Bolt-action rifles are no longer those vintage hunting firearms but have undergone considerable development. Today’s designs combine the durability of a military-grade weapon with accuracy for a long-range shot in the wild. The performance of these rifles is such that you could probably hit a target 1,000 yards away or shoot a huge bull elk, something that your grandfather’s guns would not have been able to do. Here is a rating of the 10 best bolt-action rifles that you can find now—experiments, reviews, and real executions have all agreed on these.
10. Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
For those who desire long-range accuracy on a non-four-figure budget, the Patriot LR Tactical is tough to top. Equipped with an MDT chassis, adjustable stock, and heavy-contour barrel threaded for brakes or suppressors, this rifle delivers serious performance at a reasonable price. Testing has seen it shoot sub-half-inch groups, which is impressive at its price. It also holds AICS-pattern magazines and has an adjustable cheek riser for comfort. Not feather-weight, the rifle’s stability in a chassis system provides you with repeatable accuracy—something you’ll be grateful for when pressure is on.
9. Mauser M18
Mauser is a brand with a rich history, and the M18 keeps that tradition going with what is basically a “do what it is supposed to do” kind of reliability. Its three-lug bolt operates flawlessly, the safety is very user-friendly, and the precision is even better than one would expect considering the price. Sub-MOA groups are often achieved in field testing, which makes it a no-nonsense hunting firearm that excels in challenging conditions. The stock may not be impressive; however, the rifle always delivers and gets you through the day without any issues. It is a good choice for hunters who simply need a reliable tool that they can count on.
8. Weatherby Vanguard
Based on the same design as the Howa 1500, the Vanguard goes a step further with a rugged stock and weather-resistant coating. It’s a gun designed for hunters in rain, snow, and dust who still want accuracy to deliver on target. In head-to-head tests, the Vanguard usually wins out over its competitors with groups so tight that the variations are almost negligible. Available in many different calibers, this rifle is a tried-and-true performer that will not fail you in the backcountry.
7. Bergara B-14 Ridge
Bergara rifles have earned a reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy, and the B-14 Ridge carries that legacy forward. The action cycles effortlessly, the trigger breaks crisply, and its barrel prints tight groups reliably. It lacks flashy features such as carbon fiber or heavy fluting, but it provides you with reliability on which you can bet a hunt. For less than a thousand bucks, it’s a rifle that works—and keeps working year after year.
6. Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan SPR Carbon Fiber
This rifle is made for hunters who hike in rugged terrain and don’t need to carry a lot of weight. With a carbon fiber barrel and McMillan stock, it cuts ounces without sacrificing precision. The three-lug bolt, adjustable trigger, and ergonomic comfort make it easy to operate with or without a suppressor. With repeatable sub-MOA accuracy, this rifle is designed for long hikes, large climbs, and shots that count.
5. Seekins Havak Pro Hunter 2
The Havak Pro Hunter 2 introduces competition DNA to a hunting rifle. Spiral fluting, near-vertical grip, and wide fore-end all suggest match-rifle heritage. But it still manages to save weight for mountain hunts. Half-inch groups with factory ammunition in real-world tests, and the action cycles smoothly. This is the rifle you carry when you desire match-grade accuracy in a frame rugged enough for tough backcountry hunts.
4. Sig Cross
The Sig Cross is a newer player in the bolt-action realm but has gained devoted followers quickly. Light, accurate, and modular, it has a folding stock that makes it simple to carry into the field. Adjustable fit and silky cycling make it suitable for a broad variety of shooters. Hunters adore it for portability, but long-distance shooters appreciate its accuracy. It’s the type of rifle that’s comfortable in the mountains and on the range.
3. Sako TRG 22 A1
If precision is your sole goal, then the TRG22 A1 is one of the best factory rifles out there. It is capable of shooting extremely tight groups, and the adjustable chassis allows you to customize many aspects from the trigger to the cheek rest. The action is very smooth, the barrel is made using hammer-forging for durability, and the overall construction is among the most battle-tested and durable ones. The firearm is not just for hunters—it’s employed by the professionals who need flawless results in difficult situations.
2. Tikka T3x Lite
Ask nearly any hunter what they think of the Tikka T3x Lite, and they’ll likely sing its praises. Renowned for its butter-smooth trigger, lightweight design, and guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy, this rifle has become a best-of-class all-around hunting rifle. The stock is modular, the recoil pad is gentle, and aftermarket components are plentiful. It’s cheap, lightweight enough to tote around, and durable enough to last a lifetime—a real hunter’s rifle.
1. Ruger American Gen 2
At the top of the list is the Ruger American Gen 2, a rifle that has revolutionized the budget market. From its fluted barrel and Cerakote finish to its stiff stock and three-position safety, it all feels like it should cost a whole lot more than it does. Sub-MOA groups are the new norm, and the rifle feeds well and is optics-ready. For hunters and shooters looking for top performance at a cost that won’t hurt, the American Gen 2 is the way to go.
What’s great about this list is the amount of performance that’s now condensed into rifles of all price points. There’s something here for every long-range shooter and hunter, whether you’re driving tacks on a budget or cutting paper at distance on the high end. Whether you’re climbing mountains, glassing elk, or punching paper at range, bolt actions today offer more accuracy, dependability, and versatility than at any time in history.