Hunting Annual Gear Guide Editor's Choice: Firearms & Ammo

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The Petersen's Hunting 2025 annual gear guide has a bevy of awesome firearms and ammunition from top-notch manufacturers. Safe to say it was a blast to select our Editor's Choice picks!

Centerfire Rifle:

Sauer 505

The Sauer 505 is a successor to the company’s outstanding 404, but this gun is even better than the model it replaces. It comes with a precision-machined steel action, safety/decocker that can be operated silently, a crisp adjustable trigger, and the convenience of a modular system that allows you to swap barrels easily. The saddle mount makes it easy to secure optics on the rifle and there are as many wood grain options as your bank account will accommodate. $4,950+ | sauer.de/en

Rimfire Rifle:

Henry Small Game

The Henry Small Game lever-action rimfire is available in either carbine (17-inch barrel) or rifle (20-inch barrel) versions, and both models come with octagonal steel barrels and Skinner ghost ring sights. Both the carbine and rifle versions are chambered in either .22 WMR or .22 LR, and the latter is capable of firing .22 Long and .22 Short ammunition as well. $609 | henryusa.com

Shotgun:

Browning Citori 825 Field

The new Citori 825 Field over/under features an engraved low-profile boxlock receiver with updated styling and comes with a Fire Lite 2 mechanical trigger, Invector DS choke tubes and an Inflex 2 recoil pad. The gloss finish grade II/III stock, engraved silver-nitride receiver and richly blued barrels give this gun a classy, timeless look. Currently the 825 is available in 12 gauge with either 26- or 28-inch barrels. $3,320 | browning.com

Handgun:

Colt Kodiak

Colt’s big-bore bear-stopping revolver is back. The Kodiak is based on the popular Anaconda .44 Magnum, but features a 4.25-inch ported barrel that makes it easy to transport and allows for faster follow-up shots when you need them most. This beefy DA/SA revolver’s frame, unfluted cylinder, and barrel are made from high-quality stainless steel with a polished finish. The large overmolded grip with finger grooves is comfortable and helps manage heavy recoil. $1,799 | colt.com

Centerfire Ammunition:

Federal 7mm Backcountry

Federal’s new high-pressure hunting cartridge has arrived and it has caught everyone’s attention. The 7mm Backcountry’s high-tech Peak Alloy steel cases can withstand high pressures, allowing the .284-inch bullet to reach velocities of more than 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel without ferocious recoil. Five loads ranging from 155- to 195-grain bullet options, including Terminal Ascent, cover all your target shooting and big-game hunting needs. $63-$82 | federalpremium.com

Rimfire Ammunition:

Winchester .21 Sharp

Winchester designed the .21 Sharp bullet without the heel found on .22 LR bullets, allowing their engineers to develop jacketed and lead-free rimfire bullets that still fit within the standard .22 LR case. In doing so, Winchester created a rimfire round that is versatile and effective on small game, with accurate lead-free bullets that are legal in areas where lead ammo is restricted. There are currently four loads available ranging from 25 to 42 grains. Savage and Winchester currently offer rifles chambered in .21 Sharp. $16-$25 per 100 | winchester.com

Shotshell Ammunition:

B&P Upland Game Classic

Finding low-recoil, low-pressure shotshells for short-chamber 12-gauge guns can be a challenge, but B&P’s new Upland Game Classic is designed specifically for older shotguns. These 2 ½-inch 12-gauge loads drive one-ounce of nickel-plated lead shot at 1,160 fps, and the patented Gordon base wad reduces recoil even more. This is the ideal sporting and field load for classic 2 ½-inch 12-gauge guns. $26 per 25 | baschieri-pellagriusa.com

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