How to Choose a Hunting Rifle: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Choosing your first hunting rifle—or adding another to your collection—can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect rifle for your hunting style, game, and budget.

Browse our complete selection of hunting rifles to see what’s in stock.

Start With Your Hunting Style

Before diving into specific rifles, consider these key questions:

What will you hunt?

Small game (rabbits, squirrels)
Varmints (prairie dogs, coyotes)
Medium game (deer, antelope, hogs)
Large game (elk, moose, bear)
Dangerous game (cape buffalo, lion)

Where will you hunt?

Dense woods and brush (short-range)
Open plains and farmland (medium to long-range)
Mountains and backcountry (weight matters)
Stand or blind hunting (different considerations than spot-and-stalk)

What’s your experience level?

First-time rifle owner
Moving up from a .22 or shotgun
Experienced hunter looking to upgrade
Specialized hunting situations

Your answers will guide every decision that follows.

Understanding Action Types

The action is how your rifle loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. Each type has distinct advantages.

Bolt-Action Rifles

How they work: Manual operation—lift the bolt handle, pull back to eject the spent case, push forward to chamber a new round, and push down to lock.

Advantages:

Most accurate action type for hunting
Extremely reliable in harsh conditions
Strong lockup handles high-pressure cartridges
Simplest to maintain
Generally more affordable

Best for:

Long-range hunting where accuracy is paramount
Backcountry hunting where reliability matters
First-time rifle buyers
Situations requiring fewer shots (most big game hunting)

Popular models: Remington 700, Savage 110, Tikka T3x, Browning X-Bolt, Bergara B-14, Ruger American

Shop bolt action rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Bolt-Action”)

Semi-Automatic Rifles

How they work: Uses gas or recoil operation to automatically cycle the action—fire, eject, and chamber the next round with each trigger pull.

Advantages:

Fast follow-up shots
Less perceived recoil
Great for moving game
Popular for hog hunting and varmints

Best for:

Hunting situations where multiple quick shots are needed
Hog hunting (aggressive animals in groups)
Varmint hunting (prairie dogs, coyotes)
Hunters with recoil sensitivity

Considerations:

Slightly less accurate than bolt-actions (though modern designs have closed this gap significantly)
More maintenance required
Can be heavier
Some states restrict semi-autos for certain game

Popular models: Browning BAR, Benelli R1, AR-10 platform rifles

Browse semi-automatic rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Semi-Auto”)

Lever-Action Rifles

How they work: Lever beneath the action cycles rounds from a tubular magazine (or box magazine in modern designs).

Advantages:

Fast cycling with practice
Classic aesthetics
Compact and lightweight
Excellent in brush
Points naturally

Best for:

Woods hunting and thick cover
Deer hunting in heavy brush
Hunters who appreciate traditional designs
Short to medium-range hunting

Considerations:

Limited range compared to bolt-actions
Tubular magazines limit bullet types (flat-nose bullets required for safety)
Typically chambered in shorter-range cartridges

Popular models: Marlin 336, Henry Big Boy, Winchester 1894, Browning BLR (box magazine)

Shop lever action rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Lever-Action”)

Single-Shot Rifles

How they work: Break-open or falling-block action that chambers one round at a time.

Advantages:

Extremely simple and reliable
Very accurate
Lightweight
Affordable
Great for teaching fundamentals

Best for:

Youth hunters learning rifle skills
Budget-conscious hunters
Backcountry hunting where weight matters
Hunters who value simplicity

Considerations:

Only one shot before reloading
Slower follow-up shots
Requires confidence in shot placement

Popular models: CVA Scout, Thompson/Center Encore, Ruger No. 1

Choosing the Right Caliber

Caliber selection depends on the game you hunt and the distances you’ll shoot. Here’s a practical breakdown:

Small Game & Varmints

.22 LR

Perfect for: Squirrels, rabbits, close-range pest control
Range: 50-100 yards
Advantages: Quiet, minimal recoil, cheap ammunition, doesn’t damage meat

Shop .22 LR ammunition

.17 HMR

Perfect for: Varmints, prairie dogs, long-range small game
Range: 150-200 yards
Advantages: Flat shooting, minimal pelt damage, accurate

.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

Perfect for: Coyotes, prairie dogs, varmints
Range: 300+ yards
Advantages: Low recoil, affordable ammunition, widely available, can use AR-15 platform

Browse .223 ammunition

.22-250 Remington

Perfect for: Long-range varmints, coyotes
Range: 400+ yards
Advantages: Extremely flat shooting, minimal recoil, laser-accurate

Deer and Medium Game

6.5 Creedmoor

Perfect for: Deer, antelope, hogs at all ranges
Range: 500+ yards (in capable hands)
Advantages: Mild recoil, excellent ballistics, great barrel life, increasingly popular
Why it’s popular: The best blend of low recoil and long-range performance

Shop 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition

.243 Winchester

Perfect for: Youth hunters, recoil-sensitive shooters, deer to 300 yards
Range: 300 yards effectively
Advantages: Very low recoil, flat shooting, versatile
Considerations: On the light side for larger deer or tougher game

.270 Winchester

Perfect for: All-around deer and antelope hunting
Range: 400+ yards
Advantages: Flat trajectory, hard-hitting, widely available ammunition
The classic: A proven performer for 100 years

.308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO

Perfect for: Deer, hogs, black bear, all-around hunting
Range: 500 yards
Advantages: Available everywhere, excellent accuracy, moderate recoil, military/police use means surplus ammo
Most versatile: Does everything reasonably well

Browse .308 ammunition

30-06 Springfield

Perfect for: Deer, elk, moose, black bear—anything in North America
Range: 400+ yards
Advantages: Can handle 125-220 grain bullets, proven for over a century, available worldwide
The standard: If you could only own one rifle, this caliber makes the most sense

Shop 30-06 ammunition

7mm Remington Magnum

Perfect for: Long-range deer, elk, moose
Range: 600+ yards
Advantages: Flatter shooting than 30-06, hits harder at distance
Considerations: More recoil than standard cartridges, more expensive ammunition

Elk, Moose, and Large Game

.300 Winchester Magnum

Perfect for: Elk, moose, bear at all ranges
Range: 600+ yards
Advantages: Hits very hard, excellent long-range performance, widely available
Considerations: Significant recoil, expensive ammunition, barrel life shorter than standard cartridges
Most popular: The go-to for serious elk hunters

Browse .300 Win Mag ammunition

7mm BackCountry

Perfect for: Long-range mountain hunting, elk, moose
Range: 1,000+ yards (for experienced shooters)
Advantages: Delivers twice the energy of 30-06 at 1,000 yards, optimized for modern rifles
Cutting edge: High-pressure cartridge for maximum performance

.300 PRC

Perfect for: Long-range elk, moose, bear
Range: 1,000+ yards
Advantages: Modern case design, excellent long-range ballistics, heavy bullet capability
Modern choice: Designed specifically for long-range hunting

.338 Winchester Magnum

Perfect for: Large and dangerous game, brown bear, African plains game
Range: 400+ yards
Advantages: Tremendous stopping power, handles heavy bullets
Considerations: Heavy recoil, expensive ammunition

6.5 PRC

Perfect for: Mountain hunting, long-range deer and elk
Range: 800+ yards
Advantages: Less recoil than magnums, excellent long-range ballistics, efficient powder usage
Growing popularity: Modern cartridge gaining traction fast

Shop premium hunting ammunition

Dangerous Game

.375 H&H Magnum

Perfect for: African dangerous game, brown bear, moose
Range: 300 yards
Why: The legal minimum in many African countries, proven stopping power
The classic: 100+ years of dangerous game success

.416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, .470 Nitro Express

Perfect for: Cape buffalo, elephant, lion
Range: 100-200 yards
Why: Maximum stopping power for the world’s most dangerous animals

Key Features to Consider

Barrel Length

Short barrels (16-20 inches):

More maneuverable in tight cover
Lighter overall weight
Slightly reduced velocity
Better for stand hunting and thick woods

Medium barrels (22-24 inches):

Best all-around compromise
Standard for most hunting rifles
Good velocity without excess weight

Long barrels (26+ inches):

Maximum velocity
Better long-range accuracy
Heavier and less maneuverable
Best for varmint and long-range rifles

Stock Material and Design

Wood Stocks:

Traditional aesthetics
Heavier than synthetics
Can warp with moisture
Beautiful craftsmanship
Better for collectors

Synthetic Stocks:

Weatherproof
Lightweight
Durable and low-maintenance
More affordable
Available in multiple colors/patterns

Carbon Fiber Stocks:

Extremely lightweight
Very strong
Weather-resistant
Expensive
Best for backcountry hunting

Stock features to look for:

Adjustable length of pull (for perfect fit)
Adjustable comb height (for scope alignment)
Recoil pad (reduces felt recoil significantly)
Textured grip surfaces
Sling swivel studs

Trigger Quality

A good trigger is critical for accuracy. Look for:

Crisp break with no creep or grittiness
Light pull weight (2.5-4 lbs for hunting)
Adjustability in better rifles
Two-stage triggers for precision work (some prefer this)

Many modern rifles have excellent factory triggers. Aftermarket upgrades like Timney, TriggerTech, or Geissele can transform an average trigger into an exceptional one.

Browse rifle parts and upgrades

Weight Considerations

Lightweight rifles (6-7 lbs):

Advantages: Easy to carry all day, great for mountains
Disadvantages: More felt recoil, can be harder to shoot accurately
Best for: Backcountry hunting, spot-and-stalk

Medium weight (7.5-9 lbs):

Advantages: Balanced between portability and shootability
Most versatile weight class
Best for: All-around hunting

Heavy rifles (9+ lbs):

Advantages: Absorb recoil, more stable for accurate shooting
Disadvantages: Fatiguing to carry long distances
Best for: Stand hunting, blind hunting, long-range shooting

Remember: Add 1-2 lbs for your scope and mounts to the bare rifle weight.

Barrel Material and Finish

Standard steel barrels:

Most common and affordable
Accurate and durable
Various finishes: blued, stainless, Cerakote

Carbon fiber wrapped barrels:

Lighter than steel (30-40% weight reduction)
Excellent heat dissipation
Very accurate
More expensive
Becoming popular in premium hunting rifles

Stainless steel:

Corrosion-resistant
Great for wet environments
Slightly more expensive than blued

Coatings (Cerakote, DuraCoat, etc.):

Excellent corrosion protection
Available in many colors/patterns
Durable finish

Threaded Barrel

Advantages of a threaded muzzle:

Attach muzzle brake (reduces recoil significantly)
Attach suppressor (reduces noise and recoil)
More options for customization

Considerations:

Adds slight cost
Needs thread protector when not in use
Check your state’s suppressor laws

Budget Guide

Entry Level ($400-$800)

Perfect for first-time buyers or budget-conscious hunters.

What to expect:

Reliable, accurate rifles that will last decades
Synthetic stocks
Standard factory triggers (usually adjustable)
Basic scope mounting systems

Recommended models:

Ruger American
Savage Axis
Tikka T3x Lite (top of this range)
Mossberg Patriot
Thompson/Center Compass

Shop entry-level rifles (sort by “Price: Low to High” to find rifles in the $400-$800 range)

Mid-Range ($800-$1,800)

The sweet spot for most hunters—excellent quality without breaking the bank.

What to expect:

Better triggers and smoother actions
More stock options
Better fit and finish
Sub-MOA accuracy guarantees
Quality control improvements

Recommended models:

Bergara B-14 Series
Browning X-Bolt
Weatherby Vanguard
Savage 110 High Country
Winchester Model 70

Browse mid-range hunting rifles (sort by “Price: Low to High” to find rifles in the $800-$1,800 range)

Premium ($1,800-$4,000)

For serious hunters who want the best performance and features.

What to expect:

Match-grade barrels
Premium triggers (Timney, TriggerTech, Geissele)
Carbon fiber stocks or high-end wood
Exceptional accuracy (0.5 MOA or better)
Advanced features and customization

Recommended models:

Fierce Firearms Carbon Series
Proof Research rifles
Christensen Arms Ridgeline/Mesa
Bergara Premier Series
Gunwerks ClymR

Browse premium hunting rifles (sort by “Price: Low to High” and filter by brand to find rifles in the $1,800-$4,000 range)

Ultra-Premium ($4,000+)

Custom-level performance for the most demanding hunters.

What to expect:

Hand-lapped barrels
Fully custom stocks
Best-in-class triggers
Ultimate accuracy
Limited production or semi-custom builds

Recommended models:

Geissele Automatics King Hunter
Cooper Firearms
Nosler M48
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry
Full custom builds

Shop ultra-premium rifles (sort by “Price: High to Low” to find rifles $4,000+)

Matching Rifle to Hunting Scenario

Eastern Whitetail Deer (Woods and Thick Cover)

Best choices:

Caliber: .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06
Action: Lever-action or short bolt-action
Barrel: 18-22 inches
Optic: 2-7x or 3-9x scope
Weight: Medium (easier to carry to the stand)

Why: Shots are typically under 150 yards in thick cover. You need a maneuverable rifle that points quickly.

Shop rifles for deer hunting (filter by caliber: .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, or .30-06) Browse 3-9x scopes

Western Mule Deer / Antelope (Open Country)

Best choices:

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag
Action: Bolt-action
Barrel: 22-24 inches
Optic: 4-12x or 4-16x scope
Weight: Light to medium (lots of walking)

Why: Shots can stretch beyond 400 yards. You need accuracy and flat trajectory while keeping weight reasonable for hiking.

Browse bolt action rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Bolt-Action”) Shop 4-16x scopes 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition

Mountain Elk (Backcountry)

Best choices:

Caliber: 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, 6.5 PRC, 7mm BackCountry
Action: Bolt-action
Barrel: 22-24 inches
Stock: Carbon fiber
Optic: 3-15x scope
Weight: Lightweight (6-7.5 lbs)

Why: You’ll hike miles at elevation. Every ounce matters. But you need enough gun to ethically take elk at range.

Shop lightweight hunting rifles (use filters for “Bolt-Action” and look for carbon fiber or lightweight models) Browse variable power scopes Shop magnum ammunition

Hog Hunting (Texas-Style)

Best choices:

Caliber: .223 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 Grendel, .300 Blackout
Action: Semi-automatic (AR-platform)
Barrel: 16-18 inches
Optic: 1-6x variable or red dot with magnifier
Features: Suppressor-ready, high-capacity magazines

Why: Hogs travel in groups and are aggressive. Fast follow-up shots matter. Thermal/night vision compatible.

Browse semi-automatic rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Semi-Auto”) Shop red dot sights Browse magazines

Varmint Hunting (Prairie Dogs)

Best choices:

Caliber: .223 Rem, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor
Action: Bolt-action or semi-auto
Barrel: 24-26 inches (heavy profile)
Optic: 6-24x or higher magnification
Weight: Heavy is fine (shooting from prone or bench)

Why: Long-range accuracy is everything. Weight doesn’t matter since you’re not carrying it far.

Shop varmint rifles (filter by action type and look for heavy barrel models) Browse high-magnification scopes Shop varmint ammunition

All-Around North American Hunting Rifle

If you could only have ONE rifle for everything from deer to elk:

The formula:

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield or .300 Win Mag
Action: Bolt-action
Barrel: 22-24 inches, stainless or Cerakote
Stock: Synthetic or carbon fiber
Optic: 3-9x or 4-12x scope
Trigger: Quality aftermarket or factory adjustable
Weight: 7.5-8.5 lbs scoped

Why: This combination handles 90% of North American hunting situations effectively.

Shop all-around hunting rifles (use the “ACTION” filter and select “Bolt-Action”) Browse versatile scopes Shop .30-06 ammunition

New Rifle Checklist

Before you buy, make sure to:

1. Shoulder the rifle

Does it fit you naturally?
Can you reach the trigger comfortably?
Is the length of pull appropriate?
Does it point naturally?

2. Check the action

Smooth operation?
Bolt closes easily?
Safety operates smoothly?
Magazine inserts and releases properly?

3. Inspect the trigger

Clean break with no creep?
Comfortable pull weight?
Is it adjustable?

4. Examine the barrel

Look down the bore (with action open and empty!)
No pitting or damage?
Crown in good condition?
Threaded if you want that option?

5. Verify the scope mounting

Drilled and tapped for your preferred mounting system?
Picatinny rail or traditional bases?
Will your scope clear the bolt handle?

6. Ask about accuracy guarantees

What MOA does the manufacturer guarantee?
What ammunition specifications?
What’s the warranty?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying too much gun Don’t buy a .300 Win Mag if you’ll only hunt whitetail deer at 150 yards. The recoil will make you flinch, and you won’t practice enough to stay proficient.

2. Skimping on the optic A $400 rifle with a $800 scope will outshoot a $1,200 rifle with a $200 scope every time. Budget 50-100% of the rifle cost for your optic.

Browse quality rifle scopes

3. Ignoring fit An expensive rifle that doesn’t fit you will never shoot as well as an affordable rifle that fits perfectly. Fit matters more than features.

4. Overlooking ammunition cost and availability That exotic wildcat cartridge might be cool, but if ammunition is $5/round and hard to find, you won’t practice. Stick with common calibers.

Shop common caliber ammunition

5. Not considering resale Popular calibers and well-known brands hold value better. If you might sell or trade later, this matters.

6. Buying on looks alone A pretty rifle that shoots 2 MOA is less useful than a plain rifle that shoots 0.5 MOA. Performance first, aesthetics second.

Breaking In Your New Rifle

Many manufacturers recommend a break-in procedure for new barrels:

Basic break-in process:

Clean the barrel thoroughly before first use
Fire 1 round, then clean the barrel (repeat 5-10 times)
Fire 5-round groups, then clean (repeat 3-5 times)
Normal cleaning schedule thereafter

Why it matters: Smooths the barrel surface and can improve accuracy over the rifle’s lifetime.

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After You Buy

1. Practice extensively

Shoot from field positions, not just the bench
Practice at various ranges
Shoot in different weather conditions
Know your rifle’s capabilities and limitations

Shop practice ammunition

2. Develop your load

Find the ammunition your rifle likes best
Different rifles prefer different loads
Buy several boxes once you find “the one”

3. Maintain properly

Clean after every range session
Deep clean before hunting season
Check scope mounts for tightness
Store in a cool, dry place

Browse cleaning kits

4. Know your effective range

Practice until you can consistently hit an 8-inch circle
That’s your maximum ethical hunting range
Don’t exceed it in the field

Final Thoughts

The perfect hunting rifle is the one that:

Fits your body and shooting style
Chambers a cartridge appropriate for your game
Falls within your budget
You’ll practice with regularly
Gives you confidence in the field

Don’t overthink it. Millions of deer have been taken with basic .30-06 rifles. Start with something solid in a proven caliber, spend time at the range, and you’ll be well-equipped for success.

Still Have Questions?

Choosing the right hunting rifle is a personal decision, and our team at Arms East is here to help.

Shop by category:

All Rifles
Bolt Action Rifles (use the “ACTION” filter)
Rifle Ammunition
Rifle Scopes
Gun Cleaning Supplies
Shooting Accessories

Contact us:

Phone: +1-561-293-2915
Email: [email protected]

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