AmericanHunter.org’s Top 10 Articles of 2023

by
posted on January 10, 2024
** 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 Top 10 Articles 2023 Lead

2023 has come and gone, like it or not. But before we dive straight into another year of industry coverage at SHOT Show 2024, we 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 articles of 2023.

Bolt action rifle with Federal Premium ammunition and Leupold binocular laying on hunter green jacket.

1. 7 Great Lightweight Hunting Rifles—Philip Massaro
Those who venture into the backcountry—and especially those who hunt the mountains with all their gear on their back—appreciate a lightweight rifle. Here’s a look at seven top-notch options.

Remington 360 Buckhammer ammunition cartridge being loaded into lever action rifle.

2. Behind the Bullet: Remington 360 Buckhammer—Philip Massaro
Remington’s new 360 Buckhammer straight-wall cartridge is optimized for lever-action rifles, deadly and accurate out to 200-plus yards.

Adult male hunter posing with whitetail buck.

3. Let’s Get Real About the 6.5 Creedmoor—Brad Fitzpatrick
Love it or hate it, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the hottest hunting and target round available today. But does it live up to the hype?

Several rounds of rifle ammunition cartridges on wooden table.

4. 10 Most Versatile Long-Range Hunting Cartridges—Philip Massaro
A detailed look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

Black 10mm Auto pistol with three rounds of ammunition laying on table.

5. 8 Great Backcountry Defense Guns—Brad Fitzpatrick
From rifles and shotguns to pistols and revolvers, these eight sidearms will keep you safe when you’re far from help.

Hornady 7mm PRC and 300 PRC rifle cartridges side by side.

6. Head to Head: 7mm PRC vs. 300 PRC—Philip Massaro
There’s no doubt that Hornady’s Precision Rifle Cartridge family has caught on well, and both the 7mm and 300 PRC are solid all-around choices for hunting. Which comes out on top? Contributor Philip Massaro takes a closer look at the pros and cons of each.

Ten low-recoil hunting cartridges lined up on table.

7. 10 Great Low-Recoil Hunting Cartridges—Philip Massaro
While felt recoil levels are somewhat subjective, across a wide spectrum, there are several cartridges that have garnered a reputation for being "sweet shooting." Here’s a look at our top 10 choices.

Female shooting bolt action rifle on shooting range.

8. Tested: Ruger American Gen II Rifle—Karen Mehall Phillips
“New and improved” are welcome words when it comes to hunters’ trusted firearms and gear so when Sturm, Ruger & Company said it was launching Generation II of the affordable, reliable Ruger American rifle, American Hunter paid attention. The original model that debuted in 2010 as a value-minded alternative to the more expensive Ruger Hawkeye had earned a solid reputation with hunters who recognized the company had followed through on its commitment to deliver “the best bang for the buck.” Generation II was said to be better yet. NRA's Karen Mehall Phillips was one of the first hunters to try out the new Ruger American Generation II rifle at the FTW Ranch's SAAM Course.

Hornady 22 ARC rifle cartridges in box magazine.

9. First Look: Hornady 22 ARC—Philip Massaro
Engineered to use modern, high-BC bullets, the new 22 ARC is designed for optimum performance in the AR-15 platform, but is equally at home in a bolt-action rifle.

Bolt action rifle and several 300 Winchester Magnum rifle cartridges laying next to black bear rug.

10. The Best Black Bear Cartridges—Philip Massaro
Here’s a detailed look at the top black bear cartridges for rifles and handguns.

Latest

LEDENRA YES Logo
LEDENRA YES Logo

NRA Announces 2026 Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship Recipients

The National Rifle Association has awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to attendees of the 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program.

Recipe: Venison Empanadas

When Brad Fenson makes venison empanadas, the goal is simple. Keep the meat front and center, add enough flavor to complement it, and make a filling that stays juicy without overpowering the wild proteins. The filling is rich, balanced, and built to highlight venison, whether baked or fried.

Proof Research Unveils Shorter Barrels for Elevation 2.0 and MTR 2.0

Proof Research has announced shorter-barrel configurations for the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0. Both the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 in shorter barrel configurations are available in Tactical Flat Dark Earth (TFDE) and the all-new Midnight color, offering shooters greater customization options alongside Proof Research's carbon fiber technology.

Range Review: Midwest Industries Bounty Hunter Revolver Brace

Thanks to Midwest Industries new Revolver Brace, you can easily mount a stabilizing brace to your favorite hunting revolvers. Check out B. Gil Horman's review of this game-changing product.

First Look: Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin has introduced its Mad Pig Customs Model 1894, a rifle developed—as its name implies—in collaboration with Mad Pig Customs. Built on Marlin's iconic lever‑action rifle platform, this model delivers modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.

Funding Authorized to Conserve Critical Wetland Habitat

The Department of the Interior has announced that $44.79 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funds have been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. They will provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—and its partners—the ability to conserve, restore or enhance 185,203 acres of critical wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.