Best Bolt Action Rifles [2024]: Hunting & Target Picks

Image	Product	Price
	Best Overall – Ruger American Rifle	Check Price
	Best Value – CVA CASCADE	Check Price
	Best Honorable Mention – Weatherby Mark V	Check Price
	Best for Hunting Coyote – Mossberg Patriot Predator	Check Price
	Best Long Range – Winchester Renegade Long Range	Check Price
	Savage Arms Axis II .223 Remington Bolt Action Rifle	Check Price
	Tikka T3X TAC A1 Long Range Tactical Rifle	Check Price
	Bergara B14 BMP 308 Winchester	Check Price
	Howa 308 WINCHESTER USA FLAG 26″ NIKKO	Check Price
	Savage Arms 10BA Stealth	Check Price

Looking for the best bolt-action rifle? Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a beginner, or an avid target shooter, finding the right rifle can make a big difference in your shooting experience.

In this article, we’ll provide you with our top picks for the best bolt-action rifles in various categories, including premium, rimfire, long-range, and deer hunting. We’ll also answer some common FAQs and provide a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get started!

of the best bolt action rifles and show you what to look out for.

Now, let’s dive into some of our favorite bolt-action rifles.

Best Overall – Ruger American Rifle

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle is a great option for hunters and shooters looking for an affordable, accurate, and reliable rifle. Its adjustable trigger and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and comfortable to shoot, while the detachable rotary magazine ensures reliable feeding. 

Its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry in the field, and its accuracy makes it suitable for long-distance shooting. However, users looking for more customization options in the stock may need to consider other options. Overall, the Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle is an excellent value for the money and a great choice for any hunter or shooter.

Best Value – CVA CASCADE

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The CVA CASCADE is the perfect choice for hunters and gun enthusiasts who demand durability, reliability, and affordability in a rifle. Its synthetic stock offers a soft-touch grip that’s comfortable to hold, while its recoil-reducing butt pad helps reduce felt recoil. Furthermore, it allows you to customize your trigger pull with its adjustable trigger system while also providing weather resistance so you can take it into harsher conditions without worry. All of this makes the CVA CASCADE an ideal option at an unbeatable rate!

The CASCADE rifle is an unbeatable choice for hunters and shooters because of its remarkable performance and affordability, but be aware that users may find the internal magazine tricky to maneuver. If you’re searching for a weapon with a large selection of aftermarket parts and accessories, however, it’s wise to look into other options.

That said, the CASCADE’s unmatched durability and outstanding design make it a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet reliable firearm. We chose it because of its unique features that are sure to give you an edge in any hunt. The CVA CASCADE is sure to appeal to hunters and shooters alike. It’s built to last and provides a safe and accurate shot every time.

For more info, check out our CVA Cascade review in .350 Legend.

Best Honorable Mention – Weatherby Mark V

Specifications

Pros & Cons

For hunters and long-range shooters, the Weatherby Mark V is an ideal choice. Not only does it boast consistent performance over great distances, but its smooth bolt action makes for easy operation. Additionally, with its high-quality construction, you can be sure of unparalleled durability. This rifle will have you hitting your mark time and time again.

The Weatherby Mark V is not only impressive in its range of calibers, some as small as .257 and others up to .338—but it also offers an impeccable construction quality that appeals to even the most sophisticated gun aficionados. With incomparable attention to detail, this rifle stands out from comparable weapons currently on the market. While the Weatherby Mark V is an exceptional rifle, it does have its drawbacks. Cost-wise, this firearm isn’t necessarily a budget option—there are cheaper alternatives on the market. 

Some users may also find that its weight is slightly too heavy for their taste and preferences. And due to limited aftermarket parts and accessories available for the rifle, customizing it may prove difficult.

Aside from that, the Weatherby Mark V is a top-tier rifle that provides exceptional accuracy and power. Though it may not come with the lowest price tag, its superior construction and precision craftsmanship make this firearm the premier selection for dedicated hunters and competitive long-range shooters.

Best for Hunting Coyote – Mossberg Patriot Predator

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Mossberg Patriot Predator is a highly accurate rifle specifically designed for hunting coyotes. Its button-rifled, fluted barrel is free-floated and bedded, delivering precise shots every time, and the Cerakote finish on the barrel and action provides added protection against wear and tear.

The Strata Camo pattern on the stock also provides excellent concealment in a variety of environments, and the synthetic stock is lightweight and weather-resistant, making it ideal for hunting in any weather condition.

One of the most significant advantages of this rifle is its affordability, which makes it an excellent choice for hunters on a budget. Despite its affordable price point, it still boasts impressive build quality, accuracy potential, and reliability. The rifle’s polymer stock with Strata camo pairs nicely with the Patriot Brown Cerakote finish on the metalwork, providing a level of protection from the elements that’s unmatched in this category.

The Mossberg Patriot Predator is also chambered in .308 Winchester, making it an ideal caliber for hunting coyotes. Its four-round capacity and balanced weight and length make it comfortable to carry and use in the field. Although its trigger pull can be a bit heavy, and its price point may be a consideration for some hunters, it remains an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile and accurate rifle for hunting coyotes.

We recently tested the Long Range Hunter version of the Mossberg Patriot if you want to check out our thoughts on that specific variant.

Best Long Range – Winchester Renegade Long Range

Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Winchester XPR Renegade, built in partnership with Greyboe, is an excellent choice for long-range shooting. The Renegade’s fiberglass construction, wide beavertail forearm, svelte pistol grip, and generous butthook closely mirror the legendary McMillan A5. While the buttstock is not fully adjustable, spacers provide some play in length of pull.

The XPR barreled action is attached to the barrel via a barrel nut, and the button-rifled barrel is known for its accuracy in the field. The MOA adjustable trigger and threaded muzzle are nice touches, and Winchester offers eight chamberings, including popular choices like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.

While the XPR’s sporter profile may lead to more barrel whip during long strings, it makes the rifle more wieldy for precision hunting. As such, it’s a great option for hunters looking to venture out to the 1,000-yard line. It may not be as flashy as other long-range rigs, but its performance speaks for itself. Plus, it won’t break the bank.

All in all, the Winchester XPR Renegade is an excellent choice for those looking to take their long-range shooting game even further. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a reliable, accurate rifle that won’t empty your wallet.

Savage Arms Axis II .223 Remington Bolt Action Rifle

Not everyone who reads my gun reviews is an expert or experienced gun enthusiast. In fact, many are completely new and looking to buy their first firearm. That is why when I come across a gun which is ideal for newcomers, I’m excited. 

The Savage Axis II .223 Remington Bolt Action Rifle certainly qualifies in that category, and even more so when you consider the value you are getting when you purchase this firearm, compared to some of the others.

While it might be a great starter rifle, that does not mean it doesn’t come with some impressive features. For a start, the trigger is one that I found to be exceedingly smooth and a match for many more expensive rifles. The fact that it can be adjusted to suit the individual user is also a big plus.

I’m also extremely impressed by how accurate this bolt action rifle is and that is surely in part due to the carbon steel sporter barrel that you’d normally expect to find on premium-priced rifles. The redesigned stock also contributes to this accuracy as it enhances the ergonomics of the rifle, to make it easier to hold and fire.

Tikka T3X TAC A1 Long Range Tactical Rifle

For anyone looking for a rifle that has been manufactured to standards that few can compete with, the Tikka T3X Tac A1 Long Range Tactical Rifle is one which you must take a look at.

For starters, it is a rifle that can be adapted in multiple ways to suit your own preferences including the pistol grips, the stocks, and the handguards. 

Its primary construction material is aluminum which gives it a fantastic balance between being durable and lightweight when carried. 

The stock can be folded when the rifle is in transit or storage. Its other features include the length of pull being adjustable, as is the height of the cheek piece, and once again shows this rifle is one that can be set up for each user’s preferences.

The bolt handle is oversized making it much easier to grasp. In addition, the two-lugged bolt is Teflon coated, which allows for much faster operation due to less friction, and it also reduces the chances of corrosion.

If you wish to mount a sight, the top rail provides you with lots of options in terms of its length, and you can also attach a monopod to the bottom rail.

This is a rifle that serious enthusiasts will consider, and possibly more carefully when they see its price. Nevertheless, you are getting a lot of top-shelf features for your money.

Bergara B14 BMP 308 Winchester

I’m sure I am right in saying that everyone looks for quality when they buy a gun, but as with all types of products there are some manufacturers that take quality to a higher level. That’s exactly what Bergara has done with their B14 BMP 308 Winchester rifle.

It displays a level of craftsmanship that few other rifles can compete with and this is obvious the first time you see it, and even more so, the first time you hold it in your hands.

For starters, there is the barrel which is Bergara’s proprietary design made from chrome steel and has accuracy enhanced from the multi-step manufacturing process. 

The 3 lb trigger is curved and when you pull it to fire the rifle you can sense the smoothness and consistency. This is as crisp a trigger as I’ve felt in a long time, and further reveals the quality of this rifle.

If you plan to add accessories to this rifle you will find that it has already got the drilled and tapped screw holes for any standard Remington bases and mounts.

The stock is Bergara’s BMP Chassis model, and this can easily be adjusted to suit each individual’s personal preference.

Howa 308 WINCHESTER USA FLAG 24″ NIKKO

This is one of the more distinctive rifles I have reviewed given its American flag markings and modern styling but as I am most interested in how it shoots ammo rather than how it looks, let’s look at its features.

Its firing action is based on Howa’s own 1500 action that has been a firm favorite of rifle enthusiasts for many years. Machined billet steel is used for the receiver with a forged single piece two-lugged bolt and an integral recoil lug ensuring reliable and fast recycling.

The rifle’s chassis is made from high-quality aluminum and its extended length allows for ample slots for mounting any M-LOK accessories that you wish to add.

The buttstock is adjustable which means you will not only be more comfortable when using this rifle, but it will also enhance your accuracy, giving you greater control.

If you like getting your money’s worth, you will love that Howa gives you extras when you purchase this rifle that would normally set you back several hundred dollars. These extras include: 

• Nikko Stirling 4-16x50mm Long-Range Scope
• 6″-9″ Adjustable Legs 
• Buffalo River Bipod With Cant Adjustment
• M-LOK Bipod Adapter

Savage Arms 10BA Stealth

We come almost full circle by reviewing a rifle that I consider a great choice for newer rifle enthusiasts, not just because of its excellent price, but also for the number of excellent features it has and how easy it is to use.

The main chassis is made by Drake Associates from a range it calls Hunter/Stalker. The significance of this is that it is a quality piece of machined aluminum and is slimmer than other rifles in this category.  This makes it easier to carry, which for the hunters amongst will be welcome news.

Keeping with the theme of outsourcing components, Savage Arms has used a buttstock model called GL-Shock which is manufactured by FAB Defense. This buttstock has a cheek riser that can be fully adjusted, and it can also be adjusted for whichever length of pull you desire.

Savage Arms does stay in-house for the trigger and it is easy to see why. They use their own AccuTrigger which is one of the most outstanding triggers in the firearms industry. It can be adjusted from 1.5 lbs to 6 lbs and you will find it to be one of the crispest and smoothest triggers you have ever experienced.

In selecting our top picks, we considered several factors to ensure we recommended only the best products to our readers. Our team conducted thorough research on the market and read reviews from reputable sources such as Field and Stream, Gun Digest, and Outdoor Life, to name a few.

To make our selection, we considered the caliber and capacity of each rifle along with its weight, length, accuracy, and durability. Additionally, ease of use was taken into consideration as well as the overall quality of construction, to ensure that only options meeting our standards were chosen. We kept out any rifles deemed unreliable by other consumers in order to guarantee a dependable product for you.

Moreover, we sought out firearms that afforded a variety of calibers to suit various shooting needs. Preference was given to rifles acclaimed by gun aficionados and sporting high ratings.

Our thorough research process allowed us to feel confident in selecting the top firearms for our readers, so we could provide them with dependable and informative recommendations. We are sure that any option on this list will bring out the best in your shooting experience.

Bolt-action rifles are popular among hunters and target shooters due to their accuracy, reliability, and versatility. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. This buyer’s guide will cover the essential features to consider when purchasing a bolt-action rifle.

Features

Caliber: The caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet, and it is an essential consideration when choosing a bolt-action rifle. A smaller caliber such as .22LR is suitable for small game and target shooting, while larger calibers such as .308 or .30-06 are better for big game hunting.

Action: The action is the mechanism by which the rifle loads and ejects cartridges. Bolt-action rifles are reliable and accurate because they have a simple action that locks the cartridge in place before firing.

Barrel Length: The length of the barrel affects the accuracy and weight of the rifle. Longer barrels provide better accuracy, while shorter barrels are more lightweight and maneuverable.

Trigger: The trigger is an essential part of the rifle and affects accuracy and safety. A good trigger should be adjustable, smooth, and have a crisp break.

Stock: The stock is the part of the rifle that you hold while shooting. It should fit comfortably in your hands and be made of a durable material that can withstand weather conditions and frequent use.

Scope: A scope is not essential, but it can significantly improve your accuracy when shooting. Choose a scope that fits your budget and matches your rifle’s caliber.

Recoil: Bolt-action rifles can have significant recoil, which can be uncomfortable and affect accuracy. Choose a rifle with a recoil pad or muzzle brake to reduce the recoil.

Price: Bolt-action rifles can be expensive, with some models costing thousands of dollars. Determine your budget before purchasing a rifle and look for models within your price range.

Weight: Some bolt-action rifles can be heavy, which can affect your ability to carry and aim the rifle for extended periods. Consider the weight of the rifle when choosing a model.

Hunting: Bolt-action rifles are ideal for hunting because they are accurate, reliable, and powerful. Choose a caliber and barrel length that matches the type of game you will be hunting.

Target Shooting: Bolt-action rifles are also great for target shooting because of their accuracy and versatility. Choose a model with a heavy barrel and a scope for long-range shooting.

Home Defense: Bolt-action rifles are not the best choice for home defense due to their size and slow action. Choose a shotgun or handgun for home defense instead.

Choosing the best bolt-action rifle for your needs requires careful consideration of the features, problems, and use cases. Determine your budget, the caliber you need, and the type of shooting you will be doing before making a purchase. Research different models, read reviews, and try out different rifles before making a final decision. Remember to always practice safe handling and storage of your rifle.

After a thorough review of the premier bolt-action rifles, we confidently chose the Ruger American Rifle as our top pick. Whether you are an experienced hunter or just beginning to shoot, this rifle is perfect for everyone looking for affordability and dependability. Not only will its ergonomic design guarantee comfort in handling, but also its adjustable trigger provides precise accuracy even from long distances away.

No matter what rifle you choose from our top picks, we ensure that you will have a great experience. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choice and find the best bolt-action rifle for your needs.