The Best Budget Big Game Rifle Shootout

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Bolt-action rifle designs have evolved rapidly in recent years. The changes have certainly been impacted by the popularity of long-range matches, and it’s not uncommon to find modern hunting rifles with features like ARCA rail attachments, built-in bubble levels and carbon fiber barrels—features only commonly seen on match rifles just a decade ago.

This trend toward long-range precision has come with an increased price tag, and many new rifles are priced well above $2,000. The good news is you don’t need to drop a couple grand to own an accurate and reliable hunting rifle.

About a decade ago the hottest trend in hunting guns was inexpensive bolt-actions that could outshoot more costly rifles. Modern CNC machines, improved metallurgy and polymer advancements allowed gunmakers to build accurate, affordable rifles. Rifles like the Ruger American, Savage Axis and Browning A-Bolt 3 forever changed the notion that an entry-level gun had to offer sub-par accuracy and a bad trigger.

The Test

We tested each of the top ten budget bolt-action rifles for accuracy with three different loads. Rather than using match ammunition, we chose three popular and affordable hunting loads—Hornady American Whitetail, Federal Fusion and Remington Core-Lokt. All of the rifles were chambered in the ever popular (and available) 6.5 Creedmoor, and the cost of test ammunition retailed from $27 to $40 per box.

In addition to accuracy, we function-tested each rifle and compared standard accessories like muzzle brakes and optic mounting options, along with fit and finish. Capacity, weight and trigger pull were also compared and recorded, and the results have been tallied and are listed below.

It was a long and extensive test, but there were a few universal takeaways. First, even entry-level hunting rifles are capable of impressive accuracy. Each of the test guns averaged groups less than 1.5 inches, and some produced three-shot groups as small as .5 inch at 100 yards. Everyone wants a tack-driving gun, but today’s bolt-action sporters—even the most affordable ones—are capable of accuracy levels that are suitable for hunting big game under 400 yards when the shooter, ammunition and optic are up to the task.

Ruger American Generation II

Last year, Ruger introduced an updated second-gen version of their popular American with some notable upgrades, including a splatter-pattern polymer stock, Cerakote finish, spiral-fluted barrel, threaded barrel with muzzle brake, improved bolt knob and, perhaps most notably, a three-position tang-mounted safety. The American Rifle Generation II is available in three configurations: Standard, Ranch and Predator.

We tested the Standard version in 6.5 Creedmoor ($729) and were impressed by the number of features including a Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger, adjustable length of pull and comb height and AI-style magazine. It’s the only rifle in the test offering a spiral-fluted barrel and muzzle brake, and a Picatinny scope base is included. The three-lug bolt offers a short lift for fast cycling and the shooter-friendly three-position safety, which allows the operator to lock the bolt or cycle the action with the safety engaged, is an outstanding upgrade. Accuracy hovered around an inch with all three loads, but the Ruger was a consistent performer and at 6.5 pounds it’s manageable to carry in the field. The only complaint was that the magazine could sometimes be finicky to insert and seat properly.

Browning A-Bolt 3

The A-Bolt 3 ($700) is Browning’s entry-level bolt-action centerfire hunting rifle priced well below their X-Bolt offerings. However, the A-Bolt-3—or AB3—does not feel like the victim of price-point cost cutting. In fact, in overall fit, finish and performance it ranks among the top of the rifles on our list. The textured panels on the sides of the black polymer stock are functional without being garish and this rifle shares the same barrel design as the upper-crust X-Bolt and X-Bolt 2 rifles. It’s also made in Japan by Miroku, the same factory that produces the X-Bolts and Browning’s superb Citori shotguns.

The AB3 utilizes a three lug, full-diameter bolt with 60-degree bolt lift and the barrel is free-floated. There’s a separate tang-mounted safety and separate bolt unlock button so the rifle can be operated with the safety engaged. The detachable box magazine performed extremely well and the trigger, though non-adjustable, broke crisp and clean at 3.8 pounds. The AB3 was among the most accurate rifles in this test, averaging .86-inch three-shot groups with the Hornady ammunition. The Inflex recoil pad is excellent, but the AB3 is only available in limited configurations with walnut or black polymer stocks. Still, it was a standout in terms of overall quality, reliability, accuracy and value.

CZ-USA 600 American

The CZ 600 American ($849) arrived last year so it’s a new addition to the affordable rifle market, but it offers several distinctive features that set it apart from other guns on this list. It’s only available with a Turkish walnut stock, although I expect that will change. It’s also the only rifle on the list that utilizes a controlled-feed action, although it’s a clever short extractor design instead of the traditional Paul Mauser-inspired full-length extractor used on CZ’s now-defunct 550. There’s also a vertical crossbolt safety in the tang of the stock and a separate bolt unlock button on the right rear side of the receiver.

CZ might have come late to the party, but this gun is already one of the best rifles in the sub-$1,000 market. Accuracy was extremely good, and it’s the only rifle on the list that averaged under an inch for all three loads. The trigger is externally adjustable using a supplied hex wrench and has four settings. The rifle shipped on the second setting, and the trigger break was 1.9-pounds, the lightest I’ve ever encountered on a factory rifle. The detachable double-stack box magazine offers reliable operation, and pushing the magazine release button forward allows the shooter to lock the mag in place for top-feeding. The stock’s a bit clunky, the overall weight is a robust 7.8 lbs., and the removable bolt knob kept unscrewing at the most inopportune times, but otherwise this gun offers a long list of class-leading features and the best overall accuracy.

Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite

Recently Savage has been using their storied 110 action as the basis for their premium rifles like the 110 KLYM and 110 UltraLite Elite, but the 110 Trail Hunter Lite is proof that Savage still knows how to build accurate and affordable Model 110 bolt guns. The new Lite version is based on the 110 Trail Hunter, and like that gun, utilizes a Hogue stock with built-in pillars, push-feed action and a 20-inch carbon steel barrel. It weighs just 7.1 pounds, almost a full pound lighter than the original Trail Hunter, and comes with a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, four-round detachable magazine, adjustable Accutrigger and scope bases for $669.

Not surprisingly, the Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite was a shooter. It averaged between 1 and 1.2-inches for all three test loads at 100 yards, which is solid performance with affordable factory hunting ammunition. The Hogue stock and Cerakote finishes are great upgrades, and the adjustable Accutrigger is still among the best in its class. I like the position and function of the three-position tang safety, although it’s not as precise moving from one position to the next as the Ruger. There were no issues with magazine operation, though the ejection port is a bit small for single loading cartridges into the chamber. Savage’s 110 Trail Hunter Lite offered exactly what we hoped it would—reliable performance and lots of features at a very competitive price.

Mossberg Patriot

The Mossberg Patriot arrived in 2015 and has been a staple in the affordable hunting rifle market ever since. It’s also the gun with which I have the most experience; I’ve hunted ibex in Spain, Coues deer in Mexico and whitetails in Kansas with Patriot rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, so I was no stranger to the gun’s performance. I was not particularly nonplussed, then, when the Patriot Synthetic 6.5 Creedmoor ($482) I requested for testing wasn’t available in time for the review. I had a model of the short-lived Revere Patriot rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor on-hand, and except for the metal finish and stock, the Synthetic and Revere rifles are mechanically identical. I simply substituted my own rifle for the test gun.

Patriot rifles come with detachable box magazines and their Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) adjustable bladed trigger. The barrels and bolts on these guns (including base models) are fluted and scope bases and threaded muzzles are included. Three-shot accuracy ranged from 1.37 to 1.63-inches, and every load had at least one three-shot group under 1.4-inches. That’s on-par with other Patriot rifles I’ve shot, although most will shoot near or even less than an inch with a premium load they like. These guns are durable and rugged—they’re Mossbergs, after all—but there’s more bolt play than you get from the full-diameter three-lug guns on the list and I wish the rocker-type safety allowed you to lock the bolt. The Revere model tested was dressed to the nines, but the entry-level Synthetic version comes with a very basic polymer stock. Nevertheless, it’s an affordable, reliable rifle suitable for hunting any big game. Interestingly, the Mossberg is one of the few rifles in this category that offers a model with iron sights.

Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian

The Weatherby Obsidian ($549) is one of the cheapest rifles on this list, but you wouldn’t guess that by looking at the rifle. The stock is basic black, everything fits well and the bolt runs smoothly. Speaking of actions, the Vanguard uses a Howa Model 1500 barreled action that is made in Japan. The Weatherby/Howa partnership has been in place since 1970, so when the race to build an affordable bolt-action hunting rifle began in the 2010s, Weatherby was already at the finish line.

Though its close cousins with the Howa rifle listed here (which also shares the Model 1500 action), there are a few minor differences between a standard Howa 1500 and the Vanguard. The Weatherby has an enclosed bolt shroud and bolt with straight flutes and a trio of holes designed to vent gas in the event of a case rupture. But the Weatherby does come with Howa’s signature three-position rocker safety, which is one of my favorites in this category. There have been rumors that the Vanguards have creepy triggers. Not true. What they do have is an actuator-controlled two-stage trigger with intentional light take-up and a crisp break.

The Vanguard test rifle shot well, producing groups that hovered around 1 MOA which match the rifle’s accuracy guarantee. It has been my experience that these guns shoot exceptionally well with premium ammo, and I had one chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum that would consistently shoot .4-inch groups with Weatherby factory ammunition. Finding accessories like scope bases is not an issue, and I particularly like the Monte Carlo-style stock which is oh-so-Weatherby. The two-lug bolt requires a 90-degree bolt lift that could interfere with some scope designs, but the Vanguard Obsidian is a solid all-around rifle and an excellent choice for hunters.

Franchi Momentum

Franchi, an Italian manufacturer, has traditionally been known as a shotgun brand, but their bolt-action Momentum ($799), which broke cover in 2018, is a very good all-around hunting rifle. It features the TSA recoil pad which was designed to reduce recoil from magnum shotgun loads so it’s a very comfortable rifle to shoot. There’s a large two-position rocker safety and the Relia trigger is user-adjustable. Like many of the other rifles on the list, it utilizes a full-diameter bolt which is spiral fluted and chromed. Unlike most of the other guns featured here, the Franchi is one of three rifles to use a hinged floorplate. These Italian-made bolt guns are backed with a 7-year warranty and a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.

The Franchi top loads very easily and the bolt operates with minimal slop. Scope bases are included with the rifle. Accuracy and reliability proved good, with groups hovering between 1 and 1.5 inches for three-shot groups at 100 yards. The stock design is a bit quirky with cutouts and raised textured grip panels that are designed to improve handling, and, while it may serve its intended purpose, it gives the gun an avant-garde look which some hunters may not like. I wish the bolt could be locked closed and that the thread protector was closer in diameter to the barrel but overall, this is a reliable, dependable rifle.

Winchester XPR SR

Winchester had a lot at stake when they introduced the XPR in 2015. It was the first rifle design from Winchester since the Model 70 in 1937, and the two rifles are dissimilar in many ways. For starters, the XPR features a full-diameter three-lug bolt without the full-length extractor which helped make the Model 70 famous. The Model 70 was primarily offered with a hinged floorplate, but the XPR comes standard with a detachable polymer box magazine. The Model 70’s three-position wing safety was replaced by a two-position safety with a separate bolt unlock button. Winchester’s MOA trigger has a light, crisp feel and breaks at around 4 pounds. The XPR’s bolt comes with a nickel Teflon coating while the steel receiver features a Perma-Cote finish.

I’ve hunted with a few XPRs, including one in .300 WSM that I carried on a Wyoming whitetail hunt. That gun shot quite well, and the XPR SR ($730) 6.5 Creedmoor rifle I tested proved to be exceptionally accurate, too. Three-shot groups with Hornady American Whitetail ammunition averaged .58-inches, and the Winchester also managed sub-MOA accuracy with the Federal ammunition. The Inflex recoil pad is soft, but the polymer stock could stand a cosmetic upgrade, and I prefer the Browning’s safety/bolt unlock arrangement better than the Winchester’s. Nevertheless, this gun is exceptionally accurate and a solid performer, making it a superb choice.

Howa 1500 Gamepro 2 Package

The Howa Gamepro 2 is one of two rifles on this list that come equipped with their own optic. For the Howa, that optic is a Nikko Stirling Gamepro 4-12x40 riflescope with an exposed top turret and BDC-style reticle. The combo costs $699, but you can also purchase the rifle alone for $559, making the Howa one of the least expensive rifles on the list.

Like its Weatherby cousin, that low price tag doesn’t translate to inferior quality. On the contrary, the Howa 1500 has been regarded as one of the best values in hunting rifles for decades. It utilizes a two-lug bolt with a plunger ejector like the venerable Remington Model 700, but the Howa’s M16 extractor is more reliable than the Model 700. The Howa’s two-stage trigger is crisp and smooth and the three-position safety is a nice addition. Like the Weatherby and Franchi, the Howa utilizes an internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate. The 6.5 Creedmoor version I tested came with a standard (sporter) contour barrel and weighs in at a hefty 7.9-pounds. The soft-touch Hogue OD green overmolded stock is comfortable and offers ample grip, but the Howa is not a flashy-looking rifle. The rifle is a simple but steady workhorse that produced groups averaging from 1.1 to 1.5-inches and shot a couple sub-MOA groups with the affordable ammo tested. I’ve owned Howa rifles chambered for .223 Remington, .375 Ruger and everything between, and not one has failed me.

Savage Axis 2 XP

Walk into a gun shop and ask to spend as little as possible on a scoped hunting rifle and there’s a good chance you’ll walk out of the store with a Savage Axis 2 XP ($549 with scope). Although I’d shot it before, this was my first real in-depth experience with the rifle.

The Savage may not win any beauty pageants, but this rifle holds its own with the other guns on the list that cost more. Fit, finish and materials aren’t as good as its Trail Lite cousin, and the Axis 2 is more hammer than scalpel, but this American-made gun shoots just a little over MOA with affordable big-game ammunition and probably a little under MOA if you spend a few more shekels on premium ammo or roll your own. These guns come packaged with a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope and are available with green, gray or FDE stocks. The stock borrows elements like the vertical grip from tactical/target rifles, a feature you don’t see much in the sub-$850 market. The rifle comes standard with an AccuTrigger, which is a nice touch, and there are left-handed versions available as well. I’m not a fan of the two-position tang-mounted safety, which I found difficult to engage due to its positioning directly behind the bolt shroud, and the bolt handle rises a little too close to the scope for my taste. But that’s nitpicking. This rifle was 100% reliable and the trigger and magazine designs are better than some higher-priced rifles on this list.

Takeaways

There has never been a time in history when entry-level hunting rifles were more accurate or offered better triggers and more features. The only mechanical problems in the test included some feeding issues with improperly seated magazines.

Overall accuracy figures were surprisingly uniform. There were some guns that produced excellent accuracy, but every gun on this list is capable of effective accuracy on big game at reasonable ranges. However, that’s contingent on the shooter living up to their end of the bargain. Buy a good optic, mount it properly and practice. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be successful in the field, but you absolutely must make sure that you and your equipment are ready and capable.

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