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

W H2026 03 Hardware W3788 TAH 0118Final
W H2026 03 Hardware W3788 TAH 0118Final

Hardware Review: Big Horn Armory Model 89 Take Down Carbine

Best known for their large-bore lever actions, Big Horn Armory of Cody, Wyo., adds to their .50 caliber arsenal with the new Model 89 Take Down (TD) Carbine. Chambered in the mighty .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, the Model 89 TD, as the name implies, comes apart for easy storage and transport.

Updated for 2026: Magpul ELG M-Lok Marlin Handguard

Magpul’s Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) Stock and Hand Guard updates the classic Marlin lever action rifle for greater control and functionality, adding modern adjustability and ergonomics, M-Lok accessory mounting, sling attachment options and on-board ammunition storage.

New for 2026: HiViZ Shooting Systems LiteWave Sight for Ruger Redhawk Alaskan

HiViz Shooting Systems has expanded its revolver lineup with the introduction of the LiteWave Front Sight for the Ruger Redhawk Alaskan. Designed specifically to complement the rugged performance of Ruger's Redhawk Alaskan revolver, the new LiteWave Front Sight promises fast target acquisition, durability and a customizable sight picture.

Gear Roundup: Spring Cleaning for Hunters

Need to clean the grime off your guns and gear this spring? Look no further than our hunter-specific cleaning lineup.

New for 2026: Henry Bear's Leg Pistol

Henry Repeating Arms is expanding its lineup with the new Bear’s Leg Pistol, a compact, utility-minded platform that blends the unmistakable profile of the classic Mare’s Leg with modern features. Offered in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester and .45-70 Government, the Bear’s Leg Pistol is purpose-built for versatility and hard use.

First Look: Easton 5mm Steel HIT Break-Off Insert

Easton has announced its 5mm Steel HIT Break-Off 8-32 Insert, giving archers full control over balance and performance. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.