Welcome to Rifle Buyers Guide. This is the place to learn about rifles: choosing the right action and caliber, setting it up with the right optic, and getting the most out of it at the range and in the field.
Rifle Buyers Guide is part of the Gun Websites Firearms Network, built by shooters for shooters to promote the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership. Here we share plain-English guides to help you buy with confidence and shoot with skill.
Buying a rifle? Start here
Pick the job, choose an action, match a caliber and set it up. Our step-by-step guide takes you from the gun counter to your first tight group.
What you’ll find here
Step 1: Rifle Types
Bolt, lever, semi-auto, pump and single shot. Find the action that fits the job.
Step 2: Rifle Calibers
From .22 LR to .45-70, with recoil and bullet weights compared.
Step 3: Optics and Gear
Scopes, red dots, slings, bipods and the setup that makes a rifle shoot.
Why own a rifle?
- Hunting: From varmints to elk, a rifle is the go-to tool for ethical, accurate shots in the field.
- Target shooting: Punching tight groups at 100 yards and beyond is a skill that never gets old.
- Home and ranch defense: A rifle like the AR-15 is easy to shoot well and protects home, livestock and property.
- Competition: Precision rifle, three-gun and rimfire matches test skill and build community.
- Training: A .22 LR is the best way to teach new shooters safe, solid fundamentals.
- Collecting and history: Military surplus and classic lever guns carry real history.
- Family tradition: A deer rifle handed down is a piece of family history that keeps working.
Have a question that is not covered here? Check the Rifle F.A.Q. or ask the community on Ask Gun Questions.com.