Spomer's Top 10 Hunting Rifles

by
posted on May 27, 2009
** 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. **
2009527-top10huntingrilfes_feature.jpg

1.) Winchester Model 70 
Doctor Olmsted hit this nail. The Win. M70 it is. I’d like to give the nod to the Mauser 98, but it was too long a military configuration. Since Winchester had the smarts to sporterize it in an elegant, durable, accurate package, here’s your prize. Kimber may overtake the M70 with its sleeker 84M and 8400s, but for now, it’s Winchester.

2.) Remington Model 700 
I tried, but couldn’t justify bumping the Remington M700 from second. It’s just too consistently effective and popular. Custom gunmakers love to tailor it into some of the most accurate rifles on the planet. Controlled feeding is the only reason Winchester gets top spot.

3.) Ruger No. 1 

This rifle is too elegant, smooth, tough and durable to ignore. Once you get over the idea you need three follow-up shots, the No. 1 is an obvious winner. The Dakota Model 10 is more elegant, but not quite as durable.

4.) Winchester Model 52 

This accurate, “real” bolt-action rimfire brought the .22 LR up to standards long established for quality centerfires, making it not only a plinking rifle but also a true practice rifle for anyone hunting with a bolt-action centerfire. The M52 set the stage for today’s quality rimfires like Kimber, Cooper and New Ultra Light Arms.

5.) Winchester M94 

Yes, you could argue for the Marlin, but Winchester started the lever-action repeater, and the 94 epitomizes the slab-sided efficiency of this action type. Trim, quick, open sights. In .30-30 it’s an American classic, even though the Savage M99 is a more modern lever-action design.

6.) Ruger 10/22 
This is not the classic all-steel hunting rifle, but you can’t argue with success. The 10/22 can be dressed up or down, take a licking and keep on shooting quickly and darned accurately.

7.) Mauser 98 

The only problem with the Mausers was inconsistent sporter designs. There was never one definitive manufacturer. Today firms like Empire Rifle are manufacturing Mauser-design actions that could propel this classic to the top.

8.) H&H Royal 

We do need a double rifle in the group, considering how important it was/is in dangerous-game hunting, so the H&H gets the nod.

9.) New Ultra Light Arms Model 20 
One of the most significant, lasting trends in hunting rifles is lighter weight, and the M20 set the standard. At roughly 5 pounds, these push-feed actions do everything the 8-pound standard rifles do with less sweat.

10.) Kentucky Long Rifle 
The Hawken was a refinement of the early flintlocks that evolved in the original American wilderness as an awakening nation discovered its identity.

Latest

Success
Success

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.