SHOT Show is a spectacle of all things related to hunting, firearms, and the outdoors. For the better part of a week manufacturers from around the world display their new products for the new year. You’ll see everything from duck calls to tactical helmets on display in the 800,000 square feet of space that the show encompasses, so weeding out the best new hunting firearms can be challenging.
Here at American Hunter we’ve done much of that legwork for you. We’ve compiled our “Hot from SHOT” list of the best new firearms for hunters, and this year’s class of new guns offers options for every hunter and every budget. Today, we're looking at the rifles. Tomorrow, check back with us for the shotguns. But in the meantime, without further ado, here’s a look at the most exciting new hunting rifles from SHOT 2026.
Savage 110 Lineup
What It Is: A series of modern upgrades across the 110 lineup that help improve shooter performance
Why We Love It: Savage just made America’s longest-produced bolt gun even better
MSRP: $799 to $1,949 (depending upon model)
Savage’s 110 is the oldest continuously produced bolt-action hunting rifle in the United States, and this year the company decided to revamp the entire 110 line with some serious upgrades. Most noteworthy are the AccuFit V2 System stock with Quick Set Dial (QSD). The QSD is located on the bottom of the stock just behind the pistol grip and allows you to adjust length of pull and comb height rapidly without tools. Simply rotate the QSD to adjust comb height up to .8-inches and depress the QSD to adjust length of pull up to one inch in 1/8-inch increments. All new 110 rifles feature a modern vertical grip angle inspired by the Company’s Axis stock redesign and some of the new 110s offer interchangeable grip modules (small, medium or large) for further customization. Other new features include an upgraded extractor to compliment the 110’s robust dual ejectors, new “vertical cut” machining in the receiver to smooth, precise bolt operation, improved polymer magazines that are compatible with previous 110 guns and a second-generation adjustable AccuTrigger with new AccuRelease blade that prevents lockup if the trigger weight is set too light. Over a dozen new models of 110 are arriving in 2026 with left-handed offerings and brand-new chamberings. This is certainly big news for one of America’s favorite bolt-action rifles. Savagearms.com
Henry SPD PREDATOR
What It Is: A lever-action that defies conventional wisdom about lever-actions
Why We Love It: The SPD PREDATOR challenges existing beliefs about what a lever gun can and cannot do.
MSRP: $2,510.00
Henry takes acronyms seriously. The latest firearm from their SPD (Special Products Division) is the PREDATOR, or more specifically the Precision Rifle Engineered (for) Dispatching Agile Targets At Distance. Pretty clever. You know what else Henry takes seriously? Lever-action accuracy. In fact, the SPD PREDATOR is the only lever-action centerfire backed by a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. With its carbon fiber threaded barrel, grey laminate stock, box magazine and lack of an exposed hammer, the PREDATOR may not look like a conventional lever-action, but this light, handy .223/5.56 rifle is perfectly suited for hunting small game, varmints and predators. I love the smooth-cycling action, the top rail for easy optic mounts and the tang-mounted safety, not to mention the adjustable comb allows the shooter to change comb height based on the optic of choice. To say this is a revolutionary lever rifle is an understatement. Henryusa.com
Horizon Firearms Vandal 2.0
What It Is: A custom rifle masquerading as a factory gun with a very un-custom price
Why We Love It: Everything on this gun is top notch with accuracy to match
MSRP: $2,299
If you’re looking for a premium hunting rifle, the Horizon should be on your short list. The company's updated Vandal 2.0 comes with a Stiller Hyrax action and premium 416R steel barrel with slim brake and cool skip dash fluting, an iota BKS green/tan textured stock, 20 MOA rail, TriggerTech Field Curve trigger, and SBM bottom metal. If you’re thinking that sounds like the recipe for a custom rifle build you’d be right, and the accuracy from these guns is simply superb. So how on earth is Horizon selling them for $2,299? We don’t know, but we’ll take one. Available chamberings include 22 Creedmoor (18 or 22-inch barrel), 25 Creedmoor, and 7mm PRC. Both the 25 and 7mm come with 22-inch barrels which are short enough to run a suppressor while keeping overall length manageable. These guns are built to a very high standard and while they aren’t inexpensive you simply won’t find better components built into a factory rifle for less. Horizonfirearms.com
Seekins Precision Element Hunter
What It Is: A lightweight mountain rifle built to Seekins’ high standards
Why We Love It: The Seekins is robust, light, and features a folding stock that was designed with mountain hunters in mind.
MSRP: $3,200
Seekins has been on fire of late, producing some of the best new hunting rifles in recent years. The Element hunter might be my favorite of them all, though. Depending upon the model chosen it weighs between 5.4 and 6.0 pounds, and it features a folding stock that is built with hunters in mind. The stock is trim and makes this gun feel like a traditional sporter and not a converted tactical rifle. The carbon fiber barrel is threaded and with barrel lengths measuring from 16 to 22-inches every Element Hunter rifle is suitable for hunting with a suppressor. I’ve had a chance to test the 6mm Creedmoor version with a 20-inch barrel and this has quickly become one of my favorite hunting rifles because it’s light to carry, comfortable to shoot and print sub-MOA groups. Seekins rifles are made in America and built to a high quality standard, and that probably explains why they’re booming in popularity. To say that the Element Hunter might be the brand’s best hunting rifle is high praise indeed. They aren’t cheap, but they’re worth every penny. Seekinsprecision.com
Browning BAR MK4 Composite Left-Hand
What It Is: A sleek semiauto centerfire for the southpaw crowd
Why We Love It: The return of the BAR was welcomed by many hunters, and a new left-handed option only sweetens the deal
MSRP: $1,709.99
Browning is one of America’s most trusted firearms companies, and many among the Buckmark faithful were sad to see the BAR rifle go a few years ago. The good news is the BAR is back and better than ever, and there are even some left-handed versions available, including the MK4 Composite Left-Hand. These rifles come with a non-reflective matte-blued finish and a weather-resistant black composite stock with SoftFlex cheek pad, overmolded gripping panels and an Inflex recoil pad. The stock is also adjustable for cast and drop at comb. The BAR is available chambered for six different cartridges ranging from .243 Winchester to .300 Win. Mag. with fluted barrels ranging from 22- to 24-inches. The rugged, reliable BAR is an excellent big-game rifle with a reliable gas system, and it’s a great option for any hunter who prefers a semiauto rifle. If you prefer a bit of camo on your rifle check out the new BAR MK4 OVIX Speed rifle which is also available in a left-handed version this year. Browning.com
Bergara Platinum Stalker
What It Is: A premium bolt-action rifle with a classic look
Why We Love It: The versatile Platinum Stalker proves rifles don’t need polymer or carbon fiber components to help you punch your tag.
MSRP: $1,899.99
In a world filled with polymer stocks and carbon fiber barrels, the Bergara Platinum Stalker is a standout, but it’s a standout for all the right reasons. It features a gray laminate Monte Carlo stock and fluted 4.5-contour stainless steel barrel, giving the rifle a cool retro look. It utilizes Bergara’s Premier push-feed action and comes with a Cerakote finish on the receiver to protect the metal against damage from hard use. The barrel receives Bergara’s proprietary honing and rifling process, so accuracy potential is superb. Also included on this rifle is M5-pattern bottom metal with an internal magazine system that is smooth and reliable. Since it utilizes a Model 700 footprint, aftermarket bases, stocks and triggers are widely available. Chambered for rounds ranging from 6.5 Creedmoor to .375 H&H Platinum Stalker rifles are suitable for everything from coyotes to cape buff, and since they wear the Bergara name you can expect superb accuracy and dependable performance. Bergarausa.com
Franklin Armory Prevail
What It Is: A premium bolt-action hunting rifle for serious hunters
Why We Love It: The Prevail rifle offers lots of features, but it’s also easy to customize—and extremely accurate
MSRP: TBD
The Prevail is one of the most exciting bolt-actions of 2026. It comes with Franklin Armory’s innovative Total Round Control action that controls the cartridge throughout the feeding and firing process for absolute reliability. Bolt heads are interchangeable (.382”, .478”, .540”) and with ZermattTL3/SR3 pre-fit barrel compatibility you can customize this highly modular rifle as needed. Speaking of customization, the Prevail comes with an M700 compatible Conquest adjustable trigger and M700 compatible carbon fiber stock, both of which are easy to swap out if you’d prefer. The Prevail is extraordinarily adaptable, but in production form it’s an outstanding rifle that’s well built and accurate. This rifle operates with AICS magazines and comes with a three-lug bolt with a stylish and functional “Ice Breaker” bolt stem. Franklin Armory did a great job with this rifle, offering a level of performance and adaptability that modern shooters and hunters demand. Franklinarmory.com
Howa Fenceline Rifles
What They Are: A new series of bolt-action game guns from the team at Howa
Why We Love Them: Howa’s 1500 continues to evolve and remain relevant against newer rifle models.
MSRP: Starting at $729
Howa’s M1500 bolt-action was born in 1979, so it’s pushing 50 years old. However, despite its age The Howa is still a solid rifle that offers features that make it as appealing, and the new Fenceline model offers legendary Howa features (two-lug bolt, three-position safety, HACT two-stage trigger) with modern touches like a sponge paint camo pattern on their polymer stock, Cerakote metal finishes, and threaded muzzles with muzzle brakes. Buyers can select the Grey Light, Prairie Reaper or Scorched Earth camo patterns, but regardless of which color you select these guns offer that sub-MOA accuracy and reliability that Howa fans have learned to love. The Fenceline is available in both standard and mini action versions which means there’s a model suitable for hunting gophers, elk, and everything between. It’s good to know that even those nearing 50 years old can remain relevant. Howausa.com
SDS/Spandau RL
What It Is: A Remington 700-pattern bolt-action rifle at an attractive price
Why We Love It: Great features, great accuracy, and great value
MSRP: $799.99
The Spandau RL is a .308 Winchester bolt-action that’s made in Turkey by Huglu and imported into the United States by SDS Imports in Knoxville, Tennessee. Despite its Turkish origin, this rifle should look familiar to most American hunters. It’s based on the venerable Model 700 and offers many of the same features found on the M700 like a push-feed action and a two-position rocker safety, but the RL also offers some noteworthy upgrades over the Remington 700, including a more robust M16-style extractor. The RL comes with a fine Turkish walnut stock, 0 MOA rail, 5R rifled barrel and a pair of detachable magazines, but should you want to upgrade or change any feature on the gun that’s simple enough since the RL works with Model 700 components. I tested an early production model and found it MOA accurate and well-built, so this gun is an outstanding value. Sdsarms.com
Franchi MULE
What It Is: A tough, accurate do-everything bolt-action rifle
Why We Love It: The outside-the-box Franchi MULE is the multitool of bolt-action rifles
MSRP: $1,559
The Franchi Momentum Utility Lite Elite (MULE) is one of my favorite hunting guns from SHOT 2026. Available in both .223 Rem and .308 Win, these rifles feed from a detachable box magazine that holds either 8 (.308) or 10 (.223) rounds. The stubby 16.25-inch barrel keeps overall length to just 38.25-inches, and that makes this gun perfect for a pickup, UTV, ground blind or just about anywhere else. Plus, the compact barrel allows you to add a suppressor and not feel like you’re carrying a telephone pole through the woods. The Evolved Ergonom-X stock absorbs recoil and I love the VEIL TAC camo and Graphite Black Cerakote finish look great together. The one-piece Picatinny rail offers plenty of space for mounting optics, and the flip-up adjustable sights are rugged and functional. There are also M-Lok attachment points on the forearm for adding accessories. Whether you want a truck gun for the ranch, a varmint rifle, hog buster or deer stand gun the MULE will accommodate you. Franchiusa.com
CVA Cascade Rimfire
What They Are: Accurate rimfire bolt-actions at a reasonable price
Why We Love Them: CVA created stylish, affordable rimfire rifles without cutting corners
MSRP: $399 to $499
No list of the best new hunting rifles would be complete without a quality .22 rifle, and that’s exactly how you might describe the CVA Cascade Rimfire. Whereas some manufacturers cut corners and create cheap .22s that feel cheap and unfinished to hit the lowest price point, the Cascade Rimfire is a quality-built rifle that you’ll be proud to own. There are three versions available including a standard model with a black-polymer stock and blued metalwork, a Cascade Rimfire XT version with Tungsten Cerakote and green painted stock with black fleck, and a Rimfire Classic model with a walnut stock and blued metal. All three guns come with premium 18-inch barrels with ½x28 TPI threaded muzzles, and all these rifles come with 10-round magazines and will operate with widely-available 10/22 rotary mags. The Cascade Rimfire is ready for your next small-game hunt, and it’s proof that a rimfire rifle can offer good looks and quality construction at an affordable price. Bpioutdoors.com/cva/home
Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed HD
What It Is: The latest in Browning’s growing line of X-Bolt 2 bolt-action centerfires
Why We Love It: The Speed HD offers modern touches without forgetting its sporter roots
MSRP: $1,379.99 to $1,419.99
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed HD offers the conveniences of a tactical gun, but still looks and feels like a sporter. The black Vari-Tech stock features black and bronze paint that’s applied by hand. Vari-Tech stocks offer the slim dimensions of a classic sporter stock, but allow for easy length of pull and comb-height adjustments. Owners can swap grip modules to find the right fit and black soft touch overmolded surfaces on the stock offer a secure, comfortable hold. The barreled action comes with a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish and the fluted barrel comes with a muzzle brake and 5/8x24 TPI so you can easily install muzzle devices. I love the X-Bolt’s rotary magazine, tang-mounted safety and crisp trigger, all of which add to this sporter’s appeal. Every X-Bolt 2 rifle I’ve shot was sub-MOA, and some were considerably better. Considering this gun’s accuracy potential, feature list, and perfect blend of target and sporter rifle design elements I think that the X-Bolt 2 Speed HD may be one of the best values in hunting rifles at this year’s show. Browning.com
Savage Impulse Core Hunter
What It Is: An updated version of Savage’s American-made straight-pull rifle
Why We Love It: The speed of a straight-pull combined with a modern, versatile stock
MSRP: $1,599 to $1,649
Is the Impulse Core Hunter Pro the most feature-rich new hunting rifle of 2026? You could certainly make that case, considering that this rifle offers the speed, safety and simplicity of Savage’s Impulse straight-pull action combined with the versatile AccuFit V2 stock with Quick Set Dial (QSD). The QSD system allows owners to rapidly adjust comb height and length-of-pull without tools, and the vertical grip offers interchangeable (small, medium or large) grip modules. The AccuFit V2 stock comes in either Woodland or Western camo, and features M-Lok attachment points. This rifle is available in a variety of chamberings from .22 Creedmoor to .300 PRC, including the 7mm Backcountry (with 16.5 or 20-inch barrels), .25 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western and others. The ambidextrous handle design makes the Impulse suitable for right and left-handed shooters, and the integrated 20-MOA optic rail, Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote finish on the metalwork and DLC coated bolt with threaded bolt body only make this rifle more appealing. Savagearms.com
Ruger American Gen II Prairie
What It Is: The latest iteration of America’s favorite bolt-action hunting rifle with some cosmetic upgrades
Why We Love It: The Prairie provides some aesthetic improvements but retains the accuracy, reliability, and affordable price point that make the American so popular with hunters.
MSRP: $769
14 years ago, Ruger’s original American Rifle was released, and it immediately became a best-seller. Now in its second generation, the American Rifle remains the yardstick against which all other affordable bolt guns are measured. The new American Rifle II Prairie model features a spiral-fluted bull contour barrel with a threaded muzzle and a splatter paint black stock that looks great alongside the Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish that protects the barreled action. Like other Gen II American guns, this one features a slick, intuitive three-position tang-mounted safety, and this gun operates flawlessly with AI-pattern magazines. Accuracy-enhancing features like Power Bedding, and an adjustable Marksman trigger make these guns capable of sub-MOA groups. Ruger is initially offering these rifles in .223 Rem, .22 ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win, all of which come with compact 20-inch barrels that work well with suppressors. Look for .300 Win Mag, 7mm PRC and other variants to follow later in ’26. Ruger.com
Henry Explorer Carbine
What It Is: A reliable lever gun with a rugged Cerakote finish
Why We Love It: It’s everything you love about Henry’s modern American lever guns coupled with a cool Cerakote finish
Price: $1,200 (estimated)
Henry’s new Explorer series of lever-action rifles are based on the company’s Protector Series guns. These guns will feature Cerakote finish colors based on different regions of the country, and the first of those is Burnt Bronze (shown here). These guns come with 16.5-inch threaded barrels and feature iron sights, but also allow for the use of optics thanks to a drilled and tapped receiver. The Cerakote finish is durable enough to withstand hard hunting, and the Burnt Bronze looks great alongside the American walnut stock. Chambering options include .357 Mag., .44 Mag., .30-30 Win., 360 Buckhammer and .45-70 Govt., so there are plenty of options for every hunter, even those who live in straight-wall states. Of course, like other Henry rifles the Explorer guns are made in America. Henryusa.com
Glenfield Model A
What It Is: A basic bolt-action centerfire that signifies the rebirth of the Glenfield name
Why We Love It: It’s everything you want in a rifle and nothing you don’t need at a price you can’t beat
MSRP: $499
Glenfield Firearms was launched in the 1960s as a budget-friendly sub-brand of Marlin, but in 1983 the Glenfield name disappeared. When Sturm, Ruger & Co. purchased Marlin in 2020 Ruger received the rights to the Glenfield name and decided to revive the brand in late 2025 starting with the Glenfield Model A bolt-action. Like earlier Glenfields, the Model A is rebadged version of an existing rifle—in this case the Ruger American. Though it lacks the spiral fluted barrels, finish options and upgraded stocks of its fancier Ruger cousins, the Model A from Glenfield utilizes the same action, trigger and other components as the highly popular American at a lower price point. The Model A is a no-frills guns to be sure, but if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate hunting rifle and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Model A is the ideal option. This is very likely the best value in new firearms for 2026, and we’re excited to see what’s next from Glenfield. Glenfieldfirearms.com
Browning A-Bolt 3 Pro Hunter Maple Deluxe
What It Is: Browning’s affordable bolt-action rifle with some substantial upgrades
Why We Love It: We’re still trying to figure out how a gun that looks this good and shoots this well is priced under $1,200
MSRP: $1,139.99
Browning’s A-Bolt 3 was the company’s entry into the “budget bolt-action battle” of the early 2010s, but somehow the AB3 (or trey bolt, if you like) never really felt like a real budget gun. The finish, stock work, and fit were simply too good to call this a “cheap” rifle. The new A-Bolt 3 Pro Hunter Maple Deluxe is a striking gun that you’ll be proud to own, and since it borrows the same barrel technology used on its X-Bolt cousins you can be assured that these guns shoot well. In fact, when I evaluated the accuracy of every bolt-action under $1,000 the AB3 was right at the top of the list, regularly punching sub-inch groups at 100 yards even with affordable ammunition. It was tough settling on a single new AB3 model to add to the list (there are several), but when I saw the Maple Deluxe I simply had to throw it in there. All AB3 guns impress with their craftsmanship and accuracy, and I’m happy to see the family continuing to grow. Browning.com
