The Best Hunting Rifles for 2025: Reviews and Recommendations

Choosing the right rifle is one of the most important decisions any hunter can make. The perfect rifle balances accuracy, reliability, and comfort—helping you perform confidently in any terrain or weather. As technology evolves, manufacturers continue to improve triggers, barrels, and ergonomics, making today’s rifles more precise and user-friendly than ever.

In this guide, we review the best hunting rifles for 2025, ranging from affordable workhorses to premium long-range performers. Whether you’re hunting whitetails in the Midwest or elk in the Rockies, there’s a rifle here that fits your needs and budget.

When you’re ready to test your new rifle in the field, connect with trusted outfitters and guided trips through Find A Hunt—the top online marketplace for serious hunters.

What to Look for in a Hunting Rifle

Before buying, it’s important to understand what features matter most.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Action Type: Bolt-actions remain the standard for reliability and accuracy. Straight-pull actions offer faster cycling but come at a higher cost.

• Caliber: Match your caliber to your game—6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, and .308 Win cover most deer and elk hunts. For larger game, step up to .300 Win Mag or .338.

• Weight: Mountain hunters need lightweight rifles; stationary hunters may prefer heavier builds for stability.

• Trigger Quality: Crisp, adjustable triggers improve precision.

• Ergonomics: Choose a stock that fits your frame and shooting style.

• Durability: Weather-resistant coatings and corrosion-proof materials protect your investment.

Top Hunting Rifles for 2025

1. Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT

Best Overall Rifle for 2025
Lightweight, durable, and incredibly accurate, the Ridgeline FFT remains a top-tier choice for serious big-game hunters. Featuring a carbon-fiber stock and barrel, it weighs under 6 pounds yet delivers sub-MOA accuracy out of the box.

Ideal For: Backcountry and mountain hunters.
Pros: Ultra-light, premium materials, threaded muzzle.
Cons: Expensive (around $2,000+).

2. Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills

Best Value Rifle
Weatherby’s Vanguard line continues to deliver high performance for a fair price. The Black Hills edition offers a Cerakote finish, fluted barrel, and smooth bolt—all for well under premium pricing.

Ideal For: Whitetail and general big-game hunters.
Pros: Affordable, accurate, reliable.
Cons: Slightly heavier than ultralight models.

3. Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter

Best Traditional Hunting Rifle
A modern upgrade of a proven design, the X-Bolt 2 retains Browning’s hallmark reliability while adding improved ergonomics, an adjustable trigger, and refined aesthetics.

Ideal For: Hunters who prefer classic styling with modern performance.
Pros: Excellent accuracy, time-tested platform.
Cons: Slightly higher cost for its class.

4. Tikka T3x Superlite

Best Lightweight Hunting Rifle
Few rifles balance affordability and precision like the Tikka T3x. Its smooth bolt, crisp trigger, and dependable Finnish engineering make it one of the most popular choices for 2025.

Ideal For: Budget-conscious mountain hunters.
Pros: Lightweight, extremely accurate, excellent value.
Cons: Basic synthetic stock; limited upgrades.

5. Ruger American Rifle Gen 2

Best Budget Hunting Rifle
Ruger’s updated American Rifle Gen 2 improves on an already great formula. With a redesigned stock, adjustable trigger, and better aesthetics, it’s an excellent choice for beginners or as a reliable backup rifle.

Ideal For: New hunters and weekend shooters.
Pros: Affordable, durable, easy to find in most calibers.
Cons: Not as refined as higher-end rifles.

6. Bergara B-14 HMR

Best Crossover Rifle (Hunting + Target)
The Bergara B-14 HMR (“Hunting and Match Rifle”) is a favorite among hunters who also enjoy long-range target shooting. Its adjustable stock, heavy barrel, and smooth action make it versatile and precise.

Ideal For: Precision shooters and western hunters.
Pros: Excellent accuracy, highly adjustable stock.
Cons: Heavier than typical hunting rifles.

7. Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter

Best Straight-Pull Action Rifle
Savage’s innovative straight-pull action delivers faster cycling and modern engineering without compromising safety or accuracy. The Mountain Hunter variant offers a carbon-fiber wrapped barrel and rugged design.

Ideal For: Hunters wanting something different with rapid follow-up capability.
Pros: Fast action, reliable, durable.
Cons: Higher cost; limited aftermarket parts.

Choosing the Right Rifle for Your Hunt

Expert Tips for Buying Your Next Rifle

• Try before you buy: Shoulder several rifles to find one that fits your frame.

• Budget for optics: A quality scope is as important as the rifle itself—set aside at least 30% of your budget.

• Check local laws: Some states restrict certain calibers or magazine capacities.

• Practice often: Even the best rifle won’t perform without familiarity and range time.

• Buy quality ammo: Accuracy depends heavily on consistent ammunition.