My first bolt action rifle

[Archon_g24]

I've had the itch to buy a bolt action rifle with iron sights and found an Firearms International Musketeer rifle in 30-06 on gunbroker. From what I've been able to find out, it was made in the 60's using an FN Supreme commercial Mauser action with a Sako trigger and Williams open sights. So far it looks like a great deal at under $500 including shipping and paperwork. I plan on shooting with irons but it has been drilled for scope rings at some point in its life. The wood is in decent shape but plain and someone polished the magazine bottom plate which looks out of place.

I'm thinking of having it rebarelled to 308 Winchester for ammo compatibility with my FAL which shoots 7.62 NATO. Would I be leaving anything on the table by making the switch? My friend and I want to try deer or boar hunting next year and do not anticipate hunting anything larger like elk.

[Kwikvette]

Savage hog hunter; chambered in .308 and has built-in irons right out of the box.

I know it's not the answer you wanted but a great alternative for a bit more.

I've got one (in an MDT chassis) and it's sub-moa all day long with match ammo.

[TMB 1]

Savage hog hunter; chambered in .308 and has built-in irons right out of the box.

I know it's not the answer you wanted but a great alternative for a bit more.

I've got one (in an MDT chassis) and it's sub-moa all day long with match ammo.

It would be less. Buds has them for $439 free shipping. Still have to figure cost of re barrel and putting the sights on with the other.

[Kwikvette]

It would be less. Buds has them for $439 free shipping. Still have to figure cost of re barrel and putting the sights on with the other.

Good point; I didn't bother look online but a lot of bigger LGS have a hog hunter around or two. Very popular, inexpensive bolt-action.

[Cowboy T]

If you want .30-06, then go used. Remington 700 BDL's in .30-06 have had irons since the day they came out. I think some of the Winchester 70's in .30-06 also had irons, but they're probably a lot costlier.

If you want .308, then I second the Savage Hog Hunter recommendation.

[ar15barrels]

I've had the itch to buy a bolt action rifle with iron sights and found an Firearms International Musketeer rifle in 30-06 on gunbroker. From what I've been able to find out, it was made in the 60's using an FN Supreme commercial Mauser action with a Sako trigger and Williams open sights. So far it looks like a great deal at under $500 including shipping and paperwork. I plan on shooting with irons but it has been drilled for scope rings at some point in its life. The wood is in decent shape but plain and someone polished the magazine bottom plate which looks out of place.

I'm thinking of having it rebarelled to 308 Winchester for ammo compatibility with my FAL which shoots 7.62 NATO. Would I be leaving anything on the table by making the switch? My friend and I want to try deer or boar hunting next year and do not anticipate hunting anything larger like elk.

$500 is a little high for an old mauser based rifle.
You can buy a brand new current production 308 gun for less than $500 and you would not have to rebarrel it.