Top 10 Best Bolt Action Rifles in 2020
Bolt action rifles are one of the oldest and most trusted types of long barrel guns available, giving over a hundred years of service and development.
These rifles are known to be accurate, stable, and easy to handle when out in the rough of nature. There are more manufacturers today than ever before, so the number of bolt action rifles available is staggering.
If you don’t know what to look for, or if you aren’t sure what features work best for your needs, then finding the right rifle can be difficult. Today we will take some fo the headache out of comparing these types of rifles and break down ten of the most popular models currently on the market.
Contents
Best Bolt Action Rifles: Comparison Table
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Rifles |
Images |
Information |
|---|---|---|
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Mossberg Patriot |  | Info |
|
Lithgow LA102 CrossOver |  | Info |
|
Winchester XPR Composite |  | Info |
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Savage 110 Storm |  | Info |
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Ruger American Ranch Rifle |  | Info |
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CZ 557 Left Hand |  | Info |
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Savage Axis II XP |  | Info |
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Mauser M-18 |  | Info |
|
Remington 783 Synthetic |  | Info |
|
Franchi Momentum |  | Info |
What We Reviewed
- Mossberg Patriot
- Lithgow LA102 CrossOver
- Winchester XPR Composite
- Savage 110 Storm
- Ruger American Ranch Rifle
- CZ 557 Left Hand
- Savage Axis II XP
- Mauser M-18
- Remington 783 Synthetic
- Franchi Momentum
Mossberg Patriot
Features
The Patriots are a series of entry-level type bolt action rifles from Mossberg. There are six basic models, starting with the standard Patriot with a walnut stock, an LBA adjustable trigger, a new streamlined bolt design, and a drop box magazine system.
The button-rifled fluted barrels make long-shot targeting easy, with close grouping and great momentum. The rifling in the barrel delivers superior efficiency, giving full-velocity delivery from every caliber bullet you load. (Here’s a list of the best reloading kits according to our editors: Best Reloading Kits for Beginners and Experts)
Price
This series of bolt action rifles from Mossberg start at around $325 and go up to around $730.
Warranty
The Mossberg Patriot comes with the standard manufacturer’s warranty coving all defective parts and associated labor for repairs.
PROS:
- Stylish walnut stocks
- Barrel with recessed crown
CONS:
- Difficult mounting system for scopes
Lithgow LA102 Crossover
Features
The LA102 CrossOver is a superior gun, giving all the other bolt action rifles on this list a run for their money. The centerfire system allows for adjusting to several caliber barrels, making the customization easier and more manageable. This isn’t the lightest of the bolt action rifles, but the ergonomic stock and light steel construction make it handle like a much less dense stocked rifle.
Price
The LA102 is still in preorder status right now through Lithgow, so you can put your name on the waiting list to receive information on the pricing once the rifle is available to the public. The expected retail price is around $1,300.
Warranty
The LA102 CrossOver comes with the standard manufacturer’s warranty covering all defective factory parts and repair labor.
PROS:
- Handles like a lighter gun
- Excellent value for hardware included
CONS:
- Flimsy stock material
Winchester XPR Composite
Features
The Winchester XPR is designed as the model workhorse for the working hunter. An updated version of their popular Model 70, the XPR introduces a new composite synthetic stock with a new bolt mount system for the hardware. This new construction makes for better recoil control and a lighter handle on the frame.
This is an excellent hunting rifle for someone who needs reliable, tough, and light, coming in under seven pounds. For more hunting rifles, check out our related post: Best .22LR Rifles for Hunting and Survival.
Price
The Winchester XPR retails for around $550.
Warranty
This rifle is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty for up to one year on all defective parts.
PROS:
- Rated as most accurate
- Premium trigger system
CONS:
- Difficult to adjust the stock
Savage 110 Storm
Features
The Savage 110 Storm is the most durable of the bolt actions rifles we compared for this review. The AccuFit system gives functional customization without sacrificing the rugged feel of an all-weather rifle. The Gray stock is a synthetic composite that’s strong, durable, and helps give you extra control with the ergonomic shoulder cut.
Price
This series of bolt action rifles retails for around $750.
Warranty
This comes with the standard manufacturer’s warranty, which covers all defective parts and associated labor.
PROS:
- More caliber options than the others
CONS:
- Few supplied attachments
Ruger American Ranch Rifle
Features
This is one of the more versatile bolt action rifles on this list, making it a great option for someone needing a utility player out in the woods. The lightweight, ergonomic stock gives it a classic look with a tactile, firm hold. The synthetic stock has a rubber butt pad and full-diameter bolt body, giving great recoil control.
Price
These bolt action rifles start at around $450 and top out at around $550.
Warranty
These bolt action rifles come with the standard one-year manufacturer’s warranty, which covers all parts and labor.
PROS:
- Versatile sporting rifle
- Great available accessories
CONS:
- Only standard stock and barrel options
CZ 557 Left Hand
Features
This is one of the best left-handed bolt action rifles on the market, making it an ideal choice for the southpaw shooter. This left-hand short action rifle has a slick and clean American-pattern style stock with a 24” barrel, with a 557 push-feed system design for tight groups.
Price
This rifle is available for around $860.
Warranty
All bolt action rifles from CZ-USA come with a limited one-year warranty on all defective parts.
PROS:
- Reliable push-feed system for ammunition
- Sturdy stock construction
CONS:
- Adjustment is very limited
Savage Axis II XP
Features
The Savage Axis II XP is a rugged option for the experienced outdoorsman. The synthetic stock and the button-rifled barrel are designed for tight grouping and driving momentum. This model also comes with a floating head with an adjustable mount bolt that gives you greater control over the fine adjustments.
Price
This rifle retails for around $380.
Warranty
Savage offers a one-year limited warranty on all of their rifles and accessories, which covers parts and labor.
PROS:
- A great value for this feature set
- Nine different caliber options
CONS:
- Limited magazine upgrades available
Mauser M-18
Features
Mauser is one of the most famous makers of rifles worldwide. The Mauser M-16 was a favorite dating back to World War II, and that is the design that evolved into the modern M-18 bolt action rifle. Called “The People’s Rifle” by Mauser, this is a multi-caliber gun that gives you two standard options, .308 and .30-06.
(Check out our side-by-side comparison of these popular hunting calibers: The .308 vs. the 30-60 for Hunting – Ballistics and Accuracy Comparisons.)
There is an expanded series of caliber options that have rolled out for an additional price, including .243 Win., Magnum: 7mm Rem., and .300 Win. The black burnished surface is smooth with an even carbon grain, making it light, functional, and easy on the eyes.
Price
The Mauser M-18 Bolt Action Rifle retails at around $700. It is available from retailers worldwide, so be sure to check the local brick-and-mortar store for their own prices.
Warranty
Mauser offers a limited manufacturers warranty on all of their bolt action rifles. This covers any defective parts and the associated labor for repairs.
PROS:
- Beautiful stock and form
- Based on a trusted design
CONS:
- Expensive for the features
Remington 783 Synthetic
Features
The Remington 783 Synthetic Stock rifle is a workhorse designed for the utility hunter or heavy-duty sportsman. The black synthetic stock has exceptional rigidity and tensile strength, giving it extra balance and control when firing. The 783 also comes standard with the new Crossfire trigger system from Remington, a breakthrough system engineered to give you the ability to customize the pull like never before.
Price
This model of bolt action rifle starts for around $350.
Warranty
This rifle comes with the manufacturers defect covering warranty, which has varied coverage.
PROS:
- From a reliable gun maker
- Adjustable trigger system
CONS:
- Few variations of stock
Franchi Momentum
Features
The Franchi Momentum is a high-end series of bolt action rifles from one of the leading makers of precision hunting and sports firearms. There are six different caliber configurations for the Momentum: 30-60 Springfield, .300 Win. Mag, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .243 Winchester.
You can also get the rifle by itself in three different configurations: black synthetic, threaded and plain barrel. The trigger is a single stage designed to work with the streamlined stock, giving it a crisp pull with full body control, in any of the five standard shooting positions.
Price
This rifle can be purchased for around $550. Franchi only sells through authorized dealers, so be sure to use the link below to search for a local shop for this gun and the final price.
Warranty
Franchi has a seven-year limited warranty on the Momentum series of bolt action rifles. This warranty covers any manufacturer defects, which includes complete coverage of replacement parts and all associated labor.
PROS:
- Six different types to choose from
- Lots of features
CONS:
- Accessories and scopes are expensive
Product FAQ
1. What Are Bolt Action Rifles?
Bolt action rifles use an old but reliable pin firing system that uses a bolt lever to load and stage the ammunition and a hammer mechanism to fire the cartridge. The rifle itself is a long barrel with etched rifling in the interior to guide and spin the bullet, making it fly with higher velocity and greater accuracy.
2. How Are Bolt Action Rifles Different?
Though these types of rifles are older in design, they remain dependable and accurate. The simple system for loading, chambering, and ejecting the ammunition make it tougher than the more complicated semi-auto or high-caliber rifles.
3. What Are They Used For?
Bolt action rifles have been used in everything from military operations, civilian enforcement, and common game hunting. They are a reliable and accurate rifle for long to medium range contact, so they make ideal hunting rifles for woodland situations. The most common use for bolt action rifles today is domestic sporting and game management.
4. Where Can You Purchase Them?
The laws for gun purchase will vary from state to state and country to country, so it’s very important to familiarize yourself with local codes regarding the purchasing of firearms. The manufacturers on this list have authorized sellers worldwide that are contracted with selling these bolt action rifles to the public. The provided links for each model have location finders for authorized retailers for that manufacturer.
How We Reviewed
We looked at the different features of the rifles and compared them against one and other. Some things we looked for were stock construction, handling and weight, adjustability and customization, and the final performance. We have taken care to call out some strengths and weaknesses of each of these rifles so you can make an informed decision for the right rifle for you and your needs.
Overall Price Range of this Product (and Similar Products)
These types of bolt action rifles can be bought on a premium or a reasonable price. Also, the accessories and stock construction were the two biggest factors that determined the final price of the rifle.
Since most of the rifle manufacturers sell through brick and mortar retailers, you can find different deals throughout the year for different regions. That makes checking the official sites we have included much more important when shopping for the right rifle.
The Verdict
These were all superior engineered bolt action rifles, with each one offering their own features and benefits. When comparing all of these models a clear favorite has come to the front of the pack.
The Mauser M-18 is the industry standard for rifles, giving their hundred-year history a workhorse for every shooter. The price was reasonable for this quality rifle, so we recommend the Mauser M-18 as the choice for best of the bolt action rifles.
My articles appear in Marketing Edge Magazine, on Gizmogrind, and with various Medium publications. But one thing hasn’t changed in all of my life: no matter where I was or what I was doing. I’ve always loved to be outdoors.
A man needs nothing more than a good flannel shirt, a well-worn pair of jeans, and comfortable hiking boots. I don’t go for all the fancy luxury stuff. Suits are uncomfortable and shaving sucks.
