was purchased from Dicks Sporting Goods.
i would like to try one in walnut. i have even thought about using a Boyd's laminated stock on one. my get another one and do a budget build.
