A handful of companies build most of the rifles on gun shop racks. Knowing who they are and what they do best makes it easier to shop with confidence.
The American classics
Remington, Winchester, Marlin and Savage all date to the 1800s and built the rifles that settled the frontier and filled deer camps. Remington’s Model 700 is one of the best-selling bolt actions ever made, and Winchester’s lever guns are American icons.
Modern value leaders
Ruger, Savage and Mossberg build accurate, affordable rifles that new shooters and hunters can trust. Ruger now builds Marlin lever actions too, after buying the brand in 2020. See a real example in our Ruger American Rifle review.
Lever gun specialists
Henry Repeating Arms, founded in 1996, is now the leading lever action maker in America, alongside Marlin. More in Lever Action Rifles.
Premium and imported makers
Sako and Tikka from Finland, CZ from the Czech Republic, and American makers Weatherby and Browning cover the premium end with smooth actions and excellent accuracy.
AR-15 makers
Watch and Learn
Videos from the Gun Websites YouTube channel.
Dozens of companies build AR-15s and parts. Compare them on AR15 Buyers Guide.com.