In selecting a hunting rifle, you have a few considerations to make before purchasing one. The first is to determine which type of game you’re after. A 300 WIN Mag or 338 Lapua will drop any North American game animal at 400+ yards, but it might be overkill to use one while hunting whitetails, mule deer or pronghorn antelope. A smaller caliber works just as well, and often at a lower cost in both terms of money, and the shock on your shoulder when the recoil of these larger cartridges’ hits.

Cartridge is just one thing to consider. Others are weight, barrel length, magazine capacity, ease of attaching a scope, length of pull and that intangible, the feel of the rifle in your hands.

In reviewing these top 10 rifles we’ve taken all these metrics into consideration. All of them are great choices, but fine tuning your selection based on your hunting style, the distance you require for an accurate shot, and fitting your physique are all keys.

In general, a lighter weight rifle is great if you’re a hunter who hits the trail for miles in pursuit of game. However, that light weight isn’t an advantage when you fire a larger caliber cartridge. The resulting recoil can alter your shot, even subconsciously through “shooter’s flinch.” Finding the right combination of power, with the possible addition of a brake to reduce recoil, is an option on many of these rifles.

Bergara B-14 Wilderness Sierra 308 Winchester

What do most backcountry hunters look for in a big game rifle? The answer is compact design, lightweight, and accuracy with a caliber large enough to ethically harvest any big game animal.

With those parameters in mind, it’s hard to look past the Bergara B-14 Wilderness rifle in .308 caliber. The shorter barrel length of just 20 inches, combined with an overall empty weight of 7.4 pounds makes the B-14 an ideal choice for hunters who like to hike into rough terrain while pursuing game.

Adjustable length of pull is a nice feature with this rifle, allowing the shooter to fine-tune the rifle to their unique specifications in ¼ inch increments. The adjustable comb and a slightly vertical grip add even more versatility to the platform.

Unlike many competitors, the B-14 is available in both left and right-hand configurations. If you’re left-handed, you won’t have to work the bolt with that annoying over-the-top motion.

The B-14 scored well in bench tests, but the intangibles of hunting are vastly different than those found at the range. The B-14 is a quick action rifle, it can be brought to your shoulder quickly, and thanks to an adjustable trigger pull of from 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, it has a touch for any shooter. Bergara’s stock design, and included brake, reduce the recoil from the .308 substantially.

Fierce Firearms Carbon Rogue 7mm PRC

When you hear of a carbon fiber barrel for the first time, you’re likely to be a little wary. Conventional wisdom is that carbon fiber is for rifle stocks, not rifle barrels. But Fierce Firearms has taken this technology from Canada in opening a new production facility in Utah.

The benefits of a carbon fiber barrel begin with weight. This rifle in 7mm PRC is absolutely “featherweight” at just 5.8 pounds. Combine that with a supporting stainless-steel chamber and action and you have a rifle perfectly suited to long treks in the wilderness.

Why buy a Carbon Rouge 7mm PRC when you can purchase competing rifles for less than half the price? Here are a few reasons, it is extremely light, between just over five pounds to just under six depending on whether you choose a titanium or a steel action. Incredibly accurate, patterns at 100 yards are in half-inch groups from a bench rest. A smooth action and an excellent trigger with pull adjustments from one to three pounds.

Add to the mechanics, a rigid carbon fiber stock that is impervious to cold, heat, humidity or anything else nature can throw at you out in the field.

The 22-inch barrel is highly rated for accuracy. No matter the caliber, shooters can reliably group shots to within a half inch. The technology is cutting-edge, but so is the performance. The only caveat to the Carbon Rogue is the price. It is on the high end of the scale.

Savage Arms Axis XP w/ Bushnell 4-12x40 Scope 308 Winchester

Savage Arms has a reputation for delivering good quality firearms at moderate prices. With the Axis XP, they’ve combined a durable, reliable .308 Winchester rifle with a 4-12X40 Bushnell scope at a very modest price.

The Axis XP delivers everything you could ask for in an entry-level hunting rifle. With an overall length of 42 inches, and a 22-inch barrel it delivers accurate power for any big game in .308 Winchester.

The Axis XP is a good choice for a first gun. The weight at just over seven pounds is adequate for reducing recoil in .308 ammunition to a manageable level for teenagers and smaller framed adults. For the price, it’s hard to beat the quality and reputation Savage brings to the sporting world.

If you’re a first-time hunter, who doesn’t know if the sport is a fit or not, you can’t lose with the Axis XP. It won’t cost a lot and is designed for beginner hunters. It works well as a backup rifle as well. Savage combined inexpensive machining with a design that created a dependable, accurate, inexpensive rifle. Add the versatile .308 caliber and you can hunt every big game animal in North America without a lot of added expense.

As an added bonus to the low cost is the accuracy of this rifle aligned with the proprietary Savage, “accu-trigger” which is considered by many hunters and marksman as the best trigger system available today.

Ruger American Generation II 308 Winchester

Certain manufacturers have a following in the hunting and shooting world, perhaps the best-known across the globe is Ruger. Ruger rifles are renowned by enthusiasts for their accuracy, extreme attention to detail and overall performance. Many who don’t share this enthusiasm look on Ruger adherents as almost a cult, maybe, but they have good reasons for their loyalty.

The American Generation II rifle in .308 Winchester is a remarkably well-designed, well-machined rifle with tight tolerances. At 6.2 pounds it is lightweight. With a 20-inch barrel, it sports tight groupings at 400 yards and has Ruger’s well-established bolt-action design. All this comes at a moderate price.

Ruger received many customer requests for a bolt-locking safety and they brought it to the American Generation II in a three-position design. Set to the rear, in the bolt-lock position, it displays two white bars. Click it forward a step and the bolt is released, but the trigger safety is on, with one white line displayed. Set it forward and a red mark is displayed, indicating it is ready to fire.

This is a rifle that many women prefer, with minimized recoil, lighter weight and excellent overall performance.

Ruger rifles handle a wide variety of mounts, ensuring you’ll be able to use the scope of your choice with the Generation II. The only caveat on this rifle comes with the lighter weight. Firing the hard-hitting .308 caliber cartridge, you are going to experience recoil. If you can’t take substantial recoil, you can find a lighter caliber in the American Generation II or another, heavier rifle, add a muzzle brake, and compensate that way.

Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch 5.56mm

Certain manufacturers have a following in the hunting and shooting world, perhaps the best-known across the globe is Ruger. Ruger rifles are renowned by enthusiasts for their accuracy, extreme attention to detail and overall performance. Many who don’t share this enthusiasm look on Ruger adherents as almost a cult, maybe, but they have good reasons for their loyalty.

Confederate raider Col. John Mosby never had the chance to fire the 5.56 version of the Ruger American Generation II rifle, but he spoke of its charms in his famous quote, “They load it on Sunday and fire all week.” A high-capacity magazine, combined with a light design and a 16-inch barrel make the Generation II a popular varmint rifle.

Coyote hunting comes in a wide variety of techniques, but a 10-capacity magazine lends itself well to all of them. The accuracy of the Generation II in all calibers is excellent, but the 16-inch barrel on the 5.56 version is exceptional, especially at the closer ranges you can expect when calling coyotes.

Bolt-action enthusiasts don’t always enjoy an external magazine, yet AR-15 shooters think nothing of a larger 30-round magazine sitting in front of the trigger guard. The American Generation II is a mix of both. You won’t find many bolt-action rifles with a 10-round magazine, which makes this weapon unique just in ammunition capacity. Add the tradition, excellence and high quality standards Ruger is known for and you have a highly effective, unique rifle ready for the range or varmint hunting.

The 16-inch barrel is consistent with AR design but lends itself to the accuracy and scope mounting capabilities that bolt-action rifles offer. With a Ruger bolt-action you get durability, and ease of scope mounting as additional benefits.

The venerable design, the high-quality machining and the high tolerances Ruger rifles are known for are all present in this model. If you’re looking for an all-around rifle for either target shooting or small game this is a good choice in a bolt-action design.

Weatherby Model 307 300 PRC

The adage, “you get what you pay for” comes to mind when handling a Weatherby Model 307. The rifle is a classic combination of high-tech materials, exacting specifications and lightweight design that makes it a top hunting rifle in almost any setting.

Weighing just 6.1 pounds thanks to the carbon fiber stock, the 307 in 300 PRC delivers a high-powered punch. The 300 PRC is a solid rival to the more popular 300 WIN Mag. Weatherby has taken this cartridge and created a rifle with ample energy, accuracy and range for any North American big game animal.

There is a not-so-subtle reference in the name of this rifle, the “307” refers to the area code of the state of Wyoming. With just 500,000 residents, the Cowboy State only needs a single area code.

When Weatherby moved from California to Sheridan, Wyoming they built this popular Model 307 using the Remington 700 footprint. This design allows hundreds of after-market accessories to easily fit the Model 307. If it works with a Remington 700, it will work with the Weatherby 307.

Weatherby is regarded as one of the top-quality rifle manufacturers, this is evidenced with the many features in the 307. The only caveat on this rifle is the recoil a 300 PRC can generate in a lighter rifle. Weatherby has compensated with an included side-vented brake that substantially reduces recoil.

Tikka T3X Superlite 300 Winchester Magnum

If you’re looking for a basic, simple rifle with high accuracy at a modest price, the Tika T3X Suplerlite might be just the ticket. Tikka is regarded as an innovative company with high production standards that produces a moderately priced quality rifle.

Tikka comes from a proud tradition of Finnish hunters. Their design standards are as rigorous as the Finnish countryside and the T3X is their latest innovation. A 24.3-inch barrel enhances accuracy and in 300 Win Mag caliber, it has power over distance as well. This rifle is capable of ethical kill shots on elk and moose at 600+ yards.

Designed for the mountain hunter who must carry everything required for high altitude pursuit of big game, the light weight with an impressive 24-inch barrel length allows long range shots at elk, Big Horn sheep or black bear with the power of the 300 WIN Mag able to deliver the ideal “one shot – one kill” style hunt.

The Tikka T3X arrives with a three-round box magazine that can be upgraded for higher capacity. The main caveat on this rifle in 300 WIN Mag is the recoil. You’re going to notice it.

Lightweight at just 6.4 pounds, with an overall length of 44 inches, this is an ideal rifle for packing or on stalk and shoot style hunts. The only issue with the Tikka T3X is the lighter weight when firing the massive 300 Win Mag cartridge. It’s going to kick. Recoil is an issue with this rifle.

PROOF EVLTN 2 MTR 7 PRC 22" GJ

Proof Research might seem an odd name for a firearms manufacturer, but the title says it all about this company. They are dedicated to new, emerging weapons technologies and the MTR 7 is an outstanding example of what they offer.

The MTR7 has a composite stock, and a high-density carbon fiber barrel. Tipping the scales at just over seven pounds with a fully loaded detachable 10-round magazine, the rifle is lightweight. In 7MM PRC caliber it has the power to stop any big game animal in North America.

Proof Research had specific features in mind when they developed the Elevation 2. They wanted a rifle capable of taking any North American big game with a single shot, but they didn’t want the massive recoil you find on .300 and .338 Winchester Magnum rifles. They chose the 7mm PRC for its high velocity, high energy performance over a variety of distances.

Compared to heavier caliber cartridges, the 7mm PRC is a much easier rifle to handle. The fiber carbon design cuts substantial weight, but not a cost of greater recoil as in traditional rifles.

The 22-inch barrel has ample length, but with a 1:8 twist, the accuracy of the MTR 7 comes into question. The carbon fiber barrel is rated as 30 times stronger than stainless steel, but it remains a relatively new technology. The price of the MTR 7 is the highest among all of the 10 guns we’ve reviewed.

Weatherby Vanguard SPORTSMANS 308 WIN 22"

It’s a Weatherby rifle. That simple statement indicates quality, accuracy and durability are all inherent in its design. The Vanguard Sportsmans with a 22-inch barrel is an accurate, long distance shooting rifle in the popular .308 Winchester cartridge.

You have a wide variety of choices in calibers with the Vanguard Sportsmans, some might say a bewildering variety of calibers. They include 223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .240 Weatherby Mag, .25-06 Rem, .257 Weatherby Mag, 6.5 Creed, 6.5 PRC, 6.5-300 Weatherby Mag, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, and .300 Weatherby Mag. That’s a bunch.

The venerable .308 is a cartridge in the middle of the pack, a “Goldilocks” caliber if you will, not to big, not to small, just right for almost any big game animal you can hunt. The performance of the .308 at long distances is legendary. Flat at 200 yards, it drops plus or minus 22 inches depending on the bullet size at 400 yards, while still delivering over 1500-foot pounds of energy at almost a quarter-mile.

Equipped with a five-round internal magazine, the Vanguard is a great all-around big game rifle. It weighs just seven pounds, making it portable. The weight might be a concern with .308 Win ammunition, but Weatherby’s stock design removes much of the recoil associated with the .308 cartridge.

Reasonably priced, it has all the virtues you expect in a Weatherby rifle. The synthetic stock lends itself well to western hunting where in pronghorn season temperatures can reach triple digits and three months later, in late deer and elk seasons, the thermometer can be well below zero. If you only had one rifle for all your hunting needs, this would be a great choice.

Marlin 336 Trapper 30-30 Winchester Stainless Steel Lever Action Rifle

If you grew up on westerns, or just love the nostalgic look of a classic lever-action rifle, the Marlin 336 Trapper provides a double dose with that classic “saddle rifle” design along with the venerable 30-30 Winchester cartridge.

The 30-30 is a cartridge that bridged the gap between breech-loading rifles of the early post-Civil War era, and modern repeating firearms. Each time you pump a shell into the chamber you’ll feel a bit of a connection to the “Old West” with perhaps a hint of buffalo hunting.

When firing 30-30 ammunition, recoil is not going to be a concern. For a lever action hunting rifle, the 336 trapper generate relatively low recoil compared to many larger caliber hunting rifles on the list.

On the performance side, Marlin offers many unique characteristics with this rifle. It’s short at just 34.25 inches with a short 16-inch barrel, making it a perfect pack gun. The design lends itself well to a saddle scabbard and while the look is vintage, the power is all 21st century. Many guides carry this rifle for protection while exploring backcountry wilderness.