10 Best Bolt Action Rifles for Hunting

If you are completely new to hunting, or you are a veteran who wishes to enhance their hunting arsenal and kit, bolt action rifles are a classic when it comes to the pastime. They are accurate, powerful, and tend to get the job done when it comes to taking down the target, plus they are meant to challenge you because no self-respecting hunter would bring a fully automatic weapon with them to a deer, duck, or small game hunt. If you are looking for a bolt action rifle, you are wondering which is the best bolt action rifle today, right?

In this product article, we will be talking about some of the best bolt action rifles that currently exist, meaning that it will be up to you to decide which rifle fits your style and needs the most. As such, we hope that you manage to find the rifle that is ideal for you!

Comparison Table

Image

Name

Price

Hunting rifle

Remington 783 Synthetic

Hunting rifle

Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter

hunting rifle

Savage Axis II XP

Hunting rifle

Mauser M18

Hunting rifle

Thompson Center Compass

Hunting rifle

Bergara Premier Approach

Hunting rifle

Ruger American

Hunting rifle

Browning X-Bolt Pro Long Range

Hunting rifle

Ruger American Ranch Rifle

Hunting rifle

Christensen Arms MPR

Product FAQ

Best Bolt Action Rifles for Hunting

Image Via ​pexels​​​

Before we can get to the best bolt action rifles, it would be a good idea to talk about the rifles themselves. As such, this FAQ section is here to answer some of the most basic questions you may have about the rifles, as well as provide you with necessary information that might prove to be helpful in one way or another, especially if you are a newcomer.

1. What Is a Bolt Action Rifle?

2. What Does a Bolt Action Rifle Do?

3. How Does a Bolt Action Rifle Work?

4. Where Can You Buy a Bolt Action Rifle?

5. Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

How We Reviewed

When it comes to firearms, the most important thing is accuracy. Why invest in a bolt action rifle that will miss and kick like a mule? As such, we took a look at the accuracy of the bolt action rifles, along with other factors like versatility, handling, reliability and more. When all of those factors are grouped together, and if all of them are on top, then the rifle can be considered to be perfect and top notch. After all, you want a rifle that gets the job done!

Overall Price Range of This Product

The overall price range for this product is from $$ to $$$$. The more expensive models will do exactly what you think while the cheaper ones will perform on a different level. Keep in mind that the expensive models are made from better materials, perform better under all circumstances, and give hunters zero trouble when reloading and cycling.

What We Reviewed

  • Remington 783 Synthetic
  • Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter
  • Savage Axis II XP
  • Mauser M18
  • Thompson Center Compass
  • Bergara Premier Approach
  • Ruger American
  • Browning X-Bolt Pro Long Range
  • Ruger American Ranch Rifle
  • Christensen Arms MPR

1. Remington 783 Synthetic

Hunting rifle

Features 

Having a three-round or four-round detachable steel magazine, the iconic rifle is affordable for anyone who is ready to go out into the wilderness. The rifle is also quick to load an unload, meaning that you will be able to ready the next shot with ease. Plus, the Remington 783 comes with a 3–9x32mm scope, factory mounted and bore sighted.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

This product can be found on Bass Pro Shops for around $.

PROS

  • Doesn't have too much recoil
  • Reliable
  • Accurate

CONS

  • The handle may take extra force to load and unload
  • Can sometimes load all rounds into the chamber by accident


2. Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter

Hunting rifle

Features 

It's fair to say that you already know the phrase, "You get what you pay for." For a rifle that costs over $2,000, you can bet that it's going to give you everything you have ever desired. Being a more modern bolt action rifle, the Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter performs on a top notch level and is sure to make your hunting experience worthwhile. Aside from having all the specifications you would expect from it, this rifle is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Extremely reliable
  • The action cycles very smoothly
  • One of the best bolt action rifles money can buy

CONS

  • The grip is slightly fatter than necessary
  • Pricey


3. Savage Axis II XP

Hunting rifle

Features 

To make your hunting experience less stressful, the Savage Axis II XP rifle comes with a few helpful modifications. For one, it has the useful AccuTrigger, a detachable magazine, and a factory mounted and bore-sighted 3-9X40 Bushnell Banner riflescope. Besides that, it's a well-known rifle among hunters due to its reliability and versatility.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Comes with the AccuTrigger
  • Safety is easy to trigger, especially for gloved hunters
  • Takes advantage of an indicator that tells you if the rifle is cocked or not

CONS

  • The bolt has a long way to travel


4. Mauser M18

Hunting rifle

Features 

Made and manufactured all the way in Germany, the Mauser M18 is one of the best bolt action rifles for a reason. The beauty of the Mauser M18 lies in its simplicity although that may or may not turn off hunters looking for more. However, what makes the Muaser M18 truly special is that it has a three-position safety which locks the bolt down when in a safe position. Plus, it has a detachable pad at the end of the stock which can be used for storage.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Takes advantage of the three-position safety feature
  • Has a detachable stock pad which can be used to store various items

CONS

  • Hunters looking to get more out of a hunting rifle may want to look elsewhere


5. Thompson Center Compass

Hunting rifle

Features 

Halfway through our list is the fifth best bolt action rifle, the Thompson Center Compass. The rifle is available in multiple chamberings, making it ideal for different game and situations. On top of that, the Thompson Center Compass has a three-position safety and a user adjustable trigger.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Comes in multiple chamberings
  • Takes advantage of the three-position safety feature

CONS

  • Not the lightest bolt action rifle out there


6. Bergara Premier Approach

Hunting rifle

Features 

Another bolt action rifle that will give you a bang for your buck is the Bergara Premier Approach. Its stock provides great stability and the cheekpiece can help improve accuracy at the same time. Plus, the rifle's heavy barrel can prove to be useful to some hunters as well.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Has a great stock that helps improve stability and accuracy
  • Takes advantage of its heavy barrel

CONS

  • Can suffer from feeding issues if single cartridges are tossed into the breech
  • Sluggish
  • Pricey


7. Ruger American

Hunting rifle

Features 

Weighing in at 6 pounds, this bolt action rifle is lightweight and ergonomic, meaning that it's going to be easy to carry around and operate in the wilderness. For its size and weight, this rifle is great for hunters who know they are going to spend a significant amount hunting.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Has an adjustable trigger

CONS

  • Cheekpiece is far too low
  • Bolt can be tough to work


8. Browning X-Bolt Pro Long Range

Hunting rifle

Features 

Although this rifle might look like it came out of a science fiction movie, do not be deceived by its flamboyant looks. This bolt action rifle cycles extremely well, loads with ease, and has a respectable trigger. On top of that, the rifle features an impressive 26-inch barrel with a radial muzzle brake, making it great for hunting.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Has an impressive barrel
  • Performs very well and with ease

CONS

  • May not be the most aesthetically pleasing rifle


9. Ruger American Ranch Rifle

Hunting rifle

Features 

Weighing in at just a little under 6 pounds, the Ruger American Ranch Rifle is the adaptation of the Ruger American Rifle. As the name might have already suggested, this rifle can be used outside of your typical hunting season. This bolt action rifle is equally perfect for professionals, beginners, and farm hands.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • Versatile
  • Ideal for all types of hunters
  • Light

CONS

  • Stock and other parts are mostly made from plastic


10. Christensen Arms MPR

Hunting rifle

Features 

Finishing our list of the top 10 best bolt action rifles is the Christensen Arms MPR. Its slick design and look separates it from the other rifles and gives it this intimidating, science fiction-like look. Of course, for such a price, you have to expect this rifle to be accurate, and you would be correct. The stock, although it looks too slick, is foldable.

  • PRICE
  • WARRANTY
  • Where to Buy

PROS

  • An incredible bolt action rifle that does its job without problems
  • Has an excellent trigger
  • Has a foldable stock

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Stock might seem too fancy for some hunters

The Verdict

It's no secret that the Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter bolt action rifle is the best bolt action rifle in today's market. It's pretty much perfect for all hunters. Although its grip is fatter than necessary, its performance, durability, and overall presentation compensate for that with no trouble. As a result, we have to recommend this rifle as it is definitely the best bolt action rifle out there.

10 Best Bolt Action Rifles for Hunting

Image Via pixabay

However, if you are on a budget, you can consider all the other rifles which are less than $$$. They are all ideal in one way or another, but don't have the same perfect performance as the Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments

Leave a Reply:

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our Feed