Ready to dive into the world of hunting rifles that blend tradition with modern innovation? This list highlights 18 rifles from the last 50 years. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to hunting, so these rifles run the gamut in terms of cartridges used, intended application, and firing systems.
18. Remington Model Seven
Compact and versatile, the Remington Model Seven excels in dense forest environments. This lightweight bolt-action rifle offers a short action derived from the acclaimed Model 700, ensuring quick handling and high accuracy. Its adaptability to various calibers makes it a favorite among hunters who value precision and ease of use in close quarters.
17. Ruger American Rifle, Gen II
The Ruger American Rifle, Gen II combines affordability with performance, making it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned hunters. Featuring Ruger’s Power Bedding system and a cold hammer-forged barrel, this rifle is consistently accurate. Its modular stock allows for customization of the length of pull, providing comfort for long hunts by tailoring the weapon to what is most comfortable for you. While the weapon still has the same scope ring mounting solutions as the original American, it also has a length of Picatinny.
16. Weatherby Vanguard
Weatherby’s Vanguard guarantees it will deliver sub-MOA accuracy. The rifle does so, and maintains an accessible price point. The Vanguard features a cold hammer-forged barrel and a two-and-a-half pound two-stage trigger, along with a three-position safety.
15. Sako 75
The Sako 75 is renowned for its exceptional accuracy and smooth action. This rifle features a match-grade, free-floating barrel, and an adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to fine-tune their setup for optimal performance. Its durable construction and elegant design made it an excellent choice, though it was discontinued and replaced by its successor, the Sako 85, in 2006.
14. Dakota Model 76
The Dakota Model 76 blended classic design with modern craftsmanship, offering a controlled-round feed system reminiscent of pre-’64 Model 70s. Known for reliability and accuracy, this rifle was favored by hunters seeking a custom-built feel with the durability to handle challenging conditions, and the rifle was also offered in a takedown configuration for more compact storage while out on the trail.
13. Henry Rimfire Lever Action
Henry’s Rimfire Lever Action rifles are beloved for their American craftsmanship and reliability. Designed for varmint and recreational shooting, these rifles feature smooth cycling actions and crisp triggers – and like most levers, are fun to shoot. The tiny .22LR cartridge also means the rifle has very little recoil and is extremely inexpensive to plink with when you’re not using it for varmint.
12. Ruger Mini-14
The Ruger Mini-14 uses a semi-automatic action inspired by the M1 Garand. Known for its reliability and ease of use, this rifle is effective for hunting small and medium game, while the compact size makes it easier to maneuver through dense brush or tight spaces.
11. Bergara B-14
Bergara’s B-14 series combines precision engineering with affordability, making it suitable for both hunting and competition shooting. The integrated mini-chassis in the stock provides consistent bedding, while the free-floating barrel improves accuracy. Available in multiple calibers, the B-14 is an effective bolt-action that provides hunters with an accurate, affordable weapon.
10. Winchester Model 70 Classic
The Winchester Model 70 Classic is a timeless choice for hunters seeking reliability and performance. This bolt-action rifle, known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” offers a smooth, hand-polished action refined over decades. Its featherweight design makes it ideal for big game hunting, perfectly balancing strength and portability.
9. CZ 550 Safari Magnum
Now discontinued, the CZ 550 Safari Magnum was built for big game hunting, as the name suggests. It featured a Mauser-style controlled-round feed action for reliable case extraction, as well as a medium-heavy barrel and adjustable sights. The weapon is still popular in the used market despite being discontinued and is a great choice for hunting with heavier cartridges like .375 H&H and .416 Rigby.
8. Browning X-Bolt
The Browning X-Bolt is a flexible hunting rifle prized for its long-range accuracy and customizable design. Featuring an adjustable comb system and an Inflex recoil pad, this rifle provides comfort during extended shooting sessions. Its durable build includes a fluted barrel and Cerakote finish, ensuring performance in harsh conditions. The rifle has been succeeded by the X-Bolt 2, but is still easy to find for purchase.
7. Kimber 84L
Kimber’s Model 84L offers a minimalist approach to hunting rifles, designed specifically around the .30-06 and .270 Win cartridges. Lightweight construction and match-grade chambering provide excellent handling and accuracy without unnecessary bulk, bringing the rifle to a featherlight 6 lbs when unloaded and unscoped. Extraction is handled by the venerable and reliable Mauser claw extractor.
6. Tikka T3x
The Tikka T3x Lite combines lightweight design and robust performance features like an adjustable trigger and fluted barrel. Known for out-of-the-box precision, the weapon is also light and durable for long treks on hunts.
5. Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Ti
Weatherby’s Mark V Backcountry Ti focuses on delivering an ultralight hunting rifle, thanks in part to its titanium action, fluted barrel and carbon-fiber stock. Despite the light weight of the weapons, it’s still accurate thanks to its TriggerTech trigger. The rifle is perfect for mountain hunts where every ounce counts.
4. Ruger Precision Rifle
The Ruger Precision Rifle helped make the chassis system more common among civilian hunting rifles. Designed for long-range shooting, today, the rifle’s once cutting-edge features have become much more common. Customization is the primary appeal of the RPR, but it is an expensive weapon relative to what you get – and what you can get from other rifles, some at lower price points.
3. CZ Model 527
Now discontinued, the CZ Model 527 Carbine offered classic styling with modern functionality in calibers like .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, and 7.62x39mm. Its “Micro Mauser” action allowed for smooth operation, while the compact frame was appealing for hunters looking for smaller, lighter varmint rifles.
2. DPMS Panther Arms AR
DPMS Panther Arms AR rifles provided the versatility of AR platforms combined with hunting-specific features such as optimized calibers and configurations suited for various game types. That said, DPMS today is not what DPMS used to be; good examples of the weapons the company once put out exist…but you’ll be hunting for them in the used market. It’s arguably easier to simply put together an AR that’ll suit your needs yourself – or use a more reputable manufacturer as your starting point and work up from there.
1. Rigby Highland Stalker
Inspired by early 20th-century deerstalking rifles, the Rigby Highland Stalker blends traditional aesthetics with modern engineering using Mauser actions built to original specifications. the weapons are exceptional – both in their performance and their price point. Expect a five-digit price tag.
