Hunting rifles are designed to serve a wide range of applications for pursuing game both big and small, and that’s why they come in such a wide assortment of flavors — pump actions, lever actions, single shots and MSRs, to name a few. But, perhaps, none is more popular than the bolt action. This tried-and-true platform made its first appearance in the early 1800s, and was quickly embraced as an effective and trustworthy infantry gun by armies worldwide. The combination of this durable and reliable action and centerfire cartridges allowed soldiers to sustain a high rate of lethal fire — something they couldn’t achieve with the muzzleloaders common to the period. By World War I, all Western nations had adopted the bolt-action rifle as the foot soldier’s instrument of war.
The attributes of these fine firearms — superior accuracy, reduced weight, fast rate of fire, controlled loading — were not lost on hunters, especially those who came home from war having fought with and even slept beside these trusty rifles. And even with the rise in popularity of the AR-platform rifle for hunting, those models included here and others — the guns modern-day warriors are most familiar with — the bolt action remains the choice of a good many hunters. But be aware, savvy salesperson: Many potential customers are brand loyal, which means if you don’t have the right guns they might very well take their money elsewhere. And that’s why it’s important to stock a wide selection of makes and models — to assure that no serious firearms shopper leaves your store or clicks off your website without finding what they want.
Here are some top-shelf examples your gun buying crowd will want to check out when they come knocking on your door.
Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon
The Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon Rifle is born from a stock crafted entirely from 100% carbon fiber with an internal spine for strength and rigidity. It is equipped with length-of-pull spacers and an M5 cutout that provides users with unique versatility to seamlessly transition from an AICS magazine to a traditional floorplate. The Bergara Cure Carbon barrel is 20 or 22 inches long depending on the caliber. The action is Cerakoted in Sniper Gray and has a fluted bolt. This gun is light to carry, weighing a mere 6.2 pounds and is backed by a sub-MOA guarantee. The B-14 Squared Crest Carbon is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., .22-250 Rem., 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag. and 7mm PRC. MSRP: $2,099.
Christensen Arms Evoke
The all-new Christensen Arms Evoke series — the first centerfire rifle under $1,000 by the American-made brand — is available in 11 popular hunting calibers, its four unique configurations representing an opportunity for a wide range of hunters in diverse environments. Evoke rifles feature a Christensen Arms precision machined receiver and an adjustable TriggerTech trigger, ensuring accuracy and consistency with every shot. Additional features include a detachable box magazine, standard Remington 700 optics base, pre-installed optic rail on the Hunter and Precision models, an integrated Picatinny rail section for accessory attachment, premium RFR-style muzzle brake on a No. 4 contour stainless steel barrel threaded in 5/8x24, swivel sling stud and an adjustable cheek piece on select models. MSRP: Starting at $898.99.
FightLite SCR
The FightLite SCR (Sport Configurable Rifle) blends the strength, reliability, accuracy and rugged all-weather characteristics of America’s longest serving infantry rifle with the classic lines of an American Sporter — its unique design providing seamless transition between seasons and game. The SCR features a modern, high-impact polymer buttstock with enhanced ergonomics, combined with a free-floating FightLite M-Lok handguard for aftermarket accessories, and is equipped with a Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny flat-top upper receiver that accepts most modern optics, and night vision and thermal devices. Its multi-caliber, modular arrangement permits users to instantly change calibers in the field by simply pressing two pins and exchanging one upper receiver assembly for another. MSRP: $1,275.99-$1,299.99.
Howa .22 ARC Mini Action
Howa has added the .22 ARC to its mini-action collection — the perfect caliber for varmint hunting, match shooting and hunting predators at night. Equipped with a 22-inch Standard, 20-inch Steel Light Varmint or 20-inch Carbon Fiber barrel and with five stocks to choose from — Yote, Synthetic, Walnut, Carbon Fiber and APC — this rifle is a great fit for a productive day in the field. Key features include a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, machined receiver and forged bolt, tool-less firing pin removal, M-16 style extractor, detachable magazine, three-position safety and a 12% shorter bolt throw than standard short-action rifles. Mini Actions are also available in .223 Rem., 7.62x39mm, 6.5 Grendel, .350 Legend and 6mm ARC. MSRP: Starts at $529.
Mossberg Patriot Carbine
The Mossberg Patriot Carbine is equipped with all the features of the Patriot Predator but in a compact package, sporting a shorter threaded barrel to accommodate a muzzlebrake or suppressor and equipped with an 11-degree crown with a protective cap. Mossberg Patriot Carbine bolt actions are packed with features and are offered in eight calibers and a variety of suppressor-ready barrel lengths. These compact, easy-to-handle rifles are a great choice for multi-game, multi-season hunting. Attractive, accurate and affordable, classically styled Patriot Carbine rifles offer premium features at a great value: LBA adjustable trigger (2 to 7 pounds), threaded medium bull barrels, top Picatinny rails/scope bases, spiral fluted bolts, oversized bolt handles and box magazines. MSRP: $500.
Ruger American Rifle Gen II Ranch
The Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch is an update of the original American-made rifle. Significant improvements include a three-position tang safety and a more rigid and ergonomic stock. Incorporated into the Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger, the three-position safety maintains an intuitive “push forward to fire” operation while delivering the crisp, clean break. The Generation II Ranch sports a Cobalt Cerakote finish and is fitted to a Flat Dark Earth stock with black splatter texture and a shorter 16.1-inch barrel. CNC machined from stainless steel, the full-diameter three-lug bolt reliably feeds from a variety of magazines and offers a short, 70-degree bolt throw, which provides ample scope clearance. The bolt handle is threaded and fitted with an anodized round knob. MSRP: $729.
Savage Axis 2 XP
The all-new redesigned Axis 2 XP Bolt-Action Rifle from Savage Arms offers hunters even better out-of-the-box performance at the same affordable price — loaded with features that deliver tack-driving accuracy with every shot, including the user-adjustable AccuTrigger and thread-in headspacing. It is available in OD Green, Gray and FDE in a wide variety of full-size, left-hand and compact models along with a complete spectrum of popular hunting calibers. The updated bolt handle with a sleek, ergonomic design delivers on functionality to enhance user control and comfort during operation, especially in adverse conditions. The rifle is equipped with a factory mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm scope with fully multicoated lenses, tool-less windage and elevation adjustments and a detachable box magazine.
MSRP: $549.
Sig Sauer Cross-Magnum Sawtooth
Sig Sauer is adding three calibers to its Cross-Magnum Sawtooth series of hunting rifles, including two new short-action calibers and an additional long-action model. New short-action calibers include 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Mag. The 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action will be offered with either an 18-inch or 24-inch Proof Research carbon fiber barrel. The .308 Win. Mag. model gets a 16-inch barrel. The Cross-Magnum Sawtooth will also be available in .300 Win. Mag. with a 24-inch barrel. Additional features include an ultra-light folding precision adjustable stock, lightweight free-floating M-Lok alloy forend with dual slings points and a Cerakote Moss finish. All models come furnished with a two-stage adjustable match trigger and a stainless steel heavy profile radial brake for reducing felt recoil. MSRP: $2,599.99.
Shaw Barrels Excursion
Shaw Barrels’ Excursion is a lightweight precision hunting rifle built to take on the backcountry. Available in right- and left-hand models, it features premium components from Peak44, Hawkins Precision and TriggerTech. Total rifle weight will depend on the chosen configuration, but most bare rifle weights (empty rifle with magazine and scope base) will fall between 6 and 7 pounds. Some configurations might exceed 7 pounds, and it is also possible to specify a rifle that will weigh under 6 pounds. Outstanding features include 416 stainless steel receiver, perfectly true receiver bore and face, ultra-smooth bolt operation, TriggerTech trigger, Peak44 Blacktooth stock, Hawkins M5 bottom metal and two-position safety. Sub-MOA accuracy is guaranteed. MSRP: Starting at $2,550.
Watchtower 7mm PRC Bridger
The new Watchtower Firearms 7mm PRC Bridger Bolt-Action Rifle features an advanced design that harnesses advanced materials, including titanium. Its LRA Precision Ti-Strike barrel promotes durability and lightens the overall weight, and its unique heat dissipation system optimizes heat management, ensuring consistent performance even during extended use.
The lightened 416R stainless steel magnum action is a standout feature, offering phenomenal strength and durability. Paired with a carbon fiber McMillan stock, it delivers both weight reduction and customizability through modular mounting options and QD cups. The rifle’s Timney Elite Hunter trigger provides a crisp, single-stage pull at just 2.5 pounds, and with Hawkins’ precision bottom metal and magazine design, reliable feeding becomes second nature. The rifle weighs only 7.1 pounds (with a magazine). MSRP: $6,499.
