Best Deer Rifle & 10 Best Deer Hunting Rifles Reviewed in 2022

If you are an enthusiast deer hunter looking for the best deer rifle options, you are in the right place. The firearm shops positively responded to deer rifle demands and provided seemingly limitless options. However, not all can give the best performance and quality. 

Fortunately, we have created a guide and list of incredible deer rifle choices to help you find the best-suited weapon that can significantly complement your fantastic deer hunting skills. 

It sounds incredible, right? So, don’t waste time and read the best deer rifle buying guide. 

Best Deer Rifle Buying Guide

When looking for the best deer rifle to buy, you need to consider different rifle factors to increase your chance of selecting the best. Indeed, it is more comfortable and satisfying to perform shooting the works best for you. However, there is an essential step you must do before you shop for deer rifles. Keep in mind to know your local hunting rules since there are places that forbid deer hunting. While others restrict and limit cartridges allowed for hunting. So, you must make sure that you will obey rules by being acquitted with them.  

The first factor to consider when choosing the best deer rifle is the action you prefer. Since the actions are uniquely different from one another, your preferences matter most. For instance, the lever-action rifle specializes in light and handy handling and can accommodate powerful cartridges that efficiently kill a deer. On the other hand, the bolt-action rifle is widely used since it accepts powerful cartridges and allows users to perform quick follow-up shots. Meanwhile, the semi-automatic action rifle takes the best short cartridges that work well in deer hunting. 

Moreover, you should not also overlook the cartridges. With this, you can choose from the popular options. It is not about following the popularity. Instead, popular cartridges are more often tested, plus they are always readily available. The popular and excellent choices for cartridges include .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, .270 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor. 

If you want to fully take your hunting performance to another level, choose a deer rifle with sight improvement features. It is an advantage if you look for deer rifles that offer telescopic sight or have mounted scopes. They permit you to perform increased precise shot placement that is necessary to take down targets effectively.

Besides that, you can consider the rifle’s stock options. The most usual types are the classic wood stock (commonly are walnut), polymer, or synthetic stock. While it is hard to tell which is the best deer rifle stock since this is also about one’s preferences, it is better to know their differences. The wood stock is the best option for hunters who have adjustment plans for their weapons. It is the type of stock that allows convenient work for gunsmiths since it can accommodate changes.

On the other hand, walnut stocks offer comfort and a warm feeling. In comparison, the synthetics are highly durable against harsh elements. Yet, all of them make a good choice. Therefore, take your time assessing. 

Luckily, we have a great list of the best deer rifles that provide quality performance for every hunting needs.      

10 Best Deer Rifles 

Tough deer hunters like you deserve to get hold of the best deer rifles. Choosing your best deer rifle is one of the essential journeys in deer hunting plus, so make the most of it! Each deer rifle on this list offers unique designs and features. So, hopefully, you can find the best option that can work best with you. 

1. Ruger American Rifle Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

When hunting deer, you need an excellent deer rifle that can help you perform comfortable shooting. You can guarantee it with the Ruger American Rifle Standard Bolt-Action Rifle. It is built with modern materials to obtain its innovative design. Thus, making it an impressive weapon for serious deer hunting. 

The bolt-action rifle is one of the best deer rifles that provides the shooter’s high-power machinery for the best firing performance. It comes with a 3-lug bolt design with a 70° bolt lift that helps maintain a great distance between the fingers and gloves so it will not get to touch the bolt handle and the rifle scope. It is essential to keep a safe space to avoid any hindrance when shooting or the accidental firing of the gun.

Besides that, the deer rifle is best for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. Its 2-position tang safety is highly accessible for quick operation, even with the left or right hand. Hence, ensuring safety for avoiding any unintentional firing injury or harm is easy and fast. Also, you can cycle the bolt for the loading and unloading of the gun. The method is secured against any harm because the Ruger American features safety engaged with the bolt. Plus, there is an additional cocking indicator placed at the end of the bolt. Therefore, a shooter can observe and know when the barrel is cocked and when it is fired.

Moreover, the Ruger American Rifle comes with an impressive Marksman Adjustable trigger that supports you to attain your most preferred and comfortable trigger pull. You can easily conveniently adjust the weight-of-pull to achieve a high quality, precise shooting in the field. Plus, it is enjoyable to use since it is a crisp and light trigger. 

Ruger American Rifle features an ultra-reliable, detachable rotary magazine. It perfectly fits with the bottom of the stock. Thus, it does not add to complex handling. Instead, you can have the best weapon handling experience with this deer rifle. On the other hand, the rifle’s stock is made from quality materials, including a rugged composite with grooves. Together with textured fore-end and pistol grip, the rifle delivers a solid and non-slip grip for every hunter who hunts in a different hunting environment.  

In addition, the stock highlights a molded-in, Power Bedding recoil or bedding blocks used by Ruger to solidly attach the barrel action to the stock resulting in a free-float barrel. While the soft rubber recoil pad offers a decreased recoil feel to hunters since it has an ideal recoil absorption power. The deer rifle also features scope bases, drilled and tapped receivers. 

The Ruger American Rifle Standard Bolt-Action Rifle is best suited for rugged hunters who want a flexible deer rifle that accommodates different ammunition. It is a weapon meant for rugged use outdoors, including tough hunting. Hence, its durability is unquestionable against nasty weather. Plus, it is a lightweight with superb accuracy weapon that helps to shoot precisely any deer target. So, don’t slip the chance to collect deer with the Ruger American Rifle today!       

2. Savage Axis XP Bolt-Action Rifle in TrueTimber Strata

The best deer rifles need to be highly durable against rugged and nasty environments. Since deer hunter enthusiasts want to regularly hunt, they need a powerful weapon that requires low maintenance and can tolerate accidental knockdowns and rough handling. 

You can never go wrong with the Savage Axis XP Bolt-Action Rifle if you want an incredibly accurate out-of-the-box deer rifle. It has a significant advantage with its camouflage design important to stay undetected by the target deer. Specifically, the Savage Axis XP comes with a durable synthetic stock dipped in unique TrueTimber Strata camo. With an elegant black matte finished carbon steel barrel and receiver, the bolt-action deer rifle attains a powerful camouflage appearance. 

When hunting deer, a solid grip is an essential factor. That’s why Savage made the Axis XP grip and fore-end heavily textured to help every hunter like you achieve a secure grip even with gloved hands. Also, the trigger is designed to offer plenty of space to accommodate gloved fingers. Thus, it gives every hunter an excellent deer entry-level weapon, whether they prefer to shoot barehanded or with gloves.   

Moreover, the Savage Axis XP features a great factory-mounted and bore-sighted Weaver 3-9x40mm scope. The scope is an incredible advantage for modern hunting to attain excellent shooting. It is also an excellent rifle feature that permits every hunter like you to have a more comfortable sight with the target. Thus, it leads to a higher success rate of outstanding shooting. 

In terms of reliability, you can trust that Savage provides a high value of reliability and flexibility. Its smooth-like silk bolt and detachable magazine deliver uncompromised performance. It is a flexible weapon available in a great variety of chamberings. While it also has an accessible 3-position tang safety that is designed for a quick operation using the thumb. Hence, the deer rifle provides solid safety protection against accidental firing harm that might lead to unintentional injury.  

Besides that, an added soft rubber recoil pad enhances comfort while shooting using its superior recoil absorption. At the same time, the design sling swivel studs allow you to modify the rifle for effortless and comfortable carry. You can either put a sling with it or attach a bi-pod to the fore-end to access more lightweight and tight carry. 

Overall, the Savage Axis XP Bolt-Action Rifle is one of the best deer rifles that provides excellent performance in any hunting adventure. It is best suited for hunters who don’t have the time to perform high maintenance checks regularly. Thus, they prefer a low-maintenance weapon that doesn’t compromise quality and reliability.  

3. Winchester Model 94 Sporter Lever-Action Centerfire Rifle

The Winchester Model 94 Sporter Lever-Action Centerfire Rifle comes with a classic-looking appearance from impressive gun craft. With its beautiful satin walnut stock and fore-end, the lever-action rifle presents a striking and stunning piece of beauty. Aside from being one of the best deer hunting rifles, it is also a must-have to-go weapon for fun range outdoor shooting. 

It is equipped with other elegant materials, the gun sports a captivating overall design. It featured an oil finish and bordered cut checkering. Also, it comes with a 24″ stainless steel, half-round/half-octagonal barrel. At the same time, Winchester succeeded with the 19th Century traditional design for the Model 94 Sporter. Thus, the lever-action rifle boasts a crescent-shaped butt that highlights using a blued metal butt-plate.

The other design helps to achieve a rapid target acquisition for a high precision shot placement. Specifically, the design that presents precise shooting ability includes a dovetailed front sight blade and an adjustable buckhorn rear sight.  

Aside from classic and stunning designs, the Model 94 Sporter is also a powerful weapon that hits a target and leaves them a low chance of survival. Although it is one of the best-looking deer rifles, it doesn’t compromise its firepower. Proving that true is the featured full-length magazine tube is reliable for producing maximum firepower capacity. 

Like the other deer rifle on the list, the Winchester Model 94 Sporter gives additional safety assurance using its tang-safety, coupled with the trigger disconnect. So, it grants extra intuitive, safe protection. 

The Winchester Model 94 Sporter Lever-Action Centerfire Rifle is well-suited for hunters who value a masterpiece firearm art with maximum firepower. It is a reliable deer hunting rifle with a smooth action without room for ugly barrel designs. 

4. Remington Model 700 Long Range Bolt-Action Rifle 

No best deer rifle is perfectly built, but you can always step up the hunting game by choosing a jam-packed quality rifle. With the Remington Model 700 Long Range Bolt-Action Rifle, you can get the essential, enhanced advantage of firing at your targets even with the extended horizon ranges. 

The Model 700 is designed following the U.S. Army’s M24 sniper rifle. Hence, it proves that it has obtained both reliability and high precision accuracy performance. 

At the same time, it also boasts other top-notch designs and materials. It features a solidly mighty Bell and Carlson M40 tactical stock, made strong using a solid urethane with combined fiberglass, graphite, and aramid.  

Besides that, the barrel receiver is designed bedded with an incredibly aluminum block. While the heavy-countered barrel is free-floated. It is necessary for increased accuracy and a minimal shift in zero from hunting environment changes.

The bolt-action rifle has a great capacity to tolerate a great variety of hunting conditions, with its exterior metal material and non-reflective stock that effectively blends into a rugged shooting environment. Also, the external highly adjustable X-Mark Pro trigger permits every rugged hunter like you to modify the weight-of-pull of the trigger. Thus, you can obtain your most comfortable trigger pull preference. 

At the same time, the Model 700 has an available 2-point safety that you can find at the rear of the action. So, you can efficiently operate it just using your thumb. In addition, you can also grip the safety features using forefinger and thumb with less noise for extra quiet moving to a comfortable hunting position. Hence, an effortless process of securing safety protection. 

Moreover, the weapon comes with a hinged floorplate that provides accessible and easy magazine unloading. It also features drilled and tapped space for scope mounts. Plus, an available extra sling swivel stud located on the fore-end provides an available point for the bipod attachment. 

The Remington Model 700 Long Range Bolt-Action Rifle is an excellent deer rifle choice for hunters who want an iconic lightweight weapon, easy handling, and one of the most accessible deer rifles to shoot impressive extended hunting ranges. 

5. Thompson/Center T/CR22 Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle

Unlike the Winchester Model 94 Sporter that was molded from the 19th Century traditional design, the Thompson/Center T/CR22 Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle utilizes the 21st Century innovative designs. With that in mind, you can trust the semi-auto rifle to help you achieve outstanding accuracy and reliability. 

Weighing 4.4 pounds, the T/CR22 is the best super lightweight deer rifle at an affordable price of less than 400 dollars. Although it is offered at one of the lowest prices on the list, its performance and materials are never compromised. Instead, it is built with excellent rifle ergonomics. 

The T/CR22 rifle is equipped with outstanding Magpul composite stock that comes with an impressive olive-drab green finish. At the same time, the rifle’s stock is decorated with a full-pistol grip design, molded with swivel sling studs. Plus, there’s an added M-Lok attachment point at the bottom of the ergonomic fore-end. Everything contributes to giving skillful hunters like you an exceptional weapon performance.  

On the other hand, the receiver is made to be reminiscent of the Ruger 10/22 rifle. However, it is machined with a few different materials, such as 6062 aluminum, and with the integration of Picatinny rail that offers space for optic sight attachment. Yet, there is an existing adjustable peep sight with a green, fiber-optic front sight located at the rear of the receiver. Thus, it guarantees a maximum sight radius for deer targets.

The deer rifle’s bolt is machined using stainless steel and highlights an incredibly oversized, knurled charging handle. The safety protection feature, which is the cross-bolt safety, is designed in front of the trigger guard. Besides that, the T/CR22 rifle works with a 10-round rotary magazine that features a push-lever responsible for fast loading and a last-round bolt hold-open device. 

Since it is a Ruger 10/22 reminiscent, it makes sense that it is highly compatible with the standard Ruger 10//22 magazines and accommodates aftermarket 10/22 barrels and stocks. It is a helpful feature because the 10/22 market is widespread. So, you won’t have a hard time finding the best accessories to enhance this semi-auto rifle. Moreover, the rifle’s button-rifled barrel is threaded at the muzzle (1/2″-28) for suppressors. It is built that perfectly fits with a threaded protector cap.         

The Thompson/Center T/CR22 Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle works best for hunters who want an advantageous modernized weapon with excellent features. With its insane quality accuracy, you are one step away from getting yourself an exceptional hunting performance. So, make sure to check out the deer rifle yourself. 

6. Browning BAR Mark III Semi-Auto Rifle

The Browning BAR Mark III Semi-Auto Rifle can hold down hunting targets, especially the big game species. It comes with stunning checkered Turkish walnut buttstock and forend that looks like a classic walnut favorite design. 

Also, the semi-auto rifle is a dependable weapon in extremely rugged conditions. Its gas-operated system feature performs with a multi-lug rotary bolt, capable of powerful cycling with magnum and standard cartridges. The characteristics are reliable to withstand nasty weather conditions, so there’s no hindrance to achieving incredible precision firing. 

The rifle’s bolt is machined and locked straight into the barrel. Thus, it provides the gun to operate with outstanding accuracy and maximum strength to take down deer targets. Naturally, you want to use an excellent rifle for an extended time. So, you will favor more of the Browning BAR since it comes with a buffering mechanism. It is a highly essential mechanism that decreases the rifle’s receiver wear and stress. Hence, it makes the weapon have more excellent reliability and longer life.

Moreover, the deer rifle’s barrels are designed hammer-forged for exceptional precision and strength. At the same time, the trigger has a light and crisp pull similar to a glass rod. The safety protection feature, cross-bolt safety, has an easy operation. You can fastly manage safety using your fingers. It is highly accessible, even keeping your sight picture or cheek weld in the wild environment. 

There’s an Inflex recoil pad added to the rifle that produces decreased fatigue and maximum comfort feel. Also, it has an autoloader chambered that satisfies every hunter. The hinged floorplate allows solid access to the gun’s detachable magazine. Best of all, the alloy receiver highlights scroll engraving. It also comes drilled and tapped for the scope mounts. 

The Browning BAR is a versatile hunting rifle that covers a great variety of targets with its overall exceptional qualities. It is an intelligent choice for hunters who want to hunt targets other than deer. It is fast and reliable and powerful enough to face every rugged and nasty condition.  

7. Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Semi-Auto Rifle

The Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Semi-Auto Rifle is intended for use under all conditions. It is a highly versatile rifle with a proven reputation for hunting, emergency preparation, home defense, and military use. 

Also, the semi-auto rifle works flawlessly and is simple in a Garand-style action design. It utilizes a fixed-piston gas system that lightens the firearm. The gas strikes straight upon the breech bolt locking system and operating rod. Since the Mini-14 action is a versatile rifle, it is not sensitive to different kinds of ammunition. It can interchangeably accommodate both the 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington. 

There is a fixed ejector and large extractor that sends spent cases flying swiftly to the right side of the shooter. The mounted scopes play an essential role in achieving a close look with the targets. Hence, you should always protect it at all costs. Luckily, the gun’s ejector is designed to eject a low case set, so there will be no accidental hitting of the mounted scopes. 

Suppose you like to carry your deer rifle in a small backpack size. You’ll love how accessible the Mini-14 is for disassembly. Plus, it requires no tools for its fast fieldstrip. Thus, you can effortlessly disassemble it into large parts and keep it in your bag to avoid misplacing it. The assembling method is easy, like disassembling. It is a no-sweat procedure. 

The Ruger Mini-14 Ranch is built with a stainless steel barrel and a receiver. It features a synthetic ventilated handguard and durable black composite stock that can strongly withstand any outdoor weather. When hunting deer, it is always an advantage to have a solid weapon hold. What makes the semi-auto rifle afford to provide a strong, unloosened hold is its textured grip and fore-end. 

During the rapid firing, the flat, serrated butt-plate does the work of keeping the rifle tightly on the shoulder so it will not obstruct you from hitting your target deer accurately. Besides that, there is a ghost ring, a protected 3-prong post front sight, and an adjustable rear sight feature that helps skillful hunters like you obtain a superb rapid target acquisition. 

The best deer rifle model also performs with integral scope mounts that are machined into the receiver. Thus, it provides plenty of space for mounting optical sight, including the Ruger scope rings.    

If you are a deer hunter that wants an extended use of weapons, the Ruger Mini-14 works in flexible jobs at an affordable price. It is a fantastic, flawless action rifle that works smoothly with hunting jobs.   

8. Savage 110 Storm Bolt-Action Rifle

Available at a great variety of chamberings, the 110 Storm Bolt-Action Rifle provides impressive performance in a smooth action. It is built to specialize in target shooting and hunting. With that in mind, Savage made the rifle with several quality features and designs. 

The bolt-action rifle comes with a fantastic Savage AccuStock. It is an injection-molded, aluminum-bedded synthetic stock trustworthy for providing an ideal stable firing platform that enhances consistent accuracy. 

Aside from that, the Savage 110 Storm highlights an incredible fore-end and pistol grip. The pistol grip is built with a soft over-mold so that you can afford a non-slip hold with the gun, even in any hunting environment. Meanwhile, the stock uses a Savage AccuFit system that produces power that helps rugged hunters like you to fastly and conveniently adjust the weapon’s length and weight-of-pull for high control and increased comfortability. 

Fortunately, even if it suddenly storms while you’re hunting, the bolt-action rifle remains durable because of its stainless steel barreled action. The additional precision button-rifling intends to solve terrible firing performance. Thus, it makes the weapon present absolute pin-point accuracy and precision. 

The Savage’s adjustable AccuTrigger works best to give every hunter a fantastic comfortable pull. You can adjust it as the user, so you can improve its weight pull according to your best preference to afford a no creep, light, and crisp trigger release. With the lever placed in the mounted point of the trigger body, it blocks the sear leaving no possibility for unintentional shooting injury. Thus, there is no chance that the Savage 110 Storm can have an unexpected fire.    

Moreover, the firearm’s bolt design guarantees that the rifle’s locking lugs are in complete contact with the receiver, providing only the minimum required headspace every time that the bolt is locked. Besides that, an efficient 3-point receiver safety is responsible for protecting the user from any unintentional harm while loading and unloading in a secure position. The safety feature is accessible, and you can operate it by reaching it through your thumb. 

Best of all, the featured detachable magazine allows convenient and effortless loading and unloading. Plus, it comes with drilled and tapped designs that provide space for possible scope bases placement. 

The Savage 110 Storm Bolt-Action Rifle makes an incredibly accurate deer rifle for hunters who want consistent superior performance that can highly tolerate every kind of hunting environment. It produces a smooth shoot and leaves the hunter regretting nothing in buying it. So, head over and check out this best deer rifle.      

9. Browning BLR Lightweight Lever-Action Rifle 

With Browning BLR Lightweight Lever-Action Rifle rapid-fire, your deer target can never escape from your range. It is exceptional for hard-hitting big game hunting. 

Every BLR rifle is equipped with top-notch designs and materials. The Browning BLR lightweight is made from a powerful geared lever and bolt design that effectively adapts with modern high-pressure rounds. On the other hand, the lever-action rifle trigger is made safely to ensure unintentional firing. Thus, the trigger will move with the lever when you cycle it guaranteeing a prevention action not to pinched the trigger even if the lever moves.

Moreover, the gun’s detachable magazine can accommodate pointed-tipped bullets that allow decreased recoil. Plus, it dramatically improves range capacity compared to the traditional lever-action bullets.

At the same time, the rifle comes with added materials that allow exceptional performance. It includes a gold bead front sight blade fitted on a raised ramp-style base and an adjustable, low-profile square notch rear sight. Besides that, the lightweight alloy receiver gives a durable space for scope mount placement. It is positioned at the rifle’s side ejection and is drilled and tapped. So, you can always have the chance to enhance this Browning deer rifle weapon. 

The weapon also comes with a unique and impressive hammer design with a half-cock safety that you can quietly and quickly operate. Thus, implementing a consistent safety mechanism within the shooting. Also, there is an added soft recoil pad support to maintain the rifle’s butt on the shoulder when firing follow-up shots.  

In terms of appearance, the Browning BLR Lightweight boasts an elegant-looking walnut stock, Schnabel fore-end, checkered pistol grip, and strongly polished bluing. It gives off both classic and modern looks.     

Overall, the Browning BLR Lightweight Lever-Action Rifle makes an accurate target slayer because of its mighty hitting power. It is a well-suited deer rifle for hunters who don’t want to give a chance for their target to recover. Most importantly, it is one of the best weather fighter weapons that won’t disappoint tough hunters like you while hunting in nasty weather.    

10. Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle with Scope in TrueTimber Strata

The last best deer rifle choice is equipped with the time-tested Model 70 impressive concept; it is the Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle with Scope in TrueTimber Strata. 

The bolt-action rifle is specially made to perform incredible jobs in deer hunting. Yet, it is available at an affordable and reasonable price. Also, the XPR Hunter comes with fantastic features, including a Permacote FDE finished receiver and barrel and a composite stock that highlights a complete TrueTimber Strata camouflage design. 

TrueTimber Strate is undeniably impressive and works as an all-purpose camouflage pattern that helps the user blend in and stay undetected from a great distance in any environment. Besides that, the XPR Hunter also comes with an innovative Inflex Technology recoil pad that provides decent recoil absorption performance. 

The deer rifle also features a BDC reticle, a factory-mounted and bore-sighted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm scope. Both features help the hunter like you manage the rifle efficiently and unlock its total accuracy capacity. At the same time, numerous materials support solid-precision accuracy. The materials included are a free-floated, target-crowned barrel, solid steel receiver fitted in the polymer stock, and a cross-mounted recoil lug. 

Moreover, the deer rifle uses a modern and new design trigger. It utilizes the M.O.A Trigger System that permits adjustment for pull-weight pull and over-travel with zero creeps. The bolt-action rifle comes with three locking lugs with a short 60° lift that improves firing performance.   

Furthermore, the best deer rifle highlights safety features. Like other deer rifles on the list, it comes with a 2-position safety guard accessible using a thumb. So, protection from accidental firing is ensured. Plus, there is an additional bolt release button. Lastly, a feature cocking indicator provides the hunters an accessible and clear view of when the rifle is already cocked and available to fire. While the detachable single-stock magazine is responsible for providing a safe rifle loading and unloading process.  

According to some previous users, one bad point for the Winchester XPR is its plastic sling tabs that don’t allow bi-pod installation. Plus, the scope is of basic quality. However, it is still an excellent choice for an innovative deer rifle since it is still jam-packed with impressive designs and materials. Therefore, it is still meant to be an impressive deer slayer that can get every job done at an affordable price.   

Final Thoughts

Shopping for your deer rifle can be pretty overwhelming, yet it is also enjoyable since you can dive in with numerous choices. However, it would be best to remember that your rifle should not break your bank. But, it should make you satisfied since this journey is all about personal choice. If you follow your personal preferences and style, you’ll know what’s best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions