As the year winds down and everyone gathers to celebrate the holidays, its a popular time to reflect on the events of the past year. In such a spirit, we here at American Hunter thought you might enjoy a rearward glance at five of our top #SundayGunday guns of 2022. Read on to see if any of your personal favorites made the cut.
1. Tikka T3X Lite
Okay, so this entry isn't technically from 2022, its from December of 2021, but hear us out. It was posted so late last year that it didn't get a fair run at our last "Top 5 Guns" roundup, so we felt it sporting to give it a second look. As it so happened, that second look put it at the top of our list by a wide margin. With a storied action from a renowned Finnish gunmaker, the T3x is already a proven performer in the field, and now sheds some pounds to make it even easier to carry in the backcountry. The T3x Lite features a dual-lug bolt with a 70-degree throw, which helps contribute to a smooth-running action. Atop the receiver rides a traditional Sako Optilock mounting system, but Tikka also tapped it for the attachment of a Picatinny rail.
2. Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint
Next up is a rifle from a renowned shotgun manufacturer. A varmint-focused variant of Franchi's flagship hunting rifle, the Momentum Elite Varmint is built on a round, push-feed receiver, with a spiral-fluted and chromed three-lug bolt. Its single-stage Relia trigger is adjustable for pull weight between 2-4 pounds, with a clean break no matter the weight. Out front, a 24-inch barrel is cold-hammer forged, spiral-fluted and free-floated for bother durability and accuracy.
3. GForce Arms LVR410
Everyone loves a good lever action, and shotgun variants are no exception. With aesthetics that would look right at home in in a saddle bag, the LVR410 gives hunters a shotgun boasting all the fine handling characteristics of a traditional lever-action. An adjustable rear sight, a high-visibility front post, the consumer's choice of a 20- or 24-inch barrel, and a plugged magazine all combine to make this gun a turkey or small-game hunter's dream.
4. Marlin Model 1895 Trapper
The second consecutive lever gun in a row, the Marlin Model 1895 Trapper really needs to introduction. A big-bore lever action hearkening back to the days of the frontier, the Model 1895 Trapper boasts a big-loop lever, a threaded muzzle, and a maneuverable 16-inch barrel. While an optic can be added to the firearm, a set of Skinner Sights mounted straight from the factory prove incredibly quick and accurate.
5. Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo
Rounding out the list is yet another new bolt action that is already making a name for itself in the backcountry. A rifle designed for maximum durability against the elements, the BE.S.T Lupo lives up to its acronymic title with a coating termed the Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) yielding a quarter-century's defense against rust and corrosion. Applied using nanotechnology and diamondlike carbon particles, BE.S.T. has been tested by submersion in seawater for months, with no signs of rust or corrosion.
