Remington 30 Express 30-06 - Curious to find out more info

[cash_tx]

I made an interesting surprise discovery at my local Scheel's store earlier today in the form of a Remington Model 30 Express (based on the M1917 action) in 30-06 at what I think was a bargain price ($299). I didn't previously know much of anything about the Model 30; but after some quick Internet searching, the rifle appeared to be mostly (or even all) original and in really good shape for its age. The rifle has some nice figuring in the wood, a styling that appealed to me, and fit me like a glove; so it came home with me. Once I got it home, it cleaned up pretty nicely. These pictures aren't the best resolution, but give you an idea of its condition. Based on the proof marks of the barrel (the letters "DU"), it would indicate a DOM of September 1927; and the other features seem to align with what is described in the Wikipedia article for the Model 30 for this time period. I think this might be the variant known as the Model 30SL, based upon its Lyman aperture sight. As a bonus, it seems to have had a nice trigger job done to it at some point.

Does anyone else have experience with one of these, and can provide any additional insight? Thanks!

 

[Hunter4752001]

Congratulation on a great find. That's a rifle that been on my personal wish list for a long time.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

My favorite .30-06 Springfield rifle in the entire world, is the Remington Model 30 Express.

Built on military surplus Enfield Model 1917 actions. 1:10 twist rate. 5+1 magazine capacity. Extremely accurate with the 220Gr Remington Core Factory loads.

Never let this one go. Except if you'd like to sell it to me...

 

[Graham Hunter]

I think you were robbed and I'm feeling sorry for you. So I will help by giving you $300. That way you can say you found a sucker and made a profit!

 

[skydiver386]

Like Hunter Habib stated above. Basically a post WWI 1917, but with refinements to make it sporter friendly.

The original 1917 barrels were often 2 groove rifling, and not always accurate. Post war barrels like the one on your rifle are much improved.

Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but most opted for a peep of some sort in that era. Looking at the stock on the right side, it may have been inlet for a Redfield sight prior to the Lyman. Both were common at the time.

Treasure from an era gone by. Of the dozens I've seen, all but one has been cobbled up by drill presses and hack saws. The only one I've seen that hasn't been hacked up is the one you have.

 

[mdwest]

I’ve reminded @cash_tx that he missed the opening day of Texas rifle season to go gun shopping. That is a huge social faux pas that comes with a severe penalty…

He is donating the rifle to the mdwest safe as a penance…

 

[cash_tx]

I’ve reminded @cash_tx that he missed the opening day of Texas rifle season to go gun shopping. That is a huge social faux pas that comes with a severe penalty…

He is donating the rifle to the mdwest safe as a penance…

My wife made a crack about me always buying footballs but never getting on the field. ;-)

 

[cash_tx]

My favorite .30-06 Springfield rifle in the entire world, is the Remington Model 30 Express.

Built on military surplus Enfield Model 1917 actions. 1:10 twist rate. 5+1 magazine capacity. Extremely accurate with the 220Gr Remington Core Factory loads.

Never let this one go. Except if you'd like to sell it to me...

Thank you, @Hunter-Habib that is quite an endorsement coming from you, and much appreciated.

 

[cash_tx]

Like Hunter Habib stated above. Basically a post WWI 1917, but with refinements to make it sporter friendly.

The original 1917 barrels were often 2 groove rifling, and not always accurate. Post war barrels like the one on your rifle are much improved.

Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but most opted for a peep of some sort in that era. Looking at the stock on the right side, it may have been inlet for a Redfield sight prior to the Lyman. Both were common at the time.

Treasure from an era gone by. Of the dozens I've seen, all but one has been cobbled up by drill presses and hack saws. The only one I've seen that hasn't been hacked up is the one you have.

You may be right about the Redfield sight. There does seem to be an inlet in the wood below the Lyman sight that is currently unoccupied. No worries, though. Since it is already drilled and tapped, I'll may scope this rifle eventually; but the Lyman is good enough to start.

 

[NTX]

What a great find. I frequent that store and would not have passed that up! I really like the stock lines.

 

[cash_tx]

What a great find. I frequent that store and would not have passed that up! I really like the stock lines.

Thanks! In retrospect, I'm kind of surprised that it was still sitting there on a busy Saturday; but I guess most people just don't know what they are. No doubt it probably would have been gone by the end of the weekend, though. I feel pretty fortunate; this thing just feels perfect in my hands.

 

[Huvius]

Remington did eventually build 30 Express actions specifically for sporting purposes after the original production started. I don’t know when that happened or if one could even tell the difference from a military contract action and the later purpose built sporters.
Nice rifle and a cool piece of American sporting rifle history.