Frank Bates’ top 22 deer rifles
Rifles have come a long way since pioneer days. Today, this modernized weapon is the top choice of many hunters who seek white-tailed deer east of the Rocky Mountains, mule deer west of the Rockies and black-tailed deer along the West Coast. Whether it’s stand hunting, still hunting, deer drive hunting, spot and stalk hunting or dog hunting, rifles are used to keep deer populations in check and feed families.
Check out this article Top 10 Best Bolt Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles. The author does a good job covering some of the most popular, commercially-produced bolt-action deer hunting rifles of our time, but I think there are quite a few he overlooked.
Below is a list of the 10 rifles mentioned by the author, plus 12 more that I think should be in a list of the top 20 or 25:
- Savage Model 110 – Well-deserved reputation for strength and accuracy, thanks in part to the barrel locknut.
- Winchester Model 70 – Simple, adjustable trigger; a new version was introduced in 2007.
- Browning A-Bolt – Features include glass-bedding, 60-degree bolt throw and ergonomically-designed bolt knob.
- Remington Model 700 – Possibly the most popular American bolt-action rifle of all time, despite trigger safety problems.
- Ruger Model 77 – Includes non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and integral scope mounts.
- Sako 85 – Slick action with a fairly short bolt-throw, which can add up to quick follow-up shots.
- Tikka T3 – Criticized for “manufacturing shortcuts,” but praised for smoothness.
- Weatherby Mark V – Adjustable trigger, non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and side-mounted thumb safety.
- Weatherby Vanguard – Built to be a less expensive option for those who wanted the Weatherby name but couldn’t afford the Mark V; guaranteed accuracy.
- Marlin X7 Series Rifles – Relatively new on the scene; uses a barrel locknut.
- Others include the Winchester Stealth 308, Steyr Mannlicher, Remington VSFS 22 250, Winchester 300 Win Short Mag, Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow, Remington Model 7 Magnum, Remington 300 Ultramag Sendero, Browning Stainless Stalker 300 Win Mag, Mossberg 100 ATR, Ruger American Rifle, Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 and Konus 4×32 Riflescope.
Do you hunt with one of the rifles listed above? If so, what’s your opinion of it? What other rifles have you used? Are there certain rifles you would recommend to others for deer hunting? I’d love to hear from you.
My favorite deer rifle is a Ruger No. 1, .223 Winchester cal.
Here in Wisconsin lever action rifles by Marlin or Winchester have taken more game out of the woods than probably any others. I use a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 works equally well on deer here and big boar hogs in florida.
I have a savage 110 it and the browning a5 are the ones I love the most the A5 it amazin how many rounds you can put through it before you have to put a little oil on shell tub not that big of fan of Remington I have a 700 and a 1100 now I like my 20ga 1148 it a good little gun but a h&r are hard to beat on accuracy
I use a Styer SSG in .308. Leupold scope. Many, many deer and hogs taken at 200 yards +, all one shot kills, most were base of the skull shots That disconnected the animal.
I have the weatherby vanguard in 300 mag with leupold gold ring, bought for elk hunting. outstanding knock down power. I have an old model 17 springfield in 30 06, with such variety of ammo you cant go wrong. For brush hunting the marlin 336 in 35 cal is outstanding, 150 to 200 grain this bullet can penetrate the thicket and make the kill. any of these is an excellent choice, add a rem 870, and you’ve got a great setup.
I HAVE AN OLD RUGER 77RS 30.06 WITH A BELL&CARLSON STOCK AND NIKON 3X9.COUNTLESS ONE SHOT DROP ON THE SPOT WITH 165 GR HANLOADS
I had an 1886 Winchester in .33 Winchester, a .338 200 grain flat nose on a 45-70 necked down case made in the 1930s. Good in heavy brush and short to medium ranges. Got it in Alaska should I run into Brown bears while hunting smaller game.
I inherited my fathers 25/35 Winchester. Is ammo available?
My Winchester bolt action 308 works just fine. It will reach out there just fine. A. Lot of guys say that they need a semi auto 308. I say if you can’t do it with one round. You need more practice. Knowing your rifles capabilities is the single most important factor.
6.5×55 Swedish Mauser, mod-38. synthetic stock, var. scope w/bipod. 300yrds, no problem. Easy on the shoulder, unlike the 8mm, great reloaded with hp/bt or ballistic tip.
I like the Savage model 111 in .30-06.