Get yourself a Vortex, get one with first focal plane. Lifetime warranty and the best customer service I’ve ever experienced.

The gun is drilled and tapped. It had a scope on it when I got it, but the scope was messed up. I still have the rings IF I can find them lol.

I was looking at the Vortex's as they were in the price range I was wanting to spend but didn't know anything about them. Sounds like they must be decent though as several of you recommended them.

Leupold.Nice and clear in low light situations.

Get the best you can afford. You will not regret it. You don’t need fancy features, just good glass and good coatings. Your grandkids will enjoy that scope someday.

Sig bought out Nikon even have the ole buckmaster. Only reason I don’t like them is that handle on the focus adjustment

Ms. Yote, I will also recommend the above recommendations for the Vortex brand. They have about 3 different levels of performance at appropriate price points ....pick the one that fits your fits your finances.

If your 1903 is factory drilled and tapped for a scope base, forget about looking for your original rings and bases. Check to see if you can find a pair of Talley rings to fit your gun and scope tube diameter. I have used the light weight machined from aluminum. They are one piece base and ring, which eliminates an extra connection with screws between the conventional bases and ring assembly. The last I bought cost about $35.

They also come with a lifetime warranty.

30 06 has a pretty good recoil.
Dont go too cheap or it wont last long.

24 hour campfire free classifieds.

Considering the ranges and tight terrain look at the LPVO class of scopes. Low Power Variable Optics start at 1x and typically go up to 6x-8x though there are higher end up to 10x. The only downside is most are intended for the AR platform and often come with reticles designed for CQB type shooting of plaster the dot/circle/vee at close range 1x or dial up to use BDC/windage marks for longer. Reticles can be busy and BDC is calibrated for 5.56 or 7.62 ball ammo to hit close enough for government work.
But, imo, you definitely want 1x on the low end. My first scope was a 2x7 leupold, great scope, and 2x was way to much for some of the shots on deer as most were shot inside 40 yards, one at ten feet. I can't recall ever dialing up on game. Like you, I prefer irons for that very reason. No experience but a red dot sight would probably do all you need it for.

There is a straight redfield 4 power on ebay for 89 bucks. No doo dads just a plain hunting tool. Sight it in at 200 yards. You will be golden.

Get a set of Vortex rings to go with your scope.

Yote, If you or a family member is signed up on Govx, they have great deals in Vortex optics.

Perhaps we need to establish exactly what rifle we are discussing. 1903 Springfield rifles were only made by Springfield arsenal and Rock Island arsenal. If it says Remington on it it has to be a later 03/a3 made during ww2.
If the barrel is original it will have a month / year date near the muzzle. Hopefully it was competently drilled and tapped.

Vortex 2-7 just put 2 more on guns for friends and they now come with the nicer cover.

they just work for those woods distances and actually a lot more.

Y'all think this one be okay???

https://www.academy.com/p/vortex-triumph-hd-3-9-x-40-riflescope?sku=40mm-3-9x-black

I have a 03 Springfield and I struggle with focusing on the front site, but I do not want to put a scope on it just because of what it is.
What I have done in order to see the front site is bought some reading glasses which give me a clear view of the front site.

The key to accurate shooting with iron sights is that your focus needs to be on the front site. The rear site and the target should be out of focus whether you need glasses or not. That is a fundamental of shooting iron sights, the most important one. It boils down to the fact that no one can focus on more than one point at a time.

Are there any brands that dont come with lifetime anymore...? Seems pretty standard....

should work just fine for your needs

Yote ends today but you can get the next level up the copperhead from duhnams for 99 bucks. If you have one close to you That's your best choice. That triump is designed for 22 caliber rifles. I have one of those on my 22 mag.Super clear and handles under the truck seat abuse. But I'd go with the copperhead. Got one on my 270 and it has stacked up the deer.