Hunting Rifles

The best hunting rifle is the one that fits the game, the terrain and the shooter. Match the caliber to the animal, then practice until you know exactly where it hits.

Rifle calibers matched to common game animals
Rifle calibers matched to common game animals

Deer rifles

A bolt action in .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270, .308 or .30-06 covers nearly every deer hunt. In thick woods, a lever gun in .30-30 is fast and handy. See Bolt Action Rifles and Lever Action Rifles.

Hog and varmint rifles

AR-15s shine for hogs and coyotes with fast follow-up shots and easy-to-mount lights and optics. More in AR15 Style Rifles.

Rifle with sling against desert hills
Rifle with sling against desert hills
Rifle firing at golden hour with a bright muzzle flash
Rifle firing at golden hour with a bright muzzle flash

Elk and big game

Bigger animals call for more energy and heavier bullets. The .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag are proven elk rounds. Compare recoil in Rifle Calibers.

Checklist for setting up a hunting rifle
Checklist for setting up a hunting rifle

Watch and Learn

Videos from the Gun Websites YouTube channel.

Shooting a Ruger M77 bolt action in 7.62×39
Hog control with an AK-pattern rifle

Always check your state’s hunting regulations for legal calibers and seasons.