Best Rifle Brands
Explore the best Centerfire and Rimfire Rifle Brands
Whether you’re looking for a rifle for hunting, recreation, or home defense, you need to make sure you have a safe, reliable firearm. Luckily, there are tried and true rifle brands that are known for making high-quality firearms across their models.
Selecting the Best Rifle Brand
Selecting the best rifle starts with selecting the best rifle brand. The best rifle brands are those with sterling reputations for manufacturing rifles with a proven history of dependability, durability, accuracy, and ergonomics. Top rifle brands also produce various models at different price points to accommodate diverse budgets and hunter preferences. When selecting a rifle brand we recommend considering the following factors.
- Dependability
- Durability
- Ergonomics
- Selection
- Affordability
Our Top Picks
There are a wide variety of firearm manufacturers, and personal preference and uses are always going to play a huge role. Below we've highlighted a few of our top picks including Weatherby, Tikka, Ruger, Browning, and Remington, chosen from some of the most reputable and popular rifle brands on the market today. But to serve the greatest needs of our readers, we’ve also provided a more extensive breakdown of all top brands in the table below.
1. Weatherby
Weatherby is a trusted manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition. Since their founding in 1945 by Roy Weatherby, they have created quality rifles using their own or other types of ammunition.
Weatherby produces two lines of rifles: Mark V and Vanguard. Both are centerfire bolt action rifles, and both have sub-MOA models available. Bolt action rifles are often popular choices for hunters, and these lines are competitively priced compared to similar quality rifles in the market.
2. Tikka
Tikka is a Finnish company specializing in budget-friendly rifles that still offer high quality. Their most popular line of rifles is the Tikka T3x, a bolt action line available in a variety of sights, calibers, and barrel lengths for hunting, tactical applications, and more.
Tikka rifles are all tested to ensure accuracy under 1 MOA, and are specifically designed to endure all kinds of conditions for hunters.
3. Ruger
Ruger is an American manufacturer, and one of the most trusted names in the business of firearms. Their popular rifle models include the American, Scout Rifle, Hawkeye, 77-Series, and Ruger No. 1. The first four of these are bolt action rifles, while the Ruger No. 1 is a single shot rifle.
Ruger was founded in 1949, and is particularly popular among hunters. It is considered an excellent value for its performance, and their rifles are appropriate for any environment. Many Ruger rifles come with factory-mounted scopes, so be sure to compare the quality of these as you make your purchase.
4. Browning
Established in 1878, Browning has long been a top rifle brand thanks to the reliability of their firearms. Browning’s rifles are particularly beloved thanks to their accuracy and their ability to shoot well even through difficult weather. This makes Browning a popular choice among hunters.
Browning’s popular rifle models include the X-Bolt, AB3, BLR, and BAR. The X-Bolt and AB3 are bolt action rifles, while the BLR offers a lever action, and the BAR a semi-automatic rifle.
5. Winchester
Winchester made one of the earliest repeating rifles, and they’ve remained a major player in the business of firearms manufacturing ever since. While there are plenty of modern innovations available (including bolt action and semi-automatic rifles), their lever actions continue to be popular with deer hunters and more.
The Winchester Model 1894 is considered by many to be one of the most popular hunting rifles of all time. Several of their popular models harken back to their early days in the nineteenth century, but you can also opt for sleek, modern options such as the Wildcat and XPR.
And A Few More…
There is a whole world of rifle manufacturers creating excellent firearms for hunting, home defense, tactical applications, recreation, target shooting, and more. The following chart will guide you through the offerings of each brand that has passed the quality considerations needed for sale through Sportsman’s Warehouse. Ultimately, the right rifle for you will depend upon your budget, goals, and shooting style – but it’s always good to start with a thorough list of trusted manufacturers.
Brand | Description |
---|---|
Barrett | Barrett Firearms is an American company that manufactures machine guns, semi-automatic rifles, and sniper rifles. Some of the most popular Barrett firearms include the .338 Lapua Magnum, Barrett M240LW, Barrett M468, Barrett M82/M107, .50 BMG M33 Ball and 416 Barrett. |
Benelli | Benelli is an Italian company that produces firearms for military, law enforcement, hunters, sport shooters, and more. They manufacture big game hunting rifles and deer hunting rifles chambered in .300 Win Mag, .30-06, .338, and .308. Benelli prides themselves on reliable, innovative rifle designs. |
Bergara | Bergara is a Spanish company devoted to exceptional accuracy. Initially a barrel manufacturer, they now have a full line or precision rifles. The Bergara B-14 HMR is considered one of. the best vallues for long range shooting. Bergara's most popular rifles include the Premier Ridgeback, Premier Highlander, and B14 Ridge Rifle. |
Browning | Browning is an American company manufacturing all kinds of sporting goods, including bolt action, lever action, semi-automatic, x-bolt, AB3 bolt, T-Bolt, centerfire, an other rifles of every kind. Browning has an excellent reputation, as they have been in the business of producing rifles for over 130 years. |
CVA | Originally specializing in side-lock muzzleloading rifles and rifle kits, CVA now produces scout rifles, centerfire rifles, and more. The CASCADE is CVA's first bolt-action centerfire rifle, and the new Accura LR-X is a long-barreled rifle for hunters shooting over long ranges. |
CZ USA | CZ USA is a Czech company manufacturing rimfire, standard centerfire, micro centerfire, big bore, and more rifles of every kind. The CZ USA 557 Eclipse Bolt-Action is a popular bolt action gun thanks to its reliability and affordability |
Chiappa Italy | Chiappa Firearms is an Italian company manufacturing black powder, folding, lever-action, falling block, and semi-automatic riflfes. One of their most popular lever action rifles is the Chiappa 1886 Standard Rifle, and they offer a series of historical Winchester 1892 rifles, from classic replicas to modern updates. |
Christensen Arms | Christensen Arms is an American manufacturer of bolt action, rimfire, left-handed, and modern sporting rifles. One of their most popular rifles is the Modern Precision Rifle, an ultra-lightweight chassis rifle. Their most popular chamberings are 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, .308 Win, and 7mm Rem Mag. |
Citadel | Citadel is a manufacturer of lever action rifles. One of their most popular models is the Citadel Levtac-92 lever-action rifle, which has a 16.5" barrel and is chambered in .357 Mag. |
Crickett | Crickett Rifles, made by Keystone Sporting Arms, is best known for its My First Rifle series, which seeks to be the safest rifle for youths. Crickett offers youth precision refiles, walnut and laminate rifles, and synthetic and hydro-dripped rifles. |
Daniel Defense | Daniel Defense is a firearms manufacturer based in the state of Georgia. They have a strong reputation as a manufacturer of the highly popular AR-15. Daniel Defense also produces bolt action rifles as well as rifles using the AR-10 platform. |
FN | FN Herstal is a firearms manufacturer based in Belgium. FN produces LE rifles and carbines, semi-automatic rifles, and bolt action rifles for home defense, tactical applications, and more. They also manufacture rifles on the AR-15 platform, including the FN 15 Patrol Carbine, which has a strong reputation for reliability and accuracy. |
Fierce Firearms | Fierce Firearms was founded to make the next great hunting rifle for big game. Their Edge model rifles guarantee a 1/2-inch, 3-shot group at 100 yards. Their series of bolt action rifles include the Rival and Edge series. They also offer the F-15 Sidewinder, a Modern Sporting Rifle. |
Franchi | Franchi is an Italian company manufacturing rifles specifically to ensure MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Their offerings include the Momentum, Momentum Elite, and Momentum Elite Varmint, bolt-action rifles built for superior fit, feel, and ease of use while hunting. |
Henry | Henry Repeating Arms is one of the foremost produucers of lever-action rifles. All of Henry's rifles are made in America. They produce rimfire and centerfire options, as well as modern sporting rifles. |
Howa | HOWA USA, a subsidiary of Legacy Sports International, is a Japanese manufacturer of sporting rifles for military and civilian applications. Their selection includes the APC Chassis Rifle, Carbon Elevate, Hogue Rifle, and Walnut Rifle. |
Kimber | Kimber America is a manufacturer of rifles for sporting, hunting, varmint, and tactical applications. Kimber rifles are guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy. Their rifle series include Hunter, Traditional, Open Range, Mountain, Dangerous Game, Varmint, and Tactical. |
Magnum Research | Magnum Research is an American manufacturer of rimfire and centerfire rifles. Their product series include Magnum Lite Rimfire Rifles and Mountain Eagle Centerfire Rifles. Their rifles can be chambered in a variety of calibers and come with options for combining barrel and stock. |
Marlin | Marlin Firearms is an American company manufacturing bolt action, semi-autoatic, rimfire, and lever action rifles. Their rimfire options include the XT Series, Model 60, and Model 795. Their lever action rifles include the big bore Model 1895, Model 336, and Model 1894. |
Mossberg | Mossberg is an American manufacturer of bolt action and modern sporting rifles for hunting, sporting, self defense, tactical, and law enforcement applications. They offer centerfire and rimfire rifles in bolt action and autoloading models. |
Nosler | Nosler is an American company most known for producing ammunition and handloading components - but they also manufacture their own rifles. Nosler's rifles include the Model 48 as well as the new, forward-thinking Model 21, which has premium components, excellent precision, and many added features. |
Proof Research | Proof Research is a custom rifle company dedicated to setting a new standard for precision rifles. Proof Research has a patented carbon fiber barrel, which they pair with carbon fire stocks and custom actions. Their selection includes lightweight hunting rifles, mountain hunting rifles, mountain tactical rifles, and more. |
Remington | Remington Arms is an American manufacturer and one of the best-known rifle makers in the business. They offer bolt action, pump action, and muzzleloading rifles. One of their most popular rifles is the Model 700, a bolt action initially released over 50 years ago. |
Rossi | Rossi USA is a firearms manufacturer offering rimfire, lever action, long platform, and pump action rifles. Rossi's small-bore rimfire rifles are available in bolt action or semi-automatic models, with free-floating barrels. The R92 lever action and the Rossi Gallery pump action rifle bring the shooter back to traditional styles of riflery. |
Ruger | Ruger is an American manufacturer of bolt action, single shot, autoloading, rimfire, centerfire, and left-handed rifles. The Ruger American Rifle is one of their most popular offerings, thanks to its accuracy and affordability as a hunting rifle. |
Sako | Sako is a Finnish company manufacturing a variety of rifles for hunting, self defense, and more. Sako's offerings include the Sako 85 series, a turn-bolt action rifle that can be purchased in six different action sizes. They also offer the Sako Quad Series, specially designed for small game with interchangeable barrels. |
Sauer | Sig Sauer is an established firearms manufacturer producing bolt action, direct impingement, and gas piston rifles. Their models include the Cross, SIG MPX, SIG716, SIGM400, and TREAD. |
Savage Arms | Savage Arms is an American company manufacturing rimfire, centerfire, and single-shot rifles. Their rifles include the 110 Timberline, specially designed for long range shooting in the backcountry in challenging conditions; and the 110 Ultralite, designed to brave the elements as well as elevation. |
Seekins | Seekins Precision is a firearms manufacturer producing bolt action and modern sporting rifles. Seekins' Havak Bolt Rifles are available in the Havak Bravo, Havak Element, and Havak Pror Hunter PH2. |
Springfield Armory | Springfield Armory is an American company manufacturing lighweight, durable rifles. Springfield Armory's rifle series include the Model 2020 Series, Saint Series, and M1A Series. |
Tactical Solutions | Tactical Solutions is a firearms manufacturer known for its production of rifles, barrels, and accessories. One of Tactical Solutions' most popular lines is the TacSol .22 Rifles. This series is available through subcategories of Kryptek Series Rifles, X-Ring .22 Rifles, Owyhee Takedown Bolt Action Rifles, X-Ring Integrally Suppressed Takedown Rifles, and X-Ring Integrally Suppressed Rifles. |
Thompson Center Arms | Thompson/Center Arms is an American company known for creating firearms with interchangeable barrels. Thompson/Center Arms produces bolt action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, muzzleloaders, and interchangeable platforms. |
Tikka | Tikka is a Finnish company manufacturing high-quality hunting and tactical rifles. The Tikka T3x is one of their most popular product lines, with rifles available for a variety of hunting needs, including different game species, designs, weights, and surroundings. All Tikka T3x rifles are guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy. |
Traditions | Traditions Firearms offers muzzleloaders and cartridge rifles for hunting and more. Their Nitrofire muzzleloading rifle utilizes their new Federal Premium Firestick, an encapsulated powder charge resistant to moisture. |
Uberti | Uberti is dedicated to creating replica guns from the Old West period. Their cartridge rifles include single shot, rolling block, trapdoor, slide action, and lever action rifles. They utilize modern methods and materials so you can shoot a historic gun with a modern ammunition load. |
Weatherby | Weatherby is a well-known American manufacturer of a wide variety of rifles. One of Weatherby's most popular series is the Mark V, a bolt action rifle with one of the strongest actions on the market. This platform is available in a variety of models based on unique hunting needs. |
Winchester | Winchester is a classic American manufacturer of rifles known for their dependability, accuracy, and ergonomics. Winchester's rifle series include the Wildcat 22 Autoloader Rifles, Model 70 Bolt Action Rifles, Model 1895 Lever Action Rifles, Model 1885 Single Shot Falling Block Action Rifles, and more. |
* The list of best rifle brands above is limited to those brands carried by Sportsman's Warehouse. Brands are listed in alphabetical order. |