Best Hunting Rifle All Around and 10 Best Hunting Rifles of 2024

Choosing the best hunting rifle is a tricky yet fun task for hunters and shooters like you. In addition, aside from hunting skills, hunting rifles are also a vital factor that can predict hunting results. Suppose that a hunter utilizes an insufficiently good hunting rifle that might fail to provide excellent performance. Also, there is a big chance he can’t take down his targets and might put himself into a dangerous hunting position. 

With that, hunters and shooters should purchase hunting rifles that suit best and effectively their needs and preference. Luckily, here is the list of the best hunting rifles worth packing or carrying in an exciting hunting journey. 

Yet before that, it is necessary to understand how you can evaluate if a rifle is best. So, keep reading to discover the best features to consider that make the best hunting rifles reliable to perform outstanding and ideal power when hunting. 

Let’s start.   

Features to Consider in the Best Hunting Rifle

The best hunting rifles have the best features that support them to work best according to hunters’ and shooters’ needs.  

Durable

It is essentially wise to look for the best hunting rifles that have maximum durability. Hence, they must be designed with quality materials and finished. In addition, the best hunting rifles are ready to take on the challenges of the most intense hunting jobs. 

Moreover, there are different and extreme hunting environments. With that, you need to find the best hunting rifle that can dependably withstand any extreme conditions you are hunting in. You don’t want disrupted hunting because your rifle’s finish is destroyed, right? Remember that durable hunting rifles are also reliable weapons that won’t wear out quickly because of rough handling, intense hunting, and nasty hunting weather.   

One of the vital roles of hunting rifles is to perform excellent firing that can last until intense hunts reliably. That’s why it is essential to consider your hunting habits to find the best hunting rifle equipped with maximum durability features that match your hunting environments.     

Quality Ergonomics

Intense hunting involves moving in distances. There also might be instances that hunters need to run to follow their fast targets and prevent them from escaping. Indeed, many possible events can happen when hunting. Thus, hunters like you need to choose the best hunting rifles with quality and good ergonomics. 

Besides that, hunting rifles that have excellent and quality ergonomics allow ease of carrying and handling. Also, they are specially designed to cut down weight and bulkiness. Yet, maintain a powerful performance to take down hunting targets. The best hunting rifles are meant to require less physical demand in going into long hunting distances. Hunting rifles with quality ergonomics are ideal even with petite hunters. So, hunters will never be too exhausted while hunting.   

Accurate 

When you are hunting, it is essential to hit your targets accurately to prevent them from escaping. Accuracy is a valuable feature of the best hunting rifles. They have an incredible accuracy to hit the targets you are aiming at. 

Aside from that, the best hunting rifle won’t waste your ammo and energy since they have minimal missed hits. In addition, there are hunting rifles that have a scope combo. Scopes support hunters to have an enhanced and more precise view of the targets. They make a great connection between hunters and targets. 

Suppose that you need a scope. It is essential to have a model of excellent quality. However, some rifles have a scope combo that has inadequate accurate performance. Thus, it is vital to consider if you want a rifle with combined scope or not. Why should you settle in the wrong and inadequate scope when you can always have the best one if you choose wisely, right?

Moreover, if you have targets that need you to shoot several hundred yards further, you must have a completely accurate hunting rifle. Since a great distance might cause variables that can make you entirely have more missed hits. That’s why if you are involved in hunting that needs you to shoot further, having an incredibly accurate hunting rifle gives a significant difference and advantage.     

Dependable

Some rugged hunters are brave enough to hunt the most challenging wild targets, including hunting wild bears. Thus, if you are a hunter who wants to take on hunting challenges, you need to gear up yourself with a dependable hunting rifle that works every time you need it. Just imagine if your targets are aware of your presence, and you suddenly cannot fire; the danger is undoubtedly in your way. 

In addition, you might also get stuck in a risky situation if your rifle abruptly cannot cycle for a new round. With that, you need to choose a hunting rifle equipped with dependable materials and designs that are proven to work effectively every time, even with intense use. You must only pack yourself with the best dependable hunting rifles. Otherwise, you might find yourself being in danger in the woods with an untrustworthy rifle.  

Action

There are different types of rifle action. Each type has specific uses and purposes, so it is crucial to know them since they are relevant factors in the overall hunting performance. For instance, bolt-action rifles are accurate and excellent weapons that come with detachable or fixed box magazines. They are designed with manual bolts that users need to cycle after firing once. 

On the other hand, lever-action rifles are equipped with powerful, large-bore cartridges that work best in close-range hunting. However, they compromised their long-range capacity to be light and handy. Also, lever-action rifles have manual user-operated levers that provide smooth but rapid loading.  

Meanwhile, the pump-action rifles utilize a sliding pump mechanism to cycle rounds. Hunters need to pump them after each shot manually. Also, they support excellent performance in close-range hunting. 

Semi-automatic rifles are convenient rifles. They are also popularly termed self-loading rifles. Also, they are accurate with easy follow-up shots since hunters only need to release the trigger and pull it again to fire the next shot. They are an excellent choice for accuracy and excellent performance. However, some states restrict semi-automatic rifles for hunting. 

Suppose you want high-powered calibers; you won’t go wrong with the single and double-barrel rifles. They are rifles designed to be loaded directly into the barrel, one at a time. Also, single and double-barrel rifles are lightweight, mechanically simple, accurate, and reliable for easy handling. Aside from that, double barrel rifles are preferred because they can accommodate powerful and bigger cartridges that are useful in big game hunting or large dangerous animal hunting since they can fire quick follow-up shots. 

Therefore, the rifle’s action is vital to consider with your hunting experience, needs, and plans.        

Reasonable Price

There is no wrong with choosing an expensive or cost-effective hunting rifle. It is more important to buy a rifle that has a reasonable price that matches the value of its features. The most worth it hunting rifles have excellent features that are reasonably considered for the price.

Aside from that, the hunting rifle you are choosing must effectively work for your hunting needs. Otherwise, it is useless since you can have an unsatisfying hunting experience if you choose the wrong and inadequate rifle. The best and practical way of buying hunting rifles is always to decide on the best option that can excellently suit your skills and needs.  

Types of Hunting

There are several types of hunting. So, we are going to cover the most commonly popular types of hunting that most hunters enjoy. With that, here is the list of the various hunting groups: 

Brush Hunting

Brush hunting involves the hunting of medium and large size hunting animals. The hunters are hunting in thick brush. That’s why there are just adequate and limited distances. In addition, brush hunting has more aggressive targets, and they can be more dangerous since hunters can encounter them at closer distances.  

Therefore, the most effective and best hunting rifle options are those weapons that come with short-range, powerful rounds. Some of the best rounds that can give an advantage in brush hunting are .440 Marlin and .45-70. 

Moreover, brush hunters should prefer short but handy rifles with powerful ammunition and reliably perform fast follow-up shots. The most popular hunting rifles that provide excellent brush hunting advantage are the lever-action hunting rifles.  

Small Game Hunting

Small game hunting is about hunting small targets, including squirrels, rabbits, and other animals that can be eaten or have valuable fur. Also, most of the small game hunting highlights close-range shooting. Therefore, small game hunters can use even low-powered rimfire rounds such as .22 Magnum, .17 HMR, and .22LR yet still takedown and catch their targets effectively. 

Medium Game Hunting

Medium game hunting refers to the hunting of targets around the size of deer. Besides that, medium game hunting also includes antelope and sheep hunting. Therefore, they are the targets that are not tough and aggressive to kill, so they mainly have less danger capacity. 

Moreover, some commonly used calibers for medium game hunting are the .300 Winchester Magnum and .223 Remington. However, it is still better to know the size of your local animal targets and the average distance hunting area as a clear guide for the medium game hunting caliber selection. It guarantees that you can utilize the most effective and appropriate caliber. 

Large Game Hunting

Some rugged hunters are indeed tough to commit in large, dangerous hunting that has more capability to defend, attack or escape. Large and dangerous targets possess danger since they have adequate size and physical ability. Also, some of the large animal targets are aggressive. The most common large dangerous targets are buffalos, large wild cats, and brown bears. 

Upon knowing that large, dangerous hunting involves aggressive hunt targets, it is only reasonable to say that this type of hunting requires strict and careful choosing of hunting rifles. With that, hunters like you can ideally use big-bore cartridges like the .45-70, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .458 Winchester Magnum. In addition, long-range rifles are also preferred since they can successfully hit a powerful shot even at further distances. 

There’s no doubt that high power rounds are in demand in large game hunting because of their adequate power to takedown aggressively large hunting targets and other trophy animal targets. Nevertheless, classic cartridges like .270 Winchester and .30-60 Springfield are also sufficient and powerful in large game hunting jobs.   

10 Best Hunting Rifles

Now that you know the relevant and helpful information about the best hunting rifles, you are now capable of evaluating the best option that can meet your needs. Let’s take at some of the top picks hunting rifles that can be your best hunting rifle: 

1. Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle with Scope

Starting the best hunting rifle list is an impressive-looking hunting rifle; it is the Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle. The hunting rifle has an impressive appearance in full TrueTimber Strata finish, presenting it in a camouflaged form that matches any hunting environment.

The XPR Hunter is designed from the combined concept of the Model 70. So, Winchester made it with modern materials that make it an excellent rifle at an affordable price. Also, aside from the TrueTimber Strata stock that allows the hunting rifle to blend with any environment, it has other designs that include a barrel and receiver in a Permacote FDE finish. All materials contribute to constructing the hunting rifle to be excellent-looking and durable.  

Moreover, the rifle can produce some kickback or recoil while firing. However, there’s no need to feel troubled since the presence of an innovative Inflex Technology recoil pad highly minimizes recoil feeling. It is helpful since it can absorb recoil to provide hunters more comfort while shooting. 

In terms of accuracy, the XPR Hunter has dependable materials since it comes with a reliable and excellent factory-mounted and bore-sighted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm scope that features a BDC reticle. Therefore, hunters like you can easily distinguish the targets even at distanced ranges when using a scope. 

However, one downside is that some of the previous users shared that the factory-mounted scope is basic, and the reticle is plain and not overly helpful. With that, it is necessary to evaluate more about the rifle’s scope or if you indeed want a scope combo or if you want to buy it separately. You can decide based on your hunting rifle skills and needs.    

Besides that, other features include a solid steel receiver, a polymer stock that highlights cross-mounted lugs, and a free-floated, target-crowned barrel that are dependable to provide precision accuracy. Thus, your time aiming at your targets is not a waste since many dependable materials support precise shooting.     

The hunting rifle comes with three locking lugs with a 60° lift. The locking lugs are essential in securing the resistance from the pressure created within the cartridge after the rifle is fired. In addition, the bolt-action rifle utilizes a specially designed M.O.A Trigger system that gives ideal comfort by allowing users to adjust the rifle’s trigger pull weight according to their most comfortable and convenient pull to have no over-travel. 

Since intense hunting requires a great concentration, Winchester designed the XPR Hunter’s 2-position thumb safety for convenience and safety assurance. Thus, it dramatically prevents unintentional firing injuries and harms. At the same time, the weapon has a single-stack detachable magazine and a cocking indicator that presents the status of loading and unloading and to know whether the rifle is ready to fire. 

Overall, the Winchester X.P.R. Hunter is available in different cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor, giving targets more powerful hits but producing less recoil. With the hunting rifle’s impressive features, the XPR Hunter is meant to provide fantastic performance in medium-game hunting. Undoubtedly, it can take down deer even at 200 yards.  

2. Tikka T3X SuperLite Bolt-Action Rifle

Similar to the Winchester XPR Hunter, the Tikka T3X SuperLite Bolt-Action Rifle also has a stock made with TrueTimber Strata finish. Thus, it also blends in with any hunting environment in impressively camouflage design.

In addition, the rifle stock’s finished pattern is reliably versatile and takes advantage of light and dark colors that maintain the rifle’s concealment even at any hunting distance. At the same time, the fluted barrel, receiver, and bolt are made durable using stainless steel. 

Moreover, the presence of a steel recoil lug helps hold the action tight in the stock. The bolt-action rifle also has a free-floated barrel that supports the weapon to obtain better accuracy, tactical flexibility, stability, and overall aesthetics.   

Suppose that you want to achieve comfortable and extremely manageable hunting. You will appreciate the presence of a high-quality recoil pad of the Tikka T3X SuperLite since it can effectively do the job right. Also, the weapon is equipped with an impressive classic low-angled pistol grip that permits the shooter to have a relaxed shooting even in multiple hunting positions. 

Meanwhile, the hunting rifle utilizes a 2-lug bolt in a 75° bolt lift that delivers exceptional smooth cycling for a more manageable advantage. It restrains the shooter’s hand or gloves from nearing the scope and avoids hindrance in the cycle. Plus, the 75° bolt lift has a direct impact on the speeds of the cycle. 

Tikka T3X SuperLite manages an effectively enlarged ejection that arranges the feeding rounds strictly one at a time, without restriction in the process. In addition, the single-column polymer magazine contributes to reliable feeding. 

Besides that, the rifle highlights a single-stage trigger that provides hunters with a clean and crisp trigger pull. Hence, the trigger is a relevant feature that obtains more quick but accurate hits under any hunting environment. 

Tikka T3X SuperLite also comes with a dovetailed receiver that adapts Tikka rings and possible optics attachments like Picatinny rail. Moreover, optics such as Picatinny rail are a significant benefit for shooters who want help with the correct eye relief to have more successful fires.  

The Tikka T3X SuperLite is one of the best hunting rifle picks for hunters who are regularly involved in long and tiring hunts. That’s why a lightweight and the smooth but powerful rifle is the most advantageous and ideally must-have option.

3. Henry Big Boy Centerfire Lever-Action Rifle

The Henry Big Boy Centerfire Lever-Action is a hunting rifle designed primarily to work best in deer and hog hunting, even for home defense and bear protection. 

Also, the hunting rifle sports an attractive appearance and durable, powerful features that are worth it for a quality hunting journey. Henry Big Boy has the vibes of an excellent rifle with its brass butt-plate, barrel band, and it’s checkered American walnut fore-end and buttstock.  

Moreover, it comes with a durable hardened brass receiver that can accommodate all magnum ammunition to handle and take down more prominent and dangerous hunting targets. Plus, the receiver is designed with a solid top with side ejection that accommodates scope mounts. 

The Henry Big Boy features a different loading and unloading port. Instead of on the side of the receiver, the ammunition is straightly loaded into the rifle’s tubular magazine. Hence, it qualifies quieter and quicker ammunition reloading that contributes to creating an advantage in hunting. 

If you are looking for safety assurance, the presence of an internal transfer bar safety will ease your mind. It guarantees that the hammer will never connect with the firing pin unless the shooter intentionally pulls the trigger. Thus, managing high protection from any accidental danger. 

Moreover, the trigger pull is clean and crisp that sustains precise shooting results. On the other hand, the traditional octagon barrel highlights sight materials such as a dovetailed brass bead front sight and an excellent adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. Both features contribute to delivering an excellent intuitive target acquisition for overall performance. 

The Henry Big Boy is the best hunting rifle for hunters who want to gear up with an attractive lever-action rifle. It will also work reliably in close-range hunting since it fits with several powerful cartridges. 

4. Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II Semi-Auto Rifle

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 is a beautifully classic black AR-style semi-auto rifle. 

The best hunting rifle can function effectively even in any extreme hunting condition. That’s why the Sport II is a dependable choice since it is equipped with a dust cover and forward assist that improves reliable performance in any rugged environment. 

Moreover, the lower and upper receivers are durable with the 7075 T6 aluminum that emphasizes a hard coat black anodized finish. Hence, the hunting rifle still looks incredible, even in just black color. In addition, the lower receiver highlights an integral trigger guard to support better trigger management and comfort. At the same time, the upper receiver features a full Picatinny rail, dependable for better eye relief and accuracy. 

On the other hand, the rifle’s barrel is designed with a durable, corrosion-resistant Armornite finish. It allows strong resistance even at rough handling. Meanwhile, the bolt carrier, firing pin, and gas key enables ease of maintenance. Thus, you don’t have to face many inconveniences in maintaining the Sport II if you purchase it.  

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is ideal since it is matched to fit any hunting clothing or stature thanks to its 6-position telescoping buttstock. Aside from that, the rifle possesses an adjustable A2 post front sight and a Magpul Folding MBUS rear sight. Both sight features partake in supporting hunters to perform consistent follow-up shots.  

Besides that, the semi-auto rifle comes with one 30-round detachable magazine. Plus, it can accommodate most of the aftermarket standard AR-15 components and accessories. Therefore, hunters like you can freely upgrade it without having a hard time searching for compatible accessories. 

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is one of the best hunting rifle choices for hunters who prefer dependable, fun, customizable, and solidly powerful weapons. It also has a great value and accuracy that enhances overall hunting performance.  

5. Ruger American Rifle Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

Suppose that you trust the innovative designs and materials of modern rifle ergonomics. Then, you won’t ever be wrong with the Ruger American Rifle if it is precisely designed with modern features. Yet, it does not compromise its availability. Hence, it is one of the cost-effective firearm choices that value less than $500. 

Moreover, the hunting rifle is built that is meant to perform reliably in serious hunting. Thus, the Ruger American rifle won’t disappoint you if you want to get more trophy hunting animals. 

The Ruger American rifle operates with a 3-lug bolt design with a 70° bolt lift that gives adequate space to retain the hunter’s fingers from being a hindrance between the riflescope and bolt handle. 

Also, the hunting rifle utilizes a highly accessible 2-position tang safety to keep a safe rifle operation and control. It has a short and quick operation convenient for left-handed and right-handed shooters. Also, the bolt has a safety assurance since it has safety engaged for loading and unloading. Plus, there is a dependable cocking indicator that reveals the status of the bolt when loading and unloading. 

Besides that, the weapon uses a Marksman Adjustable trigger vital in providing hunters a light and crisp trigger pull. It also contributes to comfortability in precise shooting. Meanwhile, that stock is made from durable and reliable rugged composite with grooves and textured fore-end and pistol grip. Thus, providing a non-slip hold and grip even from sweat from intense hunting, plus it is also reliable in any hunting environment.  

You can also have less recoil in Ruger American because it utilizes a Power Bedding recoil or bedding blocks and a soft rubber recoil pad. Hence, it allows more comfort when shooting. At the same time, the barrel is free-float for increased stability, accuracy, and tactical flexibility. 

Aside from that, the weapon has a drilled and tapped receiver that can accommodate scopes since it is designed with scope bases. With that, hunters like you can attach scopes that can help with eye relief and accuracy.  

The Ruger American rifle is the best hunting rifle for hunters who want a fast-handing, lightweight, but still superbly accurate wild hunting in rugged outdoors. 

6. Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP Bolt-Action Rifle

The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP is designed for exceptional deer hunting advantage available in various cartridges. Plus, it comes with a unique factory-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope. 

Specifically, the Vortex Crossfire II scope supports hunters to manage more complex shoots with exceptional accuracy. Therefore, it allows a more clear, unhindered sight to hunt deer and even coyotes.     

In addition, the scope is solidly mounted because of the 1-piece EGW 0-MOA rail utilizing unique Vortex Hunter medium rings. On the other hand, a Dead-Hold BDC reticle permits better operation since it supports faster compensation for bullet drop from intense hunting. Also, the reticle highly decreases guesswork on windage and holdover.  

Moreover, the bolt-action rifle sports a durable and impressive adjustable synthetic, sporter-style stock. It is vital to hunters who want flexible stocks since they don’t fit with average length. That’s why the adjustable stock of Savage 110 Apex Hunter is one of its advantageous features. Plus, it also has an accessible 3-position tang safety receiver to guarantee safe rifle operations.  

Aside from that, the rifle uses a Savage AccuTrigger. It is specially designed to allow users to adjust the trigger weight pull weight to achieve a crisp, light release without creep. At the same time, the presence of a lever mounted within the trigger body effectively blocks the sear so the weapon won’t fire unless the hunter intentionally presses the trigger in the center. Therefore, the feature supports a high safety assurance to have less accidental firing.

The 110 Apex Hunter XP also operates with a basic bolt design. Although it is a basic model, it still maintains that the locking lugs have solid contact with the receiver. Thus, firmly holding the headspace to a minimum and required space every time the bolt is locked.  

Hunting can get intense at any time. With that, it is essential to have safe and quick reloading. Thus, you don’t have to look for another hunting rifle since the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP can give you that advantage. With its detachable box magazine, it permits convenient, quick, and safe loading and unloading. Meanwhile, the impressive matte-finished, sporter-weight carbon steel barrel highlights a precision button-rifling. The feature supports the rifle to obtain superior stability of the projectile for high accuracy.  

Overall, the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP is one of the best deer hunting rifles, always ready to provide fantastic performance in deer hunting season, but also performs excellently even in coyote hunting.  

7. Browning AB3 Composite Stalker Bolt-Action Rifle

Browning earned an excellent reputation for producing quality and flawless firearms. Its AB3 Composite Stalker is one of the no-frills superior hunting rifles they offer at a great value and low price. 

The bolt-action rifle utilizes Browning’s famous anti-bind bolt that comes with three locking lugs. Additionally, the locking lugs permit a short 60° bolt handle lift. It is a vital feature that provides an increased scope clearance aside from fast cycling. 

Moreover, the weapon’s knob is designed canted and slightly flattened at an ergonomic 30° angle. The knob is shaped at a perfect angle to give a naturally solid fit to any user. Plus, the bolt has a flawless and smooth operation that directly impacts the overall performance.

Besides the special bolt, the Browning AB3 Composite Stalker has a lot more to offer. It has a button-rifled, free-floated barrel that gives more stability and accuracy. In addition, the firearm also has a uniquely designed integrated trigger with steady 3.5 pounds pull weight. Although the Browning AB3’s trigger is not adjustable, it still delivers a clean and crisp trigger pull. 

Also, the weapon is specially produced with a rugged matte-black synthetic stock while the pistol grip and fore-end are textured. On the other hand, the receiver and the barrel are blued with an appealing non-reflective matte finish. 

If you’re looking for a rifle material that can tame uncomfortable recoil or gun’s kick, ease your mind because the rifle possesses a reliable Browning’s Inflex Technology recoil pad that consistently absorbs recoil every shot. The gun‘s detachable staggered box magazine permits safe and quick magazine reloading for fast follow-up shots. 

Aside from that, the firearm uses a top-tang safety with a bolt unlock button that supports the firearm to prevent an accidental shooting. Thus, there will be less possibility of harm and injury. Also, the receiver is designed to securely accommodate scope mounts using two 8-40 screws for each base. Therefore, hunters can enhance their overall performance with solid optics. 

The Browning AB3 Composite Stalker is an undoubtedly impressive hunting rifle designed with top-notch and superior features that prove its value as the best all-around hunting rifle.

8. Kimber Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle

The Kimber Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle is built for extraordinary lightweight handling and carrying for hunting that requires long travel over extreme terrain. Also, it is best for extended and long-range accurate trophy animal hunting. 

Moreover, the rifle utilizes durable and dependable yet lightweight features that support hardcore hunting performance.  First, it is constructed with a 3-position wing safety and a Mauser claw extractor. They are favorable features in dangerous hunting games because they have reliable and safe systems. 

The bolt-action rifle comes with an impressive sporter-contour stainless steel barrel that gives convenience since it requires less maintenance to perform with excellent precise accuracy. At the same time, the presence of textured gripping surfaces and FDE composite stock that highlights a one-inch recoil pad brings confidence and comfort while shooting. 

Aside from that, the Kimber Hunter rifle operates with its full accuracy potential thanks to its match-grade adjustable trigger and Pillar bedding. Thus, the weapon guarantees superior hunting, even in any outdoor condition. At the same time, the firearm is designed with a detachable magazine that allows safe and rapid unloading and loading to perform fast follow-up shots to takedown every fast target. 

The Kimber Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle is the best lightweight hunting rifle for rugged and tough hunters seeking to take trophy animals from hardcore hunting through far terrains. 

9. Ruger M77 Hawkeye African Bolt-Action Rifle

If you want a quality jam-packed hunting rifle that stands out in a serious big hunting game, consider the Ruger M77 Hawkeye African Bolt-Action Rifle the best choice.  

The hunting rifle is reliable since it is specially constructed with Mauser 98 output. So, it uses a controlled feed mechanism that is more expensive than a push feed controller, yet some hunters prefer it since it is reliable to avoid double feeding malfunction. Additionally, the feed mechanism comes with a solidly fixed-blade ejector and a large claw extractor to support a convenient and safe magazine feeding. 

Even at long-range, you can still fire successful hits with the Ruger M77 Hawkeye African because it utilizes features that provide a dependable target acquisition advantage. The excellent features include an impressive large white-bead, barrel band front sight, and a dependable shallow, express-style, V-notch rear sight. 

In addition, the firearm has factory-integrated scope mounts that are directly constructed for solid attachment on the steel receiver. So, expect that it can conveniently accommodate Ruger scope rings that are included with the rifle. Thus, there will be less chance to have disruptive loose crews while shooting. 

Moreover, the weapon’s hinged floorplate and the steel trigger guard are responsible for delivering safety assurance to avoid accidental dumping of cartridges in an intense hunting moment. On the other hand, the rifle’s front sling stud is securely mounted on the barrel hand. Hence, it significantly retains the user’s hand to avoid much recoil from a safe distance away. Plus, a stock cross-bolt helps to decrease recoil.  

The Ruger M77 Hawkeye African boasts an elegant and attractive appearance. It sports an elegant oil finish and a finely contoured American walnut stock that features cut checkering. Also, it boasts a rubber butt pad that securely holds the buttstock from slipping. So, it will not be a hindrance whether you are shooting or traveling in long terrain. 

Aside from that, the hunting rifle also features a unique LC6 trigger that delivers a crisp and smooth break trigger pull. Meanwhile, the 3-position safety permits safe and fast unloading. Thus, it is always ready to perform follow-up shots to assure success with every firing.                 

Overall, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye African is a simply elegant yet robust hunting rifle. Suppose you are a passionate hunter who wants to gear up with a reliable and high-performing hunting rifle and is willing to pay more than $1000. Then, this weapon could be a fantastic match for you. 

10. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Bolt-Action Rifle

The last hunting rifle on the list is one of the most desired and classic weapons for passionate and rugged hunters; it is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade. 

Also, the bolt-action hunting rifle is designed elegantly but with power and durability. The Model 70 is designed with impressive features, including a Shadowline cheekpiece and a finely checkered Grade IV/V fancy walnut stock that comes with an ebony forearm tip. At the same time, the cross-bolt end brings a stylish refinement to the weapon. 

Moreover, the presence of an inletted sling swivel stud is greatly appreciated since it allows hunters ease of carrying. Every exterior steel surface of the rifle is highly finished in a blued finish. At the same time, the one-piece bottom metal that features a steel plate enhances the rifle’s durability and rigidity. Hence, it will not easily rust even in nasty weather conditions. 

Besides that, the firearm possesses a unique Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad that brings additional comfort while shooting. Also, it utilizes the popular and effective Pre-64 receiver systems that feature a claw extractor and a three-position safety. 

Aside from that, you can expect a clean and crisp trigger pull thanks to its MOA trigger system. Meanwhile, the barrel is free-floated, and it is also hammer-forged to obtain consistently accurate firing for sure power to leave targets with no chance of escape or survival.   

The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade is best rifle for hunters who want an elegant but powerful rifle that can withstand adverse hunting conditions.      

Final Thoughts

Hunting is an impressive and enjoyable outdoor activity. However, it is essential to remember that hunting can get intense and dangerous, especially large game hunting. So, a hunting rifle is not just a firearm to take down targets, but it is also a weapon for protection outdoors because hunters can also be targets if they don’t have a dominating gun. Therefore choosing your best hunting rifle should go along with your needs, preferences, and skills. 

Although there is no perfect hunting rifle, you can always buy the best one, and hopefully, you can find it on our list to enhance your overall hunting experience.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are the hunters and shooters most frequently asked questions about the best hunting rifle and the relevant thing about it: