Bolt Action Rifles

The bolt-action rifle is the most accurate, reliable, and versatile platform for hunting and precision shooting—a simple, strong action that delivers consistent performance from whitetail ranges to 1,000 yards and beyond. Impact Guns carries bolt-action rifles from Tikka, Bergara, Ruger, Savage, Winchester, Remington, Browning, and more across every hunting caliber, every budget, and every application from a first deer rifle to a dedicated long-range precision build.

Read our full Bolt-Action Rifle Buying Guide ↓

Choosing a Caliber

For deer and general big game hunting inside 400 yards, .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor are the top recommendations—both offer excellent terminal performance, mild recoil, and broad ammunition availability. 6.5 Creedmoor has largely displaced .308 for precision shooting due to its superior ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory at range. For longer shots on elk and larger game, .300 Winchester Magnum adds significant energy. For varmints and predators, .22-250 and .223 Remington offer flat trajectories and high velocity. .22 LR bolt-action rifles are ideal for training, small game, and economical practice with the same manual of arms as a centerfire rifle.

Best Bolt Guns by Budget

At the entry level, the Savage Axis II and Ruger American deliver genuine sub-MOA accuracy with quality triggers at prices that leave room for a quality optic. In the mid range, the Tikka T3X Lite and Bergara B-14 Hunter step up with smoother bolts, better fit and finish, and accuracy guarantees that embarrass more expensive competitors. At the premium level, the Winchester Model 70, Browning X-Bolt, and Remington 700 offer established track records and enormous aftermarket support. For precision shooting specifically, the Bergara B-14 Ridge and Tikka T3X Varmint offer heavier barrels and chassis-ready options at accessible prices.

.22 LR Bolt-Action Rifles

The bolt-action .22 LR occupies a special place in the lineup—it’s the most economical way to practice the fundamentals of precision rifle shooting. The Ruger American Rimfire, Savage Mark II, and CZ 455/457 are the top recommendations at different price points. The Tikka T1X is the premium option, sharing the T3X’s bolt feel and chassis compatibility for shooters who want identical ergonomics between their rimfire trainer and centerfire hunting rifle. A .22 LR bolt gun with a quality scope teaches trigger control, natural point of aim, and follow-through at a fraction of centerfire ammunition costs.

Precision and Long-Range Options

The precision bolt-action market has exploded in the last decade, driven by the PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition circuit. Chassis rifles from Bergara (B-14 BMP), Savage (110 Elite Precision), and Ruger (Precision Rifle) offer AICS-compatible magazines, adjustable stocks, and threaded barrels at production prices. The Tikka T3X TAC A1 and Remington 700 PCR serve the same market with different action philosophies. For long-range hunting and competition, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC are the dominant caliber choices, with .308 Winchester remaining the standard for positional and field shooting.

What to Look For

The trigger is the most important component on a hunting or precision bolt gun—a crisp, consistent break at 2–3.5 pounds dramatically improves accuracy. Savage’s AccuTrigger, Tikka’s adjustable trigger, and Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable are factory options that match or exceed aftermarket triggers on competing guns. Free-floated barrels (barrel not touching the stock) improve accuracy by eliminating stock pressure variations. Detachable box magazines add convenience but aren’t necessary for hunting. A threaded barrel is worth having if a suppressor purchase is in your future.