AmericanHunter.org's Top 10 Articles of 2018

by
posted on January 2, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ah-top10articles_lead.jpg

2018 has come and gone, like it or not. But before we dive straight into another year of industry coverage at SHOT Show 2019, the staff here at American Hunter wanted to relive some of the past year's most well received online exclusives. So, without further ado, we present AmericanHunter.org's most-read stories of 2018.

1. Head to Head: .308 Winchester vs. .30-06 Springfield
The .308 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield are very similar in performance level, and both are readily available and economical to shoot, so which cartridge prevails? To find out, click here.

2. Top 10 Shotguns of 2018
From sleek Italian side-by-sides to pumps that punch above their pay grade, these new scatterguns should be on every hunter's wish list.

3. 10 Guns Every Hunter Should Own
Perhaps the most opinionated argument of all time is, “What’s the best gun?” It all comes down to an unscientific determining factor known as “what I like.” That said, here are 10 firearms every hunter just has to have.

4. Top 5 Hunting Cartridges of the 21st Century
These five revolutionary hunting cartridges released since Y2K have undoubtedly earned their spot among the classics.

5. Top New Rifles for 2018
Contributor Keith Wood takes a closer look at some of the most exciting new hunting rifles introduced in 2018.

6. Ticks and Chiggers 101
Just the thought of ticks or chiggers is enough to make a grown man cringe in horror, but knowledge, preventive measures and common sense will help hunters avoid them.

7. Top 5 Deer Bullets for 2018
We are undoubtedly living in the Golden Age of bullet development; never before have our projectiles been more reliable, consistent and effective. Here are five new, innovative bullets that are perfect for sealing the deal on deer-sized game.

8. Top 6 Subsonic .22 LR Loads for Small-Game Hunting
Looking for the best subsonic .22 LR load for small-game hunting? We put six to the test to ease your decision-making process.

9. 2018’s Top Compound Bows
Field Editor Jeff Johnston takes a closer look at 2018's best new compound bows for hunters looking to make an upgrade.

10. #SundayGunday: Ruger Ranch Thirty
If you’re looking for a rifle to shoot all that surplus 7.62x39mm ammo you’ve been buying on the cheap but don’t want to flush it away with a semi-auto fire storm, Ruger may have the gun for you. Perhaps you’re just a fan of the Soviet-era cartridge and want to see what it can do in a true hunting platform. Either way, you’re in luck. Ruger has adapted its Ruger American Ranch Rifle to accept the steel detachable box magazine of the Mini-Thirty rifle: It’s known as the Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39, but we like to call it simply, the Ruger Ranch Thirty. To learn more about it, check out our #SundayGunday video, hosted by Managing Editor Jon Draper.

Latest

SPD Ptototype
SPD Ptototype

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.