7 Best Hunting Rifles in 2023 — What Setup Is Right For You?
While hunting is a sport of skill, having the right equipment can seriously increase your chances. The most important piece of equipment for any gun hunter, in my opinion, is going to be his rifle. Choosing a rifle is a big decision and you are going to need something that fits your style, the terrain you usually hunt in, and the game you hunt.
So, the best hunting rifle is a personal choice. What is best for me might not be the best for you. But from every style and price point, we’ve collected a list of the best of the best. No matter what kind of hunter you are, you can find the perfect rifle for you on this list.
How We Ranked Our Best Hunting Rifles
When picking out the best hunting rifles for this list, I chose the rifles that have worked well for me in a variety of real scenarios and ranked them based on the following factors.
- Shootability – Can the rifle deliver a smooth and consistent shooting experience? Here, I look at factors like recoil, comfort, and ease of handling when evaluating the rifle. I also think of the weight, feel, and the fit of the rifle and how long I can carry it with me without discomfort.
- Construction – Is the construction solid? A well put together rifle will last you for a long time, so this is one of my main criteria for evaluating a rifle. The design is also important, so I look at the ergonomics, weight distribution, stock material, and quality.
- Accuracy – Can the rifle shoot well enough to hit the target consistently? I tested the accuracy by taking the rifle to the range and shooting targets placed at different distances. In addition to consistency, I also looked at the sights, barrel quality, and bullet drop.
- Value – Does it give long term value for the price? It doesn’t make sense to drop a lot of cash on a rifle if it doesn’t give you equal value. So, I looked for ones that gave a good return in performance for their price.
Now that you know how I’ve evaluated the rifles on this list, let’s jump straight to the list itself.
Best Hunting Rifles
Editors’ Choice Sig Sauer Cross |  |
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Best Durable Bergara B-14 Ridge | |
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Best Budget Tikka T3x Lite | |
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Best High-end Springfield Armory Waypoint | |
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Best Range Savage 110 Hunter | |
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Best Entry Level Howa 1500 Hogue | |
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Best Value Browning X-Bolt Speed | |
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Best Hunting Rifle Specs
Below is a list of our Best Hunting Rifles, so we can compare and line up the specs from each of the rifles and help you make the best decision possible.
| Hunting Rifle | Weight | Overall Length | Barrel Length | Trigger Style | Threaded Barrel | DBM or Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sig Sauer Cross | 6.5 lbs | 36.5" | 16" or 18" | 2-Stage Match | Yes | DBM |
| Bergara B-14 Ridge | 7.2 lbs -7.7 lbs | 37.5"- 44" | 18"- 24" | Single Stage | Yes | Fixed |
| Tikka T3x Lite | 6.3 lbs - 6.5 lbs | 42.5"- 44.5" | 22"- 24" | Single Stage | No | DBM |
| Springfield Armory Waypoint | 6.5 lbs - 8.2 lbs | 43.5" - 45.5" | 20"- 24" | Single Stage | Yes | DBM |
| Savage 110 Hunter | 7.25 lbs - 7.55 lbs | 42.25" - 45.25" | 22" - 24" | AccuTrigger | No | DBM |
| Howa 1500 Hogue | 7.8 lbs - 6.2 lbs | 38" - 50" | 22" - 24" | 2-Stage HACT | No | Fixed |
| Browning X-Bolt Speed | 6.5 lbs | 42" - 46" | 22" - 26" | 2-Stage Match | Yes | DBM |
Best Hunting Rifles
- Sig Sauer Cross
- Bergara B-14 Ridge
- Tikka T3x Lite
- Springfield Armory Waypoint
- Savage 110 Hunter
- Howa 1500 Hogue
- Browning X-Bolt Speed
Best Hunting Rifles Reviews
Now that we’ve had an overview and looked at our list, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section, we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking about the product, and looking at the pros and cons.
1. Sig Sauer Cross : Editors’ Choice
Sig Sauer Cross
A super modern hunting rifle with all of the features and swagger of a tactical rifle, but in a lightweight mountain-ready package.
- Shootability A
- Reliability B+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 18 Reviews
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Sig Sauer Cross Specs
- Weight 6.5 lbs
- Overall Length 36.5”
- Barrel Length 16” or 18”
- Trigger Style 2 Stage Match
- Threaded Barrel Yes
- DBM or Fixed DBM
- Extra Features Folding Stock
Sig Sauer Cross Review
The Sig Sauer Cross is pretty fresh on the market, but its first steps into our hands did not go well. It’s Sig’s first bolt action design and almost immediately after it was released, YouTuber Nutnfancy posted a video showing the Cross firing while the safety was engaged. Sig Sauer issued a recall a few days later and quickly solved the issue with the rifle basically re-releasing a few months later.
My Sig Sauer Cross is from the second-generation post-safety fix.
I’ve been looking forward to this rifle since I shot some pre-production versions at SHOT Show 2020 and I have to say, this rifle did not disappoint me in the slightest. It’s got a great design; the chassis-bolt action combination means that it’s extremely lightweight, the folding stock improves portability, and the threaded barrel makes sure that I can add any standard suppressor to it. The Cross’s trigger is 3 lbs, which is a good weight for hunting, but what really sold me was its smooth break that’s user adjustable. This, for me, is everything I’ve been looking for in a hunting rifle.
While Sig Sauer markets the Cross as a “long-range precision rifle,” I strongly disagree as this is a hunting rifle through and through. While this rifle is totally capable of reaching out, the low overall weight and short barrel make for a rather poor long-range precision rifle.
But on your back in the mountains, this is an amazing rifle.
Even when I’m not planning on doing much more than plinking at the range, I tend to bring my Cross along with me just because it’s light, handy, and fun to shoot. I also really like how easy it is to handle. Since its design somewhat mimics an AR15, anyone familiar with an AR15 shouldn’t have any issues at all in handling this rifle.
What I love about the Cross is that they don’t use a crazy long barrel. Most hunting rifles come with barrels that are at least 22” long, but the Cross comes in either 16” or 18” depending on the caliber. The short barrel also shaves off some considerable weight, making the rifle lightweight and comfortable to carry. Realistically, this is a much more practical barrel choice and I love that.
The compact nature of this rifle is perfect for hiking with or stalking through the brush. As a western hunter and shooter, the fact that my complete hunting setup with scope, bipod, and muzzle brake is about 7.6 lbs is wonderful.
While there’s a lot to love about this rifle, I also have a few complaints. One issue is its aluminum body — it’s a cold rifle to carry when you are out in the woods, so I wouldn’t pick it if I am out hunting in the winter. The Cross is also really picky about the ammo; I had to stick to high grade ammo because whenever I switched to lower grade ones, the performance dropped drastically.
However, considering that it’s one of the more affordable and lightweight options out there for hunting rifles, I can forgive its flaws. If you’re looking for a trustworthy hunting rifle that you can take out on hikes, the Cross just might be the one for you. You can check out our full review of the Sig Sauer Cross to learn more.
Sig Sauer Cross Pros and Cons
- Lightweight makes for easy hiking
- Folding stock for compact storage
- Threaded barrel for a suppressor or muzzle brake
- AR-15/10 ergonomics
- Expensive
- Not a fan of the magazine release being inside the trigger guard
Sig Sauer Cross Deals
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$1,569.99
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$1,569.99
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$1,632.99
2. Bergara B-14 Ridge : Best Durable
Bergara B-14 Ridge
A Spanish-made perfected version of a classic American rifle. There is a new king in town.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 3 Reviews
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Bergara B-14 Ridge Specs
- Weight 7.2 lbs – 7.7 lbs
- Overall Length 37.5” – 44”
- Barrel Length 18″ – 24″
- Trigger Style Single Stage
- Threaded Barrel Yes
- DBM or Fixed Fixed
Bergara B-14 Ridge Review
One of the most iconic American hunting rifles of the past 100 years has been the Remington 700. But sadly, Remington simply wasn’t able to live up to its own name for much of the past 20 years. Since the fall of that great brand, others have come to take the crown.
The Bergara B-14 series of rifles has gained a near-legendary reputation for being an R700 pattern rifle but made to a radically higher standard of quality than what Remington has put out.
While their B-14 HMR is my favorite version, it’s a bit heavy for a dedicated hunting rifle. Instead, the B-14 Ridge is much lighter and is a much more “classic” style of a hunting rifle.
Built using an R700 footprint, this gives you access to a huge range of aftermarket accessories and upgrades if you want them. The design is pretty clever; the free floated barrel makes sure your rifle is going to be accurate, plus the stock is one of the most comfortable ones I’ve used in a while. The construction is also solid as it is made of chrome moly steel, which is stronger and more durable than regular steel, so this rifle will last you for a while.
As for the action, Bergara uses its own B-14 with double bolts and I don’t have many complaints because it does a great job of inserting and extracting the cartridge from the chamber. The trigger action was also quite consistent and I was able to get crisp breaks with even amount of pressure every single time.
However, with its weighted action and barrel contour, the Bergara is a heavy gun compared to many others on the list. This means that while you can definitely take it out when you’ll be mostly hunting from stationary spots, I wouldn’t recommend carrying it on mountain hikes. It is also not the most adjustable rifle out there — I had to remove the whole stock to adjust the trigger — so if customizability is a big factor for you, I’d steer you away from this one.
That said, Bergara rifles are accurate, simple, modern, and ready for anything. While this rifle doesn’t really give you much in the way of fancy features, this is in every way a modern take on the legendary classic American hunting rifle.
Bergara B-14 Ridge Pros and Cons
- Threaded barrel
- R700 compatible with triggers and stocks/chassis
- Highly durable and reliable
- Great action pull
- No comb adjustment
Bergara B-14 Ridge Product Deals
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$784.99
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$829.99
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$752.00
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$799.99
3. Tikka T3x Lite : Best Budget
Tikka T3x Lite
Made in Finland and imported by Beretta USA, the Tikka T3x Lite is one of the best imports you can buy.
- Shootability A-
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics B-
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
Based on 3 Reviews
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Tikka T3x Lite Specs
- Weight 6.3 lbs – 6.5 lbs
- Overall Length 42.5″ – 44.5″
- Barrel Length 22″ – 24″
- Trigger Style Single Stage
- Threaded Barrel No
- DBM or Fixed DBM
Tikka T3x Lite Review
Years ago, a Tikka T3x Lite in .270 Win was the very first hunting rifle that I bought for myself. It’s also the rifle that I started learning long-range precision shooting with. Although that was a long time ago, the T3x Lite is still one of the best rifles I’ve ever used or owned.
Accurate as all get out, simple to use, and with a bolt that feels like greased glass — this is a fine example of top-quality production and honestly gives a custom-made feel to a mass-produced rifle.
True to its name, it comes in very lightweight at 6.5-ish lbs even in long action cartridges. All of that and you’ll rarely see these for more than about $750, so I’d say it’s a great balance of affordability, shootability, and accuracy. Another plus is the available range of accessories and rounds; you can find the T3x Lite in all sorts of calibers, stocks, and controls.
The action is a two locking lug system that does a decent job of cycling ammo. The magazine holds 3-4 cartridges at a time and the smooth reloading makes the whole process painless. I am also a fan of the high quality recoil pads as they make the recoil very manageable and they definitely help with the comfort factor as well.
Something that really stands out to me in this gun is the trigger; it’s an excellent single stage trigger and the best part is that you can adjust the trigger weight (2 lbs-4 lbs). The break is also very smooth and consistent, letting me take quick and accurate shots out in the field.
So what are the downsides? The stock is honestly kind of horrible. It does its job I guess, but it’s a very cheap plastic feel. Mine hasn’t broken even after hard knocks and long use, but it still feels cheap in your hands.
The lack of a threaded barrel is a big blow to me. With suppressors and brakes being more popular by the day, it would be nice if more hunting rifles come standard with threaded barrels.
That said — this is a great rifle and you will not be disappointed.
Tikka T3x Lite Pros and Cons
- A bolt smoother than greased glass
- Lightweight
- Magazine fed
- Very accurate
- Stock feels like a child’s stock
Tikka T3x Lite Deals
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$677.63
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$689.99
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$689.90
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$749.99
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$749.00
4. Springfield Armory Waypoint : Best High-End
Springfield Armory Waypoint
Built like a PRS rifle but with the modern hunter in mind, the Waypoint might usher in a new era of hunting rifle design.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability B-
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A
- Value B+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 8 Reviews
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Springfield Armory Waypoint Specs
- Weight 6.5 lbs – 8.2 lbs
- Overall Length 43.5″ – 45.5″
- Barrel Length 20″ – 24″
- Trigger Style Single Stage
- Threaded Barrel Yes
- DBM or Fixed DBM
Springfield Armory Waypoint Review
If I’m being honest, I’ve never been a big fan of Springfield Armory. Their pistols just aren’t my jam, their rifles never floored me. Until the Waypoint. This rifle… this rifle is just WOW.
From the very modern stock with the full pistol grip styling to the threaded barrel that comes with a brake to the ACIS magazines to the ultra-smooth bolt and .75 MOA guarantee — this rifle really delivers on basically everything.
About 2 months before the Waypoint was announced I was planning a custom rifle build, it looked almost part for part exactly like the Waypoint.
This is clearly a rifle that was designed for the modern hunter and has taken a lot of design clues from the PRS competition world to make it the best rifle it can be.
Depending on the model you choose, you can also get the Waypoint with carbon fiber barrels to shave even more weight off of the system. I got a 6.5 Creedmoor myself and this one, along with some other models like the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Winchester are short action only, so keep that in mind if you are considering this rifle. The action itself is pretty solid as it’s CNC-machined from the billet and the recoil lug gives you enough strength and repeatability.
The gun features a 1913 spec rail, so you can easily mount scopes or any other accessories you want to. It also comes with an adjustable TriggerTech trigger and the trigger weight of the ones on the Model 2020 Waypoint can be adjusted from 2.5 lbs – 5 lbs.
But this rose has a couple of thorns. Top of my list is, like the Sig Cross, the Waypoint has a magazine release placed inside the trigger guard — I really hate that.
The trigger, while amazing, has a super deep curve to it. I like curved triggers, but this feels like a Lee-Enfield curve and it just doesn’t sit with my finger as well as I would like.
Finally, these are expensive. Steel barrel rifles’ MSRP start at $1,797, carbon fiber barrel models start at an MSRP of $2,394. On the high-end, the Waypoint tops out at $2,527.
That’s a lot of money. That is literally custom hunting rifle money. Is the Waypoint worth that much? Maybe, but not to everyone.
For a full review on this rifle, make sure to check out our Springfield Armory Waypoint Review.
Springfield Armory Waypoint Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Fully adjustable
- Radial brake
- Outstanding design
- Oof, that price
Springfield Armory Waypoint Deals
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$1,529.99
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$2,069.99
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$2,109.99
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$2,020.99
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$1,858.99
5. Savage 110 Hunter : Best Range
Savage 110 Hunter
Lightweight, inexpensive, wide range of calibers offered, this is a simple and to the point hunting rifle.
- Shootability A
- Reliability B+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 2 Reviews
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Savage 110 Hunter Specs
- Weight 7.25 lbs – 7.55 lbs
- Overall Length 42.25″ – 45.25″
- Barrel Length 22″ – 24″
- Trigger Style AccuTrigger
- Threaded Barrel No
- DBM or Fixed DBM
Savage 110 Hunter Review
The Savage 110 is a rifle that is offered in a huge range of styles. From PRS rifles in MDT chassis to simple hunting rifles in plastic stocks, the 110 has a lot of legs to it.
If you’re looking for something on the hunting side of things, the 110 Hunter is a great option.
While the styling and stock design aren’t anything groundbreaking, it is done in a simple yet highly functional manner that gives you what you need. You can adjust the stock length as you need, and the sling attachments are also built-in.
The simple bolt design is one of my favorite parts; it makes sure the locking parts connect with the receiver, minimizing the headspace when the bolt is closed. This tight space helps improve your accuracy. It also has an in-built AccuStock rail system to provide stability and maintain accuracy. I’ve shot this at 200 yards with my good ammo and managed to get 1-inch groups pretty consistently.
There are extra grip surfaces placed where your hands normally go to help with things getting wet, and the stock is semi-adjustable for the length of pull and comb height. The trigger is Savage’s AccuTrigger and is adjustable for pull weight, so that’s nice too. It’s a clean pull with no creep and also has a lever mounted within to prevent accidental discharges.
What really helps this rifle shine is the fact that it is offered in a huge range of calibers, some of them very niche and uncommon. From 204 Ruger to 300 Winchester Mag with interesting offerings like 280 AI IMP and 7mm-08 thrown in, this rifle covers a lot of ground.
The Savage 110 also has a detachable box magazine for quick and safe loading. Even the 3-position tang safety lets you load and unload in the safe position. The grip is pretty comfortable too; you get fore-end and pistol grip surfaces with a non-slip hold in any weather.
Right out of the box, it’s a pretty decent firearm. And all of that is offered at a very fair price for a solid hunting rifle. Overall, the Savage 110 Hunter is a pretty impressive rifle that often gets overlooked.
Savage 110 Hunter Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Huge range of calibers available
- Extra grip on the grippy parts
- Low-cost
- Known extractor issues
- No quick adjustment options
Savage 110 Hunter Deals
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$586.95
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$639.47
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$632.99
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$676.18
6. Howa 1500 Hogue : Best Entry Level
Howa 1500 Hogue
Rock bottom budget price but punches way above what you expect, dollar for dollar this might be the best ever made.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A-
- Ergonomics B-
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 2 Reviews
Your Grade
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Howa 1500 Hogue Specs
- Weight 6.2 lbs – 7.8 lbs
- Overall Length 38″ – 50″
- Barrel Length 22″ – 24″
- Trigger Style 2-Stage HACT
- Threaded Barrel No
- DBM or Fixed Fixed
Howa 1500 Hogue Review
I’ve owned no less than 7 Howa 1500s over the years and these are just good rifles. Not great, not amazing, but very solidly Good.
For the cost, these are some of the best buys you can make since they punch way, way above their price points.
The construction of the The Howa 1500 Hogue is solid. It comes in a much improved Hogue stock; cheap and plastic but solid and well-made. The bolt and receiver are steel forged while the barrel is cold hammer forged, so this gun can take a lot of abuse and still keep going strong. In addition to that, it is also waterproof and shockproof, ideal for hunting in extreme conditions.
The stock feels really great on your hands and gives such a solid grip that it won’t slip off you even in the rain. There’s rubber coating molded over the stock frame, so it won’t make much noise in case it hits something while you’re out hunting.
I also really like its action; it’s super smooth and there’s no gritty feeling at all, which makes the whole process of changing cartridges painless. There’s a hinged floorplate in front of the trigger guard so you can access unfired cartridges easily. Unfortunately, there’s no adjustment for the length of the pull or comb. And no threaded barrel to attach a muzzle brake or a suppressor as well.
But something that really helps the 1500 stand out is the HACT trigger. Howa makes their own triggers and these two stage beauties are almost magical. By far the best factory trigger on a hunting rifle you can find on any rifle under $2,000.
Every HOWA 1500 I’ve owned has also been shockingly accurate. From 300 BLK to 300 Win Mag, all of my rifles have shot at least 1 MOA, and most of them are much better with the right ammo. Follow-up shots are also a breeze thanks to the thick and gently curved recoil pad at the back of the gun. They really help in reducing and redirecting the recoil, so I don’t really feel the kickback too much. This helps me maintain consistent accuracy, which is pretty impressive within this price bracket.
The HOWA 1500 Hogue lets you do a lot of customizations; you can switch to an aftermarket stock, add a detachable magazine with a larger capacity, or just alter it to fit your style. Right out of the box though, this rifle is barebones, literally. It’s missing anything fancy outside of that wonderful trigger. But really, if that’s all you need… this lightweight and entry-level sporting rifle is an outstanding deal that will fill the freezer for pennies per pound.
Read our full review on the Howa 1500.
Howa 1500 Hogue Pros and Cons
- Super low price
- Lots of aftermarket upgrades
- HACT trigger is outstanding
- Bolt likes to bind
- No adjustment options
Howa 1500 Hogue Deals
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$439.98
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$629.99
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$499.99
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$489.99
7. Browning X-Bolt Speed : Best Value
Browning X-Bolt Speed
Speed in the title makes the bullets go faster, right? A semi-custom rifle design and feel that delivers big on features and value.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 3 Reviews
Your Grade
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Browning X-Bolt Speed Specs
- Weight 6.5 lbs
- Overall Length 42″ – 46″
- Barrel Length 22″ – 26″
- Trigger Style 2-Stage Match
- Threaded Barrel Yes
- DBM or Fixed DBM
- Extra Features Radial Brake
Browning X-Bolt Speed Review
Do you feel the need? The need for Speed?
Put simply, the Browning X-Bolt Speed is kind of like a poor man’s Waypoint. At over $1,000 dollars cheaper but with many of the same features, the X-Bolt stands out as a huge value return on your money.
A simple stock, but well-made and very solid, is the weakest point of the rifle. No adjustment for length of pull or comb makes me sad, but it’s something we can live with.
Everything else… is pretty awesome.
The barrel is a sporter profile and has the weight reduced even more by being fluted. It comes threaded with a radial brake to make this lightweight rifle perform better in your hands. The barrel is also free-floated and bedded in the front and the rear for more stability. The muzzle brake also reduces recoil like a champ. Plus, it’s super cool how the Inflex Technology recoil pad works with the muzzle to reduce recoil for greater control on follow-up shots.
This bolt is smooth, like really smooth. If Tikka is a 10/10, I think the X-Bolt is a 9/10. You can work the bolt quickly because its extended bolt handle cycles away from the scope smoothly. The bolt unlock button can be opened while the top-tang safety is in the safe position to give you another layer of security when checking or unloading the chamber.
Something that really helps this rifle stand out is the fact that it comes standard with a Cerakote finish on the metal (which is more durable than traditional bluing or stainless steel) and an OVIX Camo on the stock. Both of these add to the durability of the rifle and help it blend well into western environments.
A 60-degree bolt lift and outstanding Feather trigger help round out the awesome features that come with the X-Bolt Speed. The trigger is very satisfying and accurate thanks to its clean and crisp pull with minimum overtravel.
Oh, and the magazine is a detachable box rotary magazine, which means you can feed cartridges directly in-line instead of feeding offset like you’d do with conventional magazines. That doesn’t really make a huge difference — it’s just cool.
This true mountain-style rifle is great for many field and environment conditions. The only small hassle in my eyes was it being a bit difficult to clean. I’m willing to let that go because this accuracy and lightweight combination is pretty ideal for hunting grounds.
Browning X-Bolt Speed Pros and Cons
- Cerakote finish
- Radial brake
- Special buttpad
- Very fair price
- Special magazines
- 1 color option and nothing else
Browning X-Bolt Speed Deals
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$979.99
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$1,199.99
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$1,199.99
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$1,199.99
Best Hunting Rifles — Buyers Guide
Buying a good hunting rifle is a totally personal choice. It doesn’t matter what your grandfather used, or your brother uses, or that guy you met one time at work. The right rifle for you is what matters, nothing else.
Critically think about the type of hunting that you want to do. Hiking in and out of a mountain range is a lot different than using an ATV to get to a deer blind.
The type of game also matters — elk need a lot more energy on target than javelinas do.
All of the rifles we’ve listed here have their pros and cons, the right rifle for you will depend on what you’re doing and what your budget is.
Let’s break down what specs and features you should pay attention to.
What Specs Matter Most
1. Weight
Weight is both a positive and a negative depending on how you hunt. If you’re looking to hike up and down mountains, weight is always something you want to reduce when possible. If you’re walking a half-mile to your deer stand and sitting there all day, the weight really doesn’t matter that much.
On the other hand, your rifle having less weight means the felt recoil is going to be greater. The most unpleasant rifle I’ve ever shot was a Berrett Fieldcraft in .308 Win. That 5 lbs rifle with no muzzle device hit my shoulder like a MAC truck. You wouldn’t expect that from a .308 Winchester, but man that rifle hurt.
The lighter your rifle is, the more helpful a muzzle brake becomes. Personally, I put a muzzle device on any rifle that is threaded, and I basically refuse to buy a rifle that isn’t threaded. While a rifle with a threaded barrel normally costs more, it is a really useful feature that can turn a mediocre rifle into a precision freezer filling machine.
2. Overall Length
The overall length is rarely going to be a make-it-or-break-it quality of a rifle. The only time you really need to keep it in mind is when you’re planning on traveling with your rifle. Make sure to get a rifle case that is long enough to hold your rifle, plus at least a couple of inches for padding.
3. Caliber
Most medium to large calibers will work for almost any North American game, so I recommend not overthinking about the caliber of your gun when you get your rifle. Look for something that’s powerful enough for your ideal game and range, but also make sure that it’s not too powerful. Otherwise, you won’t be able to shoot it comfortably or consistently.
4. Feel and Fit
A rifle is an investment, so you are going to want one that fits you just right. The ideal-size rifle should come up to your shoulders and work smoothly when you use it. It should also feel right in your hands, so always make sure to try out the model before making a final choice.
5. Barrel Length
The length of your barrel is a blessing and a curse, but I think a lot of people don’t really think about their barrel length as much as they should these days.
A longer barrel will not make your rifle more accurate. That is a pervasive myth that doesn’t seem to die.
What a longer barrel really does is increase bullet velocity. Two rifles of the same caliber but with different length barrels can have hundreds of feet per second (FPS) velocity difference between them.
Bullets moving faster give you a longer maximum point-blank range (the range you can shoot with effectively ignoring bullet drop) and more energy on the target, making for a more sure kill.
In those respects, having a longer barrel is usually better.
But a longer barrel also means travel and hiking are more of a pain. Again, this depends on your method of hunting. If you’re in a stand, a 26” barrel isn’t a big deal. If you’re hiking through thick trees, a 26” barrel is going to snag on everything.
All of that said — most people are using way more barrels than they actually need. Depending on your ammo you need roughly 2,000 FPS to reliably expand good hunting ammo. Some ammo can expand with as little as 1,600 FPS, but that depends on your exact ammo. 2,000 FPS is a more standard number.
Using 6.5 Creedmoor as an example caliber, Hornady 143gr ELD-X moving at 2,700 FPS with a 24” barrel is very easy to achieve. That gives you over 2,000 FPS out to over 500 yards.
For most hunters, 300 yards is pushing the edge of their maximum range for ethical shots. Even very experienced and skilled hunters rarely will even consider a shot past 450 yards, and that is with near-perfect conditions.
Taking a shot at over 500 yards on an animal, borders on grossly negligent depending on the circumstances. So… what happens if you choose a shorter barrel?
Again, using 6.5 Creedmoor and 143gr ELD-X as our example — an 18” barrel will still give about 2,550 FPS at the muzzle and over 2,000 FPS out to 400 yards. That is a much more realistic max range, and cutting 6” of the barrel off makes for a much lighter and more handy rifle.
Keep in mind that these numbers are examples — if you want to dive down this rabbit hole make sure to use a ballistic calculator and run the numbers yourself for the caliber and ammo you’re planning to use.
But generally speaking, if you have the choice between two barrels — I generally choose the shorter one for hunting.
6. Trigger Styles
Triggers are generally going to be single stage or two stage. Two stage triggers have a first stage that is normally smooth and doesn’t have a lot of weight to it before hitting a “wall”. This will be a point in the trigger’s travel where the weight required to pull it back sharply rises, thus creating what feels like a “wall”. The second stage of the trigger is the weight required to get past that wall. That wall is what fires the rifle, getting past it makes the rifle go bang.
Single stage triggers don’t have that first stage, they basically start at the wall, and breaking it is what fires the rifle.
Single stage triggers are far more popular with precision shooters because it makes it much easier to have a great trigger pull and not disturb the rifle. Two stage triggers are often more common in hunting rifles as a mild safety measure to make accidentally pulling the trigger harder to do.
One isn’t better than the other, period. They are just different. Try both and find what you like. My only strong recommendation is that if you’re prone to getting the shakes when you’re ready to take a shot — get a two stage trigger. The extra safety measure of the first stage will help a lot.
7. Threaded barrels
I touched on this before but threaded barrels are awesome. Even if you don’t “need” a muzzle brake for your rifle, the option to have one is really nice. What is even nicer is the option to have a suppressor. Hunting with a suppressor makes life so much nicer and safer. While it might not be entirely hearing safe even with a can on it, having one makes shooting a much more pleasant experience and will protect your hearing even if you don’t have time to get your ear pro in.
With the ATF opening E-forms for suppressors, getting one has become a lot easier.
Personally, I live in a ban state so I sadly don’t have the option of getting one. But I can use muzzle brakes.
I’m a huge fan of muzzle brakes because they make shooting easier and more precise, and allow me to send a follow-up shot a lot faster.
8. DBM or fixed magazines
It really won’t matter what you choose here. I like detachable box magazines to make unloading easier, but even with a fixed magazine, unloading your rifle isn’t hard.
The major plus to a DBM is that if you want to use the rifle for any type of competition also, a DBM gives you the option to have more rounds on tap with a larger magazine. I normally hunt with a 5-round magazine, but shooting my local PRS club matches I use a 10- or 12-round magazine.
With a blind or fixed magazine, that simply isn’t an option.
9. Extra features
The most game-changing extra feature you’ll see in hunting rifles is a folding stock. But it is rare to see. I love folding stocks because I think they look cool and they make life just a little easier. Getting your bolt out is easier with a stock folded out of the way. Cleaning is easier with it folded. I can use a smaller bag when I travel because it’s folded. Even bore sighting the rifle when I first take it to the range is easier with the stock folded out of my way.
This isn’t a required feature at all, but it’s nice.
The far more common extra features we’ve listed are radial brakes and cheek risers. These are much more fundamental and really nice to have.
Radial brakes are frankly not my favorite, I like a big brake that moves a lot of gas. But radial brakes are also a good option and do a better job of not over concussing your friends that are standing near you.
Cheek risers bring the stock to your cheek. This allows for more flexibility with scope options and makes for a more comfortable rifle in general. A more reliable hard point for you to index your face on also makes for more accurate shooting.
While an adjustable cheek riser isn’t required, it’s nice. Even without one, you can always add some foam or something and make your own cheek riser.
Conclusion
A good hunting rifle can be the deciding factor of a successful hunt, so finding the one that’s the right fit for you is very important. That said, there’s no rifle that does everything, and the best fit for you is the one with the most important features for your hunting style. Busting out a spec sheet is great, but my advice is to try shooting a few rifles and get a feel of their action to find the best fit for your needs. Happy hunting.
FAQs
A hunting rifle should function smoothly while handling the rigor of your hunting style with easy-to-use controls like safety and magazine release. It should also be simple to load and unload, with a consistent trigger break.
I’d say the Sig Sauer Cross. We have rated this #1 on our list for its lightweight and compact design, which makes it ideal for hunting and bushwacking. Its threaded barrel is of a perfect size, and the folding stock makes it easy to store and travel with.
The .308 Winchester is the best caliber for hunting mainly because of its proven track record. It’s well balanced with inherent accuracy and moderate recoil. It’s also widely available with a great bullet selection.
The most important things about a hunting rifle are: its length, weight, durability, accuracy, and range. Your rifle needs to withstand rough conditions and should be easy to handle on hunting grounds. As for accuracy, a 100-150 yards range with an accuracy of 2-inch groups works decent for hunting.
The average price range of a hunting rifle falls between $500-$1000, but it can go up to $8,000 if you’re looking for a long-range, supreme-quality rifle. Our list of Best Hunting Rifles featured firearms within a range of $700-$2500, so you can take your pick depending on your preferences.
SIG Sauer Cross is a great option as a big game hunting rifle. It’s lightweight, compact, and portable so you could easily carry it in the woods. It also has enough stopping power to take down large game.
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About David Lane
Learning how to shoot at a young age in the Boy Scouts, David now spends most of his time working on or with firearms. Be it shooting, upgrading, building, tinkering, or writing about them -- sharing his passion and knowledge of firearms with others is an everyday occurrence.
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