Rifles come in a wide assortment of flavors — autoloaders, lever guns, precision rifles, modern sporting rifles, muzzleloaders, oh my! And then there’s the be-all and end-all rifle for discerning firearms enthusiasts who favor tradition, reliability and durability above all else — the bolt-action rifle. Like most firearms, the bolt-action rifle had a military origin, first produced as early as the 1820s, replacing breech-loading rifles that dated back to the 18th century. The Palmer Carbine saw action late in the Civil War and in 1882, the Krag-Jorgensen became the first bolt-action rifle to serve as a standard issue rifle in American military service. By the turn of the century, the U.S. military had adopted the .30-06-chambered Model 1903 Springfield as its new service rifle, and the bolt action remained as its primary infantry gun until 1936, when it was replaced by the faster-firing semi-auto M1 Garand.
Bolt rifles continue to fill specific military niches — especially as sniper rifles designed for durability, long-range accuracy, reliability and repairability under adverse conditions. Law enforcement-specific rifles, which might not be as robust as their military counterparts, serve in non-combat (often urban) conflicts, where accuracy often trumps the need for long-range capabilities. Modern bolt-action rifles are also favored by hunters, paper punchers and tactical competition shooters for their long-range performance and accuracy. These guns are familiar, easy and safe to operate. They’re inherently accurate and run a full gamut of prices, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand bucks. Essentially, anyone can own a bolt gun.
Make no mistake: Bolt-action rifles are extremely popular with modern-day riflemen and women, and there is no shortage of makes and models to satisfy a wide berth of wants and needs. Here are some models the gun-buying crowd will want to put their hands on when they come knocking on your storefront door.
American Tactical TRX Bronco
American Tactical’s TRX Bronco Bolt-Action Rifle from Black Creek Labs is an accurate utility rifle designed for backcountry carry and hunting. It uses the Black Creek TRX short action, chambered in .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor and is guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA with suggested commercial ammunition. The rifle is fitted with a TriggerTech Rem. 700 Field trigger and features a two-piece, Bronco adaptable chassis system with a 10-inch forend that is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. It has a folding stock that captures the bolt handle when folded, making it compact, safe and easy to carry. The rifle feeds from high capacity AR10/SR25 magazines, eliminating the requirement for extra mags or loose ammunition. MSRP: $1,499.
Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon
Bergara’s ultralight high-performance B-14 Crest Carbon Rifle is designed for the highest standard of accuracy and durability — anchored by a 100% carbon fiber monocoque stock with an incorporated carbon fiber spine throughout the stock to provide greater rigidity and strength. It is equipped with a 20- or 22-inch fluted carbon fiber barrel, depending on the caliber, and the muzzle is threaded and includes a Bergara Omni muzzle brake. The B-14 Crest Carbon Rifle has an adjustable Bergara Performance trigger, an AICS-compatible detachable magazine with five-round capacity and a two-position safety. It comes chambered in .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm-.08 Rem., 7 PRC, .308 Win. and .300 Win. Mag.
MSRP: $2,099-$2,149.
CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter
The CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle features a fluted 4140 CrMo Heavy Sporter barrel with a Cerakote finish, threaded for the included Radial muzzle brake or the addition of a suppressor. It is equipped with a Long Range stock with adjustable cheek riser and adjustable length of pull, dual front swivel studs and a 20-MOA Picatinny-compatible rail. Loading the rifle is a breeze with its four-round, flush-fit detachable magazine. The Cascade’s fiberglass-reinforced stock has a SoftTouch finish for easy gripping and is available in Realtree Hillside camo or a Smoked Bronze finish. The Cascade Long Range Hunter comes standard with a one-piece optics mount and is available in 10 popular calibers. MSRP: $900-$925.
Legacy Sports Howa Superlite
The Howa Superlite Rifle from Legacy Sports weighs just 4 pounds, 7 ounces, with initial chamberings in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. It has a unique Howa action build that is in-between the popular Howa Mini Action and Standard short-action platforms. This makes it a great choice as a grab-and-go mountain rifle or compact treestand or truck gun at a price that won’t break the bank. It features a threaded and suppressor-ready 20-inch blued barrel, two-stage match trigger, one-piece Picatinny rail, machined receiver and forged bolt, large integral front barrel lug and reliable M-16 style extractor/ejector. It also has a three-position safety and a Stocky’s carbon stock dipped in Kryptek Altitude or Obskura camo. MSRP: $1,399.
Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
The Patriot LR Tactical Bolt-Action Rifle from Mossberg — housed in an adjustable, customizable chassis system and fed from AICS-style magazines — is designed to enhance long-range performance and accuracy. It is available in three flat-shooting chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. with a 22-inch barrel and 6.5 PRC with a 24-inch barrel. The Patriot LR Tactical has the standard features found on all Patriot rifles, but what sets it apart is the MDT Field Stock Chassis System that features V-block aluminum bedding, a Magpul M-Lok-compatible forend and an adjustable buttstock. The trigger guard is oversized and equipped with an integrated magazine release lever. Completing the design is an ergonomic, straight-wrist grip with texturing and front and rear sling swivel studs. MSRP: $1,085.
Proof Research .22 Long Rifle Latitude
The Proof Research .22 Long Rifle Latitude was designed for the precision rimfire shooter.
Whether it’s for competitive shooting or designated as a new ranch rifle, users will enjoy this superbly accurate rimfire rifle. The Latitude offers a fully adjustable custom carbon fiber stock for altering the length of pull for a personalized fit and feel, a cut-rifled carbon fiber barrel threaded to accommodate the user’s choice of muzzle devices, Zermatt Arms RimX action, TriggerTech Special trigger and a 10-round RimX magazine. It is backed by a five-shot sub-½-MOA 50-yard accuracy guarantee. The RimX has become a choice bolt action for some of the top precision competitors and rimfire enthusiasts. MSRP: $4,399.
Savage Arms KLYM Centerfire
The KLYM Centerfire Big-Game Rifle from Savage features exclusive partnerships with Proof Research and Fine Ballistic Tools (FBT) and includes the proven Savage 110 and Impulse platforms. Each KLYM rifle features an exclusive carbon fiber wrapped, steel cut and 5/8x24 threaded barrel from Proof Research and FBT custom carbon fiber stock. The stocks include one-button adjustable comb height, two sling studs and a Magnaswitch system installed. The 110 KLYM options also include a user-adjustable 1.5- to 4-pound AccuTrigger, tang safety, blueprinted action, drilled and tapped receiver and a one-piece Picatinny scope rail. The Impulse platform continues to expand Savage’s American-made, lightning-fast, straight-pull action. MSRP: $2,699/110 KLYM; $3,299/Impulse KLYM.
Seekins Precision Havak Hit
Seekins’ Havak Hit is not just a hunting action slapped into a new, fancy stock — it’s a purpose-built chassis rifle loaded with features for utility, ease-of-use and affordability. With an integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail, recoil lug, extended thread tenon and flat bottom, its superior strength requires no need for bedding into the chassis. It features a quick-change barrel system with a toolless changeable bolt head that allows users to swap from standard to magnum calibers with ease. The chassis is extremely comfortable with toolless adjustability and is foldable for easy transport. The Hit weighs 11.5 pounds and is available in five high-performance chamberings. MSRP: $2,100.
Shaw Barrels Excursion
The Shaw Barrels Excursion Rifle is available with a host of features and options, including premium Shaw Match Grade barrels, glass bedded Prak44 carbon fiber stocks with a 3DHex recoil pad, blueprinted and trued 416 stainless receivers, user-adjustable TriggerTech triggers (from 2.5 to 5 pounds standard), 39 short-action and 51 long-action calibers, Hawkins M5 bottom metal using AICS pattern magazines and barreled actions compatible with 700 pattern stocks and triggers. The Excursion can be configured as light as 5.5 pounds with select barrel lengths and calibers. MSRP: Rifles start at $2,550; Barreled actions start at $1,370.
Sig Sauer Cross Magnum
After years of testing and feedback from the field, the new Cross Magnum Bolt-Action Rifle from Sig Sauer is finally here. Featuring a new quick change barrel receiver design, newly designed intuitive folding stock hinge, full length Arca handguard and a receiver capable for lengths up to .300 PRC, the Cross Magnum not only delivers a new family of cartridges but also a whole new set of features. At a lightweight 8 pounds in .300 Win. Mag. with a 24-inch barrel, it is compact, lightweight and designed to deliver unmatched accuracy with its one-piece receiver design. It is equipped with a forward angle PRS-style grip and right-side thumb rest safety and comes with a Coyote anodize finish. MSRP: $2,499.99.
Solus Competition
Each Solus Competition Rifle is built around the Solus short action with a Remington 700 footprint to provide out-of-the-box precision and reliability. This action utilizes an interchangeable three-lug bolt design and a 60-degree bolt throw, and an integral 20-MOA biased top rail allows for rock-solid optics mounting. Other features include a honed and lapped barrel with an Elite Cerakote finish, stock with adjustable length of pull and adjustable cheek comb height, M-Lok-compatible forend and TriggerTech adjustable single-stage trigger. A variety of stock, chassis and caliber options allows shooters to choose what is best for their individual needs. MSRP: Starting at $2,149.
Stag Arms Pursuit
The Stag Arms Pursuit Bolt-Action Rifle is a game-changing firearm, meticulously designed to elevate the shooting experience. Crafted with precision engineering and enhanced ergonomics, this rifle is the result of collaborations with experienced hunters and precision shooters. It pushes the boundaries of off-the-shelf rifles; in the field, at the range, during competition or wherever unparalleled precision is required. With a completely custom 700-pattern design and a tri-lug bolt, the rifle features an incredibly smooth action and 60-degree throw for lightning-quick follow-up shots. The chassis is a three-part modular design enabling modification and customization with new stocks and handguards that will completely change the look and application of the rifle. MSRP: $1,899.99.
Weatherby Model 307 Range XP
The Model 307 Range XP Bolt-Action Rifle from Weatherby features a lightweight, vertical grip stock that includes an adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable length of pull, providing a custom fit for the shooter. Touch points are textured for a non-slip grip, and dual front swivel studs allow for multiple accessories to be attached. The Range XP comes standard with an adjustable TriggerTech trigger and is equipped with a Magpul removable magazine. The spiral fluted barrel is threaded and comes with a recoil-reducing Accubrake. The Range XP is coated with a durable Graphite Black Cerakote finish. Meant to complement the historic Mark V and Vanguard lineups, the Model 307 has a two-lug, fully cylindrical action compatible with many aftermarket accessories. MSRP: Starting at $1,199.
Wilson Combat NULA
Wilson Combat’s New Ultralight Arms (NULA) line of Bolt-Action Rifles takes Melvin Forbes’ legendary rifle design and integrates several improvements by leveraging modern manufacturing methods and the company’s 45 years of experience producing quality firearms. Its many premium features include a precision Wilson Combat 416R stainless honed and double stress relieved button rifled barrel, Timney Elite Hunter trigger with a smooth 2.75- to 3.25-pound trigger pull and a receiver fully machined and EDM cut from 4140 bar stock. All of these features are encased in an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber stock that includes reinforced receiver walls for added strength. Current caliber offerings include .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem., .308 Win. and .358 Win.. MSRP: $2,995/Base price.
