With nearly 20 years of active infantry service and accredited by General George S. Patton as “the greatest battle implement ever devised,” the M1 Garand is one of the most notable service rifles in history. It’s a rifle that was revolutionary, effective, and for many decades, common. It’s a rifle that two generations were raised on—those that served with it, and their kids. The rifle is an icon that’s widely recognized, even idolized. But these days, anything beyond surface-level knowledge and experience with the M1 Garand is becoming rare.

The M1 Garand is seen by many as an embodiment of the greatest generation and their defeat of Axis powers. It’s hard for me to pick one up without imagining what it must have been like for my grandpa to press his cheek against the stock and gaze through the peep at the front sight, pointing into the frozen Ardenne. To me, it’s also a symbol of old school marksmanship, a tight 1907 leather sling, and pulling targets in the pits. 

I competed in service rifle competitions for a number of years and shot several M1 Garand novelty matches, but I never owned my own Garand. I started out competing with the M1A, a derivative of the M1. Like many other shooters, I had a basic appreciation of how the M1 Garand works, but not much else. Many years overdue, I finally bought my own M1 Garand to learn, shoot, and enjoy. 

A Brief History of the M1 Garand

There are many published histories of the M1 Garand rifle, most of which are regurgitated ten times over. A more detailed history of the rifle is published by the Garand Collector’s Association, but I’ll give you the Cliffnotes version. 

The M1 Garand was designed by John C. Garand and accepted by the Army in 1936. It was originally intended to hold 10 rounds and chambered in .276 Pedersen, which was a medium-sized 7mm cartridge that fired a 125-grain bullet at 2750 feet per second. For various reasons, the Army wanted it in the already standard-issue .30/06 Springfield.

The M1 Garand went on to serve through World War II, Korea, and the phase-out started in 1959 when its derivative, the M14 chambered in 7.62x51mm began replacing it. Garand designed the rifle while working for the U.S. government at Springfield Armory and gave them his patent rights to his creation. Ironically, in the March, 1974 issue of the NRA’s American Rifleman, that went to print within a month of Garand’s passing, there’s an editorial describing the efforts of Congress to award the aging inventor of the M1 $100,000. He’d only ever gotten his standard pension and, according to the editorial, the Department of the Army said, “Not another cent.”

There were several iterations of the M1 Garand, but none as widespread as the standard-issue infantryman’s rifle. The M1C and M1D were specialized scoped variants. Additionally, there was an entire M1E series which is detailed in that same March, 1974, issue of American Rifleman. Those ranged from M1E1 through M1E9 and led to the development of the M14 and its single-fire counterpart the M1A. Additionally, Beretta produced a box-fed, select-fire version, the BM-59. The Ruger Mini 14 is still in production, and is based upon the design of the M14 and consequently, the M1..

The M1 Garand is Rapidly Becoming a Mystery 

I felt like a kid unwrapping his first .22 when I finally got my M1 Garand. It was beautiful. I bought an M1 that had been purchased from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) as a “special grade” rifle. What that means is that although it has an original 1944 receiver, my rifle has been completely refinished, refurbished, and fitted with a brand new barrel and wood furniture. My rifle isn’t something a collector would go silly over, but I want a quality functional example to shoot. My heart dropped when the rifle wouldn’t cycle correctly. It would eject empty cases, but the bolt wasn’t coming far enough back to strip the next round from the magazine. 

Who Knows the M1 Garand Anymore?

Where does someone even take their sick M1 Garand? That question is much harder to answer today than it was 40 or 50 years ago. Fortunately, I’ve got a guy. Ken Corcoran was a shooter and gunsmith with the Army Marksmanship Unit, and is a distinguished rifleman. Although he worked primarily on M14s, M1As, M16s, and AR-15s, he built and worked on hundreds of M1 Garand rifles too. 

I received a thorough and salty education from Ken when I first met him at 19 years old, and I still learn something every time I visit with him. Back in about 2005, I brought him my recently purchased Springfield M1A—I wanted to become a service rifle shooter. He was a key mentor to me in that endeavor. He’d take the time to explain everything from how light conditions change my point of impact on the target to why I should dab grease between the stock ferrule and op rod guide of my M1A. His knowledge of the M1 Garand is equally humbling. 

Nearly 20 years later, I was bringing him another rifle. With approximately two minutes of investigation, he diagnosed the cycling problem to be a result of an undersized gas port in the aftermarket barrel and an aftermarket gas cylinder lock screw that increased the volume of the cylinder itself. He drilled out the gas port, installed a G.I. gas cylinder lock screw (gas plug), and the rifle ran perfectly. 

If I hadn’t had access to someone with the experience-based knowledge, tooling, and parts to fix the issue, I’d have had to send the thing off to who knows where. The M1 Garand isn’t an enigma, but it’s a craftsman’s rifle that requires the parts and the know-how to diagnose and solve problems. Both will only dwindle as we trek into the future.

How Does the M1 Garand Work? 

In the world of gun culture 4.0, Youtube, and larping, everyone recognizes the M1 Garand. They know it’s chambered in .30/06, loaded with 8-round en bloc stamped steel clips. If they have even the slightest familiarity with the M1, they know that when the last round is expended, those clips sound off with a beautiful ping as they’re ejected from the receiver. To most, what’s actually happening under those battered wood hand guards and stock is a mystery. Here are the basics of how the M1 Garand works. To follow along, or learn more on M1 Garand nomenclature, the CMP has an excellent guide. 

The M1 Garand Ping: Magazine and En Bloc Clip

The best known feature of the M1 Garand is its use of an 8-round clip rather than a detachable magazine or stripper clip. The fully-loaded clip is pressed down into the magazine until the magazine follower is pushed far enough to unhook the operating rod catch and simultaneously capture the clip with the clip latch. When the clip clicks into place, the shooter rapidly withdraws their hand and the bolt slams forward, stripping the top round off the clip and into the chamber. Once you stop applying pressure on the clip, the bolt leaps forward. If you don’t get your thumb out of the way, you’ll quickly find out what “M1 thumb,” or “Garand thumb” is all about.

The clip is the same on top and bottom, and can be installed either way. The edges of the clip act just like feed lips in a modern rifle magazine. As each shot is fired, the follower presses the stack of cartridges up through the clip. When the last round is fired and ejected, the op rod catch simultaneously locks the operating rod open and pulls the clip latch from the small notch in the steel clip. When that happens, the clip ejector spring located in the trigger assembly sends the empty clip flying into the air with that characteristic ping, signaling the shooter that they’re out of ammo.

Long Stroke Gas Piston

Another key characteristic of the M1 Garand is that it operates on a long stroke gas piston system, and was the greatest early success of the concept. It’s alleged that the design for the AK-47’s gas system was borrowed directly from the M1 Garand—albeit flipped upside down. Unlike Soviet rifles such as the SKS that used a short piston which knocked the bolt carrier group backward, the M1 Garand and AK-47 both implement a gas piston/operating rod that directly operates the bolt. 

At the front, the operating rod starts with a precisely machined piston. It’s seated at the end of a hollow steel tube. The operating spring—it does much more than just absorb recoil—fits inside this hollow tube and slips over the follower rod. The op rod then transitions to a flat bar with a charging handle and bolt lug guide at the end. With the action closed, it extends from the gas port just behind the muzzle, to the bolt lugs just behind the chamber. 

Upon firing, in the short time that the bullet is between the gas port and the muzzle, hot gas rushes through the gas port, driving the piston back, which in turn rotates the bolt out of its locked position, and draws it to the rear, ejecting the spent case. The operating spring then drives the op rod forward, chambering a new cartridge, rotating the bolt lugs into their locking recesses, and finishing with the piston back in its original position.

The M1 Garand Runs on Levers, Linkages, and Timing

A fascinating thing about the M1 Garand and its function is that everything outside the trigger group is driven by the operating spring. The spring absorbs recoil and returns the rifle to battery after firing, but it’s also used to drive the magazine follower and actuate the operating rod catch, and clip latch. In most modern CNC-made firearms, we see a separate magazine spring under the follower, but this 1936-vintage design is actually more complex. A few seemingly simple parts work in unison to make this incredible rifle work.

According to Corcoran, timing issues can be common in this system of linkages. However they aren’t always easy to diagnose to the untrained eye. In the era where the M1 Garand was king, one would simply throw in a timing block, replace a couple small parts, and be back in business. Firearms News has a pretty informative article on checking the timing on an M1 Garand, and according to Corcoran, problems like your rifle ejecting clip along with the last round or two, or trouble getting the bolt to release when loading a clip can be indicative of timing issues—though he wouldn’t venture to diagnose a rifle without getting his hands on it. 

Buying an M1 Garand

The “good ol’ days” of plentiful M1 Garands are long gone but, with a little direction, you can still get your own functional piece of history. If you’re wanting a matching-parts, collector-grade rifle, you’ll be entertaining an entirely different set of questions and price range than if you simply want an M1 Garand to shoot and enjoy. Either way, it helps knowing where to look and what to look for. 

Where to Shop for an M1 Garand

If you’re “chasing the Garand” as my friend, expert long-range shooter, and OL contributor Sean Murphy puts it, organizations like the previously mentioned Garand Collector’s Association and CMP are great sources of information on what to look for and where to look. Collectible M1 Garands aren’t getting any more common—or less expensive.

For the average shooter, the CMP is probably still the most reliable source for acquiring an M1 Garand. Although quantities are more limited than they used to be, and there are a couple qualifiers that you have to meet, you can order a rack grade M1 Garand from the CMP for about $750 through the mail. The CMP website goes into detail about the requirements and specifics about what you’re getting with each grade of rifle.

If you know what to look for, don’t want to wait on a mail-order rifle, and are willing to take a little risk, M1 Garand rifles are often available on sites like guns.com and Gunbroker. That’s where I bought mine, and they do offer some purchase protection. Understand though, that none of these rifles are new.

What to Look Out For in an M1 Garand

Depending on where you’re at, you might be able to find an M1 Garand in the used rack of your local gun shop. This can be a good way to buy one, but there are a few things you should check if you can. Guys like Corcoran could give a post-grad lecture on things to look for or avoid on a used Garand. In fact, when I visited him, I had another M1 in tow. He took one look at it and said, “oh, that’s a Danish rifle.” When I asked how he knew that, he simply replied, “I looked at it.”

You and I don’t possess such knowledge, but there are a few things we can inspect when shopping for one in person:

• Price: Any retail-sold, shootable M1 is going to cost at least $1,000. Double that for a really good one.
• Corrosion: If you’re allowed, field strip the rifle and inspect all parts for pitting or excessive rust that can’t be wiped away with some oil. 
• Tip Test: with the operating spring removed, the op rod and bolt should slide freely to the rear when the muzzle is pointed up at approximately 60 degrees. They should close when pointed down approximately 60 degrees. Here’s a video demonstrating it. The gist of this test is to ensure that the op rod moves freely back and forth and isn’t bent or damaged. 
• Check the stock and inside of the front hand guard, as well as the edges of the gas cylinder for signs that the op rod is wearing on them. 
• Inspect the bore with a flashlight for excessive rust—with the rifle stripped and bolt removed.
• If you see something that doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not.

Some of these indicators aren’t necessarily big problems, but they can be red flags. Take your time and research markings, manufacturers, and corresponding dates. I recently saw an M1 Garand for sale in a shop that was marked as “correct grade” with a price tag of $1750. The 500,000-series serial number indicates an early vintage rifle, but without the research or know-how, it’s damn tough to tell exactly what you’ve got. Most Garands have been refurbished and rebuilt with a mix of parts—usually more than once. Thick patches of rust that were clearly visible inside the end of the bore were a red flag.

Shooting and Maintaining an M1 Garand

The M1 Garand is fun to shoot, but recoil is much heftier than the contemporary AR-15 service rifle. Some view this as a negative, but plenty of old school service rifle shooters are quick to point out that shooting one in competition forces you to build good positions. If you don’t, it’ll knock the piss out of you. The steel buttplate on the old warhorse can wear on your shoulder when shooting from the bench, but recoil is softer than that of an average bolt-action .30/06 hunting rifle. They have a two-stage trigger that usually breaks between 4.5 and 6 pounds.

Proper Lubrication of the M1 Garand

The M1 Garand is made from hand-machined steel parts, and its relatively complex function requires that you lubricate it properly. If you don’t, you’re going to have problems. You might even damage your rifle. When completely degreased, my rifle’s bolt can’t even be drawn to the rear without binding. Gun oil is helpful for some parts of the M1 Garand, but what you really need is grease. 

The previously mentioned story on the evolution of the M1 Garand stated that in development, sustained fire using normal oils and lubricants would dry the guns out and actions would seize—particularly in wet conditions. Lubriplate 130-A was adopted as the standard-issue grease for the M1 Garand, and you can still buy it today. 

GAA, or Grease, Automotive and Artillery is what Corcoran recommends. This old army staple is an excellent lubricant for the M1 rifle, and it’s what I used for my M1A match rifle many years ago. It’s cheap, or was, and cleans off easily. It’s not in every army surplus store these days, but you can still find it. Other greases like Shooter’s Choice Gun Grease work well too.

It’s key to apply grease to several areas on your M1 Garand. The bolt and op rod channels and locking recesses in the receiver should be given a thin coating.  Grease should be applied to other areas of contact, or where wear is visible on the bolt, inside the bolt lug recess on the operating rod, and on the bottom of the barrel where the operating rod should have light contact with the chamber. Brownells has an excellent video detailing this procedure. 

M1 Garand Ammo: Do’s and Dont’s

It’s commonly stressed that you should not shoot standard factory .30/06 hunting ammo through your M1 Garand. The rifle was designed to operate within a certain range of gas cylinder pressures and common advice tells us to use ammunition at or under 50,000 PSI. M2 Ball ammunition was the standard feed for the M1 Garand. It fires a 150-grain FMJ bullet at approximately 2,750 feet per second. You’ll often hear that you shouldn’t shoot bullets heavier than 150 grains, but national match ammunition for the Garand, of 1965 vintage, fired a 174-grain bullet at 2,663 feet per second. Some loads with heavier bullets, particularly those using modern slower-burning propellants, can overpressure the gas cylinder and bend or otherwise damage the operating rod. Just how legitimate is the concern?

“These guys have no idea what we used to do with Garands. We’d load 180-grain bullets for shooting at 600 yards all the time,” said John Karish, who is the other of my two main service rifle mentors. Karish grew up in California, when shooting NRA high power matches with M1 Garands was as regular as sunshine. When I asked Corcoran how easy it was, really, to bend an M1 operating rod, he said nothing. He walked over and reached behind a piece of equipment in his shop, pulling out a World War II vintage op rod. He brought it over to his bench, set it across two wooden blocks, picked up a mallet, and gave it a dramatic and swift overhand strike, right in the middle. Ken then handed it to me and said, “How hard do you think? Does that look bent to you?” 

Despite the demonstration that showed me that these rifles might not be as fragile as everyone says, we aren’t living in a time when everyone has an M1 Garand gunsmith right down the road—or an excess of operating rods or parts. There’s no need to shoot high pressure ammo, so just use caution. Many manufacturers including Winchester, Hornady, Federal, and Fiocchi load specific M1 Garand ammo, and safe load data is readily available. Simply grabbing the first cheap .30/06 ammo you find can beat your rifle up and accelerate wear and tear at best, or break it at worst.

If you really feel the need to fire heavy or high-pressure loads, you can get a Schuster gas plug that is adjustable to vent excess gas and safely fire heavy-duty .30/06 ammunition. Another aftermarket part, “that bullshit gas plug” that my rifle came with, is hollowed out to create more space in the gas cylinder and reduce peak pressures. Some folks seem to have good results with it, but my rifle will not cycle with standard ammunition. Whatever you choose to do, use caution. 

How Accurate is an M1 Garand?

Despite casual claims that the average M1 Garand is a superbly accurate rifle, it’s nothing special in standard-issue configuration. It won’t win benchrest competitions, but it’s accurate by infantryman’s standards in the hands of a good shooter. One of my favorite M1 Garand stories is when one day, about 20 years ago, Karish outshot the entire 1st battalion of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment on the army’s pop-up qualification range at Fort Wainwright with his Garand. His only complaint was that he’d drawn a pesky double target in the middle of a reload.

Reasonable Expectations for the “As-Issued” M1 Garand

We live in a world when terms like “minute-of-angle” are thrown around lightly, and some attribute this kind of accuracy to their Garands. The right match-grade M1 Garands with the appropriate spells cast upon them, fired by skilled shooters can do such things, but you shouldn’t expect it out of your rack grade or as-issued rifle. If you can maintain 3- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards with iron sights and ball ammo, you’re doing well.

I took my M1 to an unofficial mid-range prone match, which was fired from 600 yards on standard NRA high power targets. Shooting Hornady’s M1 Garand Match ammo, I was able to keep 16 of 20 shots inside the 36-inch black bullseye. Not great shooting, but about what I expected from that rifle in my first match in 14 years. For reference, I was able to keep more than half my shots in the 6-inch X-ring when shooting  a 16-inch AR-15 carbine that I used in my recent 5.56 ammo test. It had a 10x LPVO scope and a bipod. At the peak of my service rifle shooting, I averaged around 195 with my national match AR-15 using iron sights. That’s keeping about 15 of 20 shots inside the 12-inch 10-ring. Shooting accurately with as-issued iron sights on an M1 Garand is much more difficult than the average trigger puller realizes.

The Accurized M1 Garand

“The M1 is a craftsman’s rifle. It takes a craftsman to make it shoot well and keep it shooting well. The AR-15 is a machinists rifle, and just about anyone can assemble an accurate one with the right parts.” 

Karish told me that many years ago, and he was right. I can simply order the right parts and assemble a very accurate AR-type rifle, or bolt-action for that matter. Getting the M1 Garand to shoot well enough to compete and replace bolt-action service rifles was no easy task. A lot of work was done in the 1950s to develop the National Match M1 Garand, and the techniques used to accurize the platform. 

An article by Capt. Carl J. Davis in the July, 1965 issue of American Rifleman details this in-depth process. In all, it describes the following 13 significant alterations and specifications in an illustrated diagram:

•  A. Service rifle front and rear sights replaced with National Match sights. No perceptible play between aperture assembly and sight base at 40 clicks elevation
•  B. Headspace between 1.940 inches and 1.950 inches
•  C. With operating rod spring and follower rod removed, bolt opens fully by its own weight when muzzle is elevated to approximately 60 degrees. With Muzzle depressed to approximately 60 degrees, bolt closes fully by its own weight
• D. Muzzle crown free of all burrs and nicks
• E. Clearance of .010 inches between stock and receiver at point indicated, stock glass bedded.
• F. Operating rod handle may bear lightly on stock. The tube does not contact stock, gas cylinder, or stock ferrule. Operating rod bears lightly against underside of barrel in chamber area
• G. Rear handguard does not contact operating rod
• H. Rear handguard has longitudinal play
• I. Rear handguard does not contact stock
• J. Stock ferrule free of contact with lower portion of lower band, leaving approximately 1/64-inch clearance
• K. Front handguard has no longitudinal movement
• L. Minimum of .005 inches of clearance between front handguard and gas cylinder
• M. No rotational movement of gas cylinder. Gas cylinder lock should stop between 6-o’clock and 8-o’clock positions when hand tightened

Sounds simple, right? This was a strenuous and detailed-oriented endeavor that surely took a lot of repetition to master. It’s no wonder that the match-grade AR-15 overtook the old M1 and M1A as soon as quality float tubes and high-BC projectiles were developed for it.

The M1 Garand in Competition

The M1 Garand was the standard for NRA and CMP service rifle competition from the late 1950’s through the mid-1960’s, and remained a strong competitor for many more years. Serious competitors have long-since switched to shooting the AR-15, and now low-magnification optics are even allowed. The competitors bringing match-grade M1’s to the line these days are doing it for pure enjoyment of the sport.

Vintage “As-Issued” Rifle Matches

Vintage rifle matches have seen a surge in popularity, and each year at Camp Perry, the CMP hosts a variety of them. Many rifle clubs host these “as-issued” matches around the country too, and they are some of the funnest matches you can shoot. Among the rules, an M1 Garand must be an “as-issued” rifle. There are a number of specific rules, but essentially, the glass-bedded, national match rifles with improved sights can’t be used. The course of fire can vary from match to match, but they’re commonly shot at 200 yards, or 100 yards on a reduced-size SR1 target face. This is the standard NRA high power target for the standing and sitting or kneeling positions. In a normal Garand match, you’ll fire three ten-round strings: one prone slow fire, one prone rapid fire, and one standing, for a total of 30 rounds.

M1 Garand FAQs

The Future of the M1 Garand

I’d like to say that the future for the M1 Garand looks bright, but eventually they’ll all be gone. So will anyone who was ever issued one. Done are the days where M1 rifles and parts were cheap and plentiful, but that’s life. The good news is that you can still get an M1 Garand and shoot the hell out of it. 

We now live in an era of Youtube, social media, and instant gratification. For all our CNC-machined precision, we’ve lost a level of earned experience and craftsmanship that can only be obtained by bedding a dozen rifles before lunch, then shooting across the course. The M1 Garand represents a different era that can mean different things to different people, but tapping into it for a brief moment is only a ping away.

The post The M1 Garand, the Greatest Generation’s Service Rifle appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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For the second year in a row the Outdoor Life gun test team converged on Gunsite Academy to generate our decades-long roundup of the year’s best rifles, best handguns, and—as a bonus to you old-school pistoleros—a test of the best 1911s.

We’ve been conducting this massive gun test for decades now. It is the most time-consuming, ambitious, and costly editorial project Outdoor Life does each year. No other publication or group comes close to duplicating this singular effort. More on that in a bit.

First and foremost, the test is motivated by our desire to provide valuable and unbiased data and insight. There’s a lot of low-quality information about new guns out there. A combination of evaluators with questionable skills, limited resources, and a desire to please sponsors and advertisers results in a preponderance of ballistic drivel.

So I get why many readers react to gun reviews with reflexive cynicism. Sadly, that jaded response is often justified.

This test is an antidote to that.

Beyond providing our audience with top-quality, honest content, the Outdoor Life gun test team also derives tremendous professional satisfaction from this project. The opportunity to shoot all these guns side-by-side with a nearly inexhaustible supply of ammunition at hand gives a perspective that you can’t acquire shooting them individually. Evaluating firearms in the context of their peer group is remarkably illuminating.

Best Rifles of 2023: Return of an Icon and Some Amazing Values

• Best Rifle of 2023: Marlin 336 Classic  (Editor’s Choice)
• Best Rifle of 2023: Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical (Great Buy, Precision Rifle)
• Best Rifle of 2023: Stevens 334 Walnut (Great Buy, Hunting Rifle)
• CVA Cascade XT
• Fierce Firearms Carbon Rogue
• Nosler CCH (Carbon Chassis Hunter)
• Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader
• Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon
• Browning X-Bolt Target Max
• Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti

This year’s rifle field was smaller than last year’s. (The bursting of the post-Covid bubble accounted for the unusually large number of introductions in 2022.) But it still included an interesting variety of long-guns spanning a spectrum of price points and uses.

One dominant theme among the best rifles of 2023 is budget guns that punch above their weight class. The Stevens 334 Walnut and Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical both distinguished themselves in that light and earned this year’s Great Buy awards. We also gave high marks to the CVA Cascade XT for the value it represents. In 2023, bargain-minded shooters have some good options to pick from.

Another takeaway from the gun test is that Marlin’s resurrection by Ruger can now be deemed a complete and legitimate success. The new Marlin 336 Classic we evaluated is the latest in a string of fabulous lever actions that have been rolling off the production line at Ruger’s facility in Mayodan, North Carolina. In conjunction with the Marlin 1895 SBL we tested and the Marlin 1895 Trapper we’ve been using—both in .45/70—the Marlin 336 Classic cements the iconic brand’s comeback.

We were so smitten with the Marlin 336 Classic that it was the unanimous selection as this year’s Editor’s Choice.

How We Tested the Best Rifles

As I alluded to above, Outdoor Life’s gun testing protocol is unlike any other in the outdoor industry. This test is different, and always has been. We pit the entries head-to-head and when the dust settles we tabulate the scores and whoever wins, wins. There’s no favoritism at play. Unlike other awards you see touted, our Editor’s Choice and Great Buy honors are not for sale.

We shoot the hell out of each rifle for accuracy and practical field handling. We go over each with a critical eye to pick apart their construction and evaluate workmanship.

Our published accuracy results are the averages of the 10 best five-shot groups for each rifle. While it is fun to highlight some of the smallest groups in the test—which we do as well—this 10-group average is much more meaningful with respect to a rifle’s true in-the-field performance. (And, incidentally, is a much tougher standard than you’ll see in other gun reviews.)

It takes a long time to gather that much accuracy data. The five shooters on the team spent days shooting a collective 375 five-shot groups for record. One reason we shoot that much is that we want each rifle to shine as brightly as possible. We shoot a variety of ammo, bullet styles, and bullet weights. (With respect to the ammunition I have to give special thanks to our industry partners who support us in this including, Federal, Nosler, Winchester, Hornady, Remington, Black Hills Ammunition, Berger, Weatherby, Wilson Combat, and Freedom Munitions.)

And in between groups we cleaned the rifles if needed and refouled them to get the most accuracy out of each. When the accuracy work was done, we ran each rifle through dynamic shooting drills from field positions.

How We Grade Guns

Each rifle is evaluated on nine categories and given a score of 1 to 5 from each judge, except for the accuracy score, which is based on the data from the groups shot. We average the scores for each category and use that to determine the ranking and awards. The categories are handling, accuracy, workmanship, aesthetics, ergonomics, meets purpose, versatility, reliability, and value.

Read Next: The Best Handguns of 2023

The scores then translate to the grades on the report cards for each firearm. Performance consists of the scores from handling, accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability. Design includes workmanship, aesthetics, meeting its purpose, and versatility. Value stands on its own.

To earn an “Excellent” rating, the average of that score must be 4.5 or higher, a difficult mark to hit. “Very Good” is an average score of 3.5 to 4.5; “Good” is from 2.5 to 3.5; “Fair” is from 1.5 to 2.5; and “Poor” is under 1.5.

Best Rifle of 2023: Marlin 336 Classic  (Editor’s Choice)

Scott Einsmann

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Report Card

• Performance: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Value: Very Good
• Accuracy: 1.627 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Marlin 336 Classic Specs

• Action: Lever
• Stock: Walnut
• Caliber: .30/30 Win.
• Capacity: 6+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 1 oz.
• Trigger: 8 lb. 0 oz.
• Barrel: 20 in.
• Length: 38.5 in.
• Price: $1,239

The biggest trend in rifles for the last decade and a half has been in bolt guns pushing the boundaries of accuracy and long-range performance. In other words, precision rifles—whether for competition, hunting, or general recreation.

So it is rather surprising to see a rifle that traces its roots to 1893 firing a cartridge that was introduced in 1895 anointed as the best rifle of 2023. But indeed, that is the case.

The Marlin 336 Classic in .30/30 Win. is a throwback rifle and cartridge but has been made relevant again by Ruger, which is producing them in North Carolina. Even though I grew up shooting Marlins produced in North Haven, Connecticut, there is no doubt that these new lever actions are the finest to wear the signature bullseye logo in their stock.

The fit and finish on our 336 was superlative and the quality of the wood, metal polish, and bluing make this rifle a real looker. As much as we were smitten by its svelte lines and attractive workmanship, we also praised it for its balance and handling.

The 336 handles exactly how a big-woods lever action should. It’s quick to shoulder, points instinctively, and—for a lever gun in .30/30—is pretty accurate.

It’s also a hell of a value—assuming you can find one for the MSRP. For the time being the demand will continue to outstrip the supply but be patient and sooner or later you’ll be able to acquire one.

As an aside, Marlin will be chambering the 336 in .35 Remington again too. Expect to see those later this year. Nor would it shock me if they chambered some in the new 360 Buckhammer as well.

Best Rifle of 2023: Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical (Great Buy, Precision Rifle)

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Excellent
• Accuracy: .582 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic chassis
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 10
• Weight: 8 lb. 11 oz.
• Trigger: 2 lb. 9 oz.
• Barrel: 22 in.
• Length: 42.3 in.
• Price: $1,085

We have been shooting, hunting with, and broadly praising the Mossberg Patriot rifle in its many variants since it was introduced in 2015. New this year is the Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical, which matches the familiar two-lug action with a chassis stock and heavy barrel.

Line extensions like this tend to be ho-hum affairs, eliciting little in the way of remark, let alone excitement. That’s not the case with the Patriot LR Tactical.

This precision rifle is one of the best deals going for affordable long-range shooting and trotted off with a Great Buy award in the precision rifle category.

This LR Tactical configuration suits the workmanlike Patriot action to a tee. This rifle is very accurate. In fact, it turned in the tightest group of the test, a .247-inch five-shot group by editor in chief Alex Robinson with Federal 140-grain Berger Hybrids. (Ours was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, but you can also get them in .308 Win. and 6.5 PRC.)

The rifle also handles surprisingly well. Though the barrel is heavy, the rifle isn’t cumbersome. It weighs 8.75 pounds without a scope and was easy to maneuver in and out of position during the practical shooting portion of the evaluation.

The action isn’t the smoothest but we were still able to cycle it quickly while running through a variety of drills. The rifle takes AICS pattern magazines, which are widely available and come in varying capacities. The effective paddle magazine release made reloads a snap.

The stock adjusts for cheek height and positions the hand nicely thanks to its vertical grip. The texturing on the grip is fairly aggressive and gives a solid purchase. The chassis stock also has slots to mount M-Lok compatible accessories.

Best Rifle of 2023: Stevens 334 Walnut (Great Buy, Hunting Rifle)

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Excellent
• Accuracy: .724-in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Stevens 334 Walnut Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Walnut
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 3+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 14 oz.
• Trigger: 5 lb. 10 oz.
• Barrel: 22 in.
• Length: 43 in.
• Price: $489

The Stevens 334 Walnut was the most surprising gun of the rifle test. It is a basic wood-stocked bolt action imported from Turkey, and at first glance doesn’t seem to be anything special.

While the stock is nice enough, the metalwork and design of the action is basic—though in keeping with the rifle’s modest $489 price tag. After dry firing the trigger, you’d have no reason to anticipate any particular ballistic magic, either. The 5-pound 10-ounce trigger has a bit of mush before it breaks.

But handsome is as handsome does, and the Stevens 334 charmed the entire test team once we started shooting it for accuracy. Its five-shot groups averaged less than ¾ MOA, making it one of the most accurate rifles of the test, and easily the most accurate hunting rifle we evaluated.

It shoots way better than it has any right to, was our collective takeaway.

It has other features we liked as well. The three-position safety locks the bolt down when fully engaged, while the central position lets the shooter clear or check the chamber without putting the gun on “fire.”

The polymer single-stack magazine loads easily and holds three rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor, though the rifle is also available in .308 Win. and .243 Win.

The three-lug design, with its 60-degree bolt lift, is surprisingly smooth and easy to operate from the shoulder. It comes with a Picatinny rail that runs the full length of the action which makes mounting an optic a snap.

In sum, the Stevens 334 Walnut is a wonderful rifle for the price and is our Great Buy award winner in the hunting rifle category in 2023.

CVA Cascade XT

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Very Good
• Accuracy: .858 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

CVA Cascade XT Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 4+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 7 oz.
• Trigger: 2 lb. 12 oz.
• Barrel: 22 in.
• Length: 43.6 in.
• Price: $850

The CVA Cascade XT is another solid value among this year’s new rifles. Like other rifles in the Cascade family, it has a three-lug, large-diameter bolt and a two-position safety that is easy to manipulate.

Larger and heavier than the other Cascade rifles, it was built with hunting at longer distances in mind. It comes with a stout No. 5 contour barrel, dual swivel studs on the fore-end, a radial muzzle brake, and a user-adjustable trigger.

It isn’t an elegant rifle. Nothing on it can be considered svelte. But for its intended purpose—placing accurate shots at longer distances—it hits the mark.

The rifle’s weight, stock design and brake do a good job mitigating recoil, so it is a rifle you can put a lot of rounds through without beating yourself up.

The polymer double-stack magazine holds four rounds of 6.5 Creed. (The rifle can also be had in .223 Rem., .308 Win., .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem. Mag., and .300 Win. Mag.) It loads effortlessly and is easy to insert and remove from the mag well.

The double-stack design and open-bridge configuration of the action make it easy to top-load the magazine when it runs dry. That’s a good thing, because when we fed the rifle with single rounds after emptying the magazine they often had difficulty chambering.

The synthetic camo stock has a tacky rubber-like texture and effective checkering molded into the fore-end and grip, so you won’t need to worry about this rifle slipping from your grasp.

Fierce Firearms Carbon Rogue

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Very Good
• Value: Good
• Accuracy: 1.033 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Fierce Firearms Carbon Rogue Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Carbon fiber
• Caliber: 6.5 PRC
• Capacity: 3+1
• Weight: 6 lb. 4 oz.
• Trigger: 3 lb. 1 oz.
• Barrel: 24 in.
• Length: 45.5 in.
• Price: $2,199

We’ve been a big fan of Fierce Firearms’ rifles. This semi-custom maker based in Redmond, Utah, makes high-quality lightweight big-game rigs that perform under trying conditions. Their prices, while not cheap, represent a good value for the quality.

New this year is the Carbon Rogue, which Fierce introduced as a more affordable carbon-fiber barreled mountain rifle at $2,199. To get the cost down, the Carbon Rogue uses a stainless two-lug action, rather than the titanium actions found in the flagship Edge ($3,995) and Rival ($3,050).

The fit and finish on the rifle is superb. The hinged floorplate magazine, for instance, is nicely inletted so that it sits nearly flush with the stock. Likewise, the gap between the barrel and barrel channel is small and even.

The accuracy of our sample in 6.5 PRC didn’t wow us. At 1.033 inches it was good but not outstanding. We had some feeding issues with our sample too. The second round in the magazine rarely fed properly because of how it would tilt in the magazine. This is something that wouldn’t be too difficult to resolve, but it did cost the rifle some points.

Other than that, the rifle impressed us. Most of the judges loved the shape of the stock, which has a moderate swell at the grip—though one of our evaluators who has smaller hands found it awkward.

Like many carbon-fiber stocks, the one on our sample is a bit slick. Some hunters make a big deal out of that, while others don’t care. It’s a matter of personal taste.

One thing about the stock we all liked was the short section of Picatinny rail recessed into the fore-end. It’s a great mounting surface for clamping on a bipod in a flash. The rail has a QD cup in it as an attachment point for a sling, and the buttstock of the rifle has a QD cup as well.

The spiral fluted bolt can be taken apart without tools in the field for maintenance, and it incorporates dual ejectors and a nicely designed extractor. We didn’t have any issue with extraction and ejection of the empties.

At 6-pounds 4-ounces, the empty weight of the rifle makes it portable but it still has enough heft to handle properly. During the dynamic drills the rifle was nimble and steady. Fierce is chambering these rifles in a slew of cartridges ranging from the .22 Creedmoor to the .300 PRC.

Nosler CCH (Carbon Chassis Hunter)

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Report Card

• Performance: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Value: Fair
• Accuracy: .913 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Nosler CCH Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Carbon fiber folding chassis
• Caliber: 6.5 PRC
• Capacity: 4+1
• Weight: 6 lb. 10 oz.
• Trigger: 2 lb. 13 oz.
• Barrel: 26 in.
• Length: 45.25 in.
• Price: $5,295

Any notion you might have had of Nosler as an old-school firearm and ammunition company that caters to your grandpa is dispelled by the new Carbon Chassis Hunter (aka CCH). This thoroughly modern rifle is a marked departure from the traditional lines of the M48 that Nosler launched their firearms business with nearly 20 years ago.

It takes the same action as their award-winning Model 21 and pairs it with a folding carbon-fiber stock made by MDT to cater to technically savvy (and well-heeled) hunters.

If I had to describe the CCH in one word, I’d go with slick. Slick describes the smooth-running action, which was our favorite of the test, as well as the feel of the non-textured chassis stock.

The slickness of the chassis, which in theory makes the rifle more difficult to hold on to, is largely mitigated by the pistol grip, which allows for a strong handhold on the rifle. The flat-bottomed fore-end, which has an integral ARCA rail machined along its length, is easy to grasp firmly, too.

Our sample, chambered in 6.5 PRC, has a 26-inch barrel. Normally that makes for an unwieldy rifle, but the light weight of the carbon fiber barrel helps the rifle balance well. Even with that long tube, the rifle tips the scales at just over 6.5 pounds.

Because the stock folds flat, transporting the rifle is more convenient too. I carried this rifle last fall on a spot-and-stalk mule deer hunt in Northeast Montana and slinging the rifle with the stock folded made for easy hiking.

The accuracy of our rifle was good, but we found it a struggle to get great groups out of it. We turned in a handful of five-shot groups between .65 and .85 inches, which is quite good. But most of our shooting was right around the 1 MOA mark.

There’s nothing wrong with that level of precision, but for the price you couldn’t blame a guy if he expected a bit more.

Speaking of the price: If the CCH has an Achilles heel, it is cost. Nosler spared no expense assembling best-in-class components to build the rifle and—for better or for worse—that expense is passed along to you. The Proof Research barrel, Mack Bros action, TriggerTech trigger, and MDT Chassis aren’t cheap. With an MSRP of $5,295, this isn’t an everyman’s hunting tool.

It’s capable, fun to shoot, pretty accurate, has wonderful balance and handling—but whether the shooting public will take a shine to it to the tune of 5Gs remains to be seen.

Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader

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Report Card

• Performance: Very Good
• Design: Very Good
• Value: Very Good
• Accuracy: 2.21 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups @ 50 yd.)

Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader Specs

• Action: Semi-auto
• Stock: Walnut
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 10
• Weight: 6 lb. 10 oz.
• Trigger: 6 lb. 10 oz.
• Barrel: 16 in.
• Length: 35.75 in.
• Price: $928

The fun factor of the Henry Homesteader is undeniable. This simple 9mm PCC, which operates from standard pistol magazines on a blowback design, quickly established itself as a test team favorite.

It is reasonably accurate, has negligible recoil, doesn’t cost a ton, is super handy, and fires cheap ammo. What’s not to like? I wrote about the Homesteader at some length after I first got it, and it turned out that the other judges shared my positive impression.

We topped it with a couple very fine LPVO scopes—a Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 and a Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24. Both pieces of glass are, admittedly, overkill but we wanted to get the best accuracy possible from the carbine while testing for accuracy.

This rifle doesn’t require an optic at that level to perform, however. A simple red-dot reflex sight mounted on the rifle’s Picatinny rail is all the Homesteader really needs.

We ran the rifle a lot on Gunsite’s famed Scrambler, where it was right at home ringing the steel targets that are about 50 to 100 yards downrange. It functioned flawlessly here and throughout the week-long evaluation.

Getting picky about the rifle’s design, we did note a few things that could stand improvement. The recoil pad is thicker and squishier than needed. A thinner, harder pad would shorten the length of pull and make the rifle less likely to hang up on clothing as it is shouldered—both good things.

The team was split on the blocky fore-end. It reminded me of my old Crossman 7600 BB gun as a kid and brought images of the M1 Thompson to another judge, good associations both. Another judge thought it could benefit from a bit of contouring.

But in the end we were united in our appreciation of this fun little gun. If we gave out an award for top plinker, the Henry Homesteader would have it.

Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Very Good
• Value: Fair
• Accuracy: 1.346 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 5+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 0 oz.
• Trigger: 2 lb. 15 oz.
• Barrel: 22 in.
• Length: 43 in.
• Price: $1,599

Our impressions of this new rifle from Bergara were mostly positive. We liked how it handled and balanced. It operated flawlessly, feeding, cycling, and ejecting everything we shot through it. Its intuitive controls make it easy (and fun) to operate.

That said, it didn’t exactly win our hearts either. For $1,599 we were expecting a bit more—particularly with its fit and finish and its accuracy.

It’s 1.346 in. five-shot group average was near the bottom of the test and is humdrum for a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. It did manage three groups (from three different shooters using three different types of ammo) that were just above 1 MOA, which was encouraging. It was consistent, if not super precise.

The stock also isn’t commensurate with a rifle costing this much. It’s a bit basic, as the kids say. The so-so fit of the hinged floorplate and the overall look and feel of the Remington style stock doesn’t scream “premium.”

The metal work is more in keeping with the price. The Sniper Gray Cerakote on the receiver contrasts nicely with the polished stainless bolt body, which has spiral flutes along its length that are offset in black. And the wrap on the carbon-fiber barrel is also attractive.

Overall, it struck us as a capable hunting implement. It comes with an effective radial muzzle brake that makes recoil a non-issue in 6.5 Creed. (The rifle is also chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 PRC, and .300 Win. Mag.) The single-stage trigger broke at a clean and crisp 2 pounds 5 ounces.

Browning X-Bolt Target Max

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Report Card

• Performance: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Good
• Accuracy: .719 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Browning X-Bolt Target Max Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic chassis
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 10+1
• Weight: 9 lb. 9 oz.
• Trigger: 2 lb. 5 oz.
• Barrel: 26 in.
• Length: 47.75 in.
• Price: $1,799

The Browning X-Bolt Target Max is in its element when you have steel targets hundreds of yards down range, variable winds to figure out, and a pile of accurate ammo to burn through. Everyone on the team really enjoyed shooting this hefty rifle from Browning that comes with a 26-inch barrel, three-port muzzle brake, and substantial competition-style stock.

Ours delivered good precision, with the average of its 10 best five-shot groups coming in at .719 inches. One judge on our test team, who isn’t as experienced with long-range precision rifles as some of the others, really liked the familiar feel of the X-Bolt controls, which include the two-position tang-mounted safety and short three-lug bolt throw.

But the experienced precision rifle shooters liked it as well. The Target Max ran smoothly and reliably with one exception: It was very picky about which magazines it accepts. Like many precision rifles it is designed to accept AICS detachable magazines. The Browning ships with one polymer 10-rounder from MDT.

During the week of shooting we’ll run many different magazines through rifles of this type and that’s where the Target Max fell short.

We had a hard time inserting and seating most magazines in the mag well. On top of that, the magazine release button was difficult to manipulate, making mag swaps a chore. Browning placed the magazine release button on the side of the rifle between the trigger guard and magazine well unlike the typical paddle release you see on the bottom metal of most precision rifles.  

The rifle could benefit from a couple upgrades to its feature set, too. QD cups (rather than swivel stud type attachments) should be standard on a rifle of this type and while the section of Picatinnny rail on the fore-end is useful for mounting a bipod, an ARCA rail (ideally running the whole length under the fore-end) would be an improvement.

The stock earned high marks otherwise. The vertical grip is well done and has some very nice texture molded into it. The rifle has a cheek piece that can be raised or lowered as needed and it comes with a spacer to adjust the length of pull.

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Fair
• Accuracy: 1.459 in. (Avg. of 10 best five-shot groups)

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti Specs

• Action: Six-lug bolt (two rows of three)
• Stock: Carbon fiber
• Caliber: .338 Wby. RPM
• Capacity: 4+1
• Weight: 5 lb. 5 oz.
• Trigger: 3 lb. 3 oz.
• Barrel: 18 in.
• Length: 38.5 in.
• Price: $3,449

In many respects this rifle was the most interesting of the test—in part because it occupies a very curious—and small—niche. It’s expensive. It’s ultralight. And it’s chambered the brand new .338 Wby. RPM, a hard-hitting thumper of a magnum that is reasonably accurate, but no long-range wonder.

On the one hand, it seems kind of like a guide gun. It has an 18-inch barrel, compact 38.5-inch overall length, and 4+1 magazine capacity. But we’ve been around a lot of guides and not many are going to throw down $3,449 on a rifle they are going to beat the snot out of. On top of that, though the rifle is portable, it isn’t going to outshoot a less expensive .45/70 lever action, 12-gauge slug gun, or .338 to .375 magnum-type bolt gun when trying to cope with an irate bear.  

I’m sure that some hunters will take to the rifle and cartridge as long as they don’t mind the 1.5 MOA performance. I could see humping it while slogging through a willow thicket in search of a trophy bull moose—or brown bear—where the shots will be relatively close. But it’s a fair bit of money to spend on a rifle with that small sweet spot.

Shooting it prone for accuracy was not the most fun we had during the test. Even though it has a good muzzle brake, it still hits fairly hard. But we had a lot of data to gather on the rifle and new round and soldiered through.

We shot four different loads through the rifle and recorded data using a Labradar. We were impressed by the results. The ammo was very consistent in terms of the standard deviation (SD) and extreme spread (ES)—especially for a short-barreled rifle shooting magnum powder charges in factory loaded ammo. All the data here are from 10-shot shot strings.

• 225-grain Nosler AccuBond (MV: 2686 fps / ES: 32 / SD: 10)
• 225-grain Barnes TTSX (MV: 2624 fps / ES: 30 / SD: 8)
• 225-grain Hornady Interlock (MV: 2688 fps / ES: 40 / SD: 13.0)
• 185-grain Barnes TTSX (MV: 2909 fps / ES: 42 / SD: 14.2)

When we started shooting the rifle during the practical field evaluation, we enjoyed it a lot more. The recoil isn’t bad when your body can rock with the blow, and the rifle is lithe and handy when working the bolt.

We really liked the ergonomics on the rifle. The stock has a negative comb with a quasi-hogsback shape and the recoil pad, the latest version of Weatherby’s 3-D printed design, is the best yet. Both help mitigate recoil.

The finish on the stock improves on what we’ve seen from Weatherby since they opened shop in Sheridan, Wyoming as well. The inletting is tight and even and the grip is smooth and clean with no signs of sanding or other handwork.

Final Thoughts on the Best Rifles of 2023

When it comes to the best rifles of 2023 we can borrow the favorite saying of shady pitchmen in infomercials, “But wait, there’s more!” Due to lingering supply chain issues, limited sample availability, and other factors, a bunch of gun companies have plans for new rifles this year which weren’t quite ready in time for the gun test.

Read Next: The Best 1911s, Tested and Reviewed

As the months progress we’ll continue to update this story with other relevant new rifles. And even though I’m not yet allowed to divulge specifics I can state that we’re going to see several high-end rifles that strive to balance the often incompatible qualities of being lightweight and extremely accurate.

In the meantime, 2023 is off to an encouraging start for rifle aficionados, especially those looking for great values.

About Gunsite

This year’s test of the best rifles was once again graciously hosted by Gunsite Academy in Paulden, AZ. As the home of the legendary Jeff Cooper and one of the first firearm training facilities that offered classes to the general public, Gunsite became one of the premier gun training destinations in the country.

At Gunsite we got to work with top-line instructors, and use their excellent ranges and facilities. The genuinely friendly, helpful, and overly-accommodating staff at Gunsite allowed us to conduct our most ambitious gun test to date. You can experience the magic of Gunsite, and improve your skills, by signing up for a class.

The post The Best Rifles of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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It’s no easy feat determining the best rifles of 2022, but it’s a task that the editors at Outdoor Life took on with delight as we converged at Gunsite Academy in late March. I’ve been to Gunsite countless times over the years, but never had I arrived in such style—at the wheel of a rented RV stuffed to the gills with guns, ammunition, optics, tools, targets, and the other myriad bits and pieces required to conduct this annual event.

For the first time in the gun test’s history, we took it on the road. Previously, we held the test on our home turf. For the last 12 years that meant in Montana, where I live. And prior to that, we held the test in Tennessee, where Jim Carmichel, my predecessor as Outdoor Life’s shooting editor, hails from.

But enduring winter after winter of brutal weather for the gun test had taken its toll, and we all agreed it was time to head to warmer climes. So, I pointed the RV south, and covered the 1,000 miles between Bozeman and Paulden, Arizona, hauling the largest lineup of new guns we’ve ever tested.

The Rifle Test 2022 Award Winners

• Best Hunting Rifle: Nosler 21
• Great Buy Hunting Rifle: CZ-USA 600 Alpha
• Best Precision Rifle: Accuracy International AT-X
• Great Buy and Most Innovative Precision Rifle: Seekins Precision Havak HIT

Best Rifles of 2022: A Broad Field

The rifles this year were especially diverse. We had ultralight mountain rifles, lever guns, semi-auto carbines, scout rifles, heavy-barreled precision rifles, handy deer guns, one very specialized urban sniper rifle, and plenty of hybrids designed to serve multiple roles.

So what trends, if any, can be gleaned from such a mixed lot? One thing noticeable by its absence were any bargain-basement price point guns. Of the 17 rifles that survived the test (as usual, we had some casualties that couldn’t keep up), we only had three with MSRPs under $1,000. Those included the CZ-USA 600 Alpha ($749), which took home a Great Buy award, the Franchi Momentum Elite ($899), and the CVA Cascade SB ($670). The average MSRP across the field was $2,524, an eye-catching figure even in these inflationary times.

That average was driven higher by some very expensive—though undeniably cool—niche rifles such as the Proof Tundra ($7,999), the B&T SPR300 Pro ($5,200), and the Accuracy International AT-X ($4,999), which won an Editor’s Choice award in the Precision Rifle category.

How We Test

The Outdoor Life gun testing protocol is unlike any other in the outdoor industry. No other publication goes to the lengths we do to objectively test new rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The reasons for that are many, but these are some of the major ones: the costs are enormous, you need highly-skilled and objective judges, and you have to be willing to put the interests of your readers above the desires of the gun companies.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but many of the other awards that get tossed about the industry are vetted by those publication’s advertising departments. If you’ve ever wondered why small niche companies, some of whom have put out amazing products over the years, never win those awards, it’s because they don’t have the advertising dollars to compete with the big boys, who win year after year.

But this test is different, and always has been. We pit the entries head-to-head and when the dust settles we tabulate the scores and whoever wins, wins.

We shoot the hell out of each rifle for accuracy and practical field handling. We go over each with a critical eye to pick apart their construction and evaluate workmanship.

Our published accuracy results are the averages of the best ten 5-shot groups for each rifle. While it is fun to highlight some of the smallest groups in the test—and we will do that—this 10-group average is much more meaningful with respect to a rifle’s true in-the-field performance. (And, incidentally, is a much tougher standard than you’ll see in other gun tests.)

It takes a long time to gather that much accuracy data. The five shooters on the team spent two full days to shoot 374 5-shot groups for record. One reason we shoot that much is that we want each rifle to shine as brightly as possible. We shoot a variety of ammo, bullet styles and bullet weights. And in between groups we will clean the rifles if needed, and refoul them to get the most out of each. When the accuracy work was done, we ran each rifle through dynamic shooting drills from field positions.

How We Grade

Each rifle is evaluated on nine categories and given a score of 1 to 5 from each judge, except for the accuracy score, which is based on the data from the groups shot. We average the scores for each category and use that to determine the ranking and awards. The categories are handling, accuracy, workmanship, aesthetics, ergonomics, meets purpose, versatility, reliability, and value.

The scores then translate to the grades on the report cards for each firearm. Performance consists of the scores from handling, accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability. Design includes workmanship, aesthetics, meeting its purpose, and versatility. Value stands on its own.

To earn an “Excellent” rating, the average of that score must be 4.5 or higher, a difficult mark to hit. “Very Good” is an average score of 3.5 to 4.5; “Good” is from 2.5 to 3.5; “Fair” is from 1.5 to 2.5; and “Poor” is under 1.5.

Best Rifle of 2022, Hunting: Nosler 21

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Report Card

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Very good

Nosler M21 Specs      

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Carbon-fiber composite         
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 4-round, hinged floorplate magazine
• Weight : 6 pounds 10 ounces
• Trigger: 4 pounds 4 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 22 inch, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 41.25 inches
• Price: $2,295

We’ve sung the praises of Nosler’s new Model 21 over the last year, so this win wasn’t unexpected. The way it handled for me on a dangerous game hunt in Zimbabwe last year certainly left a positive impression (read our full review on the Nosler Model 21 here). That said, this win wasn’t a sure thing either. The competition among the hunting rifles this year was fierce. Strong showings by Proof, Christensen Arms, Marlin, and Weatherby kept the race neck-and-neck until the end.

The Nosler 21 delivered solid scores across the board. Its handling, workmanship, and aesthetics impressed all the judges. In a field of extremely accurate rifles, it held its own. It happened to turn in the tightest group of the test, a 5-shot .266-inch bughole with Federal’s 140-grain SMK, and averaged .885-inch groups across the board.

A couple things in particular tipped the scales in the Model 21’s favor. The quality that the test team mentioned repeatedly in their notes was the rifle’s superb balance. Not only in terms of how well the gun ran, but with respect to its design, features, and price.

The rifle’s 7-pound 4-ounce weight hits a sweet spot for a big-game hunting rifle. It’s light enough to haul over rough ground, yet has enough heft so that it manages recoil and unsupported shooting positions like a dream.

The carbon-fiber stock is stiff and has good texturing for a secure grip and the Mack Brothers Evo action ran extremely well. It fed without any issue, but a couple of testers felt that the case ejection was a bit insipid from time to time. (The Model 21 uses a single plunger-style ejector.) The rifle comes with a TriggerTech trigger that I dialed down to a 3-pound setting, and gave a crisp, consistent break.

Internally, the rifle has some great features as well, such as toolless takedown of the bolt so it can be serviced in the field, and an innovative self-indexing recoil lug design that gives the barrel extra thread engagement.

One point of irritation was the bolt handle, which kept spinning loose. A drop of thread locker would remedy that, but it should come from the factory that way.

Other than that minor issue we felt that for $2,295 the Nosler delivered a lot of performance for the money. For a solid all-around big game hunting rig, you won’t find a better rifle. And that’s exactly why it won the Outdoor Life Editors’ Choice award for 2022.

Best Rifle of 2022, Precision: Accuracy International AT-X

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Excellent
• Design: Very good
• Value:  Good

Accuracy International AT-X Specs

• Action: Six-lug bolt (two rows of three)
• Stock: Aluminum chassis
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 10-round AI AW magazine
• Weight : 13 ounds
• Trigger: 10.4 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inch, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 42.75 inches
• Price: $4,995

Accuracy International threw down the gauntlet when they introduced the AT-X last year. They wanted to put all the makers of rifles for long-range competition on notice. AI, as you might know, makes some of the best sniper rifles in the world and their historic focus has always been on military and law enforcement.

Despite the expense of their rifles and the fact that they are built with the battlefield in mind, rather than shooting matches, a devoted number of civilian shooters have used their rifles in competition, including myself. For me and these other shooters the exceptional accuracy and ruggedness of AI’s rifles makes up for some of the competition-specific features the rifles have lacked.

Well, we don’t have to compromise anymore. The AT-X is AI’s first purpose-built competition rifle, and it has a number of design elements that shooters in field-style matches, like the NRL, PRS, and RTC, will find appealing.

The fore-end has a flat bottom that incorporates an ARCA dovetail that extends straight back to the magazine well. This is the most notable change in the stock from other AI chassis. The mag well has a cut to easily insert and remove magazines, which are released by a broad paddle-style lever in front of the trigger guard. The stock is festooned with AI’s proprietary Key Slot cuts to attach accessories. AI’s Key Slot predates (and is superior to) the often-derided Key Mod system, but it does mean a shooter will have to invest in AI-specific hardware to affix rails and other accessories to the stock.

The action uses AI’s six-lug system (two rows of three lugs) that has been a mainstay of the company for decades. The short, snappy bolt throw helps the shooter cycle the rifle quickly and the more wear and tear (and grit and grime) the shooter exposes the rifle to, the better the action seems to run. The three-position safety mounted on the bolt shroud is smooth, positive, and bomb-proof.

One very nice feature is the quick barrel-change system. By loosening a single set screw, the shooter can swap barrels. Our sample was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, but barrels can be had in .308 Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6 BR, and others.

The two-stage trigger is remarkable and provides outstanding control. The trigger on our rifle broke at 10.4 ounces, has a flat face and is adjustable for trigger reach, one of the many dimensions that the shooter can alter for a custom fit. (The rifle also comes with a heavier spring for the trigger that will set the minimum break weight to 1.5 pounds.)

The stock as you might imagine can be altered every which way as well. The length of pull, comb height, comb orientation, and recoil pad position all adjust. LOP and cheek hardware are secured by allen-key bolts while the recoil pad adjusts with a single wheel that the shooter can tweak on the fly.

The rifle runs off AI AW magazines, which are compact 10-round double-stack magazines that are easy to load, even through the ejection port with the magazine in place.

This short (and incomplete) list of features doesn’t really capture the essence of what makes the AT-X special, however. Of course, there’s the rifle’s accuracy, which was far and away the best of the test. The average 5-shot group measured .456 inches, which is outstanding for factory ammunition. But beyond this was how well the rifle handled. The AT-X is so steady and responsive that only the most insensible clod could fail to shoot better when running it.

The rifle delivers exceptional feedback. All the members of the test team commented on this quality. Even when shooting tiny groups, which the AT-X does at will, it was easy to call our shots when the trigger broke. The bullet holes appeared exactly where you expected them to. The AT-X inspires confidence.

Perhaps the only thing we didn’t care for was what isn’t included in the base $4,995 price. You don’t get any of the proprietary Picatinny rail sections (and an ability to attach a sling to the front of the stock). Nor does the stock fold. It would also be a benefit if the various fasteners all used the same size Allen-key. As it stands now, you need a small tool kit to service the rifle.

These critiques aside, the AI AT-X wooed the entire test team and sets a new standard for what a factory rifle can deliver.

Great Buy and Most Innovative Rifle of 2022, Precision: Seekins Precision Havak HIT

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value:  Excellent

Seekins Precision Havak HIT Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Folding aluminum chassis      
• Caliber: 6.5 PRC
• Capacity: 5-round AICS magazine
• Weight : 11.5 pounds
• Trigger: 2 pounds 8 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 43.5 inches
• Price: $2,100

At the risk of venturing into dad-joke territory, HIT is an apt name for this rifle because it is an unqualified homerun for Seekins Precision. We’ve come to expect good things from Glen Seekins, but even when stacked against our lofty expectations, this new, innovative, accurate, versatile, and fun rifle blew us away.

Let’s examine each of those qualities in turn.

Some guns are newer than others. Some are built on pre-existing parts shared across different companies. Not the HIT. Except for the trigger, this rifle is entirely of Seekins’ design and the chassis and barrel change system are new as of late last year.

There are a lot of innovations stacked in this rifle. To change the barrel, for example, all that’s needed is for the shooter to loosen an easily accessible set screw positioned at the base of the forward edge of the Picatinny rail and then unscrew the barrel from the receiver. Changing to a cartridge with a different sized bolt face is simply a matter of removing the bolt from the action and swapping bolt heads, a process that takes about a minute.

With the proliferation of precision rifles, there’s no shortage of chassis on the market, and many gun makers have gone to after-market suppliers. Some of those chassis are very good (and expensive) and others are just okay, but affordable. It’s a roll of the dice for any gun maker to build their own, but the gamble paid off for Glen. Not only is his folding-stock design excellent, but by keeping those costs in-house he’s able to offer the HIT at an incredible price, which is why this rifle was a unanimous Great Buy pick.

The ultimate yardstick by which any precision rifle is judged is its accuracy. The Seekins Havak HIT makes the grade with room to spare. It was second in accuracy only to the Accuracy International AT-X, but even that doesn’t really reflect the rifle’s performance as the AI had a couple advantages over the Seekins. Specifically, the AI was run with an optional weight system installed that boosted its scoped weight to nearly 20 pounds versus the 14-pound, 2-ounce weight of the Seekins with its scope. Next, the Seekins was chambered in 6.5 PRC as opposed to the 6.5 Creed in the AI. With more factory loads to pick from, a rifle in 6.5 Creed will have an easier time finding more accurate ammunition, plus there’s the minor (but not negligible) disparity in the relative recoil of the two cartridges.

So that makes the average 5-shot group size of the Seekins—.542 inches—all the more impressive. It shot Hornady 147-grain ELD-M bullets especially well, with several sub-.5 MOA groups. But it also turned in excellent results with Federal’s 130-grain Terminal Ascent and Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X, both of which are very effective long-range hunting bullets, with numerous groups between .5 and .6 inches from each.

That speaks in part to the versatility of the rifle, which wowed the judges as well. Down the road we’ll probably see carbon-fiber barrels for the HIT, which will drop it’s 11.5-pound weight to something that’s more in keeping with standard big-game rifles. With its folding stock, it can be stashed within a pack making it a viable option for hunters on the move. Conversely, there are numerous attachment points to add weight to configure it for precision rifle competitions where 20-pound guns are the norm.

The current list of available drop-in barrels includes 6mm GT, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Win. The 6s and 6.5s barrels all have 1:8 twists, while the .308 is 1:11.25.

For a bunch of gun nerds like the Outdoor Life test team this adds up to a rifle that is a blast to run. The rifle is responsive, well-balanced and has great ergonomics. None of the rifles in this year’s test posted such high scores across the board, which is what drove it to an impressive (and rare) double award win.

Great Buy, Hunting Rifle: CZ-USA 600 Alpha

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Good
• Value: Excellent

CZ-600 Alpha Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic
• Caliber: 6 CM
• Capacity: 5-round detachable box magazine
• Weight : 7 pounds 10 ouunces
• Trigger: 1 pound 11 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 22 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 42.2 inches
• Price: $749

The 600 series is the future of CZ’s centerfire rifles. Introduced in late 2021, this platform replaces the previous actions, which while beloved, were comparatively complicated to produce and out of step with more modern firearms manufacturing that favors modular platforms. (Read our full review on the 600 Alpha introduction here).

That modularity was evident with the product launch. CZ kicked off the 600-era with four distinct configurations creating rifles with vastly different missions.

The Alpha is the base model, the economy version if you will, and while the other 600s might have fancier stocks and more tricked out features, none of them can match the Alpha for pure value. In fact, none of the other new rifles could match the Alpha in value either, which is why it won this year’s Great Buy award by a comfortable margin.

The Alpha is a solid, all-around big-game rifle that won’t break the bank. And it is built in such a way that it will happily do just about anything you ask of it. It would be perfectly at home in a deer camp, hanging in the rear-window rack of a pickup, taking a bead on a prairie dog, or just punching holes in paper.

It was more accurate than a number of rifles costing twice as much (or more). The average 5-shot group from the Alpha measured .814 inches, with a number of groups measuring less than .75 inches.

Our sample was chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. Among the different types of factory ammo we shot, the CZ did well with Nosler’s 105-grain RDF, Hornady’s 108-brain ELD-M, and the Berger 105-grain Hybrid.

The 600 series has a couple interesting innovations built into it, including one of the better, and more idiot-proof, adjustable triggers we’ve ever seen. The adjustment screw is located right in front of the trigger and has four easy-to-see settings you can choose from. At the lightest setting, ours trigger pull was a sweet 1 pound, 11 ounces.

It also has a curious safety that is a crossbolt that runs vertically through the grip, with the top just behind the bolt shroud and the bottom located just behind the trigger guard. Pushing down on the plunger puts the rifle in “fire” mode and with the safety up the bolt locks into position, which is a useful feature on a hunting rifle. You can still open the bolt with the rifle on safe by depressing the ergonomic bolt release tab just aft of the ejection port. With a little practice the safety becomes intuitive to manipulate.

The detachable box magazine sits nearly flush with the stock and because it has a double-stack design, it’s able to hold 5 rounds. To insert the magazine correctly you need to rock in place pushing on the rear of the magazine first. The fact that you can’t just push the magazine straight in and have it seat home irritated some of the judges. Removing the magazine requires no similar digital manipulation. A push on the slightly recessed mag release in front of the mag well will pop the magazine free.

The Alpha has two rail sections on the receiver for mounting a scope, another nice value-added element. The barrel is threaded for suppressors and the like. If you’ve read about the CZ-600 before, no doubt you heard about its switch-barrel capability. Unfortunately, CZ has had to walk back on that feature. Going forward, all 600s will have their barrel permanently affix in place and they’ve issued a recall for the 600s they shipped out prior. You can read about the issue here. I know they are looking at ways to reincorporate this feature down the road, and I hope they do, because it is another cool feature of the platform.

Proof Tundra

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Fair

Proof Tundra Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Carbon-fiber composite
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 5-round hinged floor plate magazine
• Weight : 7 pounds 2 ounces
• Trigger: 2 pounds 10 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inches, carbon fiber threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 43 5/8 inches
• Price: $7,699

The Proof Tundra is an undeniably sexy rifle with a price tag to match. It is more than just a pretty face, however—it’s a shooter. The two most accurate rifles of the test were the Accuracy International AT-X and the Seekins Precision Havak HIT—both heavy-barreled precision rifles—but the Proof Tundra nipped at their heels with an average 5-shot group size of .683 inches making it the most accurate hunting rifle of the evaluation.

Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor it shot its best groups with 140-grain loads. All but two of the top 10 five-shot groups were with 140s from Federal, Nosler, and Hornady.

That accuracy takes some of the sting out of the $7,699 cost, but what else does the Tundra offer to motivate a hunter looking to spend the kids’ inheritance? A couple things come to mind. First, is the Tundra’s excellent balance. At 7 pounds, 2 ounces it hits a sweet-spot for a versatile big-game rifle. It handles nimbly from practical field positions with a lively, capable feel. It came quickly to shoulder and cycled well. Some testers felt the trigger reach was a bit excessive for their tastes, but other than that no one had any issues with the rifle’s function.

The fit and finish is one area where the Tundra really shines. The inletting between the stock and action is perfect and upon close inspection it is easy to see the level of craftsmanship that went into the Tundra, elevating it above the other high-priced hunting rifles in the test. The perfectly flush line where the stock and ejection port meet is one example.

The adjustable cheek piece on the stock is a useful feature and well executed. Often, adding an adjustable comb comes with a significant increase in weight, but Proof’s design is light and allows for quick in-field adjustments.

The team was split on the stock’s finish. Some of us liked the snake-scale pattern, which added a bit of texture for a secure handhold, others thought it looked too much like fishnet stockings for their taste. Given that Proof offers the rifle in a number of finishes, including custom paint jobs, this isn’t likely to dissuade a potential buyer.

In addition to the 6.5 Creedmoor, the Tundra comes chambered in 6 Creed, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem. Mag., 28 Nosler, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., .300 PRC, and for those who just can’t have enough recoil, the .300 RUM, and .338 Lapua.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline Scout

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Very good

Christensen Arms Ridgeline Scout Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Carbon-fiber composite
• Caliber 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 10-round AICS magazine
• Weight : 5 pounds 14 ounces
• Trigger: 2 pounds 1 ounce, adjustable
• Barrel: 16 inches, carbon fiber threaded 5/8-24 with flash hider
• Length: 37.5 inches
• Price: $2,199

Christensen Arms has been one of the most exciting gun makers in recent years. They’ve been on a roll of late and it looks like for 2022 they have another winner with the Ridgeline Scout (read our full review on the Ridgeline Scout here).

The Scout comes with a 16-inch carbon-fiber barrel that is threaded and ships with a cool-looking (but superfluous) three-pronged flash hider. The short barrel is one of the key elements of the Scout-rifle concept. Also in keeping with the Scout vibe, the Christensen Arms is fed by a detachable box magazine (an AICS pattern) and is sub-6 pounds at 5 pounds, 14 ounces.

Scout rifles are meant to be handy general-purpose rifles that can work for hunting, personal protection or any other rifle-related chores and the jack-of-all-trades versatility of the Ridgeline Scout was immediately evident to all the gun test judges.

We could see it as a mountain rifle for sheep in Alaska, as a handy tree-stand deer rifle in the Midwest, as a suppressed hog gun in Texas, as a walking varmint rifle, and even as a viable option for the NRL Hunter competition series.

The rifle’s good accuracy helps inspire this confidence in its potential. It averaged .784 inches, with a number of five-shot groups smaller than .6 inches. The rifle can be had in five chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, which was what we tested, .300 BLK, .223 Rem., .308 Win., and 6mm ARC.

Universally, we found the rifle fun to shoot. We ran it several times through the Gunsite Academy Scrambler, where its virtues really shone. The oversized bolt handle made cycling the action a snap and even with a suppressor attached, the rifle’s balance and dynamic handling was excellent.

The rifle comes with a short section of Picatinny rail on the fore-end that incorporates a barricade block and serves as a mounting point for a bipod. The stock is carbon fiber and has stainless steel bedding pillars, and is stiff, strong and comfortable. The black nitride finish keeps the action running smoothly, but we did need to clean the rifle occasionally to keep the bolt lift from getting gummy.

The only misstep with the rifle’s configuration is the flat-faced trigger. The trigger itself, a TriggerTech, is excellent, but the flat face doesn’t work with the stock’s geometry. The trigger finger ends up bearing unevenly on the trigger face because of the curved radius of the stock’s grip. A normal curved trigger would work better.

But that didn’t prevent us from shooting the Ridgeline Scout nearly nonstop during the week-long evaluation. Even at $2,199 we thought it a wonderful value and and a strong choice for a do-it-all rifle.

Marlin 1895 SBL

Tanner Denton

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Report Card   

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Very good

Marlin 1895 SBL Specs

• Action: Lever
• Stock: Laminate
• Caliber: .45/70 Government
• Capacity: 6+1
• Weight : 7 pounds 4 ounces
• Trigger: 6 pounds 7 ounces
• Barrel: 19 inches, stainless threaded 11/16-24
• Length: 37 1/4 inches
• Price: $1,399

The reintroduced Marlin 1895 SBL, now being produced by Ruger at its Mayodan, North Carolina, factory has garnered a lot of attention, and for good reason. Not only has Ruger rescued the beloved Marlin brand from the brink of destruction, but it’s making the finest production Marlin lever guns ever (read our full review on the Marlin 1895 SBL here).

The 1895 SBL was Marlin’s first model to go into production following the acquisition of the company by Ruger. It is an appealing configuration, a short-barreled .45/70 in stainless steel stocked with an attractive gray laminate stock and equipped with an oversized lever loop and an XS Sights rail and ghost ring sight set.

We removed the ghost ring sight in order to mount a Leupold Mark 6 1-6×20, which is an ideal optic for the platform, allowing for close-up fast shooting while be able to reach out for the longer shots that the 1895 SBL is capable of making.

The 1895 cycles through the six rounds it can hold quickly, and did so in a reliable, consistent manner. The precise-fitting CNC-machined and EDM-cut components eliminate the slop that can bedevil some lever guns and make them hang up.

The average 5-shot group from the Marlin came in at 1.66 inches. Hornady’s 325-grain FTX load delivered the best accuracy with groups that averaged 1.28 inches. With that kind of performance, you can really reach out despite the .45/70’s rainbow trajectory. With the right elevation and windage hold, the Marlin is capable to 300 yards.

But its happy place is shooting that’s up close and personal. Once we got done with the accuracy portion of the evaluation, we were able to let loose and give the steel targets at Gunsite a proper workout with the heavy .45/70 slugs. The rifle’s 7-pound, 4-ounce heft, broad recoil pad, hand-filling fore-end, and polished lever loop make it comfortable to shoot even with stout loads.

The fit and finish of the stock and metalwork is a step above the Marlins of old. The checkering is the best I’ve seen on any modern Marlin production gun, while the engraving on the metal is tasteful and attractive. By any yardstick, Marlin is back and its prospects are brighter than ever.

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Good

Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon Specs

• Action: Six-lug Bolt (Two rows of three)
• Stock: Carbon-fiber Composite         
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 4+1
• Weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces
• Trigger: 3 pounds 4 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inches, carbon fiber threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 36 1/2 inches
• Price: $3,850

We were fans of the original Backcountry from Weatherby, and the new 2.0 version is a smart evolution of the model. It comes in four different configurations, and we tested the flagship offering, which has a carbon fiber barrel and titanium receiver.

This is a true mountain rifle. Tipping the scales at a scant 5 pounds, 2 ounces, it is just what you want for a high-altitude hunt where you’re cutting the tags out of your underwear to save weight. That figure is especially impressive given that the rifle comes with a 24-inch barrel.

For such a light rifle, the accuracy was quite good. The 5-shot average of the best 10 groups was .824 inches. The rifle’s accuracy was remarkably consistent across different brands and weights of bullets, though, like many of the other 6.5 Creedmoors in the test, it favored the 140-grain projectiles.

The rifle tended to heat up quickly—not surprisingly—and we did note that often the fifth shot in a string would open up the group quite a bit. Point being, in a real-world hunting situation you can expect the rifle to deliver excellent accuracy for the first trigger pulls.

A bunch of the weight savings comes from the titanium receiver, a material that’s becoming more common in rifles with each passing year. The biggest knock on titanium is that it isn’t nearly as slick as steel, and titanium actions tend to stick and hang up. The Mark V action did this a bit, but not as much as other titanium actions I’ve used in the past and as we put more rounds through the rifle it seemed to smooth out some. Regular cleaning and drop or two of oil helps mitigate this as well.

The 6-lug action has Weatherby’s short 54-degree bolt throw and is a pleasure to run. We didn’t have any functionality issues during the test and the rifle digested everything we put through it.

The innovative recoil pad has been updated from the first-generation Backcountry. It has a similar 3-D printed construction, but the pad is not nearly as squishy and doesn’t take a set when the rifle is resting on it.

From an aesthetic standpoint, we felt the rifle could use some improvement, particularly in light of its nearly $4,000 price tag. The fit and finish of the stock wasn’t as sharp as we would have liked and where the top of the grip blends into the tang of the action showed some clumsy file work on our sample. It’s also probably time for Weatherby to update their Mark V safety as well. The folded tab of metal is functional but not very elegant and seems out of place on a modern premium rifle.

One great thing the Backcountry series has going for it is options. The rifles can be had with either steel or titanium actions, and steel or carbon-fiber barrels. On top of that, Weatherby is very lefty-friendly. In the 2.0 Ti Carbon, for example, the rifles are available in .257 Wby., .300 Wby., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-300 Wby., and 6.5 Wby. RPM. Of those, left-handed actions can be had in the .257, .300 and 6.5-300. 

Other variants of the Backcountry 2.0 are available in other calibers, both right- and left-handed as well. And while none of them are cheap—the base model with steel receiver and steel barrel starts at $2,699—any hunter looking for a rugged, accurate mountain rifle will be able to find something that suits their needs.

B&T SPR300 Pro

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Very good
• Design: Very good
• Value: Good

B&T SPR300 PRO Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Folding Aluminum Chassis
• Caliber: .300 BLK
• Capacity: 10-round AR-15 style magazine
• Weight : 8.5 pounds
• Trigger: 3 pounds, adjustable
• Barrel: 9.8 inches, included suppressor
• Length: 39.7 inches
• Price: $5,200

Look, guns are serious. This is a serious review of the best rifles of 2022. And the B&T SPR300 Pro is undeniably a serious gun designed for professionals doing serious work. That said, this firearm does an incredible job of turning gunpowder into smiles.

The B&T SPR300 Pro is a takedown rifle with a short, 9.8-inch barrel that is encased in a long suppressor that’s designed for sub-sonic .300 Blackout loads. With its folding stock it stows away in a very discreet case and makes a Hollywood-quiet pffft sound when you pull the trigger. It’s also remarkably accurate in a cartridge that isn’t known for superior accuracy.

In other words, it is exactly the kind of rifle that Jason Bourne, or his real-world counterparts, would take into an urban environment. And while you or I will never be called upon to take out the head of a global terrorist cell strolling across some bridge in Prague, you can justify the $5,200 price of this rifle with the knowledge that you possess the ultimate suburban whitetail rig. Or nighttime hog gun. Or maybe you just wanted to go all out for your kid’s first deer gun.

However you rationalize it, it is difficult to overestimate the amount of fun you’ll have watching 220-grain bullets arc downrange, dropping into small clusters on paper or steel 100 yards away. With your scope’s power dialed back far enough to provide a good field of view you can watch the whole show through your optic. What price can you put on such entertainment?

The barrel’s 1-in-8 twist stabilized the 220-grain .300 Blackout bullets well enough to deliver an average accuracy of 1.036 for 5-shot groups. Both Sig Sauer’s and Black Hills Ammunition performed well in the rifle. Both loads were essentially interchangeable and remarkably consistent with the spread between the best ten groups going from .843 to 1.2 inches. The 200-grain load we ran through the rifle shot 1.5 inches on average and the 125-grain OTM bullets grouped consistently at 2 inches.

It’s worth mentioning that the rifle kit includes two cases (one hard, and one soft that goes inside the hard case—both of them of good quality), a bipod, and scope rings. The clear-sided polymer magazine is a standard AR-15 pattern, so you won’t have any issues finding extra mags for the rig.

CVA Cascade SB

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Very good

CVA Cascade SB Specs

• Action: Two-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity:  4-round detachable box magazine
• Weight : 6 pounds 15 ounces
• Trigger: 2 pounds 7 ounces
• Barrel: 18 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 38.5 inches
• Price: $670

CVA’s newest offering in the Cascade family has an 18-inch barrel (the SB stands for short barrel) and was designed for hunters who use suppressors and operate out of ground blinds and in tree stands.

We found the Cascade SB a fun little gun at a good price. At $670 it was the most budget-friendly of the year’s new rifles. The three-lug bolt-action ran with snappy assurance and while the rifle isn’t going to win any beauty contests, we liked its rugged, stubby, and utilitarian appearance. If for some reason you were inclined to treat it as a safe queen, don’t. It has a strong truck-gun vibe.

At the range it turned in a middle-of-the-pack accuracy average of 1.070 inches, which is more of a commentary on how good today’s rifles shoot than it is on the performance of the CVA. The plastic detachable-box magazine functioned well and was easy to load, insert, and remove from the gun. The receiver is topped with two short Picatinny rail sections for mounting optics, augmenting the rifle’s value.

The stock has a tacky coating and panels of diamond-shaped checkering on the fore-end and around the grip for a very secure hand hold. Moderate palm swells on either side of the grip are a nice touch too. The stock comes with dual swivel studs up front and one on the buttstock.

The one thing we found annoying about the rifle was the CVA sticker on the bottom of the fore-end. Stickers of this type are ubiquitous. Gun makers employ them so their wares have a chance of standing out among the sea of black stocks on your gun dealer’s shelves. But usually the stickers peel off easily. Not the Cascade SB’s. It was as tenacious as the impound stickers placed on car windows by big-city police departments and to this day we’ve only managed to remove about a third of it from the stock.

CVA is offering the Cascade in 6.5 Creedmoor, which we tested, .308 Win., and in .300 Blackout with a 16.5-inch barrel for an even more compact profile. In all cases the barrels are threaded 5/8-24 at the muzzle.

Benelli Lupo Limited Edition

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Fair

Benelli Lupo Limited Edition Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Walnut
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 5-round detachable box magazine.
• Weight : 7 pounds 6 ounces
• Trigger: 2 pounces 8 ounces
• Barrel: 24 inches, threaded
• Length: 44 5/8 inches
• Price $2,199

This upgraded Benelli Lupo, called the “Limited Edition,” is a quirky and charming rifle. The “Limited” refers to the upgraded wood and metal finishes that give the rifle a more sophisticated and European air compared to initial Lupo that Benelli introduced in 2020.

Before delving into the rifle’s aesthetics, which are a bit of mixed bag, let’s talk about the rifle’s handling, which the test team unanimously praised.

Even though the Lupo has made some inroads with American hunters, it was designed with European shooters in mind. While it can handle a variety of hunting scenarios, driven hunts and shooting from elevated stands are its happy place.

The stock geometry, slick three-lug action and protruding bolt handle favor nimble handling for shots at running game. And during our evaluation, it was dynamic shooting scenarios where the Lupo excelled. We loved running it off-hand and from kneeling positions while moving between shots. The relation of the shooter’s trigger finger to the trigger is spot-on, and the deep radius of the grip, with its slight palm swell, in conjunction with the trim angles of the fore-end make for superior handling. The two-position safety, located on what would be the tang if the Lupo had one, is extremely positive and comfortable to manipulate.

Though we didn’t fiddle with it, the Lupo’s stock can be adjusted in numerous ways to customize its fit. By messing with the included shims that fit between the butt stock and receiver and swapping cheek pieces and the length of pull spacer, a shooter can alter all critical dimensions including trigger reach.

Shooting prone, the Lupo was no slouch either. The best 10 five-shot groups averaged .928-inches in our 6.5 Creedmoor. Unlike some of the 6.5 Creeds in the test, the Lupo’s best groups included a variety of bullet weights: 140s, 143s and 147s. It even managed to print a .429-inch group with Winchester’s 140-grain BTHP.

If you count yourself among the 6.5 Creedmoor-haters club, you can get the Lupo in .243 Win., 6 Creed, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., or .300 Win. Mag.

In terms of appearance, we like the treatment given to the stock to make the wood look fancy. And the look and construction of the detachable box magazine, which sits flush with the angle of the stock and loads easily while offering the cartridges a measure of protection via its double-stack design, is something we appreciated as well.

What we didn’t care for is the bright white lettering on the receiver that says “BE.S.T.” which is an acronym that stands for Benelli Surface Treatment. The treatment itself is fantastic—a combination of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technologies that create a barrier between the steel and the elements. But the lettering on the lustrous black finish of the barrel is out of place, especially in light of the other colors and textures on the action—brushed metal, a gold “Lupo,” and matte black magazine. If Benelli fixed that, either by blacking out the “BE.S.T.” or, better yet, getting rid of it all together, there would be hardly anything about the rifle to criticize.

CZ-USA 600 Range

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Good

CZ-600 Range Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Laminate
• Caliber: .308 Win
• Capacity: 5-round detachable box magazine
• Weight : 10 pounds
• Trigger: 1 pounds 7 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 44.9 inches
• Price: $1,199

We had CZ send us the range along with the Alpha for the evaluation. The Range is geared for long-range shooting from the prone position thanks to its heavy profile barrel and adjustable stock. The action has all the same features as the Alpha described above, except that this rifle doesn’t come with any scope bases.

Our sample was chambered in .308 Win. and while the rifle handled extremely well while shooting prone, we didn’t take a shine to it the way we did with the Alpha. Two issues contributed to this. First, the Alpha was more accurate than its big brother, which took some of the wind out of the Range’s sails. (.814 inch average group versus .941 inches.) Secondly, the Range didn’t cycle with the same flawless assurance of the range. It had weak extraction and didn’t eject empties all the time.

But we did like the geometry of the stock. The fit of the palm swell and the adjustable cheek piece made for very comfortable shooting off our bellies. 

Henry Long Ranger Express

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Good

Henry Long Ranger Express Specs

• Action: Lever
• Stock: Laminate
• Caliber:.223 Rem.
• Capacity: 5-round detachable box magazine
• Weight: 7 pounds 7 ounces
• Trigger: 5 pounds 4 ounces
• Barrel: 16.5 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Length: 37 inches
• Price: $1,235

Like most rifle fanatics, I have a big soft spot in my heart for lever guns. And one of the great success stories in this realm is Henry Repeating Arms, which is celebrating its 25^th year of production in 2022. One thing I love about this company is that they aren’t afraid to think outside the box and build guns that are just plain fun.

The Long Ranger Express falls into that category. It is a nimble .223 Rem. that’s fed by a detachable-box magazine that can hold 5 rounds of spitzer-style (pointed) bullets.  It’s compact (37.75 inches overall) yet has enough heft (just under 7.5 pounds) making it both easy to maneuver in close quarters and shoot accurately off-hand and from other non-supported field positions.

The accuracy with the rifle, which we topped with a 1-6X scope, was pretty good, certainly good enough for deer and coyotes within reasonable ranges. Average five-shot group at 100 yards was 1.29 inches. When we put a higher-magnification optic on it, we got a handful of groups that were under an inch.

We liked the smooth operation of the lever, which cycled all the ammo we put through it without no failures, though the edges of the loop are sharp enough so that your hand will notice. Given that the rifle is designed to take a scope—there are no fixed sights and the receiver is topped with a Picatinny rail—shooters will probably want to add a pad of sorts to the comb so they can have a proper cheek weld when their eye is aligned with the optic.

The muzzle is threaded so you can run the Long Ranger Express with a suppressor. So equipped, it would be an especially-nice deer gun for a new hunter or a truck gun for predators.

Franchi Momentum Elite

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Fair
• Value: Fair

Franchi Momentum Elite Specs

• Action: Three-lug bolt
• Stock: Synthetic
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 3-round detachable box magazine
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Trigger: 3 pounds, adjustable
• Barrel: 24 inches, threaded with muzzle brake
• Length: 46.25 inches
• Price: $899

Like many of the other rifles in this year’s roundup, the Franchi Momentum Elite delivered very good accuracy. It’s .887-inch 5-shot group average is solid performance for a sub-$1,000 rifle. Shooting Federal’s 140-grain Sierra Matchking and Nosler’s 140-grain RDFs, it turned in groups just north of a half inch.

Everyone on the team liked the Franchi’s crisp 3-pound trigger and we had good things to say about the 3-lug action’s short bolt throw. These were two big checkmarks in the plus column for this hunting rifle. The rifle ships with a Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting.

But the rifle isn’t without shortcomings. The single-stack magazine, while easy to load, holds a stingy 3 rounds. More concerning was the rifle’s rough chamber, which made extraction and ejection difficult at times. Upon inspection, empty cases from the rifle showed consistent signs of scratches and marring which cleaning the chamber didn’t alleviate.

The camo synthetic stock has integral attachment points for a sling. The benefit of that is that you don’t have annoying swivel studs jutting off the rifle. You can attach a bipod to the stock still, however. There’s a threaded hole that comes with a rubber plug that you can screw a standard swivel stud into for that purpose.

The 24-inch barrel comes with a radial muzzle brake so the rifle’s 7-pound weight doesn’t generate much recoil. Our sample was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, but you can get the Momentum Elite in 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., and .350 Legend.

Savage Impulse Elite Precision

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Good
• Design: Good
• Value: Fair

Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle Specs

• Action: Straight pull
• Stock: Aluminum chassis
• Caliber: 6.5 CM
• Capacity: 10-round AICS magazine
• Weight : 11 pounds 15 ounces
• Trigger: 2 pounds 15 ounces, adjustable
• Barrel: 26 inches, threaded with muzzle brake
• Length: 48 3/4 inches
• Price: $2,649

Savage Arms has moved quickly to expand their line of Impulse straight-pull rifles. On the heels of their successful 2021 introduction of this new action in a big-game rifle, they’ve taken aim at the long-range precision world.

The Impulse Elite Precision is stocked with an MDT ACC chassis, which is one of the most popular (and successful) designs in precision rifle competition. It is optimized for positional shooting. Used in conjunction with a shooting bag and bipod, the rifle can be shot off rocks, barricades, tree stumps, 55-gallon drums, tractor tires, and other obstacles while keeping the reticle steady on the target.

The stock is fully adjustable for all critical dimensions, has an ARCA dovetail that extends the full length of the fore-end, has numerous mounting positions for add-on weights to tune the rifle’s balance, comes with a barricade stop in front of the magazine well. It incorporates thumb rests on either side of the grip. The MDT ACC chassis is a top-of-the-line rig.

The action can be set up for right- or left-handed shooters by moving the bolt handle from one side of the bolt body to the other. The action also includes a 20 MOA Picatinny rail and has Savage’s user-adjustable Accu-Trigger.

The Accu-Triggers can be hit or miss in terms of quality, and unfortunately the trigger on our sample was not very good. The amount of grit and creep leading up to the 2-pound 15-ounce break was excessive. Another issue affecting the rifle’s performance is that the action isn’t very smooth. One of the key features of a quality competition rifle is the ability to keep the reticle on target while running the bolt. In theory a straight-pull should do this better than a turn-bolt, but in practice it isn’t so with the Impulse.

The accuracy of our rifle while not bad—it averaged .895 inch 5-shot groups—wasn’t on par with the other precision rifles in the test. As with many of the other 6.5 Creedmoors, it heavily favored 140-grain bullets.

Smith & Wesson Volunteer M&P15 XV-Pro 14.5

Tanner Denton

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Report Card

• Performance: Fair
• Design: Good
• Value: Poor

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Volunteer XV-Pro 14.5 Specs

• Action: Semi-auto
• Stock: Collapsible
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.
• Capacity: 30-round magazine
• Weight : 6 pounds 10 ounces
• Trigger: 4 pounds 14 ounces
• Barrel: 14.5, with pinned muzzle brake
• Length: 33.5 inches
• Price: $1,569

This was the only AR-15 rifle submitted for this year’s test. With the Volunteer series, Smith & Wesson is looking to ship well-appointed rifles that are ready for duty or competition right out of the box. This is accomplished by blending their base MSRs with top-notch furniture and accessories.

In the case of this carbine, it comes with a 14.5-inch barrel with a pinned PWS muzzlebrake to push the length to 16-inches to avoid SBR regs. It has Williams Gun Sight Company Folding Sights, a 2-inch section of M-Lok Picatinny rail, a B5 Systems SOPMOD stock, and is set up with a mid-length gas system.

On paper, it’s a sweet system, and for $1,569 it should be. Unfortunately, this rifle was less than the sum of its parts. While the flat trigger felt nice, it was creepy and at 4-pounds, 14-ounces, too heavy. The safety was very stiff, requiring excessive effort to manipulate. And the accuracy (2.65 inches) was run of the mill. It performed like a typical and basic MSR, not like one costing twice the price.

Notable Trends in the Best Rifles of 2022

With respect to rifle construction and functionality we continue to see more rifles incorporate carbon fiber into their designs, both bringing down weight and helping contribute to rising costs. While not a ubiquitous trend, rifles with switch-barrel systems are becoming more common as well. The Accuracy International AT-X and Seekins Havak HIT, both award winners in this year’s roundup, can change barrels by loosening a single screw.

A less notable, almost imperceptible shift has happened with rifle barrels. I speak of the humble threaded muzzle. It wasn’t so long ago—say 15 years—that relatively few rifles came from the factory with a threaded barrel. Today, nearly all do. In our field of 17, all but one of the rifles were threaded for muzzle devices, including both lever actions. The sole exception was the Smith & Wesson M&P15 XV-Pro 14.5, which is only excluded on a technicality. Its barrel is threaded, but because of the 14.5-inch barrel length, its brake is pinned in place to keep the barrel length over the 16-inch minimum so as not to trigger the BATF short-barreled rifle (SBR) rule. With the rise in practical field-style steel matches and a greater awareness of the risks associated with hearing loss, many shooters and hunters are opting to run suppressors on their rifles, which is part of the reason threaded muzzles have become standard fare.

Best Rifles of 2022: Accuracy Report

We continue to see excellent accuracy from factory rifles shooting factory ammunition. Of the 17 rifles, 11 of them averaged under an inch, which is remarkable given that each rifle did that with 50 shots with varying brands of factory ammo. Three rifles in particular delivered stellar performances. The Accuracy International AT-X lead the way with a .456-inch group average, followed by the Seekins Havak HIT at .524 inches, and the Proof Tundra with a .683-inch average 5-shot group.

What about the rifles that didn’t hit that 1 MOA accuracy mark? Even there the news isn’t bad. Four of those rifles—the two lever actions and the two modern sporting rifles—aren’t really built for that kind of work. And the other two bolt guns shot just over an inch: the CVA Cascade SB (1.07-inch average) and the B&T SPR300 Pro (1.036-inch average).

Excellent Performance from Factory Ammo

Running a gun test of this magnitude requires a lot of ammo, and in these lean times several companies stepped up to the plate to help us out. Federal, Winchester, Nosler, Hornady and Black Hills Ammunition were all extremely generous with both rifle and handgun ammunition—to the tune of many thousands of rounds. Heck, we put more than 2,000 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor and 5,000 round of 9mm alone—to say nothing of the other cartridges.

I’m going to break down the performance of the ammunition in another story but two loads in particular are worth mentioning. Federal’s 140-grain SMK and Nosler’s 140-grain RDF. Both delivered stellar accuracy. The average 5-shot group size for the best ten Federal groups was .501 inch, while the Nosler 140 RDF was just a smidge larger at .510 inch. Factory guns shooting factory ammo at that level makes me reconsider all the time I spend handloading for my long-range rifles.

About Gunsite Academy

This year’s test was graciously hosted by Gunsite Academy in Paulden, AZ. As the home of the legendary Jeff Cooper and one of the first firearm training facilities that offered classes to the general public, Gunsite became one of the premier gun training destinations in the country.

At Gunsite we got to work with top-line instructors, utilize their excellent ranges and facilities. The existing range setups, number of target stands and faces, an exclusive range, and the genuinely friendly, helpful, and overly-accommodating staff at Gunsite allowed us to conduct our most extensive gun test ever. Even better, you can go do your own training by signing up for a class.

The post The Best Rifles of 2022, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Browning might not make ARs, but the company has a history with autoloading rifles that dates to the earliest days of the 20th century, long before the first AR was conceived. Given Browning’s seniority in this arena, the latest iteration of the iconic BAR is sort of a finger in the chest of AR makers to remind them who came first.

The original Browning BAR was the M1918, a fully automatic light machine gun in .30/06 that was developed during World War I for trench warfare but didn’t see extensive use by the U.S. military until World War II. It also served in Korea and Vietnam before being phased out.

In 1967, Browning introduced the next BAR, a semi-automatic sporting rifle for hunters—and that rifle is the direct forefather of this BAR MK 3 DBM. The 1967 BAR was gas-operated, had a seven-lug rotating bolt head, a removable box magazine that was attached to—and concealed by—a trap-door-type hinged floor plate, and a light and handy geometry that allowed it to be pointed and shot fast. As a rifle for thick timber and brush, it had few equals, especially since it was offered in several magnum calibers, like 7mm Rem Mag., .300 Win. Mag., and .338 Win Mag. in addition to standard long- and short-action cartridges.

Browning BLR Mk 3 DBM Specs

• Caliber: .308 Win.
• Capacity: 10+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 6 oz.
• Trigger: 3 lb. 8 oz.
• Accuracy: 2.037 in.
• Smallest Group: 1.691 in.
• Barrel Length: 18 in.
• Overall Length: 39 ³⁄₈ in.
• Price: $1,729

The Browning BLR Mk 3 Brings More Firepower

The MK 3 DBM shares many of the qualities of the original sporting BARs and the BAR Mk II series that followed. But in this era of all things tactical, Browning has decided to give the MK 3 DBM a harder look.

The DBM has a high-capacity detachable box magazine (hence, DBM) that fits into the magazine well and doesn’t attach to a floor plate. The steel magazine is a solid piece of work and takes 10 rounds of .308. The rifle has magazine releases on both sides of the bottom metal for ambidextrous operation.

The rifle’s barrel is 18 inches long with a 1:12-inch twist. That short barrel makes this BAR especially compact and handy. Combined with its magazine capacity, it was a natural choice for a cross-country boar hunt that hunting editor Andrew McKean embarked on last year. He topped the rifle with a 1–4X Leupold scope with a Pig Plex reticle and came away from the hunt impressed with the rig.

“It handled almost like a shotgun, pointing pretty instinctively,” McKean says. “For me, it’s a great alternative to an AR. I think it has better weight and balance than an AR, and I’m able to deploy it faster, probably because its lines and operation are so familiar to me as a shotgunner.”

McKean’s longest shot was 220 yards across a wide pasture. Based on both his and my experience with the gun, that’s probably a reasonable limit for the gun’s hunting range.

Read Next: Gun Test: Steyr Pro THB Rifle

Browning BLR Mk 3 DBM Is Quick on Target

Per Outdoor Life‘s standard testing protocol, I put a variety of hunting and target loads through the rifle, recording five-shot groups at 100 yards. Since the 1–4X scope is such an ideal optic for the rifle—though you can make a pretty good case for a red-dot sight, too—I left it on for the accuracy testing. Group sizes were consistently around 2 inches, no matter the bullet style or weight. Had I mounted a high-magnification scope on it, it probably would have turned in better accuracy scores, but these results reflect the real-world capabilities of the rifle in the field.

One drill the BAR excelled at was making quick shots on steel plates at 100 yards from a low-ready carry position. The shotgun-like pointing qualities McKean talked about are evident with this exercise.

It also does a bang-up job with quick follow-up shots. The rifle’s recoil impulse is very gentle, and it is easy to keep the crosshairs on target. The crossbolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard is not the most ergonomic position for a safety, but right-handed shooters can manipulate it fairly quickly.

Ugly But Effective Stock on the Browning BAR Mk 3

From an aesthetic standpoint, the black synthetic stock won’t win any beauty contests, but I give it high marks for its trim lines and overmolded grip panels. I also think the QD flush cups for mounting a sling—one at the tip of the forend, the other on the bottom of the buttstock—are a smart feature. In terms of the stock’s functionality, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The BAR’s trigger has a shotgun-like quality to it, meaning it is a bit creepy, though it broke at a perfectly reasonable 3 ½ pounds. The trigger group can be removed from the rifle for cleaning by drifting out the three retaining pins found along the bottom of the aluminum receiver. To gain access to the action bars, gas piston, and recoil spring assembly, you have to unscrew both the hex-head fastener located in the front QD flush cup, and the front swivel stud, which—other than holding the forend on—doesn’t really perform a useful role on this rifle unless you plan to mount a bipod, which would be an odd addition to this carbine. Since there’s no easy way to clean the BAR’s barrel from the breech end, you’re going to want to use a muzzle protector before running a cleaning rod down the bore.

If your heart is set on getting a semi-auto hunting rifle for any type of close-in game, but you find the bulk of AR-10s a turnoff, the BAR is a rifle worth considering. The big-game hunting rifle that ARs strive to be is something the BAR accomplished long ago.

Check BAR MK 3 DBM availability here.

Best Browning BAR Mk 3 DBM Drill

The carbine is perhaps the most versatile personal defense firearm you can own. Handguns are easy to carry, but they are not the best choice in a serious fight. Shotguns are limited in range and capacity, but a carbine does it all.

The 2x2x2 drill is designed to build speed and accuracy when engaging multiple targets with a carbine. It’s a Viking Tactics drill developed by Kyle Lamb, who is one of the top trainers in the world today.

In the setup, there are three side-by-side, evenly spaced targets 5 yards in front of the shooter. You start with the rifle butt on the shoulder and the muzzle down in the low ready position. At the buzzer, you engage each target in order, with two shots each, going either right to left or left to right—shooter’s choice.

Zen Mind

You must be fast and accurate and not just throw three erratic and panicked double-taps. The key to speed is to do it smoothly. Concentrate on making the hits—the speed will come later. This drill’s focus is on building the skills that enable you to shoot and drive the gun with fluid timing. Think of this drill as one entity. If you focus on the individual shots, you will be too slow. Just as with a move in martial arts, if you have to think about it, it’s too late. Or the way a part of the brain makes you pull your hand from a hot stove. You don’t think, “Wow, this is hot. I should move my hand from the stove.” It just happens.

To shoot this drill well, you need to harness that part of your brain. This is somewhat like shotgun shooting, where you turn off the thinking part of your brain and let your subconscious run the gun. You must find the “zone” that athletes, martial artists, and musicians talk about.

Drive the Gun

You need to drive the rifle with precision and a fluid motion, and the shot must be breaking as the sight comes into the hit zone. If you wait to see the sight on the target, you’ll be too slow. Drive the gun, prep the shot, and break it as the sight aligns with the expected impact area. This requires that you control multiple directions of movement: lateral motion from target to target, and vertical movement of the muzzle from recoil.

As with any CQB rifle drill, it’s best to use a non-­magnified optic such as a red dot or holographic sight. A true 1X scope with an illuminated, daylight-visible dot is also a good choice. You want to shoot with both eyes open to give you a full range of vision to aid the transition from target to target.

Control Freak

The key is to fire two “controlled pairs” at each target. This is where each shot is aimed and you must see the sight’s reticle on the target before breaking the next shot. You must also drive the gun fast from target to target, but stop the reticle on target to break the shots; do not try to shoot as the gun swings past the target. The cadence should be so that the splits between the shots will be just about equal to the splits between targets. The result is six evenly spaced shots that can be checked by looking at the split times on a timer.

Only center hits count—any shots outside of the C zone on a USPSA or the -1 zone of an IDPA target do not count. As you become better at the drill, tighten up the scoring requirements to the A zone on a USPSA target and the -0 zone on an IDPA target. Remember, the goals are accuracy and speed—in that order.

Anyone who has some shooting experience will shoot the drill in about 2.0 to 2.5 seconds the first time through. With practice, 1.5 seconds is a viable goal. When you can keep all the shots on the A zone in a USPSA target and do it in 1.5 seconds or less, you have mastered the drill. But there is always room for improvement. My best is 1.3 seconds. Kyle Lamb does it in 1.26 seconds on video. Learn to beat that time, every time, and then you can strut.

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Best Overall		Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33	SEE IT
Best Crossover Hunting Scope		Maven RS.2 2-10×38	SEE IT
Best Precision Rimfire Scope		Blackhound Emerge 2-12×44 MIL	SEE IT

Between small-game rifles and precision target rigs, short-range plinkers, and rimfire ARs, there’s a .22 for every shooter and use, and every one of them needs a scope. The optics industry has answered the call, and you can find a scope for just about any rifle. Here are some of the best rimfire scopes on the market. You’ll notice, though, that these aren’t all your standard low-mag variable models. You’ll see some high-end precision scopes here as well as LPVO (low-power variable optics) that are designed for close-quarters AR and shotgun work but also make marvelous rimfire optics for either hunting or punching targets.

• Best Overall: Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33
• Best Traditional: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32
• Best Crossover Hunting Scope: Maven RS.2 2-10×38
• Best Small-Game Hunting Scope: Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6x24l
• Best Second-Plane Target Scope: Tract 22 FIRE 4-12×40
• Most Versatile: Athlon Argos HMR 2-12×42
• Best Full-Size Precision Scope: Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP
• Best Precision Rimfire Scope: Blackhound Emerge 2-12×44 MIL
• Best Precision Scope Under $400: Sightmark Presidio 3-18×50 LR2
• Best LPVO: EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28
• Best .22 Magnum Rifle Scope: Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×40 AO

Best Overall: Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33

Leupold

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Why It Made The Cut

Combining simple controls and a modest but versatile magnification range, this durable scope is perfect for just about any .22 or .17, whether for small-game hunting, plinking, or most precision target work. It has good glass, repeatable controls, and enough holdover references on the vertical stadia that, with some practice, you can extend your range out to 100 yards and longer. At close to $300, it’s priced in the meaty middle of the market and can easily transition from a first-gun optic to just about any other rifle, whether a rimfire or not.

Key Features 

• Weight: 11.1 ounces
• Magnification Range: 2-7-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 33mm
• Tube Diameter: 1-inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 75 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: No

Pros 

• Excellent glass and coatings
• MOA-based references are simple and clear
• Low-profile mounting dimension
• Wide versatility
• Catchy turret graphics

Cons

• Reticle lacks windage references
• Parallax fixed at 100 yards
• Turret clicks are mushy

Product Description

Here’s a rimfire scope for just about any purpose. This outwardly pedestrian optic has a lot going on between a surprisingly precise second-plane reticle, bright glass, and fun indexing on the nicely tactile turrets. The best thing you can say about any scope is that it is consistent, and the VX-Freedom delivers bullets with pleasing reliability. It’s a good rabbit and squirrel scope. Still, the MOA-based references on the vertical crosshair make it a decent option for engaging distant targets, which means you don’t have to invest in a ponderously big first-plane target scope to take titles at NRL22 competitions. Lastly, the Leupold rimfire scope brings the company’s good glass and an excellent warranty.

Read Next: The Best Rifle Scopes

Best Traditional: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32

Vortex

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Why It Made The Cut

There’s not much innovative or surprising here, just a basic duplex reticle inside a straight-ahead scope with decent turrets and a durable build. Backed by an excellent warranty.

Key Features 

• Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Magnification Range: 2-7-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
• Tube Diameter: 1-inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: No

Pros 

• Long eye relief
• Appealing price
• Low-profile mounting dimensions
• Simple reticle
• Excellent warranty
• Parallax fixed at 50 yards

Cons

• Reticle lacks windage or elevation references
• Limited focus control

Product Description

If simplicity is the pathway to versatility, then the Vortex Crossfire II is at home on a small-game bolt rifle or a fast-shooting AR. It might not have the chops for precision work, but the duplex reticle is fast and reliable. The controls are a little mushy, but the eye relief and eye box are both forgiving and the fixed parallax makes it a great plinking scope. Basically, any tin can or cottontail inside 50 yards is in trouble. 

Best Crossover Hunting Scope: Maven RS.2 2-10×38

Maven

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Why It Made The Cut

This is a fun-sized optic with excellent controls and glass and a bright, light, and durable scope that’s a good fit for a rimfire or ultralight bolt-action build.

Key Features 

• Weight: 12.4 ounces
• Magnification Range: 2-10-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 38mm
• Tube Diameter: 1-inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 50 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: No

Pros

• Light and compact
• SHR reticle has (limited) elevation references
• Utility extends to center-fire scopes
• Liberal mounting dimensions
• Excellent glass and coatings

Cons

• No windage references
• Slightly spongy turret dials

Product Description

Excellent glass, velvety controls, and a reticle that offers just enough holdover references for precision work, this is a scope that’s at home on a lightweight mountain rifle or a bespoke squirrel sniper. The RS.2 is available in either a bold duplex or SHR reticle—I recommend the latter for more references (three elevation holds; no wind holds). That probably has more utility for big-game hunters than for .22 shooters, but the holdovers are pretty handy for making shots beyond zero range.

At about $550, this direct-to-consumer optic is a little pricey for a basic second-plane rimfire scope, but Maven brings elegance, brilliant Japanese glass, and sweet turret controls to the game. The low-profile objective and the magnification range make it a very good choice for a special rimfire rifle.

Read Next: The Best .22 LR Rifles

Best Small-Game Hunting Scope: Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6x24l

Bushnell

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Why It Made The Cut

This was the most fun scope in our test. A quick, precise, extremely nimble low-power optic, it gets on target quickly but has enough reticle references for longer-distance work.

Key Features 

• Weight: 18 ounces
• Magnification Range: 1-6-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Turret Click Values: .5 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 140 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros 

• Low-profile mounting dimension
• Extremely fast on target
• “Dot Drop” reticle has good holdover references
• 6-step illumination
• Compatible with shotguns and ARs
• Wide field of view

Cons

• Reticle lacks full precision references
• Some peripheral distortion

Product Description

This is the scope that small-game hunters have been waiting for. It’s fast, keeping up with running rabbits, and its “Dot Drop” reticle in the second focal plane pops against just about any background. The Trophy Quick Acquisition has a very precise illuminated center dot for precise bullet placement or for fast target acquisition, and its holdover references (there’s a hash every 2 MOA) allows you to drop bullets into targets at a distance. The 1-6-magnification handles just about any shooting situation, from close-in game and steel to out-there targets. Besides its technical attributes, it’s simply fun to shoot. The controls are responsive, the glass is good enough, and it mounts low enough that bringing it to your eye is as intuitive as pointing your finger. Best part: It’s priced under $200.

Best Second-Plane Target Scope: Tract 22 FIRE 4-12×40

Tract

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Why It Made The Cut

A purpose-built rimfire scope, the second-plane reticle features a MOA-based dot for precise aiming solutions.

Key Features 

• Weight: 16 ounces
• Magnification Range: 4-12-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: No

Pros 

• Excellent focus control, 10 meters to infinity
• Extremely tactile turret controls
• Long eye relief
• Liberal mounting dimensions

Cons

• Focus on objective is clunky
• Extremely tight power ring

Product Description

Tract’s 22 FIRE series has a full series of scopes for .22 and .17 shooters, but this AO model (it stands for Adjustable Objective) is the most versatile scope in the line from the direct-to-consumer brand. The duplex reticle features a fine crosshair with a .25 MOA center dot, which allows for full view of the target and precise bullet placement, which competitive bullseye target shooters will appreciate. The adjustable objective enables precise focus for targets inside 10 yards all the way out to infinity, a feature you don’t often see on rimfire-specific scopes. The objective focus is a little clunky compared with the side parallax of most modern scopes, but it works well and further enables precise shooting. At about $275 it’s not a cheap scope, but the glass is good, the controls are some of the best in the business, and the precision it allows also makes it a killer squirrel scope.

Most Versatile: Athlon Argos HMR 2-12×42

Athlon

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Why It Made The Cut

This second-plane middle-of-the-road scope isn’t built for any specific task. Instead, it does a pretty good job at any shooting situation, whether mounted on a center-fire big-game rifle, a rimfire, an AR, or even a mid-range platform like a straight-wall carbine or slug gun.

Key Features 

• Weight: 19.8 ounces
• Magnification Range: 2-12-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
• Tube Diameter: 1-inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 130 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros 

• Versatile magnification range
• Illuminated reticle
• Side focus
• Capped turrets
• Good warranty

Cons

• Underwhelming glass
• Controls are mushy
• Limited mounting dimensions

Product Description

Priced at about $450, this Athlon has more features than most scopes at this price point. Its best attribute is side parallax control that brings targets as close as 10 yards into sharp focus, a feature that’s useful for rimfire shooters who are often engaging close-in and far-out targets. The illumination is also worth a look. The second-plane scope is available with a standard duplex reticle, but opt for the BDC 600A reticle, which gives shooters holdover hashes out to 600 yards when the scope is on its highest power. The glass in the Argos HMR isn’t the best, but for most shooting situations, it will provide a decent image and capably guide bullets of just about any caliber. The best attribute for a rimfire shooter is that this scope can easily be swapped out to just about any other rifle, making it a good all-around optic.

Best Full-Size Precision Scope: Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP

Vortex

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Why It Made The Cut

A big, serious precision scope with attributes for any long-distance target work, whether rimfire or PRS center-fire rifles.

Key Features 

• Weight: 30.4 ounces
• Magnification Range: 5-25-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 110 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: First
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros

• Huge magnification range
• Competition reticle
• Side focus, 15 yards to infinity
• Pull-to-turn tactical turrets
• Good warranty

Cons

• Underwhelming glass
• Controls are mushy
• Overkill for most rimfire applications

Product Description

Okay, I realize this isn’t your standard rimfire optic. It’s purpose-built for the 1,000-yard-and-longer center-fire steel-plate crowd. But the Strike Eagle has an extremely useful reticle for almost every rimfire competition, from punching paper at known distances to engaging steel silhouette targets and all the crazy shooting situations in the NRL22. Attributes that make it a worthy rimfire consideration: close-focus to 15 yards, a nicely illuminated first-plane reticle, holdover hashes at every MOA and windage dots out to 24 MOA, and nicely indexed turrets. All this for well under $1,000. The best argument for consideration: learn to shoot this reticle on a cheap and fun rimfire trainer, then graduate up to a center-fire chassis rifle.

Best Precision Rimfire Scope: Blackhound Emerge 2-12×44 MIL

Blackhound

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Why It Made The Cut

A ton of scope for almost any rimfire competition, it’s a great training platform to take this optic to NRL and Precision Rifle shoots.

Key Features 

• Weight: 29.1 ounces
• Magnification Range: 2-12-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Turret Click Values: .1 MRAD
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 30 MIL
• Reticle Focal Plane: First
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros

• First-plane tree-style reticle
• Capped low-profile turrets
• Ships with rings and levels
• Zero stop
• 6-step illumination
• 10 MILs of holdover references

Cons

• Ponderously big
• Fairly expensive

Product Description

Go back and read the rationale for this scope under the Vortex Strike Eagle spot. All those arguments go double for this big, serious precision scope from a new direct-to-consumer brand. The main argument for a rimfire shooter is that if you can learn to shoot well and quickly with this first-plane reticle on a .22 trainer, then you’ll be miles ahead of your peers when you strap it on a long-distance center-fire precision rifle. The Blackhound has fine glass, very tactile low-profile turrets, and a side focus control that brings targets as close as 10 yards into crisp focus. It’s pricey, around $1,150, but there’s a whale of a lot of value in this scope that has a magnification range that is way more useful than the standard 5-25-power of most precision target scopes.

Best Precision Scope Under $400: Sightmark Presidio 3-18×50 LR2

Sightmark

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Why It Made The Cut

The rare long-distance precisions scope that retails for under $400, this feature-packed option from Sightmark will get shooters of just about any budget and caliber ringing steel.

Key Features 

• Weight: 30.8 ounces
• Magnification Range: 3-18-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Turret Click Values: .1 MRAD
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 26 MRAD
• Reticle Focal Plane: First
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros 

• First-plane tree-style reticle
• Exposed tactical-style turrets
• Throw lever
• Zero stop
• 6-step illumination
• 25 mils of internal adjustment

Cons

• Disappointing glass
• Ponderously big for hunting
• Limited warranty

Product Description

Shooters with a limited budget should give their attention to this full-featured precision scope from Sightmark that retails for around $400. The Presidio has everything that the major brands offer shooters, from a very capable first-plane reticle with plenty of elevation and windage references, oversized exposed turrets to make field adjustments easy, and a zero-stop that allows shooters to return to their zero without tools. Other noteworthy features for rimfire shooters include a 10-yard-to-infinity focus, 6-step illumination, and reticle holds with 10 MILS of drop and 6 MILS of wind hold. How does Sightmark deliver so much utility for such an accessible price? The glass is flinty and shows lots of optical aberrations. You can expect to get some flaring and peripheral distortion. However, the center of the lens—where most shooters spend most of their time—is clear and sharp. In a field with mostly second-plane, hunting-style scopes, this is a full-featured standout that won’t cost a bunch.

Best LPVO: EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28

EOTECH

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Why It Made The Cut

A full-featured Low Power Variable Optic with enough features for small-game hunting and rimfire target work.

Key Features 

• Weight: 21.3 ounces
• Magnification Range: 1-10-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 28mm
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Turret Click Values: .1 MRAD
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 29 MRAD
• Reticle Focal Plane: First
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

Pros 

• Monster magnification range
• Dual-purpose tactical reticle
• Push-button illumination module
• 10 reticle illumination intensity settings
• References for long-distance work
• Pull-to-turn elevation dial

Cons

• Wildly expensive
• 34mm tube is bulky

Product Description

The first time I shot this extremely versatile scope it was on a tactical AR and I was engaging targets from 10 yards out to 750 yards. All I could think was how fun it would be on a practical .22 course. This is definitely not intended for NRL22 games, but rather is a battle-hardened tactical optic that has caught fire with personal-defense carbine owners. Still, I maintain the EOTECH Vudu has all the attributes you’d ever want for any rimfire action, whether you’re talking about running rabbits, punching holes in paper targets, or running a steel plate course. The first-plane reticle evolves from a fast and bright red dot at 1-3-power up to a surprisingly detailed precision reticle with aiming points for distant targets from about 7-power up to 10-power. The illumination is bright, and the push-button control is intuitive. The build and turrets are durable enough for anything you can throw at it, and the Japanese glass is bright and crisp. The main downside is its $1,800 price tag. But at that price, you can switch it to just about any rifle in your collection.

Best .22 Magnum Rifle Scope: Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×40 AO

Hawke

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Why It Made The Cut

A bright, light, and durable scope with a second-plane reticle configured for the ballistics of the .22 Winchester Magnum.

Key Features 

• Weight: 18.1 ounces
• Magnification Range: 4-12-power
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Tube Diameter: 1-inch
• Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 80 MOA
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes, red and green

Pros 

• Holdover references tuned to .22 WMR
• Objective-bell focus
• Nice illumination
• Good magnification range
• Capped turrets

Cons

• Stingy mounting dimensions
• Reticle utility is limited to WMR

Product Description

If you’re a .22 WMR shooter, this is your scope. The reticle has drops for bullets with muzzle velocities of 2,000 fps. With a 100-yard zero, you can drop rounds with pleasing consistency out to 300 yards with the second-plane BDC reticle and the scope on its highest power. Suppose you want to use a lower magnification, or bullets with different velocities. In that case, you’ll have to experiment on the subtensions, but it’s a pretty handy feature for a rimfire optic. The Hawke has good glass, decent controls, and the illumination is a nice feature. But the attribute that also makes this a great rimfire scope is the focus control located on the objective bell. You can bring targets into focus as close as 10 yards and out to infinity.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Rimfire Rifle Scope

Your first consideration if you’re in the market for a rimfire rifle scope is how well it will perform with the short-range capabilities of the caliber. You probably don’t need a ton of magnification or reticle references if all you want is to shoot tin cans or 50-meter bullseye targets. But the world of rimfire shooting is evolving to look a lot like long-distance center-fire precision shooting, with all sorts of precision rimfire competitions and games that put a premium on both short-range and long-range precision. For backyard plinkers, you probably just want a simple scope with a duplex reticle, but for the latter, you’re going to want a first-plane reticle with lots of turret adjustment. Then there are the pure small-game scopes. These are lower-magnification optics with just enough reticle references to get you on game and maybe make longer shots, head-shooting squirrels, for instance.

FAQs

Methodology 

Some of the scopes in this roundup are new for 2022 and were included in the rigorous evaluations of Outdoor Life’s annual optics test. For those, I measured optical resolution on my resolution range, scored low-light performance against their peers, and measured the precision and repeatability of the reticle and turrets. But some scopes in this collection were not in the test, and I evaluated those by mounting them to my collection of .22 trainers and shot them on both paper and steel targets at various distances, evaluating their handling, reticles, and overall precision and speed.

I rated each scope on its ability to perform a series of shooting tasks, engaging targets at 20 yards, then at 50, and out to 100. I also used both reticle references and the turrets to make shots out to 350 yards, but this was more a test of “close-enough” than precision.

For each scope, I make a subjective determination of optical quality, looking for distortions, optical aberrations, and any distracting jags of light. And I determine how quickly and precisely I can use the reticle. Lastly, I assessed the extras, including the accessories that it ships with and each submission’s warranty.

Final Thoughts

Somehow, the optics industry has squeezed all the fun out of rimfire shooting. Instead of cheap, reliable, and utilitarian rifles, we now have fancy chassis rifles with all the attributes of their big-bore brethren. And prices to match. We’ve complicated what was once the most fun and simple type of shooting into rigorous competition. That’s all great if you want to make .22 shooting into a serious thing, but don’t forget that rimfires are the gateway for most shooters and hunters into our community, and the scopes and rifles that are the best for new shooters are often the most simple and cheap. So read this review with a little bit of skepticism. There are optics for every stage in a shooter’s evolution, but maybe pay special attention to those fun, simple, gateway scopes.

The post The Best Rimfire Scopes of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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When I was a boy, I lived on squirrel meat. The more squirrels I killed, the more leg quarters and saddles went into the pot. And in those days, the best way for me to make that happen was with a shotgun. But, I soon learned that rimfire rifles allowed me to salvage more meat—so long as I made a precise headshot—and increased the range at which I could kill a squirrel. The best squirrel hunting rifles, coupled with a properly zeroed riflescope, are particularly beneficial in the early season, when leaves are still on the trees and squirrels are cutting on nuts high in the hardwoods

The rimfire is an addictive tool for hunting squirrels because it’s such a challenge. You are  trying to hit a target—the squirrel’s head—that is the size of a silver dollar at distances of 25 to 100 yards (or more depending on your ability). But you also have to quietly move into a position where you can take a clear shot and get a solid rest, which is difficult when the leaves have yet to fall. 

There are a variety of rimfire rifle models and cartridge options for hunters to choose from. And opinions on which rimfire is best for hunters to tote into the squirrel woods are abundant. But there are a handful of bolt guns and semi-autos ideal for hunting foxtails and grays. Here are some of the best rifles for squirrel hunting.

READ NEXT: Squirrel Hunting Tips and Tactics

• Best Overall: Ruger American Rimfire Target .22 LR
• Best for Long Range: CZ 457 American Varmint .17 HMR
• Best Bolt-Action: Savage MK II BV .22 LR
• Best Semi-Auto: Ruger 10/22 Carbine
• Best Lightweight: Winchester Wildcat .22 LR
• Best Youth Model: Savage Rascal .22 LR
• Best Premium: Bergara BMR Carbon .17 HMR
• Best Budget: Savage MK II FV-SR .22 LR

Best Overall:  Ruger American Rimfire Target .22 LR

Ruger

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Key Features

• Bolt action
• Weight: 6.7 lbs.
• Barrel Length: 18”
• Overall Length: 37”
• Capacity: 10+1
• Laminate stock

Why It Made the Cut

The Ruger American is a .22 LR that is lighter than most rimfires in its class, and with the ability to load 10 rounds, you can stay in the action longer.

Pros

• Lighter weight in a target barrel design
• 10-round magazine
• Great accuracy

Cons

• MSRP is $350

Product Description

I like the 416 stainless steel barrel, bolt, and receiver option on this gun for easy care and maintenance. While some may think it’s too flashy, it stands up better to the abuse dished out while beating through the woods. The gun accepts a variety of magazine options, including the Ruger 10/22 magazine, allowing me to easily switch between my semi-auto and the bolt gun. The Ruger American has an extended magazine release for simple removal of the flush-mounted magazine. It’s a convenient concept that you won’t appreciate until you put it to work. 

Deadly accuracy comes standard with this gun thanks to the free-floating barrel built on the Power Bedding integral bedding block system. Combine this with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger that allows the shooter to adjust trigger weight from 3 to 5 pounds, and you’ll find one of the most dependable and accurate rimfire rifles on the market. The bull barrel with factory installed knurled thread protector also adds to the precision with which this gun was built.

Best Long Range: CZ 457 American Varmint .17 HMR

CZ-USA

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Key Features

• Bolt action
• Weight: 7.08 lbs.
• Barrel Length: 24.8”
• Capacity: 5+1
• Turkish Walnut Stock, Varmint Style

Why It Made the Cut

If you’re looking for a tack-driver that can make headshots at longer distances, the CZ 457 American Varmint gun in .17 HMR is tough to beat. 

Pros

• Long-range accuracy
• Offered in a combo .22 LR/.17 HMR barrel set
• Heavy barrel makes it easier to shoot

Cons

• 5-round magazine
• It’s louder and has more recoil than a .22 LR

Product Description

If you don’t headtap squirrels with the faster .17 HMR, you’ll damage meat. The CZ 457 American extremely accurate, making it the ideal platform for hunting with the .17, which is the go-to cartridge for accomplished squirrel hunter and writer, Will Brantley.

“The flat trajectory is a huge advantage,” says Brantley. “It’s a great gun for later in the season when shot opportunities and distances tend to get stretched out a bit.”

The CZ 457 American is a beautiful rifle with all the performance you’d ever want in a rimfire. The Varmint model has a heavy barrel that allows you to have better control of the gun thus be more accurate. The trade-off of course is you have to carry a 7-pound rifle. The Turkish walnut stock has a high, flat comb so your eye can find the target quickly once a scope is mounted. An adjustable trigger allows you to customize the trigger for weight, creep, and travel. The 24.8-inch barrel has a 1:9 twist, and the magazine is detachable.

Best Bolt Action: Savage MK II BV .22 LR

Savage

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Key Features

• Bolt action
• Weight: 6.74 lbs.
• Barrel length: 21”
• Overall length: 39.75”
• Capacity: 5+1
• AccuTrigger

Why It Made the Cut

Savage has a reputation for delivering accurate rifles at a great price and the MK II BV is certainly one of them.

Pros

• Accuracy
• Less expensive than most guns in its class
• Easy handling (particularly with thumbhole stock version)

Cons

• Only five-round magazine capacity
• Detachable box magazine flawed

Product Description

When precision shooting is required, this is the gun my kids and I go to. It’s affordably priced, yet offers the function, feel, and performance of a more costly rimfire. You can easily dial in the Savage MK II BV with a quality scope and expect it to shoot flat. Savage rifles draw much of their accuracy from the AccuTrigger system that allows the shooter to adjust the trigger weight and helps eliminate creep, so you make a clean pull.

It has a beefy 21-inch, heavy steel barrel. And while some may shy away from the weight of a heavier target barrel, I like the balance and steadiness that comes with a hefty rimfire. The detachable box magazine is a little hitchy though. It can drop out of the gun easier than most if you graze the release with your finger or set the stock on a tree limb to steady the shot. I typically carry the magazine in my pocket until I am ready to shoot so it doesn’t fall out while I am hunting. You can always keep a round in the chamber and the gun on safe if you need to shoot quickly.

Best Semi-Auto: Ruger 10/22 Carbine .22 LR

Ruger

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Key Features

• Semi-Auto
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Barrel length: 18.5”
• Overall length: 37”
• Capacity: 10+1

Why It Made the Cut

The Ruger is standard issue for any young man or woman that has just started hunting small game because it’s light, reliable, and accurate. 

Pros

• Light, easy carry
• Compact 
• 10-round magazine
• Accurate
• Reliable
• Affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t come with swivel/studs for sling

Product Description

I received the Ruger 10/22 as a Christmas gift from my wife 25 years ago. It’s killed countless squirrels and small critters over the years. And never failed once, which is impressive since semi-autos are more likely to have cycling issues than a bolt gun. But Ruger engineered the action to perform flawlessly, which is one of the reasons this gun has been in production for 50 years. 

The flush-mounted rotary magazine allows you to load up to 10 rounds. You’ll also find a cold hammer-forged barrel out front that is locked into the receiver by a unique, two-screw, V-block system. The push-button, cross-bolt safety is perfectly placed for easy access when a shot presents itself. Weaver-style and .22 tip-off scope mounts are included.  

Best Lightweight: Winchester Wildcat .22 LR

Winchester

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Key Features

• Semi-Auto
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• Barrel length: 16½”
• Overall length: 34¾”
• Capacity: 10+1

Why It Made the Cut

The Wildcat is incredibly light, making it an ideal all-day hunt gun that offers ample accuracy.

Pros

• Light
• Pistol grip design for added steadiness
• 10-round magazine
• Affordable

Cons

• Could be considered too light for some shooters 
• It’s stock is unconventional 

Product Description

Aside from a youth rifle, the Winchester Wildcat is probably the lightest .22 LR option you’ll find. It’s built with a unique stock for better shot placement. The Wildcat has a pistol grip that’s perfectly suited for shooters of most any size, and since it’s only 4 pounds, young shooters won’t struggle to carry or aim the rifle. The Picatinny rail accommodates optics of your choice, and you can customize the length of pull with a clip-on comb riser or length of pull spacer. There is also a rail on the underside of the forearm to attach a bipod or sling mount. The gun has an easy-to load rotary 10-round magazine and includes a bolt stop that locks the action open after the last round has been fired. The lower receiver drops out of the Wildcat with the press of a button, a handy innovation that allows you to quickly clean the bore. If you’re searching for a squirrel gun that can double as a truck or survival rifle, this rimfire is a fine choice.

Best Youth Model: Savage Rascal .22 LR

Savage

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Key Features

• Bolt Action
• Weight: 2.71 lbs.
• Barrel length: 16”
• Overall length: 30”
• Single Shot

Why It Made the Cut

The Rascal is the lightest and most compact option for getting a young or new shooter started. It’s also the safest micro-rimfire in production, perfectly suited for the up-and-comer who is learning the basics.  

Pros

• Lightweight
• Fits the smallest shooters
• Unloads while on safe
• Adjustable trigger
• Cocks by lifting bolt

Cons

• Lightweight design can be hard to steady
• Kids quickly outgrow the gun

Product Description

The Savage Rascal was built to address the safety concerns commonly found in youth rimfire rifles. Many models require the shooter to pull the trigger and ease the bolt down, much like a hammer, to unload the gun if it has not been fired. With the Rascal, the shooter can open the bolt and unload the gun on safe. The action is also oversized, so you can drop a round in and chamber it with ease. There is a rear peep sight with windage and elevation adjustment, but Savage also drilled and tapped the receiver to add a scope. The synthetic version of the Rascal comes in eight different colors—there is a wood variant as well—almost all of which can be had in right- or left-handed models.

Best Premium: Bergara BMR Carbon .17 HMR

Bergara

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Key Features

• Carbon-fiber barrel
• Threaded for suppressor
• 1:9 twist rate
• Five- and 10-round magazines included
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Barrel length: 18” or 20”
• Overall length: 36” or 38”

Why It Made the Cut

Bergara is new to the rimfire game, but has been building some of the most accurate and durable rifle barrels for years.

Pros

• Similar action to the centerfire Bergara B-14 rifles
• Available in multiple chamberings: .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR
• Threaded carbon-fiber barrel

Cons

• Price

Product Description

Bergara first launched its rimfire line with the B-14R, a precision rifle built for rimfire competitions. They crossed into hunting with the BMR (Bergara Micro Rifle), though this rimfire is also a capable competition gun as it comes with a five (hunting) or 10 (competition) detachable magazine. The carbon fiber barrel is available in 18- or 20-inch offerings. It’s also threaded for a suppressor, which is a nice feature for hunting and target shooting. The pull weight of the Remington 700-style trigger can be adjusted with an Allen wrench, plus the action is simply a micro version of Bergara’s B14 centerfire platform, which has already proven itself to be reliable in the field. There is also a single-piece top rail for mounting an optic. All of these options do come at a cost: the BMR is the most expensive rimfire on this list at $700.

Best Budget Rimfire: Savage Mark II FV-SR .22 LR

Savage

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Key Features

• Bolt action
• Weight: 5.5 lbs.
• Barrel length: 16.5”
• Overall length: 35.25”
• Capacity: 5+1

Why It Made the Cut

The Mark II FV-SR is a no frills rimfire that has plenty of the features and performance you need in an affordable rimfire.

Pros

• Light 
• Compact
• Heavy barrel
• Budget priced

Cons

• Five-round magazine capacity
• Magazine is fairly easy to accidentally eject

Product Description

Despite its light price tag, the Savage Mark II FV-SR offers just about everything you need in a .22 squirrel rifle. The heavy fluted barrel is a short 16.5 inches (threaded for a suppressor) and built into a black synthetic stock. The gun features Savage’s popular user-adjustable Accu-Trigger for a customized trigger pull. There is a top rail to accommodate your favorite riflescope. At times the five-round detachable magazine can be a bit quirky and easily dropped from the gun if you accidentally bump the release.

FAQs

Q: How much does a .22 rimfire rifle cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $200 for entry-level .22 rifles to upwards of $1,000 for some of the highest priced rimfire rifles for small game hunting. 

Q: What are the most common rimfire rifle cartridges? 

The .22 LR (long rifle), .22 WMR (.22 Mag) and .17 HMR are all popular rimfire cartridges and all work for squirrel hunting. 

Q: What can I hunt with a .22 LR rifle?

The .22 is perfectly suited for squirrels, rabbit, raccoon, groundhogs, or any other small game animal that is legal to shoot with a rimfire. 

Q: How far will a .22 bullet travel? 

The .22 LR bullet is capable of traveling 2,000 yards, or 1.5 miles.  

Q: Is the .22 a good first rifle for a kid? 

The .22 rifle continues to be one of the first guns hunters own from the beginning of their hunting career. It’s a lightweight option with minimal recoil, ideal for kids and beginners. However, anyone who shoots this cartridge needs to be aware of the power and deadly nature such a small cartridge can produce. 

Read Next: The Best Hunting Rifles of 2022

Final Thoughts

The rifles I’ve listed here are the best squirrel hunting rifles available. Do a quick search, and you’ll discover there are some more affordable options, as well as guns that’ll cost you more than all the guns on this list combined. But the rimfires on this list get the job done—I know because I have hunted with most of them or alongside a friend who has. They have been put to the test on squirrel hunts during spring, fall, and the dead of winter. They are the best combination of hunting accuracy, performance, dependability and affordability. 

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My tenure for the past decade as a western big-game guide, combined with a lifetime obsession for hunting, puts me in the field over 150 days a year. From ground squirrels to lovesick spring toms, bugling bull elk, and a smorgasbord of feathered and furred quarry, the Mountain West provides ample opportunity to hunt year-round. And since I am in the mountains or a duck blind so frequently, there are a few trusted guns I rely on. Of course, the following firearms are not the only guns you can use to hunt the West, but they have all served me extremely well. And if you’re trying to line your gun cabinet with the proper firearms to hunt all western game species, these rifles, shotguns, and pistols will get the job done.

Deer, Sheep, and Antelope Rifle: Custom Remington 700 .280 Ackley Imp.

A capable centerfire rifle is a necessity to hunt the wide diversity of ungulates found across the West. The popular .300 Win. Mag. will certainly kill any big-game species you need it to, but I prefer having at least two different rifles: One rifle for deer and antelope sized game and another for larger critters such as elk, bear, and moose. I would classify any cartridge between the .243 Win. and the variety of .284 offerings plenty adequate for deer and antelope. My current go-to centerfire is a custom rifle chambered in .280 Ackley Improved. This decked out, custom build features a Remington 700 action, PROOF Research carbon fiber wrapped Sendero Light barrel, PROOF Research Mountain stock, and a Timney H.I.T. Trigger set at 2.5 pounds. Leupold’s VX-6 HD 3-18X44 scope puts the cherry on top of this build, which tips the scales at just under 8 pounds. The .280 Ackley Imp. is an inherently accurate cartridge, but this tack driver of a rifle consistently shoots .50 MOA groups with Federal’s 155-grain Terminal Ascent factory offering. I’ve shot desert sheep in Nevada, pronghorn in Wyoming, and several Texas whitetails with this rifle. It has never let me down.

Elk, Moose, and Bear Rifle: Browning X-Bolt McMillan LR .300 PRC

Assuming you are shooting a well-constructed bullet, any cartridge between .284 and .338 are proven to be deadly on big-boned game such as elk and moose. Can both species be killed with smaller cartridges? Absolutely. In fact, I cleanly killed a mature bull at 365 yards with a single 162-grain Winchester Copper Impact bullet last year with Browning and Winchester’s new 6.8 Western cartridge. However, my time as a guide has taught me that these smaller cartridges do not leave as much margin for error as larger ones (but you also must be comfortable with the amount of recoil a heavier bullet produces in order to be accurate with it).

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With that in mind, my current set-up for hunting elk and black bear is Browning’s X-Bolt McMillan LR chambered in .300 PRC. My only complaint about this rifle is it is slightly heavier (over 8.5 pounds with scope and fully loaded) than I am used to carrying, but the weight certainly helps suppress felt recoil. Shooting 190-Grain Hornady CX bullets, this rifle regularly rings steel at 1,000 yards and carries plenty of terminal knock-down power beyond 500 yards.

Short-Range Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10-22

Rimfire rifles provide valuable training opportunities to hone your marksmanship. They are also effective varmint and small game guns. When I hunt ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rock chucks, my rimfire of choice is a Ruger 10-22 that belonged to my grandfather. It’s not the prettiest gun, but I’ve hunted with it more than all the other rifles in my safe combined due to its durability and accuracy. I have had the 10-22 for 30 years, and with my son showing a budding interest in hunting I look forward to the day that I will get to pass this rifle on to him. Hopefully he will find as much joy in it as I have.

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Long-Range Rimfire Rifle: Savage 93R17 BTVSS .17 HMR

The second rimfire I take afield, especially when shooting rock chucks or taking 100-plus yard shots on prairie dogs, is a left-handed Savage 93R17 BTVSS .17 HMR. The .17 HMR cartridge is an effective killer on small critters and can take out coyotes as well. The Savage is also incredibly accurate, putting holes inside holes when shooting off a bench. This sweet little rifle doubles as a rabbit gun, though a head shot is a must to preserve the little meat that is on them.

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Duck Hunting Shotgun: Winchester Super X3

By and large the vast majority of waterfowlers shoot either a pump or semi-auto 12-gauge shotgun to take advantage of larger payloads and the ability to shoot three shells. Both platforms are also easier to load and unload when you’re hunting from a blind. My waterfowl gun collection has grown in recent years, but the one I grab most often is the Winchester SX3.

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The gas-driven action of the 3½-inch SX3 has cycled every shotshell I have ever put through it. But more importantly, I shoot the gun well. The SX3, a favorite among snow goose hunters for its soft recoil and functionality, features a Dura-Touch coating that protects the shotgun fromthe constant abuse and corrosion duck hunters put their guns through.

Upland Shotgun: Browning Citori Lightning

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Over/under shotguns go hand-in-hand with upland bird hunting. There are many great O/U options, but the one that has always trumped them all for me is the Browning Citori, an affordable break-action platform that is available in a gauge and price point to fit most hunter’s needs and means. My first Citori was an older model 20-gauge Lightning. It now proudly wears the dings and dents of years of use and abuse from hunting across the West. I shoot a sub-gauge because shots are typically close and upland birds are easier to bring down than ducks and geese, so you can get away with smaller payloads. Sub-gauge shotguns are also lighter than a 12-gauge, which makes a big difference when you’re climbing steep faces for mountain chukar.

Turkey Shotgun: Benelli Super Black Eagle

Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has changed the game for turkey hunters, making even a dainty .410-bore a legitimate gun to kill longbeards (where legal). But paying over $10 per shell is not an option for many hunters. And if you hunt turkeys the way I do—calling them in close—TSS isn’t a necessity. That’s why my turkey gun has been an original inertia-driven 12-gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle for years. Although there are plenty of aftermarket choke options, the factory full in this classic auto-loader paired with Winchester’s 3-inch Longbeard XR No. 5s has patterned best for me. It’s capable of killing a turkey at 50 yards, though I don’t need to take shots at that distance.

Truck Gun: Christensen Arms CA-15

Most western hunters have a dedicated truck gun. Mine is a Christensen Arms CA-15. During the fall this rifle rides shotgun with me always, primarily to shoot coyotes. The CA-15 is light, accurate, and the collapsible stock makes it easy to store or keep out of the way inside my vehicle. Hornady’s Varmint Express ammo, loaded with a 55-grain V-MAX bullet produces the most consistent groupings for me, typically around 1 MOA. I consider that good enough for and AR I shoot out to 300 yards. My rifle scope of choice on this coyote exterminator is Leupold’s bomb-proof VX-3 HD 4.5-14X40. The low end of magnification on the scope allows for quick shots when calling predators in close quarters, while the top end still allows me to reach out if a wary song dong hangs up. This rifle also doubles as a great rock chuck gun when I don’t have a rimfire handy.

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Personal Defense Pistol: Springfield XDS .45 ACP

Living in Utah, I never felt it necessary to carry a sidearm while hunting to protect myself, but that changed a few years ago. I was scouring the hills in search of shed antlers when I crested a ridge and came face-to-face with a mountain lion. The lion never showed aggression, but we had a stare down inside 100 yards that I vividly remember. As I slowly walked backwards, I felt helpless without any way to defend myself. Luckily the lion stayed put, but that week I made my way down to the local gun store and purchased a Springfield XDS chambered in .45 ACP that rarely leaves my side.

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The XDS weighs a mere 21.5-ounces and sports a 3.3-inch barrel, making it easy to carry in the backcountry. One downside to the XDS is its single-stacked magazine capacity of 5+1. It would be nice to have a few more rounds to send downrange in a pinch, but on the rare occasion that I will ever have to use this sidearm, I believe I am accurate enough to subdue a threat with six shots. Like home defense weapons, any soft or hollow point ammo is sufficient for personal defense from lions or black bears (I don’t run across grizzly bears often). If you are hunting in grizzly country, you are better off shooting a solid cast bullet that could penetrate the dense skull of a bear. A personal defense pistol adds weight but provides peace of mind knowing that I have fire power close by if an emergency were to arise.

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The debate is moot. Regardless of what you think or how you feel about using semi-automatic guns for hunting, autoloaders and AR-style rifles are becoming more common in camps and virtually every major manufacturer is producing these guns in calibers heavy enough to drop deer, hogs and bears. Not to mention the fact that they’re a blast on the range.

But what’s the real difference between an AR and a semi-automatic rifle? It’s seminal, and aesthetic. ARs were initially designed by ArmaLite Inc.—hence the AR designation—as civilian versions of military rifles, while the other semi-autos in this review were developed first and foremost as hunting or competitive shooting firearms. However, as ARs continue to grow in popularity as hunting rifles and semi-auto hunting rifle makers continue to borrow features from the AR world (synthetic stocks, detachable magazines) trying to separate the types of guns on a philosophical level is an exercise in futility. Both rifles fire a single bullet each time the trigger is pulled and they both automatically eject the spent cartridge and chamber in a new one. But from a technical standpoint, the two types of guns work off of a different platform and generally look different.

With that in mind, we round up 20 great semi-automatic rifles chambered in .30 RAR/6.8 SPC Spec II caliber cartridges and heavier. We cover ARs in slides 2-16 and autoloaders in slides 17-20. This is by no means a complete list. If we left your favorite gun out, make sure to add it in the comments section! —John Haughey

BEST ARs

A compact version of its Long Range .308 rifle, Panther Arms introduced the AP4 LR-308 in 2005 as a response to calls for a smaller, faster and lighter AR-10-style carbine with more punch and heft than the M4 carbine. Standard features include an A3 height receiver rail, A2 front fixed sight, and a collapsible stock. A favorite of competitive shooters, it is gaining popularity with big game hunters because of its accuracy and flexibility.

1. AP4 LR-308

Advantages:

The AP4 LR-308 is better-suited for still/stand-hunting, but at 10-11 pounds (accessorized and loaded) and 38 inches long, it’s not too heavy or too lengthy to stalk in timber. Its Picatinny rail upper receiver with removable carry handle provides the capacity to accept a wide range of optics. —J.H.

2. Armalite AR-10 A2

Since its resurrection in 1996, ArmaLite, Inc., has resumed producing the venerable AR-10 and AR-15 that Eugene Stoner developed in the late 1950s as proposed replacements for the M1 Garand. The new A2 version has a 20-inch heavy barrel, non-removable carry handle, adjustable sights, weighs 9.13 pounds with an overall length of 44 inches, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Advantages:

Unlike many predecessor AR-prototype rifles, the original ArmaLite AR-10 was chambered in .308 Win., which remains the standard with the new AE-10 A2 and an excellent choice for deer or most big-game. Accurate, fast, well-balanced, and easy to carry, it features Realtree ‘Advantage’ and ‘Hardwoods’ camouflage patterns. —J.H.

3. Remington R-25

To meet the growing demand for a big-game AR-pattern rifle, Remington developed its R-25 to be chambered in .308 Win., 7 mm-08, and .243 Win. It then augmented that key variation with a host of design features, including a flat-top upper receiver and matching gas block that makes it easily adaptable to mounting optics, and six longitudinal flutes forward of the gas block that increase rigidity, reduce weight and enhance barrel cooling.

Advantages:

Among the best blends of accuracy, fast follow-up and light recoil in an AR that is chambered for three widely available short-action hunting cartridges suitable for deer and big game. The R-25’s 20-inch ChroMoly barrel within its 39 1/4-inch overall length and 8 3/4-pound weight makes it light enough to tote and durable enough to take a pounding. —J.H.

4. POF-USA P-415 in 6.8 SPC Spec II

Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc.’s P-415 Gas Piston Rifle features a gas-trap piston operating system that adds a gas plug, a gas piston, and a push rod while removing the gas-rings, gas tube, and gas key to the standard AR platform. The result is an AR that runs cooler, cleaner and more reliably.

Advantages:

With a 9 1/4-inch barrel and an overall length under 30 inches (less than 26 inches with retracted stock), this P-415 model weighs a nimble 6.5 pounds (without magazine, accessories). The version chambered for the relatively new 6.8 SPC is suitable for deer, making this AR a good bet for stalking in timber. —J.H.

5. Barrett REC 7

Designed in 2007, the Barrett M4-Carbine-patterned REC7 — the REC designation means “reliability-enhanced carbine” — chambers a larger cartridge than the M4 (6.8 mm) and features a short-stroke gas piston system that runs cooler and cleaner than the standard direct gas impingement system. Other innovations include a 6-position adjustable stock and widened trigger guard that makes for easier shooting with a glove.

Advantages:

At less than 8 pounds (without magazine, accessories) and about 33 1/3-inches long, the Barrett REC7 is among the most powerful and lightweight ARs available. According to Barrett, the new 6.8 mm round boasts 44 percent more stopping power and a longer effective range than the 5.56 mm round (.223) most ARs are chambered for. Solid bet for deer and hogs, as well as for varmints and plinking. —J.H.

6. Knight’s SR-25

Designed by Eugene Stoner, the Stoner Rifle-25 is loosely based on his AR-10 prototype in its original 7.62×51mm NATO caliber, or its civilian commercial counterpart, the .308 Winchester cartridges. Tuned for precision as a “multi-target” sniper rifle, the SR-25’s barrels are housed within free-floated handguards. At 10.4 pounds (without magazine) and 39.5 inches long, the SR-25 is designed for hunting from a stand.

Advantages:

Lethal merger of accuracy — capable of shooting less than 1-inch groups at 100 yards — and the power of the .308 caliber, the SR-25 is one of the best big-game AR variants available. Of course, it’s also one of the most expensive. —J.H.

7. Stag Arms M7 Hunter

Stag Arms assembled its Model 7 Hunter in 2008 around the 6.8 Rem. SPC cartridge which, unlike the .30 Rem. AR (designed for big-game hunting), was initially developed for military use. Nevertheless, the 6.8 Rem. SPC continues to gain favor among hunters who want a semi-auto caliber capable of taking deer and most big game, but with a mild recoil and smooth accuracy of a smaller caliber AR. Features include a Hogue pistol grip, free-float handguard with over-molded rubber, two-stage match trigger, and a custom non-reflective S7 finish that also seals and prevents corrosion.

Advantages:

Among the most popular 6.8 mm ARs, the M7 Hunter weighs in at just under 7 pounds and is 39-inches long with a 20.77-inch stainless steel barrel. Chambered in the bigger caliber, it truly does offer increased stopping power without added weight. It’s acceptably accurate up to 250 yards. —J.H.

8. DPMS .308 Mark 12

Inspired by the Mk 12 SPR, which was developed for American special forces to fill the gap between the 14 1/2-inch barreled M4 Carbine and the 20-inch barreled M16 series, the DPMS Mark 12 series was initially chambered in 5.56×45 mm/.223 Rem. Since its debut, hunters have requested a model chambered for a large caliber version and DPMS responded with the Panther 308 MK 12 rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308. Includes a black Teflon®-coated, 18-inch stainless steel, heavy contour barrel with an A3-style lightweight flattop upper receiver extruded from 7129-T6 aluminum with a vented 4-rail free float tube and Midwest Industries Flip-up Front Sight.

Advantages:

The .308 Mark 12’s innovations make it both a long-range rifle and a handy carbine that is extremely accurate in its capability to shoot sub-MOA groups. To make it more compact, it is fitted with a collapsible buttstock with five length adjustment settings. At 9.6 pounds and 40 1/4-inches long, it is a good bet for hunting big game from a stand or blind. —J.H.

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9. Alexander Arms 50 Beowulf Entry

Alexander Arms was founded in 2001 and is most known for the .50 Beowulf cartridge designed by its founder, Bill Alexander. The Alexander Arms 50 Beowulf Entry is, essentially, an AR-15 adapted to fire that .50 caliber cartridge. This hard-hitting power dramatically alters this rifle from other AR-15 type firearms, while retaining the easy handling and rapid-fire accuracy of the platform. One reviewer described it as, “A lightweight, handy, semi-auto .45/70 but with a larger diameter bullet and greater velocity.”

Advantages:

Provides heavy-hitting power at short to medium ranges in a handy carbine-sized package -- 7 pounds (without magazine, accessories), 31 inches overall length with collapsible stock -- that is ideal for tracking big game in dense woods and heavy brush. It operates at a relatively low pressure compared to standard ARs, so it is reliable, and it features a flat-topped upper receiver ready for a wide range of optics. —J.H.

10. Fulton Armory FAR-308 Phantom

A small Maryland manufacturer, Fulton Armory is known in the competitive shooting market for its reproductions of the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, and M-14 models. Its FAR-308 captures that emphasis on precision while providing some punch and a great deal of flexibility -- its “no-snag” Slick-Slide upper receiver, made in Teflon-coated aluminum with an eight-way handguard float tube system, allows the owner to customized with nearly 1,300 rail combinations.

Advantages:

At 9.65 pounds with a 20-inch barrel, the FAR-308 Phantom is well-suited for still or stand shooting for deer and most big game. As with all its products, Fulton Armory offers a precision guarantee: 1.25 MOA Or Better (with Hornady® Match™/TAP™ ammunition) —J.H.

11. FNH FNAR .308 Rifle

A direct descendant of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), the FNAR blends auto-loading speed and bolt-action accuracy into one AR. The 16-inch cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC fluted barrel has a hard-chromed bore and target crown. Other features include a one-piece, receiver-mounted MIL-STD 1913 optical rail, along with three rails attached to the stock’s fore-end for mounting tactical lights and lasers. The matte black synthetic pistol grip stock is adjustable for comb height and length of pull through interchangeable inserts.

Advantages:

The FNH FNAR .308 comes with an ambidextrous magazine release button that drops the detachable steel box magazine quickly and easily, something users have praised. It is endurance tested to 10,000 rounds for reliability and durability, which means it should last a while. It weighs 8 1/8-pounds (unloaded, without accessories), and is 37 1/2-inches long, making it a viable big game weapon while stalking in timber, or stand/hunting. —J.H.

12. McMillan M1A

An Arizona-based custom manufacturer, McMillan is primarily known for its distinctive fiberglass stocks and for its Phoenix training center where law enforcement and military officers learn about precision rifle operations. But the company is also known for its M1A, a .308-chambered AR that is among the most accurate at close and medium distances in its caliber category. Among its other features is a pistol grip with finger groove and a Weaver-style rail.

Advantages:

Accurate, ultra-reliable AR compact enough to wield in quick-shooting, mobile environments, but powerful enough to drop deer and other big game. At 11 pounds and 31 1/2-inches long (when adjustable buttstock is folded), the McMillan M1A is idea for use in a stand or while still-hunting. —J.H.

13. FN SCAR 17S

A U.S. Special Operations Command’s service rifle introduced in 2009, the third-generation FN SCAR 17S features a free-floating, cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrel with a hardchromed bore. Flexible features include a receiver-integrated MIL-STD 1913 optical rail, plus three accessory rails that enable mounting of a wide variety of scopes, electronic sights, tactical lights and lasers. Its gas-operated, short-stroke piston design enhances reliability.

Advantages:

Fully-ambidextrous, the FN SCAR 17S can adapt to any user in any shooting position. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (308 Win.), its long-range accuracy and downrange power makes it a solid deer and big game weapon. At 8 pounds (without magazine, accessories) it is light enough for tracking game and still shooting, while its moderate length, up to 38 1/2-inches (including its 16 1/4-inch barrel), gives it the compact size to operate in the close quarters of a stand. —J.H.

14. LaRue Tactical PredatAR 7.62

The PredatAR takes LaRue’s OBR 7.62 “Heavy Barrel” design and lightens it by 2 pounds without degrading its accuracy by contouring the barrel, “skeletonizing” the handguard, lowering and simplifying the upper rail, and using a low-profile gas block. Among its features: Two-stage Geissele trigger; direct impingement gas system; LW50 stainless steel, blackened barrel; zero-MOA upper rail with ample space for a wide range of optics.

Advantages:

The PredatAR 7.62 comes with XTRAXN, LaRue's proprietary chamber feature that reduces frictional forces caused by pressure-expanded cartridge cases bearing against chamber walls. This not only enhances reliability, but extends the ARs life without affecting accuracy. At 7 3/4-pounds (unloaded, without accessories) and less than 38 inches long, the PredatAR is effective for big game in stands as well as stalking the timber. —J.H.

15. FN/FAL Imbel .308 Battle Rifle

Factory built with imported Imbel parts on a Metric Entreprise Arms type 3 receiver made of 4140 steel by Entreprise Arms, the FN/FAL Imbel .308 Battle Rifle is refinished n Mil Spec zinc phosphate. Other features include: Zero Climb muzzle brake, legal configured pistol grip, bolt hold open on last shot, adjustable gas system and carry handle.

Advantages:

This is a reasonably priced factory built rifle, not a used parts or kit assembly, as some may believe. It weighs 9.5 pounds (unloaded, without accessories) and is 43-inches long (including a 21-inch barrel) and, therefore, is suitable for stand or still-hunting for deer and most other big game. —J.H.

16. Remington R-15 VTR Predator Carbine CS

Remington’s first move into the AR market, the R-15 VTR Predator features an ergonomic pistol grip; an 18-inch OD barrel precision-crafted from ChroMoly steel; a collapsible stock; uppers/lowers machined from aluminum forgings for featherweight durability; fore-end tube drilled and tapped for accessory rails.

Advantages:

The R-15 Predator was built with the varmint hunter in mind. At 6 3/4-pounds with a camouflaged, collapsible stock, it was designed for fast, long-range shooting. As is typical for Remington, the action is soft and smooth -- characteristics that also help define the R-15 when chambered in the new .30 RAR caliber, which elevates a lightweight, portable predator weapon into a legitimate deer hunting rifle. —J.H.

17. Ruger AR-556 MPR .450 Bushmaster

Many companies have thrown their weight into the AR game in recent years, and that has resulted in innovation and affordability. Alternative calibers have also found their niche, and this model from Ruger in .450 Bushmaster is a great example. The hard-hitting cartridge won’t win any long-distance matches, but it’s popular in states with a straight-walled cartridge restriction for deer hunting. It’s one of few good options for folks who want a semi-auto option with some punch. $1099 —Tyler Freel

18. Lone Star Armory Multi-Purpose Carbine-Standard

It takes a lot of quality and innovation to stand out in the sea of AR’s these days, especially for a smaller company. That’s exactly what Lone Star Armory brings to the table. The quality of every component that goes into their rifles is second to none, and they pride themselves on not letting anything out the door they wouldn’t use themselves. The MPC Standard is their option for the guy who wants top quality without paying for extra frills. The gun is guaranteed sub-MOA with match ammunition, features in-house machined and matched upper and lower receivers. It’s an ultra-reliable system and carries LSA’s forever warranty. Upgrades are always an option, but the standard model starts at $1,527. —T.F.

19. CMMG Resolute 100 MK4 .350 Legend

With its introduction this year, this is officially the first semi-automatic rifle offered in the new .350 Legend cartridge. The purpose of this cartridge is to give deer hunters who live in “straight-wall cartridge country” another option. With ballistics much more like a .30-30 than many of the slower cartridges, the .350 Legend should be very popular. And if you want it in an AR, this is your first option. $1,050 —T.F.

20. Savage MSR-10 Precision

The MSR-10 Precision is designed as a competition-ready out-of-the-box PRS gas rifle. It features a heavy stainless barrel, 18″ Arca Handguard, Flip Grip, adjustable gas block. If you closer, you’ll see that the receiver has the same overall length as an AR-15, short-cartridge rifle, yet it takes AR-10 sized cartridges and mags. The rifle is available in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6mm Creedmoor, which are all fantastic, accurate options. For $2,500, you’re getting your money’s worth. —T.F.

21. LMT Valkyrie

With this rifle, LMT puts their reputation for quality into a platform for the new .224 Valkyrie. The Valkyrie is a .22 caliber AR cartridge pushing .22-250 velocities, that’s made for heavier, wind-bucking bullets. This rifle is designed to be a shooter: 20″ 1:7″ barrel, LMT’s monolithic rail platform, two-stage trigger, and SOPMOD stock. There are not many frills on this rifle, just a rock-solid platform for the cartridge. $2,299 —T.F.

BEST AUTOLOADERS

22. Browning BAR ShortTrac in .308

Since its introduction in 1967, the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) has set the standard for autoloading centerfire hunting rifles. In fact, for decades, it was the only commercial auto chambered for magnum cartridges. Browning’s BAR Mark II remains the most popular of all semi-automatic hunting rifles. It comes in three basic models: Safari, ShortTrac/LongTrac, and Lightweight Stalker. The ShortTrac model features an aircraft grade aluminum alloy receiver without engraving and a 22-inch barrel for .308 caliber with open sights, a low glare black matte finish, and a weather-resistant black synthetic stock.

Advantages:

As with Browning's bolt-action rifles, the ShortTrac features excellent accuracy and dependability. At 6.10 pounds and 41 1/2-inches long, it is a stylish and lightweight addition to Browning's BAR line and a solid performer either in the stand or on the move in timber when hunting deer and most other big game. —J.H.

23. Remington .750 Woodsmaster

Introduced in 2009, the newest version of the .750 Woodmaster was the first substantial change in Remington’s basic semi-auto design since its predecessor, the Model 7400, debuted in 1981. Early Woodsmaster models were sometimes called “jam-o-matics,” but those issues are addressed in an improved system that moves the gas vent closer to the chamber, reducing carbon deposits on the piston assembly. Other changes include a low-profile receiver, a restyled stock, and a widened fore-end that sits nicely in the hand.

Advantages:

Since calibers include .243 Win., .270 Win., 308 Win., .30-06 Springfield, and .35 Whelen, the Woodmaster is chambered in a wide range of heavy-hitting calibers and, therefore, is well-suited for deer and other big game. Despite this, its R3 recoil pad helps make it a soft-kicking AR. Its look and feel -- not to mention its affordability -- makes it a favorite of those who previously swore that they'd never hunt with anything other than a traditional bolt-action weapon. —J.H.

24. Browning BAR Safari in .338 Win. (BOSS)

Chambered for some heavy-hitting, long-range calibers, including the .270 WSM, 7mm Rem. 7mm WSM, .300 Win. Mag,. .338 Win. Mag., Browning’s BAR Safari models are a long-standing favorite of big-game AR hunters. The Safari, some would say, is not only Browning’s best BAR, but among the world’s premier gas-operated autoloaders. The Safari features an engraved, forged steel receiver and a genuine walnut stock and forearm with a diamond pattern cut checkering. All metal is highly polished and deep luster blued, and the wood has a beautiful high gloss finish.

Advantages:

Many say the Safari shoots as accurately as Browning's ultra-accurate A Bolt and X Bolt rifles. The Safari's BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System) enhances accuracy and reduces recoil by a third. At 8.6 pounds and 45 inches long (including its 24-inch barrel), the Safari in .338 Win. is not only knock-down lethal for big game hunting, but fast enough for targeting varmints in a fast-shooting environment. —J.H.

25. Benelli R1

When Benelli introduced the R1 in 1993, it became popular among European wild boar hunters who appreciated a rifle that could accurately fire off multiple shots in rapid succession. A decade later, Benelli introduced its second generation R1, which incorporates several innovative upgrades, while retaining the fundamental qualities that makes the R1 a growing choice among AR hunters. Among those distinctive qualities is a gas-operated “short punch” system developed by “Carbine” Williams, the designer of the first autoloading carbines that led to the light .30-caliber carbines in the mid-20th century. It is available in .308 Win., .30/06, .270 WSM, .300 WSM, and .300 Win. Mag.

Advantages:

This is an unusual-looking weapon—some would say ugly—but it is among the softest and smoothest shooting ARs on the market. Its ComforTech stock allegedly reduces recoil by almost 50 percent. It is easy to shoot, comes apart easily for cleaning, the magazine is a cinch to load and can be detached quickly. Its ARGO gas system automatically compensates for different cartridge pressures, which lets hunters switch from different calibers just by swapping barrels, magazines, and bolt heads. No other auto can do that. At 7.3 pounds (without magazine, accessories) and at 46-inches long, the R-1 is a good still/stand-hunting AR for deer and most other big game. —J.H.

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26. Savage A17 Pro Varmint

Before the A17, there simply weren’t any reliable production semi-auto rifles for the wildly popular .17 HMR. The A17 is now one of a very few semi-autos that are reliable with the magnum rimfire, but it gets extra props for being the first. It will surely be held in high regard for decades to come. The delayed-blowback action is key to reliability with this cartridge, as it and the .22 mag produced problems in standard-blowback actions. The pro varmint variation of this rifle gives you a more ergonomic, precision/target style stock and heavier barrel. Everything from prairie dogs to coyotes better watch out! $665 —T.F.

27. Browning BAR Mark III Hell’s Canyon Speed

One of Browning’s latest iterations of it’s popular BAR is the Hell’s Canyon Speed, with a few updated lines, the BAR’s long-known reliability, but now with the burnt bronze cerakote finish and synthetic ATACS camo furniture. Unlike some of the prettier BAR’s, this one is made to be used and abused. The cerakote finish means it will stand up to the elements. Available in cartridges from .243 to .300 Win Mag, there’s one suited for just about any critter you want to hunt. $1,599 —T.F.

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You just bought an AR-15 with the intention of accessorizing it with top-quality components to get the most out of the rifle. And there are a myriad of variables to consider, such as your intended use, geographic location, and more. But if you want one gun with the right aftermarket modifications to cover all the bases, there are some specific upgrades you need to make. My choice ingredients capitalize on the AR’s versatility, and act as a blueprint to help get you set up with the ultimate rifle.

Before we begin, know that the AR is such a modular platform that you can easily pick and choose your setup. If a specific component doesn’t work for you, simply pick one that does. The configuration of your rifle is completely up to you and, after some experimentation, you’ll eventually discover what components work best to fulfill the role you need them to.

If I set up your AR (a do-it-all weapon), the following are the modifications I would make. After years of trial and error, I’ve meticulously selected a list of components that have been thoroughly compared with other products in their categories and selected the ones that provided a significant increase in my performance, as well as the handling and function of the gun in all shooting conditions.

Optic Options

After you’ve decided on a rifle, the next priority is to select an optic that best compliments the capabilities of your new AR. Choosing the right optic is arguably as important as the platform itself, and where the majority of your funds should be spent. All too often, folks purchase an expensive rifle, only to bolt a cheap red-dot sight and an equally cheap mount to the top rail. Realistically, you can do a lot more with a cheaper rifle coupled with a high-quality piece of glass. In many cases, I’d recommend spending twice the cost of the rifle on a good optic and a solid mount.

For any rifle with a 14.5-inch or longer barrel, I recommend forgoing a red-dot sight and instead selecting a low-power variable optic (LPVO). For such a rifle, the ultimate LPVO is the Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 by Vortex Optics. This optic can do everything you need it to do.

The Razor HD Gen III 1-10x is based off the company’s extremely successful Razor HD Gen II 1-6x, chosen and fielded by some of our nation’s most elite special operations forces within USSSOCOM. It has proven itself to be extraordinarily rugged and up to the challenges of military abuse. Not only is the optic exceptionally durable, the forgiving eye box and fiber-optic illumination allows the optic to effectively function like a red-dot sight at 1-power, while offering a high-degree of precision at 6-power.

Shortly after the Razor HD Gen II 1-6x hit the market in 2013, it quickly became the gold standard, and continues to be the benchmark by which all other LPVOs are judged. Even in today’s battle for LPVO supremacy, there is no optic that checks all the boxes the Razor HD does, especially at its price point.

The Gen III 1-10x builds off the successes of the Razor HD Gen II 1-6x optic and shares the same size and weight as its predecessor, yet offers a 66 percent increase in magnification. Aside from outstanding optical clarity, one of the features that Vortex perfected is the eyebox of this optic. It is very forgiving and allows a lot of head movement while still maintaining a full field of view. In fact, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x has the largest field of view of any LPVO currently available.

Many LPVOs require consistent head placement behind the ocular lens. If the eye isn’t lined up perfectly, the shooter is rewarded with scope shadow; essentially an occluded view of the target, where portions of the visible image become black. This is unacceptable in an optic destined for dynamic shooting in varying positions, as it slows the shooter down substantially when you try to reposition your head prior to making a shot. A tight eyebox is the LPVOs Achilles heel and one of the reasons they have been slow to gain traction in the military and law enforcement markets, who favor the unlimited field of view and target acquisition speed a red dot offers.

Vortex cracked the code. That means lightning fast, natural red-dot acquisition, effortless target-to-target transitions and increased situational awareness thanks to a huge field of view. When the Razor HD is brought to your eye, the scope and turrets literally disappear from view; only a minuscule frame is visible around the image. It’s incredible, and when mounted at the proper height, the Razor HD is every bit as fast, and bright, as a red-dot sight.

Pick Out a Christmas Tree

The Razor HD Gen III 1-10x isn’t just a big red-dot sight though. Most LPVOs are judged by their low power performance; one of the many areas the Razor HD shines. But the AR-15 is capable of engaging targets beyond 500 yards. To effectively do that, you need to be able to identify your target and at least see portions of it to make solid hits. The rule of thumb is 2x magnification for every 100 yards, making a 1-10x optic an ideal power range for this platform.

To take full advantage of this power range and the capabilities of your AR-15, a Christmas-tree-style reticle with accurate subtensions and wind holds is an ideal solution. The Gen III 1-10x is available in two reticles. One is in MOA and the other in MRAD.

The MOA hash-marked ranging reticle is a combination of a ballistic drop compensation and an MOA-based reticle. It offers subtension lines for ranging, holdovers and windage corrections, making it just the ticket for the shooter looking for a rapid acquisition reticle that is both straight forward and easy to use effectively.

The MOA/BDC Christmas-tree style reticle is optimized for 5.56mm AR-15s. You can use the reticle to estimate the range of targets, then, simply position the target at the appropriate number and squeeze the trigger. Each elevation hold is numbered in 100-yard increments from 100 to 600 yards. Beyond 600 yards, the reticle reverts back to MOA subtensions, all the way to 32 MOA. Wind hold dots are positioned in 5 mph increments from 5 to 20 mph and are calibrated for full-value wind. It really doesn’t get any easier or faster than the EBR-9 MOA reticle.

The EBR-9 MRAD is a mil-based reticle that requires a little more ballistic data and knowledge to use effectively, but those familiar will certainly appreciate this feature-rich reticle. The EBR-9 MRAD offers the same Christmas-tree style reticle as the MOA-based version, but all subtensions, holdovers, and windage corrections are MRAD- or MIL-based, which will blend nicely with your ballistic solver and will offer more precise aiming.

Both reticles offer the same segmented circle surrounding a center aiming point and offer a very fast, bright red dot for use up close, while also allowing for a high-degree of precision as distances increase, or smaller targets present themselves.

The the Razor HD excels as a close-quarter optic, while also allowing you see and engage targets well beyond the effective range of your AR-15, all with a healthy degree of precision. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. If it breaks, Vortex will fix it—period.

Choosing the Right Optic Height

After selecting your optic, it’s time to choose the appropriate height optic mount. Most AR-style rifles will be best served with a 1.5- or 1.54-inch SPR (Special Purpose Rifle)-style, one-piece cantilever mount. Lower and taller mounts exist, but they are optimized for certain types of shooting. As an example, I am very fond of 1.93-inch height mounts that position the magnified optic at a height that is comparable with lower 1/3 co-witnessed red-dot sights. Red-dot sights positioned at this height are actually 1.72-inches above the top rail, but due to the size of the ocular lens of most LPVO’s, it will feel very familiar.

One of the reasons many folks are choosing these taller LPVO mounts is speed of reticle acquisition for stand-up shooting. They are almost as quick as a red dot to pick up from any position except prone, which is where they struggle. Due to the height above the rail, neck strain can develop over prolonged periods of time in this position.

A better choice for a general-purpose rifle is the 1.5/1.54 height. Depending on your body type and shooting style, you may be giving up a little speed, but you might be gaining consistency of cheek weld and comfort. My advice is to try them both and make your choice accordingly. My LPVO-equipped rifles are set up with 1.93-inch mounts because I prefer a more head-up shooting position, and prone is the position I spend the least amount of time in, but your intentions may vary from mine.

Primarily, these mounts are affixed to your rifle’s flat top upper receiver by way of either quick-detach (QD) throw levers or ½-inch bolts. Both methods are very secure. For QD mounts I like LaRue Tactical. LaRue mounts are quick to attach or remove and will return to zero if removed and reinstalled in the same place. If your rifle is equipped with a traditionally-placed back-up iron sight, I would highly recommend a QD mount. If your iron sights are mounted at an offset 45-degree angle, a traditional bolt-on cantilever mount is fine. Check out Geissele Automatics Super Precision mounts, Badger Ordnance Condition One, or one of the factory cantilever mounts from Vortex.

Subjective Trigger Selection

A light, smooth trigger is necessary to take full-advantage of the accuracy potential of your rifle/optic combination. With that said, a trigger is also very subjective. For a general-purpose AR-15, I prefer a two-stage trigger with a combined pull weight of around 4 pounds; one with a solid reset. I also prefer one with a flat trigger shoe. I have an above average hand size and found that a flat face trigger increases overall length of pull and allows my trigger finger to naturally and comfortably fall where it should on the shoe, nestled right in between the valley of my first and second distal joints. The trigger I have found that best suites my preferences is the Super Dynamic-Combat (SD-C) produced by Geissele Automatics.

Geissele’s SD-C is a non-adjustable combat trigger that performs much like a match-grade two-stage trigger and allows for precise, accurate trigger control. The SD-C is very similar to Geissele’s SSA trigger, the semi-auto version of the select-fire trigger that Geissele makes for the U.S. Special Operations community. It has a pull weight of 4 1⁄2 pounds: 2 1⁄2 pounds on the first stage and 2 pounds on the second stage. I’ve found this weight to be just right for this type of carbine. It allows for a high degree of precision, while also lending itself well to speed.

I like the two-stage trigger, as it’s designed to boost the shooter’s confidence by helping to reduce trigger jerk, thus increasing accuracy. The SD-C has a smooth feel and has been proven to be extremely reliable in field conditions and offers enhanced trigger control and accuracy while maintaining the reliability of a mil-spec trigger.

Read Next: 5 Tips for Better Long Range Accuracy with Your AR

The Right Bolt Carrier Decreases Malfunctions

The heart of the AR-15 is the bolt carrier group (BCG). The stock works fine for regular shooting. But, when you add a suppressor into the mix, things can get a little complicated, especially in a direct impingement rifle. SureFire, in conjunction with one of the original designers of the M16, Jim Sullivan, created the Optimized Bolt Carrier (OBC) to solve this very problem.

The OBC doubles the reliability of your AR-15. Its patented design allows more time for reliable feeding of ammunition from the magazine and nearly eliminating bolt-over-base malfunctions, which can cripple your rifle.

The OBC also delays the unlocking of the bolt during the firing sequence, which allows expanding gases more time to exit the bore. This reduces back-pressure gases exiting the upper receiver group. A neutrally balanced counterweight fitted within the tail of the carrier improves both carrier and barrel extension lock-up, nearly eliminating bolt bounce.

You will notice a reduction in felt recoil. Installation of the OBC will provide increased performance of both man and machine, providing easier target tracking and greater control during rapid-fire strings. Coated with an advanced anti-friction coating, the OBC resists friction during use and makes cleaning easy— just wipe down the carrier with a damp cloth.

Coupled with a SureFire WarComp, the gun simply doesn’t move off your target, making off-hand, multi-shot strings laser accurate, repeatable, and very easy to accomplish. The OBC offers the single largest shooting improvement to the AR-15 than any product I’ve used to date. Add the longevity it brings to the rifles bolt life and the investment is a no-brainer.

Eliminate Muzzle Flash

For years, shooters have had to choose between a flash hider or compensator. Several hybrids have been produced, but all fall short on the flash suppression side. The WarComp effectively eliminates more than 98 percent of all muzzle flash, even on short-barreled rifles. The proprietary design of SureFire’s WarComp flash hiders/suppressor adapter provides the best attributes of both devices. WarComp’s deliver superior flash reduction and significantly reduced muzzle rise, helping to conceal your location, preserve your dark-adapted vision and keep you on target for faster follow-up shots.

Additionally, the ports are direction and can be optimized for virtually any shooting style. DLC coating provides maximum protection under harsh environmental conditions and facilitates cleaning even after extreme use. SureFire’s WarComp hybrid muzzle device has become the industry standard in both flash and recoil reduction, and also acts as a suppressor mount for SureFire’s renowned suppressors. It’s amazing.

You Have to Buy a Suppressor, Too

Another industry standard to add to the list is a SureFire suppressor. They offer improved gas-flow dynamics and a patented front plate design that virtually eliminates first-round flash, in addition to flash from subsequent shots, greatly reducing dust and debris signatures. When a round is fired at night, a flash comparable to the size of a sushi roll is all that can be seen.

My preferred suppressor is SureFire’s SOCOM556-MINI2. It delivers similar performance levels to the renowned USSOCOM-issued suppressor, but in a more compact package optimized for 14.5-inch and longer barrels. At just 5 inches long (adds only 2.5-inches to the total overall length of your rifle), it uses SureFire’s innovative internal baffling to significantly decrease back pressure, cyclic rate and gas blowback — making for a comfortable shooting experience. The Mini also utilizes the company’s Fast-Attach ratcheting system to quickly add or remove the can with the twist of a collar.

Not only does the SOCOM556-MINI2 offer significant reduction in sound and dust signature, it also offers consistent point-of-impact shift. That means adding the suppressor to your rifle does not require re-zeroing it.

Find the Proper Grip

The two pistol grips that I have standardized on are Magpuls MOE+ and K2+ grips. The latter offers a more vertical grip than the traditional A2 and MOE variant. The more vertical grip provides a comfortable and effective shooting experience, as it will allow you to keep your wrist straight and locked, to efficiently pull the rifle into your shoulder pocket. Both grips offer superior control over the rifle, thanks to a tactile rubber overmold that ensures a solid grip regardless of wet or dry conditions. Both feature generous internal storage capacity capable of storing a spare bolt, a firing pin, lubrication, batteries, zip-ties, or other like-sized items.

While I’m adding a grip to my gun, I always install Magpul’s winter trigger guard. Not only is the opening enlarged for use with gloved hands, but also protects the firing hand’s middle finger by filling the gap normally present between the trigger guard and grip.

A Proven Stock

My favorite stock is Magpul’s SL. It has a slender profile that puts plenty of surface area against the firing shoulder. The adjustment lever is tucked out of the way where accidental activation is unlikely. There are metal flush QD sling swivel cups on either side of the stock and two locations where the sling can loop around the stock for direct attachment. I like to add Magpul’s .30-inch enhanced rubber butt pad that not only increases friction, but also length of pull.

Magpul is one of the few companies that test its products to destruction. The SL stock is so durable you could extend it and then repeatedly butt-stroke the ground without breaking the stock. It’s likely the positioning detent in the buffer tube would deform before the stock broke.

Smooth-Operating Safety

I install Radian weapons Talon ambidextrous safety selector in all my rifles. They offer a modular design that can be installed as a standard 90-degree (my preference) or as a short 45-degree throw by simply rotating the shaft 180 degrees inside the lower receiver when installed. Each selector lever is installed using a precision machined dovetail interface with spring-loaded retention stud to lock the lever in place. This means there aren’t any screws to come loose or break. The Talon offers a two lever combo; one long lever and one short lever. As a right-handed shooter, I place the long (standard length) on the lower receivers left side and the shorter on the right side. I’ve tried a lot of different ambi-selectors over the years and have found a favorite in the Talon’s shape, size, and smooth operation. Having a short right side doesn’t impede or contact my trigger finger as well.

Turn Darkness into Daylight

I want a carbine light that is lightweight, has an extremely bright, focused beam, and can be equipped with a switch that allows both momentary and constant on switches that I can custom configure around my support hand grip. It also has to be reliable in all conditions.

SureFire’s M600 Scout Light Pro is a recoil-proof, ultra-high-output LED that delivers 1,000 lumens of blinding white light. Its proprietary TIR lens shapes the light into a far-reaching beam with ample corona, or surrounding light for exceptional peripheral vision; making it ideal for medium to longer-range applications.

What sets the new PRO apart from its predecessors is the way it mounts to your rifle. In the recent years, fixed offset or inline mounts were developed, becoming the preferred method of mounting a light to the fore-end of your AR-15. These methods would tuck the light closer into the rail, reducing its overall profile, but at an added cost and fragility.

The new PRO features a new Low-Profile Mount (LPM) that allows the light body to rotate and roll inboard or outboard, fitting snuggly beneath other accessories, significantly reducing the profile of the light. LPMs are compatible with M-Lok and Picatinny rail sections.

I always add SureFire’s DS-SR07 switch to my Scout Lights. This accessory is a waterproof switch assembly for SureFire’s Scout Light Weapon Lights. The switch includes a system disable feature, click-on/off pushbutton switch, and a plug-in SR07 switch assembly and a 7-inch momentary-on and click-on/off remote tape switch. The integrated pushbutton and remote switch assemblies operate independently, providing switch redundancy and can be placed anywhere a small section of Picatinny rail is located. Or modify the switch and glue it anywhere along your handguard to optimize your support hand grip.

The Ideal Ammo

I’m a fan of 5.56 NATO. It is available in quantity practically everywhere. Availability means you can get out there and practice with your rifle. The cost per round is so low that it won’t break the bank and you won’t be afraid to expend a couple hundred rounds in a practice session. 5.56 has a reputation for being extremely accurate and lethal at practical ranges. Recoil is tame, allowing for very fast, controllable follow-up shots. Lastly, 5.56 ammunition is reliable. Even cheap, dirty ammunition goes bang each time you pull the trigger, and if your gun is setup properly, it always will.

My go-to choice for ammunition is manufactured by Black Hills Ammunition. I choose the 62-grain TSX load. The Triple Shock X (TSX) bullet is made of 100 percent copper and contains no lead. When the bullet expands, four razor-sharp cutting petals are created, allowing the bullet to penetrate farther. These bullets usually retain 100 percent of their original weight and are highly regarded as one of the best-performing 5.56 loads available.

Using Black Hills 62-grain Triple Shock (TSX) ammunition and a stable firing position, you should easily own everything from contact distance to 600 yards. I regularly take my 14.5-inch barreled AR out to this distance and can hold the A-zone of an IPSC silhouette in all but the windiest conditions at 500 yards.

Sling Support

A sling is to a rifle as a holster is to a pistol, which means you should have one on your rifle. I’m a huge fan of quick-adjust two-point slings. Specifically, one that offers a quick adjustment tab or slider that allows the user to quickly change the length of the sling and the ability to tighten, loosen, or to use for sling-supported shooting.

Numerous variations of this type of sling are available: padded and unpadded, metal or polymer hardware, different width webbing, in both solid colors and trending camouflage patterns to match your taste. Choose the brand you like the most. My preference is Viking Tactic’s VTAC sling, but I also use Magpul’s MS1 and Blue Force Gear’s VCAS as well.

I prefer quick-detach sling swivels on both ends of the sling, but would recommend at least equipping the front attachment point with one. This allows you to quickly remove the sling in an emergency, should you get tangled, or to wrap the sling around an object to obtain a more stable shooting position.

I attached the rear end of the sling to the right side my stock and the front end at the beginning of the rifles fore-end on the left side, as I’m right-handed. This allows for extensive adjustment options and full control of the muzzle when the rifle is slung. This positioning also provides uninterrupted access to the full length of my handguard, allowing for freedom of support hand placement, and the rifle lays flat against my body when it’s not in use.

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This new PC Carbine takedown from Ruger is an affordable, shootable, survival gun that includes plenty of thoughtful, useful touches. It’s not mentioned in the video, but the muzzle is also threaded for a suppressor.

Video by Natalie Krebs

The post The Ruger PC Carbine Takedown Rifle appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.