July 15, 2021 | Nicole Quartieri

Buying an affordable hunting rifle seems overwhelming. We have compiled the study, so you don’t have to do this.

Your shotgun is a key part of your game storage in the refrigerator. However, there is no need to spend thousands of dollars to buy an accurate, durable, and fun shooting rifle.

Most major gun brands have entry-level rifles. Some are packaging options, scoped and ready to use out of the box. In my opinion, as a hunter in his later years, this is a good way to start using the first gun.

The better news is that most of these rifles are well below the $1,000 price.

You will notice that the following are all center bolster rifles, mainly used for large hunting. There are multiple options for all of the following guns, but-as far as the current market is concerned-many options may be sold out.

Another thing to note is that many of these rifles offer streamlined baseline options, starting with the lowest price. This is usually a simple synthetic stock option. Then, the brand offers upgrades from there. Therefore, if you want some kind of camouflage impregnation or add extras to the rifle, you may pay more for it.

For more information on the caliber, which rifle is used in which game, etc., please check the buyer's guide under the rifle below.

Note: We have carefully included guns that do have at least some stock options as of July 2021. However, if you can't find availability online, please check your local gun store or contact the manufacturer for a timetable.

Not all rifles have a left-handed option. But you can find a lot here. 

The Bergara B-14 series starts at US$700 and up to US$1,100, offering a wide range of cartridges and options for shooting games ranging from hunting to precision. Made in Spain, Bergara built this line to bring its acclaimed "Bergara barrel accuracy into a series of hunting rifles that are affordable for serious large hunters."

The wide range of options and finishes does just that. The Hunter, Ridge and Timber models cater specifically to hunting crowds. The biggest difference between models is that inventory production, movements, barrels and trigger systems remain unshakable.

Critics like the crisp Bergara trigger. Bergara guarantees a MOA of 1.0 or less at 100 yards and uses high-quality factory game-grade ammunition.

Customer reviews for .30-06 and .308: "B-14 Hunter is awesome. I bought 30-06 and my son bought 308. We are so happy. The best out of the box I have ever felt Trigger. Both use Federal Premium factory load to shoot sub-MOA. Even with gloves, the stock in my hand feels as solid as a rock. This is a great rifle."-Christopher V

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Although Browning does make the AB3 series at a more affordable price, the X-Bolt series offers an upgraded shooting experience, starting at less than $1,000. If you want to increase your energy within your budget, this is a good place to expand another layer.

Using X-Bolt ($969-999), you can adjust Browning’s proprietary chrome-plated three-bar Feather Trigger to a custom feel of 3-5 pounds. It becomes very nerd, if you want to be a nerd, Browning has a great movie.

The safety feature on X Bolt is another component that puts it in a unique category, being able to unlock the bolt on the bolt itself. This means you can keep the gun safe, press the bolt unlock button, and easily remove the gun without being in firing mode.

Many thoughtful components have been added to X-Bolt, but since 2008, the series has built-in safety and accuracy. For most hunters, this is an extraordinary purchase.

Customer’s comment on 300 Win Mag: “As far as the length of the barrel is concerned, it’s very heavy and light, but I know what I’m going to do. The mats and brakes don’t play badly, so I’m very happy in I performed 3 operations on my shooting shoulder.

"The accuracy is very good. I am very happy that I used the 300 Win Mag method, because if you look for it, ammunition is easier and cheaper. Most importantly, I want a rifle that can defeat any type of game in North America. , I believe this rifle can do this."

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Cascade ($499) is CVA and man's first bolt-style center-shooting rifle, does it offer it? I recently shot CVA Cascade at 6.5 Creedmoor.

To be honest, at this price point, I am very impressed with this gun. The accuracy of 100-300 yards did not waver, the recoil was almost non-existent, and when I heard the price point, I was sold.

The design of Cascade takes into account the smaller space (and hunters). Various shorter barrel lengths can help hunters who may blindly shoot a rifle. Another aspect of the shorter barrel length and lighter weight is that the gun is very suitable for mountain hunting and smaller and younger hunters.

The threaded muzzle is standard, allowing the use of muzzle brakes or suppressors. The spacer allows the buttstock to be adjusted from 13-14 inches of tension, further enabling this rifle to rapidly develop into an excellent entry gun suitable for children or younger hunters. Cascade also has an adjustable trigger, and most models can hold four bullets for subsequent shooting.

The shorter barrel length does mean that long-range shooting will lose the measurement of the final speed. However, you can still shoot Cascade with sub-MOA accuracy of 1,000 yards. For most hunters, this is more than enough for fair chase shooting conditions in the wild.

.308 customer comment: "I am looking for a rifle that will not break the bank but is accurate and of high quality. CVA has always made beautiful muzzle loaders, so based on the reviews I read, I decided to try the 0.308 Cascade. I I am very happy with this rifle. It is accurate (1 MOA or less), smooth, and the texture of the stock feels great." — Allen C.

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HOWA's Hogue ($620) series is offered at a competitive price, with reliable performance and matching construction. The soft touch makes the rifle feel great. The HACT two-stage trigger provides a clear shot, while the bolt action is smooth and easy to operate.

Unlike inferior injection molding materials, Howa created the column bed overmolding materials with ergonomics in mind. This provides an ultra-sturdy base for the rifle without any calico. In addition, $620 is a killer price point for a basic rifle that has always been acclaimed.

Customer comment: "This is my first shotgun-I am an obsessive archer who is expanding. I like it a lot; it is more accurate than me. This is a great value!"

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Kimber has a reputation on the market for sturdy and reliable guns, which has greatly expanded into the manufacturing of Hunter Bolt Action Rifle ($819). This is an excellent basic model that contains three-position safety, detachable box magazines and multiple calibers to suit most hunting situations.

Sub-MOA accuracy is guaranteed by the controlled circular feed. Its packable weight is very suitable for backpack hunters or smaller hunters.

Customer’s comment on 7mm-.08: “I have used the 7mm-08 gun for two seasons now. It performs perfectly. The accuracy is very good. It’s easy to break in. It likes several factory bullets, including Barnes. , Commonwealth and Winchester. The trigger pull is breathtaking, which is the best I get from a factory trigger without doing any work. The swing is great because the gun is perfectly balanced. The Mag is easy to load, Insert and remove."-Jason

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The Remington 700 (US$470-499) is a modern classic, inexpensive, and a durable shotgun. For only US$470, you can also install an entry-level scope and use it right out of the box. And, for only $299, you can find a variety of basic models to choose from.

There are as many as 17 options for the Remington 700, ranging from small game dedicated to long-range and tactical models. If you are looking for something that is both specific and affordable, most models are priced under $1,000. The wide range of calibers is impressive.

Here, we have listed the very affordable packages offered by Sportsman's Warehouse, as it is an excellent starting point for new hunters. And, if you need more than just an entry-level range, you can upgrade as you grow.

Customer comment: "It feels great and heavy. Take it out and shoot at the target at 50 yards in the afternoon [I] picked it up and used it out of the box. I am very satisfied! I'm sure there are more advanced rifles and more Good scope, but in terms of price-you can't beat it. And I am a casual target shooter, lightweight hunter-I would recommend this to anyone looking for a SOLID rifle with a good entry-level scope. "—Brian M.

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Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP pairs its extraordinary 110 with a 3-9x40mm Vortex Crossfire II scope. At only $685, this is really a bargain. These two brands are the backbone of the gun world, as long as you take good care of it, this setting will make ordinary hunters last a long time.

For its part, the rifle has a user-adjustable trigger, adjustable pull, detachable magazine and a special caliber range. For its part, the retail price of the Vortex Scope is $150. It has high-definition, wide eye relief and a resettable MOA turret for easy adjustment.

Customer comment: "I researched the different options of range rifles and finally chose this model. I am very satisfied with the purchase. In terms of price, the gun and optical system are worth the money. Shooting is very interesting, especially in more At long yard distances. Right out of the box, this gun performs well. I saw the binoculars at 100 yards and needed a small adjustment of about 3 inches. After that, I was able to check at 100 yards and 200 yards. Money is closely grouped." -Steve B.

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I know a lot of hunters who shoot Tikka and like them for good reason. They are very strong. The T3x Lite (US$680) is a good synthesis option for those looking for a light and portable belt. A high-quality rear cushion can make it easier to shoot. If you have ever used a light rifle, you will notice that many rifles do kick harder without weight.

There are also some good options to modify the T3x Lite, including interchangeable pistol grips and the option of using a scope mount or Picatinny rail. It has seven calibers, which can appropriately meet your hunting needs.

Customer comment: "I own three Tikka rifles, two of which have been in use for several years. I have a .223, .270, and .308. All three are excellent shooters and can be excellent shooters and correct The ammunition forms the secondary moa group. I have owned many rifles over the years, but this has become my first choice when buying new calibers. I only have a good experience with my Tikka rifles!" -Dgies

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This rifle is an excellent starting point, I know because the .308 caliber Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic ($530) is my first hunting gun. The recoil is very small and easy to learn. I took it easily across Montana for miles. It never got stuck or caught fire, any mistakes are my own.

This gun is simple, but there are some rewards. The three-part safety device allows you to circulate ammunition without any worries. The trigger is crisp. The bolts are stable and reliable.

Although it is heavier than some, I don't find it very troublesome. Almost everyone I meet will comment that this is a great gun.

In addition to Synthetic, the Vanguard series has many troughs and options, including Weatherby Vanguard Camila's ergonomic female shooter and various personality-influenced options from brands such as MeatEater and HUSH.

Customer comment: "Pioneer action is one of the best actions. It is smooth, reliable, sturdy and safe. The synthetic model is very valuable. The inventory is as good as the factory synthetic inventory. The rifle is accurate advertising. If this rifle is expensive More, it will be competitive. As it is, it is the most valuable of the rifles, period. You don't have to sacrifice quality in order to get an affordable rifle."-Forester

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The caliber range of hunting rifles is very wide, and it is still expanding. The caliber is the size of the rifle bore and the cartridge (bullet) used in each bore. The caliber is printed on the barrel of the gun, and that rifle can only shoot that specific cartridge.

Strangely, there is no universal standard related to caliber. However, most calibers are a measurement of the hole diameter in inches or millimeters. It can also refer to the diameter of a bullet or cartridge case.

What you really need to know is that certain calibers are more suitable for certain types of games. 0.22 is a good gun for small games, but the .300 Winchester Magnum can put moose in the refrigerator.

In the case of hunting large animals such as deer, the more popular rounds include .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .243 Win., 7mm Remington Magnum and .30-30 Win. If you plan to hunt larger prey than the typical whitetail, a larger-caliber weapon can add versatility to your choice while still being an excellent deer gun.

When it comes to caliber, most people who are familiar with guns describe a rifle as "fitting into" a certain caliber. For example, in the past 6 years, I shot a Weatherby Vanguard at 0.308 Winchester.

Bolt action, lever action, pump action and semi-automatic rifles are called burst rifles. Through different actions, you can eject an empty cartridge and load another round of ammunition. Therefore, you repeatedly shoot through the motion of the gun.

Bolt rifles are often the most popular rifles for hunting large shotguns because they offer a variety of calibers, are easy to maintain, and are very reliable.

But semi-automatic rifles also have a place in this field. The semi-automatic pneumatic operation makes its recoil much lighter than most bolt-type rifles, and the use of semi-automatic rifles for subsequent shooting is faster. You don't have to spend time pulling the bolt back and looping for another round.

However, for our intent in this article, bolt action rifles are often affordable and durable firearms used for large game hunting.

Most, if not all, of the guns on this list have synthetic materials instead of wood. The butt is only a part of the rifle, it connects the barrel and the shooting mechanism, while providing the shooter with the rest.

Stocks can be incredibly beautiful, or they can be downright simple. The simplest and easiest to maintain are synthetic raw materials. These are usually injection molded plastics or more expensive composite materials, which tend to be lighter and more technical.

Hardwood or laminated wood materials require more care, as they are generally not as hard as synthetic materials. However, some people prefer the appearance of wood.

Once you start looking at high-end rifles, you will notice more carbon fiber inventory. These reduce weight while allowing high accuracy in more tactical situations in the field.

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Nicole Qualtieri lives in Montana and is the Hunt + Fish editor of GearJunkie. She also serves on the board of directors of the Orion Hunters Association, a non-profit organization that promotes fair pursuit and hunting ethics across the country. As a DIY hunter, she comes from a non-traditional hunting background and started hunting and fishing in her 30s. Since she started working on the TV show MeatEater in 2014, she has been a spokesperson for hunting, fishing and conservation. She is an avid rider, bird and dog lover, snowboarder, hiker/backpacker, food lover, and all-around outdoor sports enthusiast. Find her online at @nkqualtieri.

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