Top 5 Hunting Rifles
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or brand new to the sport, choosing the right hunting rifle is a very important decision. A good hunting rifle needs to be reliable, accurate, durable, and have reliable leather sling in order to perform when you need it most. No matter what species of animal you intend to hunt, having the right rifle will ensure that you get the job done.
The only issue with hunting rifles is that there are so many to choose from, each with its own unique features and capabilities. With so many different types and brands out on the market today, it can be a bit daunting to find the best hunting rifle. You might be wondering to yourself, where do I even start?
Having been there before, we took it upon ourselves to bring you some of our favorite and top-rated hunting rifles. From the best deer hunting rifles to those great for beginners, we have you covered!
1. Remington Model 700
No list of the best hunting rifles would be complete without the Remington Model 700. This gun is a classic hunting rifle that has been around for decades. It could easily be considered the most popular bolt action rifle in the world thanks to its excellent accuracy and versatility. It is especially popular amongst hunters due to it being available in a wide range of calibers including .270, .300 Winchester Mag, .308 Winchester, 7mm Remington Mag, and many more.
The Model 700 has a very smooth bolt that makes it easy to operate, as well as a detachable box magazine that is easy to reload. Because this gun is so popular, there is a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available for it. This allows hunters to build and customize their Model 700 in any way they need to fit their hunting situations.
Pros:
● Very accurate, even out to long distances.
● Extremely versatile and customizable.
● Easy to operate with a very smooth bolt and action.
Cons:
● Higher price tag compared to other similar rifles.
● Weight tends to be on the heavier side.
● Hard to find and sold out in many areas.
2. Tikka T3X
Tikka is a well-known name in the firearms world that rose to popularity thanks to the quality and accuracy of their bolt action rifles. These modern rifles are among the top-rated hunting rifles time and time again due to their amazing quality for an affordable price. The T3X in particular is our top pick and is available in a number of standard calibers, including .270, .30-06, .300 Winchester Mag, and more.
One of the best things about the Tikka T3X is that it was designed with hunters in mind. Because of this, it is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver. You can carry this gun for miles on a long hunting trip and not even notice it on your shoulder. With its cold hammer-forged barrel that can withstand the elements and provide the best accuracy, the Tikka T3X should be on anyone’s radar who wants a reliable and lightweight hunting rifle.
Pros:
● The lightweight design not only saves you weight but is comfortable as well.
● Available in a wide range of calibers and can be configured to shoot even more.
● Durability is amazing and the rifle will last you a lifetime if taken care of.
Cons:
● While not as expensive as a Model 700, it can still be a little pricey.
● The trigger is not the best and will need to be adjusted/replaced.
3. Savage Arms Model 11
Hunting can be expensive and your investment has to be protected in good rifle case. Luckily there are companies out there like Savage that produce some great guns at affordable prices. Their Model 11 is just that. This popular hunting rifle is a dependable deer rifle that comes in all of the most common calibers to get you out in the woods, especially if you want to do so on a budget.
Aside from being budget-friendly, the Model 11 comes with a fully adjustable trigger that is easy to work on. This allows you to fine-tune the trigger pull to your preference. Coupled with a durable synthetic stock and you have yourself a good hunting rifle that will work well for beginners and hunting experts alike.
Pros:
● The adjustable trigger is easy to tune and makes for a good shooting experience.
● Budget-friendly price tag.
● Reliability even in the toughest conditions.
Cons:
● Limited range of calibers to choose from.
● Not as accurate as other popular hunting rifles.
4. Browning X-Bolt
Browning is a company that has been making firearms for a long time, yet they often go overlooked due to a large number of other manufacturers out there. But their X-bolt rifles come in a wide variety of different models and are some of the finest hunting rifles made today. These rifles come in many calibers and feature one of the smoothest actions and bolts that you can find on any hunting rifle.
The X-bolt also features other important details like an adjustable trigger and a textured stock for better grip. Designed by dedicated hunters, every little thing was thought out when designing this rifle. All of these decisions resulted in an amazing gun that is extremely accurate, lightweight, reliable, and comes in at a relatively affordable price.
Pros:
● Made with very high-quality materials from the stock to the barrel.
● An adjustable trigger is one of the best triggers out of the box.
● Very lightweight and easy to manage.
Cons:
● Not the most expensive rifle, but higher priced than others.
● Limited customization options and accessories on the market.
5. Ruger American
For one of the cheapest yet most reliable rifles that money can buy, look no further than the Ruger American rifle. Found in all your favorite hunting calibers, this rifle was designed for hunters on a budget. Don’t let that scare you though, as they provide out-of-the-box accuracy and reliability that is hard to beat, even by rifles costing twice as much.
If you want a gun that you can use and abuse without worrying about scratches, dirt, or even a fall or two, then the Ruger American will serve you well. This rugged rifle is also pretty lightweight and uses Ruger’s rotary magazine which is easily one of the best on the market. This magazine, coupled with a decent bolt, allows you to get smooth and efficient feeds when loading the rifle every single time.
Pros:
● Most affordable price on the market.
● Rugged and durable, able to withstand just about anything.
● Available at almost any gun store and quick to set up.
Cons:
● Not as accurate as other rifles (especially long-range).
● The stock is flimsy and flexes when shooting.
● Few options for customization or accessories.
How to Choose a Hunting Rifle
Now that you have a better idea of some of the top hunting rifles on the market, how do you narrow down your search and choose one? The first step is deciding what you need and want, as well as your skill level. For example, what caliber will work best for the animals you intend to hunt? Smaller calibers are easier to shoot and can be very accurate, but have less stopping power for larger animals. Larger calibers pack the power you might need but can be more difficult to shoot.
Consider the type of game that you will be hunting and choose a caliber that is right for the job. Once you have a caliber selected, you can start to research rifles that are available in that specific caliber. Aside from a handful of the most popular calibers, not all of the guns we have listed above are made in the same caliber. This can be a deciding factor in your search.
You will also want to consider your personal budget. Hunting rifles are found in a wide range of prices, and not everyone will be on the same level. Consider what caliber you want, what details are important to you in a rifle (reliability, accuracy, etc.), and what your budget is. Combining all of these things will help you in your search to choose the right hunting rifle. Don’t forget to get quality rifle case to protect your high investment.
FAQ
What rifles are legal to hunt with?
Most popular hunting rifles are perfectly legal to hunt with. The legality of hunting with certain firearms will depend on the location and the type of game being hunted. Some states and countries may also have restrictions on what you can and cannot use, so make sure that you are familiar with the specific hunting laws and regulations in your area before hunting.
Can you hunt a deer with a .223 rifle?
In many areas, it is perfectly legal to hunt deer with a 223 rifle. It is, however, a controversial topic as many consider this caliber to be too small to ethically harvest deer. The decision to hunt deer of this caliber will come down to the specific laws and regulations of your area, as well as your own personal preferences and beliefs.
What rifle is for turkey hunting?
When it comes to turkey hunting, a shotgun is typically the preferred choice of weapon instead of a rifle. This is because turkeys have small bodies and a shotgun allows for a wider shot pattern. This increases the chances of hitting the target. Again, always refer to your area’s rules and regulations for what is legal and what you need to use.
Final Thoughts
All of these hunting rifles we have mentioned above offer a wide range of features and capabilities that make them well-suited for various hunting situations. Whether you are looking for a lightweight rifle that you can take into the backcountry, or a powerful and durable rifle for the biggest animals around, one of these top 5 options is sure to meet your needs.
Remember to consider different factors like the caliber, weight, features, and price when it comes to selecting your hunting rifle, and always prioritize the safety and responsible handling of your firearms. With the right hunting rifle, right handgun & hunting holster you can rest assured that you will be well-equipped to take on any hunting challenge and bring home that next successful harvest.
Martin Lukačko
17.3.2023
