Rifles have come a long way in recent decades. Today, we’re seeing accuracy we could have only dreamed of 50 years ago, and at sometimes astonishingly affordable prices. When it comes to value for the money, there’s perhaps never been a better time to be in the market for a new bolt-action hunting rifle. Manufacturers are stepping up with endless varieties in fit and finishes, camo patterns, an ever-growing list of calibers, and unique options that make it easy for any customer to find something to suit them.
What are you offering on your store shelves this season? Here’s a rundown of some options from the biggest names in the gun business.
Ruger American
The Ruger American has been around for several years now and might be one of the best values in deer rifles available today. With a crisp, adjustable trigger, lightweight stock, rubber buttpad, three-lug one-piece bolt, integral bedding block system, a cold-hammer-forged barrel with ultra-precise rifling, and a factory-installed, one-piece Picatinny base, this gun has everything the average hunter needs at a shockingly affordable price — with an MSRP starting at $489. Ruger claims 1 MOA accuracy. For 2019, the Predator model is newly available in left-handed versions in .243, 7mm-08 and .308, all with an MSRP of $569. Other calibers and configurations are available in right-handed versions.
Browning X-Bolt Pro
Browning’s venerable X-Bolt recently got an upgrade in the form of the X-Bolt Pro, which features a carbon-fiber stock filled with noise-dampening foam. Browning considers this a semi-custom gun and includes a Cerakote finish for durability. It has a stainless steel barrel and action, a spiral fluted bolt, a lightweight sporter fluted barrel, an enlarged bolt handle and a threaded muzzle. For 2019, Browning introduced a Tungsten model, which is comes with a cool black/gray tungsten-colored Cerakote finish. The X-Bolt Pro Tungsten comes in nine calibers from 6.5 Creedmoor up to .300 Win Mag, with an MSRP starting at $2,069.
Winchester XPR
The budget-friendly XPR Hunter has been a hit for Winchester thanks to features like the M.O.A. trigger system, a bolt unlock button, nickel Teflon coating on the bolt body, polymer stock with textured panels, Perma-Cote matte finish, Inflex recoil pad, steel recoil lug, two-position thumb safety and a button-rifled, free-floated steel barrel — all at an MSRP just under $600. The big news for 2019 is that the XPR Hunter is now available in .350 Legend, which has exploded in popularity among straight-wall-cartridge shooters.
Steyr Monobloc
“Monobloc” means Steyr built the barrel and housing of this gun from one single piece for optimum accuracy. The company calls it an “all-steel weapon for absolute toughness according to military standards.” It features an ergonomic polymer stock and some nice safety features, including a hand-cocking system, a bolt lock and a removable trigger unit. The Monobloc also has a very distinct look, with real leather inserts in the cheekpiece and grip, and it’s offered in a variety of color schemes. For 2019, it’s available in .308 and .30-06, and Steyr plans to introduce additional calibers in 2020. This single-piece construction does not come cheap — MSRP on the Monobloc hovers a little north of $5,000.
Mossberg Patriot
In the category of value for the money, the Patriot is real contender, thanks to features like the Lightning Bolt Action trigger, fluted bolt, box magazine and a wide range of options in stocks and calibers — not to mention its price, which hovers around $450 or less. The new Predator version comes with a fluted, threaded barrel and a top-mounted Picatinny rail for optics. It comes in two configurations: a brown Cerakote and True Timber Strata model as well as a flat dark earth model. The Predator is currently available in six different calibers depending on the color combo, with an MSRP of $455 for the FDE and $540 for the Strata.
CZ 557
CZ’s 557 has a short extractor and plunger-style ejector for smooth operation and a receiver machined from steel billet. 19mm dovetails for scope mounting are included, and other features include a two-position safety, detachable box magazine, fully adjustable trigger, and a cold-hammer-forged and factory-lapped barrel. The 557 American has a 24-inch barrel and comes in either walnut/blue or black synthetic/blue, in a variety of calibers from 6.5x55 to .308 Win. A left-handed version and a varmint model of the 557 are also available. MSRP on the 557 American is $871.
Savage 110
Savage claims the 110 is the oldest continuously manufactured bolt-action rifle in North America. It’s stood the test of time for a reason, and new models continue to debut. For 2019, the 110 High Country model is all about accuracy, with a spiral-fluted, medium-contour barrel, spiral fluted bolt, Savage’s famous AccuTrigger, a three-position safety, and the classic 110 action secured three-dimensionally along its entire length within the AccuStock internal chassis. Comb height and LOP can be customized, thanks to the AccuFit system. A low-friction PVD coating on the barrel and receiver protects against corrosion — this is a chemically bonded coating, not a Cerakote. The barrels are threaded, and magnum models come with a muzzle brake. The 110 High Country comes in 11 calibers; all models have a True Timber camo stock and an MSRP of $1,129.
Remington Model 7
The Model 7 is, essentially, a compact version of the famous Model 700, featuring 20-inch light-contour barrels with Remington’s well-known X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger. The Model 7 is ideal for tight spots like blinds and tree stands, and its size makes it extremely easy to carry for spot-and-stalk hunting. This year, the Stainless H-S version debuted, offering a stainless steel satin finish, a custom-grade, hand-laminated H-S Precision stock with aluminum bedding block, and a free-floated barrel for added strength and accuracy. This gun is made to withstand the elements, so it’s a great choice to recommend to customers who hunt in extreme conditions. For 2019, the Model 7 Stainless H-S comes in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 and .243, all at an MSRP of $1,149.
Franchi Momentum
Until recently, Franchi has been known as a shotgun company, making quality inertia-driven shotguns under the Benelli USA umbrella. But the introduction of the Momentum rifle in a budget-friendly price point changed that. With features like a free-floated, hammer-forged barrel; ergonomic stock; TSA recoil pad with length of pull adjustability and 50 percent recoil reduction; easy bolt takedown; a one-piece, three-lug fluted bolt; a short 60-degree bolt throw; a hinged floorplate; crisp adjustable trigger; and a seven-year warranty on mechanical parts, this gun promises everything a big-game hunter needs in an affordable package. It’s available in six calibers, with a threaded or plain barrel, and also as a package with a Burris Fullfield scope. MSRP is $609 without the scope; $729 with it.
Nosler M48
The M48 comes in a number of variations, but new for 2019 is the M48 Mountain Carbon. This gun was purpose-built for the mountain hunter who needs an accurate rifle that’s as light as possible — it weighs just 6 pounds and promises sub-MOA accuracy. All steel surfaces are coated in Tungsten Grey Cerakote for weather resistance, and the stock is carbon fiber to save weight. The match-grade barrel is carbon-wrapped, the action is glass and aluminum pillar bedded for accuracy. A textured finish offers a good gripping surface even in wet weather. It comes in seven different calibers, all with a 24-inch barrel. This accuracy combined with a super light weight doesn’t come cheap — MSRP on the M48 Mountain Carbon is $3,140.
Mauser M18
Mauser is calling the all-new M18 “the people’s rifle,” promising sturdy construction and quality materials. Features include a solid three-lug locking system, cold-hammer-forged barrel, silent three-position trigger lug safety system, adjustable trigger, removable five-shot magazine, and a butt plate that can be removed without tools to access a small storage space. In addition, the synthetic stock has integrated soft inlays in the pistol grip and forearm for extra traction in inclement weather. For 2019, it’s available in six of the most common big-game calibers. Granted, this is not your classic beautifully appointed Mauser M98, but it’s a Mauser nonetheless, and at an MSRP of $699.
Weatherby Vanguard
The Vanguard hardly needs an introduction — it’s been a hot-selling, more affordable little brother to the venerable Mark V for years. This year’s Badlands version comes in Badlands Approach camo, which Weatherby says “contains multi-layer visual confusion to ensure that the eye cannot detect where one shape ends and another begins.” The gun comes with a sub-MOA guarantee, an adjustable match-quality two-stage trigger, fluted bolt body, one-piece machined bolt body, fully enclosed bolt sleeve, three-position safety, cold-hammer-forged barrel, integral recoil lug, and a hinged floorplate. The Monte Carlo polymer stock has texturing on the grip and forearm. The #2 contour barrel has a Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish for durability and protection from corrosion. You can get the Vanguard Badlands in 11 different calibers at an MSRP of $799.
