AmericanHunter.org's Top 10 Articles of 2018

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posted on January 2, 2019
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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.

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W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337

Looking for Hogs vs. Hunting Wild Boars

There is no right or wrong way to hunt hogs. But in the author’s opinion there are methods that are more rewarding than others if sporting challenge, and not merely eradication, is the goal.

New for 2026: Sightron Snap Focus Parallax Adjustment S6

Sightron has announced the Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56mm ED Mil Hash (MH) Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, the S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

#SundayGunday: FN 15 Guardian

On this week's #SundayGunday, we have an AR-platform from one of the finest gunmakers in the world, perfect for hog hunters and home defenders alike. The FN 15 Guardian applies Fabrique Nationale's proven quality to an AR, yielding a gun that runs well through all conditions.  A 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel, qualifies the gun as a carbine, perfect for handling through the woods or in a ground blind. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

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