AmericanHunter.org’s Top 10 Articles of 2023

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posted on January 10, 2024
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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

Spandau RL Chris Olsen
Spandau RL Chris Olsen

New for 2026: Spandau Arms RL

Long renowned for its scatterguns, Spandau Arms has now entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Remington 700-pattern clone, dubbed the RL.

New for 2026: CZ 600+ ST3 American

CZ Firearms is off to a hot start in 2026 with a switch-barrel rifle system patterned off its successful Model 600.

CVA Expands Optima and Scout Lines for 2026

CVA is rolling out its new XP and XP‑SB Series, bringing updated ergonomics and enhanced adjustability to both its muzzleloader and single‑shot centerfire platforms.

Dead Air Silencers Unveils the Nomad Ti Over-the-Barrel Suppressor

This new .30-caliber suppressor from Dead Air goes over the barrel, to only add 4.6 inches to the end of your rifle.

Hot From SHOT: The Best New Hunting Shotguns of 2026

If you're back with us, fresh off of yesterday's SHOT show coverage, welcome back. If you're just checking in with us for the first time, be sure to go back and check out our roundups of the best rifles, optics and bowhunting gear to come out of the show so far this year. Today, however, read on to see the best shotguns of SHOT 2026, compiled by longtime contributor and diehard hunter, Brad Fitzpatrick. 

Nosler Whitetail Country Line Extensions

For 2026, Nosler has seen fit to extend its Whitetail Country line, and Phil Massaro likes their choices. Read on for more.

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