Adam Scepaniak 11.27.25
Your decision when choosing a rifle to hunt with can be the most important out of any piece of gear you take with you in the field. Your success or failure hinges on it. To eliminate the anxiety involved in that decision-making, we have made it easy for you with our complete buyer’s guide for the best hunting rifles in 2025. We are going to cover rifles for all types of game, potential budgets, and experience levels based on our real-world, in-the-field experience. These are the – “Best Hunting Rifles 2025: 12 Top Picks Tested for All Budgets & Big Game.”
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
How We Tested
The metrics that are most important to us when it comes to the best hunting rifle are accuracy, reliability, ergonomics/ease-of-use, and overall value for the price that is being asked. Throughout this guide, we surveyed the full landscape of what is available on the market today for hunting rifles. What matters is actual performance. Not the buzzwords and marketing hype that is spewed to us on the media. Actual performance.
BEST HUNTING RIFLES BY CATEGORY
BEST OVERALL HUNTING RIFLES
#1 – Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary
- MSRP $1,995 – $2,295
- 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 300 PRC
- 24″ Carbon Fiber or Stainless Steel Barrels
- 6 Lb 15 Oz to 7 Lb 2 Oz
- Model 2020 action
This rifle carries a 0.75 MOA accuracy guarantee and it shoots far better than that. In testing, we saw groups as small as 0.40″ at 100 yards with Hornady’s Precision Hunter factory ammunition (no reloading required). Supremely familiar ergonomics with its classically styled stock that dons a modern camouflage colorway. It lacks an adjustable cheek-piece or buttpad, but everything else about it is perfect. We slammed a Texas Aoudad at 340 yards up the side of a mesa with surgical precision utilizing a Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary in 7mm PRC.
Just stop reading, buy this gun, and your best hunting rifle search is over.
#2 – Bergara Premier HMR Pro (Hunting Match Rifle)
- MSRP $1,799 – $1,849
- .22-250 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag, 300 PRC
- 20″, 24″, and 26″ Stainless Steel Barrels
- 9.3 Lb to 9.8 Lb
- Bergara Premier Action
Bergara doesn’t advertise an accuracy guarantee, but it is understood in the shooting community that they craft impressively accurate rifles. In fact, this rifle was the most accurate during testing when we achieved a 0.29″ group at 100 yards. It is considerably heavier than other rifles being 9+ Lb, which is why we didn’t score it #1 and that weight likely aided in the extreme accuracy. Additionally, with an adjustable cheek-piece and variability in the buttpad, you can build this out to be a perfect fit to you.
Heavy, customizable, and insanely accurate.
#3 – Savage Arms Model 110 PPR (Professional Pursuit Rifle)
- MSRP $2,399
- 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm PRC, 7mm BC, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 300 WSM, .300 Win Mag
- 20″ Carbon Fiber Barrels
- 7.2 Lb to 7.4 Lb
- Model 110 Action
Savage Arms has a legendary and decades-long reputation behind their Model 110 action as well as their barrel making abilities. Now, they’ve taken that stalwart track record into the 21st century with mindful attributes that the modern hunter desires like a Proof Research barrel, adjustability in the stock and buttpad, and their storied accuracy shining through once again.
Trustworthy, dependable, reliable, accurate.
BEST BUDGET HUNTING RIFLES – Under $500
- MSRP $489
- .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .25-06 Rem 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 300 AAC Blackout, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 350 Legend, 400 Legend
- 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″ Barrels
- OD Green, FDE, and Gray Synthetic Stocks
The Axis family of rifles (originally introduced as the Edge before its name changed) has evolved a lot over the years from the Edge to Axis to Axis 2 and even an Axis 2 Pro model now. What hasn’t changed is the value you can get without sacrificing reliability. A rifle with an MSRP south of $500 is more rare than hen’s teeth nowadays. Couple in the fact that this one has a decade plus track record of forward-thinking characteristics, proven accuracy (1″ to 1 1/2″ at 100 yards), and its light on your wallet, and Savage Arms has an affordable winner on their hands.
Cheap on price not on quality.
- MSRP $497 – $515
- .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .25-06 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag, 350 Legend, 400 Legend, 450 Bushmaster
- 16.25″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″ Barrels
- Black Synthetic Stocks
Mossberg has been known forever as the “shotgun company,” but they’re flipping the script on the gun industry by also offering incredibly affordable rifles that shoot just as well as their renowned shotguns function. With a hoard of cartridges to pick from as well as youth and adult length-of-pull (LOP) selections, you have a lot to choose from in a rifle that is going to deliver adequate accuracy (1″ to 2″ at 100 yards) basic “creature comforts” like a boxed magazine, sling studs, and an adjustable trigger.
A trustworthy name worth your hard-earned dollars.
#3 – Savage Arms Model Stevens 334
- MSRP $389 – $549
- .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg
- 20″ and 22″ Carbon Steel Barrels
- Walnut as well as Black and Mossy Oak Elements Terra Gila Synthetic Stocks
The options for sub-$500 hunting rifles before we add all of our accessories to them is a very short list, and the ones we’re actually willing to recommend to people is even shorter. So, we are seeing yet another offering from Savage Arms in the Model Stevens 334. This throwback to the J. Stevens Arms Company brand of old is meant to be ultra-affordable as well as trustworthy in its functioning. Savage achieves both of those metrics in the Model Stevens 334, which has all of the basic features you’ll look for – 3 position safety, button rifled, detachable magazine – and has serviceable accuracy (1 1/4″ to 2″ at 100 yards).
Surprising quality for not much money.
BEST MID-RANGE HUNTING RIFLES $500 – $1,500
- MSRP $729
- .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, 22 ARC, .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag, 350 Legend, 400 Legend, 450 Bushmaster
- 20″ Alloy Steel Barrels
- Generation II American Synthetic Stocks
Both the Ruger American and the Ruger American Gen II rifles fall into this price-point category, but the American Gen II is a runaway favorite for the entire class. Recently debuting back in December 2023, this new iteration of the Ruger American delivers everything that its predecessor was lacking – all at a phenomenal, value-rich price tag. Cerakote barrels, customizable stocks, a hoard of cartridges, box magazines, and accuracy when it counts can all be accounted for in the new Ruger American Gen II.
The hype is real. This is a winner.
- MSRP $849 – $1,489
- .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .270 WSM, 7mm-08 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 WSM, .300 Win Mag
- 20″, 22″, 24″ Barrels
- Synthetic and Wood Stocks
The Tikka T3x has a cult following for their barrel, action, and trigger quality, all of which are significantly above-average, but not quite on par with Custom Shop quality. This rifle is a great bang for your buck for the Finnish product that they are. A lot of people will pull these barreled actions to create custom rifles while others will simply run the factory configuration with great success. With nice stocks and all of the aforementioned desirable traits, all you need is to pair this model with a quality scope and you are good to go!
Leave it to Finland to produce one of the best rifles in history.
#3 – Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite
- MSRP $1,159 – $1,219
- .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 6.8 Western, .280 Ack Imp, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 WSM, .300 Win Mag, 300 PRC
- 22″, 23″, 24″, 26″ Light, Sporter Contour Steel Barrels
- Vari-Tech Synthetic Stocks
The Browning X-Bolt has always been the higher tier rifle to hail from Browning, and now with a 2nd iteration available, there are even more features, cartridges available, and possibilities for hunters who are searching for the best. The adjustable Vari-Tech stock is an interesting piece to the puzzle when coupled with Browning’s already impressive accuracy (1/2″ to 1 1/4″ groups at 100 yards).
The iconic Browning lives on in the X-Bolt 2 as an accurate, reliable, mid-tier option.
BEST PREMIUM HUNTING RIFLES $1,500+
- MSRP $7,000+
- 22 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, 7mm SAUM, 7mm LRM, 28 Nosler, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 300 PRC, 338 RUM, 450 Bushmaster
- 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″ Stainless Steel, Carbon Wrapped with Directional Brake Barrels
- Carbon Fiber Stocks
If you have no budget, then look no further. Gunwerks is the utter personification of Custom Shop quality as every single component – down to your riflescope and its associated D.O.P.E. card – can be selected and purchased from Gunwerks. We are talking carbon fiber barrels, carbon fiber stocks, and feathery weights of 6 pounds or less make these rifles the best that money can buy for hunting.
If money is no object, this is the object you seek.
#2 – Seekins Precision Havak Element M3
- MSRP $2,895
- 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .277 Fury, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, 7mm Backcountry, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 300 PRC
- 20″ (Short-Action) and 22″ (Long-Action) Carbon Fiber Wrapped 416R Stainless Steel Barrels
- Seekins Precision M3 Chassis and Stocks
If you want surgical accuracy at half of the price, step down from a Gunwerks rifle into a Seekins Precision Havak Element M3. These are still considered a Custom Shop quality rifle with a variable laundry list of features you can choose from to build out the exact firearm you are looking for.
When accuracy is measured not in inches, but quarter inches.
#3 – Proof Research Elevation 2.0
- MSRP $3,199 – $3,499
- 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag, 300 PRC
- 20″ and 22″ Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrels
- Proof Research Carbon Fiber Stocks
Everyone knows within the firearm industry that Proof Research has always been on the cutting edge – and leading the way, in fact – when it comes to carbon fiber wrapped barrels and other carbon fiber products. Making for what feels like weightless products that exhibit astounding accuracy, the Elevation 2.0 is a prime example of both. Once again, you are looking at Custom Shop quality with an à la carte ability to choose exactly what you want in a rifle.
Not just barrels, but also amazing rifles.
Action Types
Bolt-Action Rifles
There is a reason why every single rifle in our Top 12 across varying categories were of a bolt-action, action type: they are the most accurate. They dominate the world of hunting based on sheer accuracy alone, and if you don’t start there, then what are we even doing?… Accuracy is fatal, and accuracy is final. One of the few limitations that you see is most bolt-action rifles will be low on capacity when typically compared to other action types.
Semi-Automatic Rifles
Sometimes accuracy by volume matters (varmint hunting – invasive pigs, detrimental prairie dogs, etc). So, reaching for something with higher capacity and a faster rate-of-fire can be beneficial. Common semi-auto selections are AR-10 platforms, the venerable Browning BAR, and even the newer Benelli R1. Considerations will need to be made if semi-auto rifle platforms are legal where you intend to hunt based on your locale or jurisdiction.
Lever-Action Rifles
Lever-action rifles are popular even still today for hunting because of their classical design, traditional appeal, and modern attributes have been able to be imbued into them so you can maintain your 21st century creature comforts in accessories. Henry Repeating Arms, Marlin (now produced by Ruger), and Winchester (which are insanely expensive for what they are) are your common players in this market.
Best Cartridges by Game Animal
Whitetail Deer
With whitetail deer being categorized as small- to medium-sized game, you can get away with a range of cartridges to successfully harvest a deer as long as your shot placement is locked in. If you’re looking for some of the most common rounds that might be available in your local gun shop look no further than these traditional, reputable rounds: .243 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and the somewhat new 6.5 Creedmoor.
Elk
For big-game animals like elk, you are going to want to reach for something large for a two-fold reason: 1) you often are taking longer shots on elk and want enough Foot-Lbs of energy to be there upon impact, 2) these are large animals and need something more powerful and stout to take them down. For those reason, your classical large cartridges will do the trick here: .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 PRC among others.
Wild Hogs
For wild hogs, we are not so much going to be looking at specific cartridges because of their individual merits. Instead, we want to identify rounds that are available in semi-auto platforms (we’re taking the accuracy by volume approach here). An obvious standout is the .308 Win in an AR-10 platform. Others you might entertain are .300 AAC Blackout, 450 Bushmaster, or other large rounds you can easily find in a semi-auto because most wild hogs will not go down with one shot.
How to Choose Your First Hunting Rifle
Determine Your Primary Game
As we just covered, the game animal that you intend to hunt matters. If you are hunting rabbits versus elk that is going to immensely dictate what firearm you are going to bring to your hunting party. The game size you are pursuing should always dictate your rifle, but it is OK to use some rifles like a “Swiss Army knife” or jack-of-all-trades. For example, I personally use my 6.5 Creedmoor on everything from coyotes to whitetail deer and even black bear. It is more than adequate for all of those game species with good shot placement. So, be mindful of what you are hunting when choosing a cartridge and rifle.
Set Your Budget Realistically
When setting your budget, the firearm is only half of the battle. If you spend $1,000 on a rifle, you might spend an additional $1,000 on a scope, mounts, rings, ammunition, sling, bipod, silencer, and other accessories to go along with the package. Leave yourself some financial wiggle room to get everything that you believe you are going to need. The mantra of “buy once, cry once” often applies here.
Consider Your Hunting Style
Take in account your hunting style. Are you someone who is constantly stalking and on the move? You will need a light rifle. Do you hunt out of a stationary box blind all day? Rifle weight may not be a consideration. Are you hunting in hot temps or cold weather? This might force you to dive down the rabbit hole of carbon fiber versus synthetic versus wood stocks. All things to consider.
Must-Have Features
For some hunters, there are make-or-break elements of the rifle that they want to own. This could be a threaded barrel for a silencer, an impressively good trigger, cross-compatibility of scope mounting with other rifles they own, etc. It all boils down to what is most important for you.
Features That Don’t Matter as Much
A lot of rifles might be rife with features or traits that you simply don’t care about. Flashy cerakote finishes, gold parts, a threaded barrel (because you don’t intend to buy a silencer), or other parameters that you simply don’t care about. Again, figure out what you precisely want and then pursue it.
Understanding Calibers: Complete Guide
Caliber Selection
As we alluded to earlier in detail, you need to make sure you are choosing an appropriate cartridge for the game animal you intend to hunt. Match your caliber to the game you wish to harvest, understand the felt recoil you will need to endure, ammo availability, the cost, ballistic performance, and the practical distances that you will be able to ethically engage an animal.
Top Hunting Calibers Compared
.243 Winchester
- Best for: Deer, antelope, varmints
- Max effective range: ~300 yards
- Recoil: Mild
- Pros: Readily available ammo, useful for an assortment of game
- Cons: Very small in the grand scheme of things, limits your applications
.308 Winchester
- Best for: Deer, black bear, hogs
- Max effective range: ~400 to 500 yards
- Recoil: Moderate
- Pros: This round has been around forever and has been proven across the world
- Cons: It is far from perfect although people might tell you otherwise
6.5 Creedmoor
- Best for: Deer, antelope, long-range hunting
- Max effective range: ~600 to 1,000 yards
- Recoil: Mild-moderate
- Pros: Ballistically flat shooting and ammunition/guns are readily available
- Cons: It is still an intermediate cartridge and can’t be leaned on for some big-game animals
.30-06 Springfield
- Best for: All-around use from deer to elk
- Max effective range: ~400 to 500 yards
- Recoil: Moderate-heavy
- Pros: This century-old classic is still relevant today and ammo is easy to find
- Cons: The round is less abundant every year in rifle offerings
.300 Winchester Magnum
- Best for: Elk, moose, long-range
- Max effective range: ~600+ yards
- Recoil: Heavy
- Pros: It’s powerful and flat shooting at distance
- Cons: Heavy recoil and may not see impacts on game through your scope
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much should I spend on my first hunting rifle?
If this is your first hunting rifle ever – first of all, congratulations for choosing to go hunting! For most people, the sweet spot would be $500 – $1,000 depending on your budget. Then, you should hopefully have money left over to get all of the extra accoutrements we talked about like optics, sling, bipod, etc. The Ruger American Gen II is a top notch rifle to start with and go from there.
Are expensive rifles worth it?
It really depends how far you’re shooting. If you intend to hunt at 600+ yards or more, then an insanely accurate rifle can be worth it. You need to bear in mind though that the difference between a $3K rifle and a $7K rifle is very negligible. If one can shoot 1/2″ groups and the other shoots 3/8″ groups, is it really worth it to spend an extra $4,000?…
How accurate does a hunting rifle need to be?
Your rifle needs to be accurate enough to ethically and humanely harvest game. For everyone of us, that figure is different. If you hunt whitetail deer in the hardwoods of Minnesota and you typical shot is 50 yards or less, you can safely get away with a rifle that shoots 4″ to 5″ at 100 yards (that’s horrible accuracy, but it is adequate for only shooting 50 yards). Conversely, if you hunt out West shooting typical distances of 500 or more yards, you will want a rifle that can shoot 3/4″ or better at 100 yards. Everybody’s standard is different.
Conclusion
Throughout our guide you have seen rifles that spanned the gamut from $389 to $7,000+ in price. Whether you are flush with cash or are on a budget, there is something out there for everyone. Again, just remember the manner in which you specifically hunt, the game you will be pursuing, the acceptable level of accuracy that you are seeking, and any other important traits you’re hoping for in a rifle. As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below about what you think is the best rifle you can get and why! We always appreciate your feedback.
Good luck hunting this year and all future hunting seasons!
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