The Best Rifles for Predator Hunting: Choosing the Right One

Whether you call, spot-and-stalk, or run-and-gun, the best rifles for predator hunting share a few traits: light carry weight, quick handling, accurate barrels, and a cartridge matched to the ranges you actually shoot. Below is a practical, hunter-first guide to choosing the right rifle (and setup) for coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other predators — with model suggestions, calibers that make sense, and field tactics you can use tomorrow.

When you’re ready to pair gear with guided predator hunts, browse options on Find A Hunt to connect with vetted outfitters.

How to pick the right predator rifle (quick checklist)

• Intended species & typical engagement distances — coyotes at 50–400 yd, bobcats usually <150 yd. Choose a cartridge that performs where you shoot. mossyoak.com

• Action type — bolt actions for precision, semi-autos/AR platforms for fast follow-ups and run-and-gun work. blog.primaryarms.com+1

• Barrel length & contour — 18–22" light/varmint contour barrels balance accuracy, weight, and harmonics for predator work. Shooting Times

• Optics & mounting — a clear 1–6× or 3–9× for close/medium shots, 6–24× for prairie work. Use solid rings and a zero-stop if you dial.

• Suppressor / muzzle device legality — reduces noise and helps follow-up shots where legal.

• Test your ammo — a rifle that prints sub-MOA with your chosen varmint load is worth the purchase.

Calibers that actually work for predators (and why)

• .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO — the most common predator cartridge: inexpensive, low recoil, plenty of varmint bullets available; ideal for shots inside ~300 yd. Great on AR and bolt platforms. mossyoak.com+1

• .22-250 Rem & .204 Ruger — extremely flat-shooting and lethal on coyotes at longer prairie ranges; excellent for open-country varmint rigs. northamerican-outdoorsman.com

• .243 Win / 6mm (and 6.5 family) — a versatile mid-power option if you want one rifle for predators and occasional deer — better wind performance at distance. coyotelight.com

• .308 Win / larger .30s — generally over-powered for coyotes but useful where you need more penetration (remote country, heavier cover, or mixed-game rifles). Use heavier bullets responsibly. northamerican-outdoorsman.com

Rule: pick a cartridge you can shoot well and that provides predictable expansion with quality varmint bullets (polymer tip/V-Max style).

Action types — pros and cons for predator work

Bolt-action — precision + simplicity

• Pros: proven accuracy, light weight, fewer moving parts. Ideal for long-range prairie work and hunters who value one-shot ethics. Many modern predator rifles are lightweight bolt guns with 20–22" varmint barrels. Shooting Times

Semi-automatic & AR-platforms — fast follow-ups, ergonomics

• Pros: quick follow-ups for multiple targets, easy to set up in vehicle-based calling, excellent ergonomics for younger/low-recoil shooters. Many hunters favor AR-15 variants in .223, 6.8 SPC, or 6.5 Grendel for mobile predator calling. blog.primaryarms.com+1

Straight-pull / Fast-cycling bolt designs

• A middle ground — bolt-rifle accuracy with faster cycling for multiple targets if you expect rapid encounters.

Rifle traits that matter for predator hunting

• Weight: 5–7.5 lb is ideal — light enough to carry but heavy enough to control recoil.

• Barrel: 20–22" varmint contour or lightweight sporter contour for balance. Shorter barrels (16–18") on ARs make mobile calling easier. Shooting Times

• Trigger: Crisp, adjustable (2.5–4.0 lb for precision predator work).

• Stock: Synthetic or composite for weather resistance and light weight; consider an adjustable comb if you switch optics or shooting positions.

• Muzzle options: Threaded for a suppressor or brake if legal — suppressors reduce recoil/noise and preserve hearing for long sits.

Suggested rifles & platforms (field-tested picks)

• Tikka T3x / T3x Superlite — outstanding out-of-the-box accuracy and light weight; popular predator choice. Backfire

• Ruger American Predator / Ruger Precision Rimfire (.22) — value-oriented platforms with predator-friendly features (threaded barrels, adjustable stocks). savagearms.com+1

• Savage 110 Predator / Axis XP — budget-friendly with AccuTrigger and varmint contours; easy to customize. savagearms.com

• AR-15 platform (in .223 / 6.5 Grendel / 6.8 SPC) — ideal for run-and-gun calling setups; modular and fast-handling. An Official Journal Of The NRA

• Dedicated varmint bolt guns (.22-250 / .243) — built for flat trajectories and long prairie shots; many manufacturers (Christensen, Bergara, Weatherby) produce excellent options. Game & Fish Magazine+1

Optics, ammo & setup — the practical stuff

• Scopes:

  • Wooded/small-property calling: 1–6×, 2–7× or 3–9× for fast target acquisition.

  • Open prairie: 6–24× or higher with a quality reticle for holdovers.

• Ammunition: Use purpose-built varmint bullets (V-Max, NTX, Nosler Varmageddon) for rapid expansion and humane kills. Test 3–5 brands to find what your rifle likes. northamerican-outdoorsman.com

• Shooting support: Bipod or shooting sticks for long shots; rest your rifle when calling from a vehicle.

• Suppressors & muzzle devices: Legal where allowed — they reduce recoil and noise, improving follow-up efficiency.

• Practice routine: Work from the positions you hunt (sitting in blind, vehicle window, prone on a ridge) — most predator shots are off-hand or from awkward rests.

Field tactics that pair with your rifle choice

• Calling from a truck or hilltop: ARs and short-barrel bolt rifles excel for quick shots and mobility.

• Long-range prairie calling: Bolt action in .22-250, .243 or 6mm/6.5 family shines for clean, long shots.

• Night/thermal setups: Use low-recoil cartridges and suppressed platforms with quality optics for quick engages.

• Multiple targets: If you expect doubles (packs), favor semi-auto or practice rapid bolt manipulation.

Budget and buying advice

• Spend on the system, not just the brand: rifle + mount + scope + ammo = real cost.

• Try before you buy: handle rifles at a range or local store. Fit and pointability beat specs on paper.

• Used rifles: Reliable way to step into a premium action affordably — inspect barrel, bolt, and headspace.

• Service & parts: Pick makers with good aftermarket support (triggers, barrels, stocks).

Quick comparison table

FAQ — practical answers predator hunters want

Q: Is .223 enough for coyotes?
A: Yes — with quality varmint bullets and within effective range (~300 yd), .223 is proven and common for coyotes. mossyoak.com

Q: Do I need a suppressor?
A: Not required, but where legal a suppressor reduces recoil, preserves hearing, and lets you stay on target for follow-ups — highly recommended. resources.mossberg.com

Q: Bolt action or AR for a one-rifle setup?
A: If you need one rifle only and expect mixed work (long shots + night calling), a bolt in .243/6.5 is versatile. If you’re mostly mobile calling and quick shots, an AR in .223/6.8 is hard to beat. blog.primaryarms.com+1

Q: How short can the barrel be without hurting performance?
A: For big-country varminting, 20–22" is ideal; ARs commonly run 16–18" for maneuverability with acceptable velocity loss in .223 and other short-barrel cartridges. Shooting Times

Q: What magnification should my scope have?
A: 1–6× or 2–10× for most calling; 6–24× for precision prairie work. Pick glass that balances field of view and light transmission.

Final recommendation

Pick the rifle that fits how you hunt: a lightweight bolt action with a 20–22" varmint barrel for precision prairie work, or a short, fast AR/compact bolt for run-and-gun calling and quick follow-ups. Prioritize a rifle that groups well with your chosen varmint ammo, a crisp trigger, appropriate optics, and a carry weight you’ll actually haul all day.

When you’re ready to match gear to ground, browse predator hunts and vetted outfitters through Find A Hunt to find guided opportunities that match your new setup.

Would you like a short, printable “Predator Rifle Build Sheet” (action, barrel, caliber, scope, ammo) tailored to your budget and the species you hunt? I can generate one now.