When it comes to reliability, it’s hard to beat a bolt action rifle. Unlike a semi-automatic, which relies upon a gas tube system or the gun’s own recoil, a bolt action doesn’t cycle until you manually work the bolt. Because there’s no extra machinery movement during the shot, bolt action rifles are the most accurate rifles in the world.
In our search for the best bolt action rifle, we looked at several criteria. First, we looked at a wide variety of calibers, since the best .223 bolt action rifle will be used for different purposes than the best .308 bolt action rifle. We also looked for different price ranges. The best cheap bolt action rifles aren’t necessarily the best overall.
Finally, we looked for rifles from reliable manufacturers, with a track record of making high-quality firearms. We wouldn’t risk using an off-brand rifle, and you shouldn’t either.
Let’s get started!
15 Best Bolt Action Rifles of 2020
The Ruger American Rimfire is a well-engineered .22 caliber plinking rifle.
Key Features
- Chambered in .22 LR (also available in .17 HMR and .22 magnum)
- 18-inch barrel
- 10-round rotary magazine
- Weighs 5.9 pounds
- Black composite stock and fore grip
- Drilled and tapped for optics
The Ruger American Rimfire is a downsized version of the classic Ruger American, chambered for a .22 LR instead of beefier hunting rounds.
It feeds with the tried and true 10-round rotary magazine that’s seen years of legendary service on the 10/22. Needless to say, if a magazine is good enough for rapid-fire, it’s more than reliable enough for service on a bolt action rifle.
Beyond the magazine, there’s a lot to like about this rifle. If you’re familiar with Ruger, you know they make high-quality chambers and tight-fitting, smooth-cycling bolts.
The American Rimfire is no different, so you can expect nothing but the best performance. This is a .22, not a hunting rifle, so there’s no significant recoil, and the lightweight stock makes it easy to carry.
Pros
- Cheap, readily-available ammo
- Lightweight
- Low recoil
- Smooth, reliable cycling
- Affordable
Cons
- Not a good choice for hunting
This is the best budget rifle on our list, ideal for casual plinkers.
2. Savage Mark II FV-SR
The Savage Mark II FV-SR includes a Picatinny rail, so it’s ready for mounting optics.
Key Features
- Chambered in .22 LR
- 16-inch barrel
- 5-round box magazine
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
- Camo composite stock and fore grip
- Chamber-length Picatinny rail
The Savage Mark II FV-SR is a .22 caliber rifle that’s fed by a small, 5-round box magazine. Because it’s a .22, ammo is plentiful, which makes it a good choice for plinking. It’s also short, with only a 16-inch barrel, making it ideal as a home defense gun. This gun includes a Picatinny rail that runs the length of the chamber, so you can easily mount almost any aftermarket optics.
This gun has some nice features, like the camo stock and the Picatinny rail. But it suffers from a relatively small magazine, and the action isn’t as smooth as the Ruger. Still, it’s a decent plinking or home defense gun. And if that’s all you’re looking for, you’ll more than get your money’s worth.
Pros
- Cheap, readily-available ammo
- Lightweight
- Low recoil
- Ready for mounting optics
- Short barrel
- Affordable
Cons
- Small magazine
- Not a good choice for hunting
This bolt action gun has a short, 16-inch barrel that’s easy to maneuver indoors for home defense purposes.
3. Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP
The Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP is available in a wide variety of calibers.
Key Features
- Chambered in .223 Remington (also available in .204 Ruger, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, .270 WSM, 300 WSM, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08 Remington)
- 20-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 7 pounds
- Black composite stock and fore grip
- Includes 3-9x40mm Nikon scope
The Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP is a youth variant of Savage’s famous Model 11. The barrel measures 20 inches long, making it a good choice for youth hunters. It’s available in multiple calibers, including some high powered hunting cartridges, but we’d recommend using the .223 version. That’s large enough for medium sized game, without the powerful recoil you’ll experience from a higher caliber rounds.
At the end of the day, this is a youth rifle, and it’s made to be lightweight. But expect more recoil than you’d get from a sturdier gun. It comes with a powerful, 3-9x40mm Nikon scope, which is wide enough to provide a clear image even on a cloudy day.
Pros
- Good balance of power and recoil
- High-quality scope
- Good choice for younger users
- Available in a variety of calibers
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption
This bolt action rifle has a shortened, 20-inch barrel, ideal for teenagers and other people with small frames.
4. Ruger American Rifle
The Ruger American Rifle With Vortex Crossfire Scope is a package deal that’s a good value for the price.
Key Features
- Chambered in .223 Remington (also available in .204 Ruger,.308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor)
- 22-inch barrel
- 5-round box magazine
- Weighs 7.2 pounds
- Moss green composite stock and fore grip
- Includes 4-12x44mm Vortex Crossfire scope
The Ruger American Rifle With Vortex Crossfire Scope is a sturdy rifle that comes in four different chamberings. We reviewed the .223 Remington version, and it feels just right. You get all the convenience of firing standard AR cartridges, with the comfort of a hunting rifle and a powerful, bright 4-12 scope that zeroes in easily.
That said, the Ruger American is a lot like the Savage 11/111. The composite stock just doesn’t have a lot of heft to it, and won’t absorb the recoil of a .308 or a 6.5 Creedmoor. On the other hand, this rifle features a smooth-cycling Ruger bolt, which will never jam on you when you’re racking quickly for a follow-up shot.
Pros
- Good balance of power and recoil
- High-quality scope
- Smooth-cycling action
- Also available in big game calibers
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption
Like the Savage 11/111, the Ruger American Rifle is a solid choice in .223 Remington, but doesn’t have enough recoil absorption for larger rifle calibers.
5. Mossberg MVP Flex
The Mossberg MVP Flex Medium Bull features an adjustable buttstock, so it’s suitable for shooters of all sizes.
Key Features
- Chambered in .308 Winchester (also available in 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington)
- 18.5-inch barrel
- 10-round box magazine
- Weighs 7.5 pounds
- Black composite stock and fore grip
- Includes a Picatinny rail with a 3-9x32mm fiber-optic scope
- Includes a black nylon pistol grip
The Mossberg MVP Flex Medium Bull is a short-barreled hunting rifle that’s designed to implement some of the ergonomic features of an AR. Basically, we’re talking about a .308 rifle with a pistol grip and adjustable buttstock, which allows you to use the rifle comfortably no matter what your size.
The scope is of average quality. It’s accurate, but you’ll start to experience some dimming when you zoom in beyond about 6x. Like other plastic long guns, this one doesn’t offer as much recoil absorption as we’d prefer. It’s just not heavy enough. But the pistol grip allows for more stability than you’ll get from most hunting rifles, which is a significant bonus.
Pros
- Adjustable buttstock
- Adjustable, clean-breaking trigger
- Excellent stability
- Easy-to-change scope
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption
The pistol grip on this bolt action rifle provide plenty of control and stability, making it the best bolt action .308 we’ve seen.
6. Ruger American Predator
The Ruger American Predator is a sturdy Ruger hunting rifle that’s available in a wide variety of calibers.
Key Features
- Chambered in .308 Winchester (also available in .204 Ruger, .22-250 Remington, 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.5 Creedmoor)
- 22-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 6.6 pounds
- Moss green composite stock and fore grip
- Includes a chamber-length Picatinny rail
The Ruger American Predator is Ruger’s premier hunting rifle. It’s available in a variety of calibers, and while we reviewed the .308 Winchester specifically, the same basic features apply. Be careful of recoil here. This is a lightweight gun, and it kicks like a mule.
That said, the 22-inch barrel is exceptionally well-machined for an inexpensive gun, and will put multiple rounds on a dime at 100 yards or more. If you’re anywhere near a whitetail’s kill zone, you’re going to bring it down. This gun also uses a smooth Ruger bolt system, so you won’t have to worry about any jams or misfeeds.
Pros
- Pinpoint accurate
- Adjustable, clean-breaking trigger
- Accepts most aftermarket scopes
- Smooth-cycling action
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption
The Picatinny rail on this bolt action rifle allows for easy mounting of aftermarket optics.
7. Browning X-Bolt Micro Midas
The Browning X-Bolt Micro Midas utilizes Browning’s ultra-reliable action, for unparalleled quality.
Key Features
- Chambered in .308 Winchester (also available in .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 WSM, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington, and .300 WSM)
- 20-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 6.06 pounds
- Wood-grain polymer stock and fore grip
- Pre-drilled and tapped for optics
The Browning X-Bolt Micro Midas is youth-sized rifle that’s powerful enough to bring down even big game. This gun is available in more than half a dozen calibers, but the .308 we looked at is as powerful as any full-sized .308 hunting rifle, and is engineered with a smooth Browning action that never jams or has any other problems.
The downside of this gun is the same as many youth rifles. It’s just too short and lightweight to handle the recoil, so it kicks harder than the same rifle would on a beefier stock. It’s also expensive, but you’re not just getting any youth rifle; you’re getting a Browning.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth-cycling action
- Ideal size for youth shooters
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption
- A little pricey
This is an outstanding youth-sized bolt action rifle that will last for generations.
8. Browning A-Bolt III
The Browning A-Bolt III has a wood stock with a thick rubber butt pad, which absorbs more recoil than your average composite rifle.
Key Features
- Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (also available in .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .308 Winchester, .300 WSM, 30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Mag, and 7mm-08 Remington)
- 22-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 6.75 pounds
- Genuine walnut stock and furniture
- Thick, rubberized butt pad
The Browning A-Bolt III is a long, accurate hunting rifle that’s available in 9 different calibers. We reviewed the 6.5 Creedmoor, and found a lot to like.
To begin with, let’s restate the obvious. The precision-engineered 22-inch barrel allows for exceptional accuracy. And once again we’re looking at a Browning, which means you’ll get a reliable, smooth cycling action.
This gun offers plenty of recoil absorption, with a heavy walnut stock and an extra-thick butt pad that eats most of the recoil before you feel it. The only thing we didn’t like was the top of the chamber, which has a widely-spaced opening that makes it difficult to install a rail or sights.
Pros
- Accurate
- Smooth-cycling action
- Good recoil absorption
Cons
- Not well set up for sights
This accurate bolt action rifle is very easy to cycle, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
9. Tikka T3X TAC A1
The Tikka T3X TAC A1 features a pistol grip, for exceptional control and stability.
Key Features
- Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (also available in .223 Remington, .260 Remington, and .308 Winchester)
- 24-inch barrel
- 10-round box magazine
- Weighs 10 pounds
- Black composite stock and pistol grip
- Adjustable buttstock with cheek guard
- Full-length Picatinny rail
- Left-handed version available
The Tikka T3X TAC A1 is a full-length, 24-inch match-grade rifle, which means it isn’t cheap. But if you’re willing to spend the money, it’s one of the most impressive deer-slayers on the market.
This gun is available in 4 different chamberings, although we specifically reviewed the 6.5 Creedmoor. At 10 pounds, the gun is both heavy and long enough to absorb the recoil without dealing any significant kick.
The T3X is as adjustable as they come. Not only can the buttstock be adjusted to different lengths, but it’s available in both left and right-handed versions. It also features a full-length Picatinny rail with M-Lok rails on the sides and bottom, so you can mount any accessories you please.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy
- Very stable
- Powerful recoil absorption
- Smooth-cycling action
- Easy to install sights and other accessories
Cons
- Heavy
- Very expensive
This is a match-grade rifle, perfectly designed for long-range shooting.
10. Ruger American Rifle Hunter
The Ruger American Rifle Hunter is a powerful, accurate rifle with an adjustable buttstock.
Key Features
- Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or.308 Winchester
- 20-inch barrel
- 5-round box magazine
- Weighs 9.2 pounds
- Grey composite stock and fore grip
- Chamber-length Picatinny rail
- Magpul-produced adjustable Hunter stock
The Ruger American Rifle Hunter is another Ruger rifle, which means you get what you pay for: a reliable gun without a ton of bells and whistles. That said, this rifle does offer an adjustable buttstock and a sharply-angled grip, manufactured by Magpul.
This rifle is easy to control, and at 9.2 pounds it’s heavy enough to remain reasonably stable under recoil. As with any Ruger bolt action rifle, you’re getting a smooth action, so jams and misfeeds won’t be a concern. A chamber-length Picatinny rail rounds out the package.
Pros
- Stable and accurate
- Powerful recoil absorption
- Easy to install sights
- Smooth-cycling action
- Good value
Cons
- Heavy
A well-machined gun at a reasonable price, this is the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for the money.
11. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is a traditional, walnut-stocked hunting rifle that’s lightweight enough for use in the field.
Key Features
- Chambered in 30-06 Springfield (also available in .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 25-06 Remington, .264 Winchester Mag, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .300 Winchester Mag, .300 WSM, and .325 WSM)
- 22-inch barrel
- 4-round fixed magazine
- Weighs 7 pounds
- Genuine walnut stock and furniture
- Thick, rubberized butt pad
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is a lightweight take on Winchester’s classic Model 70 hunting rifle. At only 7 pounds, it’s easy to transport out in the field, but you won’t have to sacrifice on quality. This rifle uses Winchester’s longstanding bolt system, which is as reliable as they come.
And the quality doesn’t end there. The walnut stock is reasonably sturdy, and features a heavy rubber butt pad that absorbs enough recoil to keep you comfortable. The only thing we didn’t like was the fixed magazine, which has to be reloaded through the top of the chamber every time it’s empty. We’re all for classic design, but a removable magazine would be a nice upgrade.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good recoil absorption
- Smooth-cycling action
- Classic look
Cons
- Difficult to reload
- Expensive
With its smooth-cycling action and classic polished furniture, this is the best 30-06 bolt action rifle we’ve seen.
12. Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker
The Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker is a mid-priced rifle, and it’s a Browning; what a deal!
Key Features
- Chambered in 30-06 Springfield (also available in .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .280 Remington, .300 Winchester Mag, .308 Winchester, .300 WSM, .338 Winchester Mag, 7mm Remington Mag, and 7mm-08 Remington)
- 22-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 6.5 pounds
- Polymer stock and fore grip
- Thick, rubberized butt pad
The Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker is a full-sized version of the X-Bolt Micro Midas we reviewed earlier. With a 22-inch barrel, it’s more accurate than the smaller version, yet it’s still almost as light. This is a bit of a mixed blessing, since the gun is easy to carry out in the woods, but doesn’t absorb much recoil.
At the end of the day, this is a mid-grade rifle that’s exceptionally reliable. It features a smooth-cycling Browning action, and is a great value for the price.
Pros
- Accurate
- Lightweight
- Smooth-cycling action
- Good value
Cons
- Poor recoil absorption.
This bolt action rifle is available in almost any caliber.
13. Remington Model 700
The Remington Model 700 features a long, 24-inch barrel that remains stable under recoil.
Key Features
- Chambered in 30-06 Springfield (also available in .243 Remington, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .300 Winchester Mag, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .300 WSM, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Remington Mag, and 7mm-08 Remington)
- 24-inch barrel
- 3-round fixed magazine
- Weighs 7.62 pounds
- Genuine walnut stock and furniture
- Pre-drilled and tapped for optics
The Remington Model 700 is a classic, long-barreled rifle that’s very stable when firing. The long barrel also makes it more accurate than most hunting rifles, so you’ll have an easy time staying inside the 10-ring.
This rifle has a fixed magazine, which means it has to be reloaded through the top of the chamber. If you can get over the minor inconvenience of reloading, it’s a well-engineered gun. And it’s already pre-drilled and tapped for optics, so you can have a sight set up in no time.
Pros
- Accurate
- Good recoil resistance
- Easy to install optics
- Classic design
Cons
- Difficult to reload
This is a classic hunting rifle, with absolutely beautiful furniture.
14. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade is the modern version of the classic Model 70, with an upgraded trigger and safety.
Key Features
- Chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum (also available in .243 Winchester, .264 Winchester Mag, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .280 Remington, .300 WSM, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 30-06 Springfield, .338 Winchester Mag, 7mm Remington Mag, and 7mm-08 Remington)
- 26-inch barrel
- 3-round fixed magazine
- Weighs 8.25 pounds
- Genuine walnut stock and furniture
- Thick, rubberized butt pad
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade maintains the classic appearance of its forbear, with a beautiful walnut stock that’s easy to grip thanks to the diamond hashing on the trigger grip and fore grip. With a 24-inch barrel, it’s exceptionally accurate, enough to bring down big game at any reasonable distance.
This rifle is available in over a dozen calibers, although it’s heavily biased towards various Winchester magnum chamberings. We like the .300 Winchester Magnum, since it’s readily available and hard-hitting. We don’t like the fixed magazine, which is a headache to reload.
Pros
- Very stable and accurate
- Excellent recoil absorption
- Smooth-cycling action
- Classic look
Cons
- Difficult to reload
- Expensive
This is the most accurate wood rifle we’ve looked at today.
15. Mossberg Patriot Revere
The Mossberg Patriot Revere is a pinpoint-accurate rifle that won’t break the bank.
Key Features
- Chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum (also available in .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 30-06 Springfield)
- 24-inch barrel
- 4-round box magazine
- Weighs 7 pounds
- Genuine walnut stock and furniture
- Rail mounts on top of chamber
The Mossberg Patriot Revere is designed to be as affordable as possible, while still keeping you on target. It features a 24-inch barrel, which makes up for budget engineering by being longer than your average rifle barrel. It also features a walnut stock and fore grip, and a set of single-groove Picatinny rails on either side of the chamber.
This is a beautiful gun, available in half a dozen chamberings. Considering the fact that it’s constructed from sturdy wood, we recommend the .300 Winchester Magnum to take full advantage of its durability. The only thing we didn’t like was the cheap Mossberg chamber and bolt, but at this price we can live with it.
Pros
- Accurate
- Beautiful design
- Easy to mount a sight
- Affordable
Cons
- Jams more than it should
If you’re looking for a beautiful walnut bolt action gun at a reasonable price, here’s your rifle.
Bottom Line
We’ve just looked at several good bolt action rifles, from high-end hunting pieces to some of the best bolt action rifles for the money. One thing that’s essential to keep in mind when you’re making your purchase is what the gun is going to be used for.
For example, if you’re target shooting, a .22 LR is going to be the best option, both for ease of use and the ready availability of dirt-cheap ammo. If you’re hunting, you’ll probably want a larger caliber. For medium-sized game like boar and coyote, a .223 Remington is sufficient. For even larger game like deer, elk, and bear, or for long-range hunting, go with a high-powered cartridge like the .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor.
No matter what rifle you end up choosing, we hope you’ve learned enough from our reviews to become a more educated consumer. Who knows? Maybe one of these guns is perfect for you!
Check out all the other gun articles put together by our expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;
The Review
Best Bolt Action Rifles
We've reviewed the best bolt action rifles on the market today to help you choose which to buy.
Review Breakdown
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Ruger American Rimfire
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Savage Mark II FV-SR
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Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP
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Ruger American
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Mossberg MVP Flex
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Ruger American Predator
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Browning X-Bolt Micro Midas
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Browning A-Bolt III
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Tikka T3X TAC A1
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Ruger American Rifle-Hunter
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Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
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Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker
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Remington Model 700
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Winchester Model 70 Super Grade
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Mossberg Patriot Revere
Best Bolt Action Rifles DEALS
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