Semi-auto rifles in various chamberings are among the most popular models being sold today, so we’ve assembled our Top 10 Semi-Auto Centerfire Rifles in the list below. This includes pistol-caliber carbines in 9mm Luger and 10mm Auto as well as common rifle cartridges like 5.56 NATO, 223 Remington, 7.62 NATO, 308 Winchester, and 30-06 Springfield. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test, so expect the prices of new or used guns you might find to be different.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The Tanker Garand was a great deal of fun to fire. It is accurate enough for hunting to moderate range, and considering its reliability, it could be a life saver. The magazine capacity, ammunition reserve, and handling of the M1A rated better among the testers, however.
9Foxtrot Mike Products Ranch Rifle 223 Wylde, $1049
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Foxtrot Mike version of the Ranch Rifle features a traditional-style stock grafted to a buffer-less AR-15 action. The trigger is unique and accuracy good, plus it is compatible with aftermarket parts. It ran well after a lengthy break-in period.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Just Right Carbine was the top shooter in this test, and it handled easily. We think it is also very well designed for use by left- or right-handed users.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The 9mm FPC is light, easy to carry on trails, and easy to store in a truck or van. It is reliable with a range of ammunition. Some like the Response better in shooting drills. For personal defense, this is the better buy, offering more magazines in the package and a folding option. Both carbines got a half-grade dock because they’re not lefty friendly. If you’re a lefty, then call both B+ guns.
6Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle 5801 5.56 NATO, $1054
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Out of the box, the Mini-14 is ready to go, offering nostalgia and performance in this wood-and-blued-steel rifle. Accuracy is decent, there are plenty of optics-mounting options, and aftermarket magazines. Customization is limited to a stock swap.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Not Ruger’s first camp carbine but, we think, easily the best. The LC10 sits well in the hand, is compact to store, and is well designed for the left- or right-handed shooter.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The fastest, most accurate PCC in this test, if Springfield would put as good a trigger in this as SIG does in the MPX, they would have a solid A in our book.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Scout Squad is a reliable, hard-hitting rifle. We like the handling and trigger action as well as the reliability. We experimented more with this rifle than any other tested.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Response is a fun gun to fire. Folks who like semi-automatic version of SMGs or folding carbines may like the FPC better, and it folds up neatly. The Response is the shooter, and it offers simple but effective handling. Recoil is modest and accuracy good. The Response is a good choice for many pursuits.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (OUR PICK)
The SOCOM is short, powerful, and accurate enough for most any chore. The rifle proved reliable with a variety of ammunition. The choice between this rifle and the Scout Squad is difficult, but in the end, the slightly shorter SOCOM is our choice.
