Marcus Richards
A recent report by the U.S Department of Interior found that roughly 40% of Americans ages sixteen and older participated in hunting and fishing activities.
There’s never been a better time to get involved in the sport or travel to hunt some different games. But even someone who’s not a hunter knows that the choice in the rifle that you use is one of the most important decisions.
It can mean the difference between a quick, clean kill or painful, prolonged death for the animal.
So, what is the best all-around hunting rifle around?
In this article, we’ll give you eleven of our favorite picks when it comes to rifles. Whether you’re buying your first gun, or looking to add something to your hunting collection, we think you’ll find something you like.
What Is The Best All-Around Hunting Rifle?
There is no singular ‘best gun’ when it comes to hunting rifles — this designation varies from person to person. It depends on what you’re hunting, how big you are, your sex, and your personal preference when it comes to firearms.
So, to avoid any polarization we present excellent eleven hunting rifles that we think cover the wide range of options.
Keep in mind that these products aren’t ranked from best to worst — the order is random. Also, make sure you are familiar with firearm safety protocols before you go near a weapon.
1. Ruger 10/22 Synthetic Carbine Rifle
If you plan on going varmint or small game hunting, then you need a lightweight and reliable .22-caliber rifle. The Ruger 10/22 Synthetic Carbine Rifle is one of our favorite .22 models out there thanks to its long-range potential.
However, it also comes with some additional benefits. For one thing, it’s not nearly as loud as a shotgun, so ear protection isn’t as important. The ammo is also affordable — especially if you buy it in bulk.
The Ruger 10/22 Synthetic Carbine Rifle is semiautomatic and it can hold ten shots, plus one in the chamber.
2. Winchester Model 94 Carbine Rifle
You’d be hard-pressed to find a rifle that fits the classic Western-style better than the Winchester Model 94 Carbine Rifle. There is nothing else quite as satisfying as the quick release of cocking the lever on the weapon.
The size and lightweight natures of the Winchester Model 94 Carbine Rifle make it ideal for hunting things like hogs, deer, bear and other quick animals.
The barrel on the rifle measures out to be twenty inches, while the rest of the weapon adds another eighteen inches. The magazine on the Winchester Model 94 Carbine Rifle can hold seven 30-30 Win. rounds.
3. Remington 700 ADL .30-06 Springfield Bolt-Action Centerfire Rifle
Deer hunters and big game alike will enjoy the long-range potential of the 700 ADL .30-06 Springfield Bolt-Action Centerfire Rifle. The weapon can fire accurately up to 400 yards with its carbon steel barrel and synthetic stock.
The magazine on the rifle holds four rounds, plus one in the chamber. The biggest advantage associated with 30-06 weapons is the different types of ammunition it takes.
You can find the ammo in the traditional 150-180-grain weight range, but also lighter and heavier versions that fit the animal you’re hunting.
4. Tikka T3X
If you need to track a quick game over a vast distance, then you can’t be weighed down by your weapon. We recommend Tikka T3X for hunters who need to stay on the move since it only weighs around six pounds.
The bolt action rifle comes with a magazine that holds ten rounds, plus one in the chamber. The Tikka T3X also comes with convenient features like a changeable pistol grip to match the position you’re shooting in.
The weapon is 40.2 inches long and comes with a free-floating barrel a 5/8″-24 threaded muzzle. You can buy the Tikka T3X in either a black and or stainless steel option.
5. CZ-550 American Safari Magnum in .375 H&H Magnum
Hunters who are taking on large or dangerous animals require a rifle that can put down a dangerous predator in a single shot. The CZ-550 American Safari Magnum in .375 H&H Magnum can handle everything from elephants to bears.
However, don’t think the weapon is reserved strictly for large games. You can also use the rifle to hunt things like cape buffalo, elk, moose, caribou, red stag, and other animals in the mid-size range.
The CZ-550 American Safari Magnum in .375 H&H Magnum is bolt action and can hold five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
6. Daniel Defense Delta 5
The Daniel Defense Delta 5 channels the customization of the AR series and condensed it into a bolt-action rifle. You can get the product in a variety of caliber options including 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm – 08 Remmington.
The Daniel Defense Delta 5 features an adjustable trigger, stock and scope options. The product comes with an interchangeable cold hammer-forged barrel in two size options: twenty inches and twenty-four inches.
The weapon works well with any AICS pattern single feed magazines that detaches, but the mag that comes with it holds ten rounds, plus one in the chamber. The only downside is that the rifle does cost quite a bit of money.
7. Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Predator
It’s hard to find a weapon more versatile than the AR series — there is a truly staggering number of models and combinations. For hunting, we recommend the Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Predator.
The lightweight rifle comes with a 16-inch stainless-steel barrel and a forged A4 upper receiver. The semiautomatic nature of the Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Predator makes it ideal for wild boar hunting.
The midsize Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Predator comes with an accuracy rating of 3/4 MOA at 100 yards. You can also customize the weapon by upgrading your different AR 15 parts.
8. Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker
Fans of no-frills weapons that are durable and accurate will love the look and performance of the Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker. The 7mm weapon is good for animals like sheep, mule, deer, and goats.
If you frequently hunt in wet, muddy, or similar rough environments, then this rifle will provide you with long-lasting quality. This durability comes with the Dura-Touch® Armor coating on the weapon that resists water and scratching.
The 60 degree bolt action handle allows you to avoid bumping your hand against the scope when you cycle the cartridge. The only downside of the Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker is that it only holds three rounds, plus one in the chamber.
9. Ruger American Go Wild
The Ruger American Go Wild is another good option for mid to big game hunters who want a weapon specifically for the animal their shooting.
The weapon is good for this because it comes in a variety of different caliber options including 243 Win., 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 450 Bushmaster, 7mm-08 Rem, 30-06 Springfield, and the 300 Win. Magnum.
The barrel on the Ruger American Go Wild is 22 inches long and the magazine can hold three rounds, plus one in the chamber.
10. Mossberg Patriot Rifle
The Mossberg Patriot Rifle offers another classic rifle feel with its blue walnut matt finish. It’s also an affordable option for hunters who want to invest in a weapon that can consistently bring down midsize or moderately large animals.
We recommend the 308 Winchester caliber for whitetail deer, black bears, hogs, elk, pronghorn, and caribou.
The free-floating barrel on the Mossberg Patriot Rifle measures out to be twenty-two inches and the magazine can hold five rounds, plus one in the chamber. The product also comes with an adjustable trigger, weaver scope base, and a recessed crown.
11. Weatherby Vanguard Camilla Rifle
Unfortunately, the overall amount of hunters has been decreasing in recent years, partly because a third of all hunters are baby boomer men. As this generation gradually stops hunting there will be few people to replace them.
One solution to this problem is to get more people excited about hunting, namely women. The Weatherby Vanguard Camilla Rifle is a product that caters itself toward the needs of women interested in big game hunting.
The weapon comes with a high comb and a buttstock that angles away from the body. The slim pistol grip that comes with the rifle is much more ideal for smaller hands.
The Weatherby Vanguard Camilla Rifle comes in four caliber options: 243 Win., 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, and the 7mm-08 Rem.
Check Out Fupping For Article About Gear
We hope this article helped you find the best all-around hunting rifle for your needs. Whether it’s your first time hunting, or you’re a long time veteran, there’s still plenty you can learn about new equipment.
If you want to learn more about hunting, guns, and ammo, then you’ll love some of the other articles that Fupping has. However, don’t think that’s the only thing we have to offer.
We cover a wide range of gear, travel, and entertainment topics. You’ll be sure to find something you’ll like, so remember to keep on reading!
