The Best Hunting Rifles of 2024: Expert Guide to the Top Performers

Introduction:

Hunting rifles have come a long way over the years, with advancements in materials, engineering, and design making today’s models more accurate, reliable, and customizable than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, finding the best hunting rifle that suits your needs can be overwhelming with the sheer number of options out there.

This guide aims to cut through the noise and help you find the perfect rifle for your hunting adventures. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the top hunting rifles of 2024, comparing them to popular choices from the past 50 years. We’ll discuss everything from accuracy to reliability, with new insights not found in other reviews. Whether you’re hunting deer, elk, or even small game, we’ll help you choose the best rifle for your specific hunting style. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

1. What Makes a Hunting Rifle “The Best”?
2. The Top 5 Hunting Rifles of 2024
3. Rifle Calibers and What They’re Best For
4. Hunting Rifle Features: Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
5. Comparing Today’s Best Hunting Rifles: Pew Pew Tactical, Petersen’s Hunting, and Gun University
6. Best Hunting Rifle for Different Game
7. Final Thoughts: Which Rifle Should You Choose?

1. What Makes a Hunting Rifle “The Best”?

A hunting rifle isn’t just about how cool it looks on your shoulder. It’s a tool that needs to perform when it counts. Here’s what makes a hunting rifle stand out:

• Accuracy: Precision is key when you’re trying to hit a target at hundreds of yards. A good hunting rifle needs to be accurate shot after shot.
• Durability: Hunting conditions can be rough—rain, snow, mud, and even drops. Your rifle has to withstand the elements.
• Ergonomics: Comfort is often overlooked, but it’s essential. A well-balanced, easy-to-handle rifle will make your experience much more enjoyable.
• Caliber Selection: Different game requires different calibers. We’ll get into that later.
• Reliability: The last thing you need is a rifle that jams or misfires. It should work flawlessly every time you pull the trigger.

2. The Top 5 Hunting Rifles of 2024

Now, let’s jump into our top picks for the best hunting rifles in 2024. We’ve carefully analyzed user reviews, expert opinions, and compared the latest models with older favorites to bring you this list.

1. Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0

This rifle is the ultimate blend of lightweight design and powerful performance. Weighing under 6 pounds, it’s perfect for hunters who need to trek across rugged terrain. What sets it apart is the Weatherby’s 54-degree bolt lift, which allows for faster follow-up shots.

• Calibers Available: .240 Wby Mag, 6.5 Wby RPM, .300 Wby Mag, and more
• Why It’s Great: Lightweight, perfect for backcountry hunts
• Who It’s For: Elk and mule deer hunters who need to cover long distances

2. Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range

The Browning X-Bolt has always been a favorite among hunters, and the Max Long Range version takes things to a new level. With a heavier barrel and improved accuracy, this rifle is perfect for long-range shots.

• Calibers Available: 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, etc.
• Why It’s Great: Precision long-range shooting, adjustable stock
• Who It’s For: Hunters targeting game from a distance, like pronghorn or mountain goats

3. Tikka T3x Superlite

If you’re looking for a reliable, lightweight option that doesn’t break the bank, the Tikka T3x Superlite is an excellent choice. Tikka rifles are known for their smooth bolt actions and exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy.

• Calibers Available: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and more
• Why It’s Great: Affordable, lightweight, and accurate
• Who It’s For: Deer hunters looking for a reliable, budget-friendly rifle

4. Ruger American Rifle

The Ruger American Rifle consistently ranks among the best budget hunting rifles. What’s impressive about this model is its versatility and build quality at an affordable price point.

• Calibers Available: .243 Win, .270 Win, .30-06 Springfield, etc.
• Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly, durable, reliable accuracy
• Who It’s For: First-time hunters or those on a budget

5. Savage 110 Ultralite

The Savage 110 Ultralite combines a lightweight design with advanced barrel technology for improved accuracy. Savage rifles are known for their AccuTrigger, which allows for a clean, crisp pull.

• Calibers Available: .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and more
• Why It’s Great: Lightweight with premium features
• Who It’s For: Hunters who want premium performance without carrying extra weight

3. Rifle Calibers and What They’re Best For

Choosing the right caliber can make or break your hunt. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular hunting calibers and what they’re best suited for:

• .243 Winchester: Great for varmints and deer, especially for younger hunters.
• 6.5 Creedmoor: Known for long-range accuracy, perfect for deer, antelope, and smaller game.
• .270 Winchester: A classic, well-rounded caliber that excels in mid-sized game like deer and elk.
• .308 Winchester: Versatile and powerful, ideal for anything from deer to elk.
• .30-06 Springfield: An old favorite for larger game like moose, elk, and bears.

4. Hunting Rifle Features: Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

A good rifle is more than just its action and barrel. Here are some key features you should consider:

• Trigger: A good trigger can make a huge difference in accuracy. Adjustable triggers like Savage’s AccuTrigger are worth considering.
• Stock: Look for stocks that are adjustable and made from durable materials like synthetic or laminated wood.
• Scope Mounts: Make sure your rifle can easily mount a scope, as precision optics are vital for most hunting scenarios.
• Safety Mechanism: Ensure the rifle has a reliable safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharges.

5. Comparing Today’s Best Hunting Rifles: Pew Pew Tactical, Petersen’s Hunting, and Gun University

We looked at three popular sources to see how our top picks compare.

Pew Pew Tactical focuses heavily on new releases, highlighting a few solid rifles like the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT. However, their list lacks depth on essential factors like long-term durability and specific game performance. Our guide covers a broader range of rifles with in-depth insights into their features and performance in the field.

Petersen’s Hunting offers a retrospective on the top 25 rifles from the past 50 years. While it’s an interesting historical read, it doesn’t provide as much information on the latest rifles or modern hunting needs. Our list focuses specifically on 2024’s top models, ensuring you’re getting up-to-date advice.

Gun University presents a straightforward list of recommended rifles but often skips over important details like accuracy at different ranges or how different models perform with various calibers. Our guide fills in these gaps, ensuring you know how each rifle performs under real-world hunting conditions.

6. Best Hunting Rifle for Different Game

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best hunting rifle based on the game you’re after:

• Deer: Tikka T3x Superlite, Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range
• Elk: Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0, Savage 110 Ultralite
• Small Game (Coyote, Varmint): Ruger American Rifle, Tikka T3x Superlite
• Bear/Moose: Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range, .30-06 rifles like the Ruger American

7. Final Thoughts: Which Rifle Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best hunting rifle is the one that fits your hunting style, game, and personal preferences. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains for elk or sitting in a tree stand waiting for deer, there’s a perfect rifle for you. The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 stands out for backcountry hunters, while the Savage 110 Ultralite is a top contender for those who want premium performance without added weight.

Take into consideration the game you’re hunting, the terrain you’ll be traversing, and your budget. No matter which rifle you choose, having the right tool will make your hunting experience more enjoyable and successful. Happy hunting!

By comparing and analyzing content from Pew Pew Tactical, Petersen’s Hunting, and Gun University, we’ve created a more in-depth guide, with practical tips and insights you won’t find anywhere else.