For the rifleman, there is nothing that soothes the soul and brightens the day like a good-quality bolt-action rifle. For the serious rifleman who hunts, a centerfire rifle offers strength, efficiency, dependability, and accuracy. Some shooters realize a more expensive rifle may be needed for precision work, but it’s still possible to have a great gun that doesn’t break the bank. In most models, the bolt-action rifle will exhibit superior reliability compared to a semi-automatic or lever gun. Also, the bolt action will feed and function with cartridges of varying bullet weights and powder charges, and the chamberings are as widely offered as the game they take, from rabbits to elephants and everything in between.
We took all these considerations into account as we worked up a list of the best bolt-actions we’ve tested over the past few years, including long guns that are favorites of the PRS crowd and lightweight hunting rifles with exotic materials, as well as blued-steel-and-walnut models. As always, we favor rifles that don’t cost tons of money, but in some chamberings and match ups, everything was expensive, so we’ve listed those as well. Are these rifles worth the price? If they’re on this list, they are.
Gun Tests has evaluated many bolt-action rifles in various chamberings over the last few years, and we’ve often NOT liked some market favorites because we’re able to shoot several side by side, which shows the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Top 10 Centerfire Bolt-Action Rifles in the listicle below. We haven’t tested every rifle or chambering on the market, of course, so we’ll be interested to see which one is your favorite in the comments below, or what cartridges you’d like to see tests of. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test. Expect the prices of new or used guns to be different. — Todd Woodard
10 Tikka T3X Varmint JRTXH312 223 Remington, $999 (November 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The most accurate rifle and perhaps the most versatile in this test, we’d buy the Tikka T3X Varmint.
9 Masterpiece Arms MPA BA MPR PRO 6mm Creedmoor, $2499 (April 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Our Pick for this chambering. A heavy, yet graceful, beast. The MPA is one of the most popular rifles on the PRS tour, and now we know why.
8 Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint 706397939533 6.5 Creedmoor, $2399 (April 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A hybrid tactical/hunting rifle. Offers an excellent stock with vertical grip, has a smooth-cycling action, is lightweight and accurate. Recoil was mild. Accuracy was less affected as the barrel heated up.
7 Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter 2 0011710059-F 6.5 PRC, $1895 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Outstanding accuracy. We loved the stock and the trigger on this great rifle.
6 Tikka T3X CTR 6.5 Creedmoor, $1249 (August 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Tikka rifles are one of the best production-class rifles and are a serious value. This version doesn’t provide all the features found on the Savage, but it will shoot head-to-head with it on accuracy.
5 Bergara Premier MGLite 6.5 PRC, $3000 (June 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The magnesium chassis and minimalist design combined to provide the lightest package with the best overall accuracy.
4 Savage Model 110 Tactical 57770 6 ARC, $663 (March 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Slightly more accurate in our tests than the Christensen Scout, we liked the versatility of the stock. Known for the quality of the Accu-Triggers, this rifle came to us with the best trigger we’ve ever shot on a Savage.
3 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Stainless 535234220 308 Winchester, $951 (April 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Smooth handling, very good accuracy and classic styling.
2 CZ 600 Alpha Rifle No. 07403 7.62x39mm, $665 (June 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Seldom has a rifle so easily overwhelmed the competition. And good competition at that. The Alpha is very smooth in operation and feeds well. The Alpha proved to be light kicking, accurate, and ergonomic. The CZ Alpha is a good introduction and among the best rifles we have tested in some time.
1 Savage Model 110 Hunter 57063 243 Winchester, $760 (March 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Offering good accuracy and a good trigger, we thought the rifle’s Accustock provided the best shooting foundation in this test group. The stock’s comb-height inserts and buttpad length-of-pull inserts allow for wide fit customization for many different sizes of shooters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 3WRXP308NR4B 308 Winchester, $1150 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Weatherby tried to use the best elements from the very popular Remington 700 design and correct its shortcomings. We think they did a great job on this new rifle line.
Savage Impulse Elite Precision 57888 6.5 Creedmoor, $2059 (August 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
We think the Impulse Elite would make a great choice for PRS Production division and the mandated price cap of $2500.
Christensen Arms MPR 6.5 PRC, $2400 (June 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Well designed for positional shooting and easily folded for carry. Slightly heavier. Great for shooting from support, it might be a bit harder to carry.
Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020 6.5 PRC, $2400 (June 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Great conventional stock with vertical pistol grips. Smooth bolt operation. We liked the little touches like the QD mounts making the rifle easy to sling.
Christensen Arms Model 14 Ridgeline Scout 6 ARC, $2100 (March 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Had an aggregate accuracy result within a hair of the Savage with a product 2 pounds lighter than the Tactical. Price and some modifications that came standard on the Savage pushed it to second place.
CVA Cascade CR3907C 350 Legend, $658 (July 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Top-ranked straightwall selection. Outstanding trigger and tons of features. Tied with the Savage M110 Hog Hunter.
Christensen Arms Ridgeline 801-06015-00 6.5 PRC, $1793 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Our Pick. Accurate with factory ammo, better with reloads. Carryover winner from Nov. 2020.
Bergara Premier M’tn 2.0 BPR28-65PRC 6.5 PRC, $1999 (November 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
100% carbon-fiber stock and trim 24-inch barrel make this a premier mountain rifle.
Ruger Precision Custom Shop 18084 6.5 Creedmoor, $2419 (August 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The cost reflects the price required to get the bells and whistles to shoot comfortably.
Browning X-Bolt Max LR 035438294 6.5 PRC, $1180 (November 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A little longer and a little heavier than our other rifles. Beanfield rifle rather than a mountain rifle.
Remington Model 7 CDL 26423 308 Winchester, $798 (April 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A nice piece of wood, a good trigger and a compact 20-inch barrel on a rifle that could really shoot.
Ruger American Rifle 6903 Standard 308 Winchester $382 (Dec. 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Light enough, accurate enough, and inexpensive enough for us to want to keep it.
Remington Model 783 85847 308 Winchester, $340 (March 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Best Buy. The Remington 783 was the most accurate rifle tested this month. There were no demerits.
Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020 BAW9247PRCCFGA 7 PRC, $2289 (December 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This Waypoint 2020 easily beat Springfield’s sub-0.75-MOA pledge. Being extremely picky, we would like to see an adjustable length of pull and a magazine release that was a bit easier to depress.
Browning X-Bolt Speed LR 035557294 6.5 PRC, $1280 (April 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The X-Bolt had an excellent trigger and a buttery-smooth action. Accuracy was stellar, and recoil quite manageable. Accuracy degraded as the barrel heated up.
Ruger American 6904 243 Winchester, $442 (March 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The most accurate rifle in the group by a narrow margin, the Ruger American performs at a level above what the price would suggest. It was the lightest in this group, so it would carry well. We would have liked for the rifle to have a threaded muzzle for attachment of a brake or suppressor.
SIG Sauer Cross 65-18B-FLC 6.5 Creedmoor, $1840 (August 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This rifle was easy to handle and shot extremely well. It is tailor-made for those who wish to use a suppressor or who must carry it a long way.
Christensen Arms MPR 801-03035-01 6mm Creedmoor, $1799 (April 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Lightest sample in this group, tested for a sport that prefers heavy rifles, and it still almost won.
Savage Arms 110 Hog Hunter 223 Remington, $599 (February 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Oversized bolt, adjustable iron sights, adjustable LOP, a box magazine, and a threaded barrel.
Tikka T3x Lite Stainless JRTXB316 308 Winchester, $748 (April 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
With a very functional polymer stock, the smoothest bolt in the group of test rifles, and the best out-of-the-box trigger, we really liked this rifle.
Savage Axis II XP 57095 308 Winchester, $411 (Dec. 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Best Buy. It works well, is accurate enough for hunting, and it is affordable.
Savage Model 12FV 18393 308 Winchester, $420 (Dec. 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Most accurate rifle tested. Modest recoil. The rifle never failed to impress us.
Remington 700 SPS 85538 308 Winchester, $655 (March 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
There are few rifles that are as handy as this one.
Colt CBX Tac Hunter CBX-SP20PGA-308 308 Winchester, $843 (January 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
We took off part of a grade for an adjustable trigger that didn’t adjust much. Once we were finished being very picky, we thought the Colt CBX shot very well and had some nice features.
Christensen Arms MPR 801-03016-00 7 PRC, $2499 (December 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
While the MPR was extremely accurate, the magazine fell out several times while we were shooting from a barricade. Function from all other shooting positions was perfect.
Savage 110 Ultralite 57583 6.5 PRC, $1450 (April 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The 110 Ultralite was lightweight and offered good accuracy. The action was very stiff. Recoil was slightly more than mild. Accuracy deteriorated as the barrel heated up.
Weatherby Vanguard First Lite VFP243NR63 243 Winchester, $923 (March 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Good accuracy with outstanding trigger. Balance was great, easy to carry. Upgrade the stock just a bit, free-float the barrel, and this could easily have been our winner. However, price is a significant downside, costing twice as much as the Ruger.
CZ Model 527 03019 223 Remington, $785 (November 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The trim receiver allowed the longest barrel, while maintaining a compact OAL. Outstanding trigger.
Ruger Hawkeye Predator 17122 223 Remington, $1359 (November 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
A brushed stainless finish, a gorgeous three-color laminate stock, and a great trigger.
Savage Arms 10PT-SR 22356 308 Winchester, $550 (May 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Good build. It did shoot sub-MOA with one round. We loved the handle and AccuTrigger.
Remington Model 700 SPS 84218 308 Winchester, $606 (Oct. 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Hard to find a production rifle that is capable of greater practical accuracy.
Savage Axis II Precision 57552 6.5 Creedmoor, $999 (August 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Excellent accuracy, a clean-breaking trigger, and a fairly comfortable stock. Needs a brake.
Mossberg MVP Precision Rifle 27962 6.5 Creedmoor, $1509 (August 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Luth-AR stock is excellent, as is the trigger. Needs a muzzle brake.
CVA Cascade SB CR3914R 300 Blackout, $621 (March 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The most accurate in the test, theCVA Cascade handles well and shoots well.
Ruger Precision Rifle 18032 6mm Creedmoor, $1599 (April 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Good accuracy and dependability. We would have liked a crisper trigger and a wide, flat fore end.
Savage M110 Elite Precision 57558 6mm Creedmoor, $1999 (April 2021)
April 2021
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Least accurate with the Federal ammo. Black Hills and Berger ammunition were much better.
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 6.5 RPM, $2249 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Beautifully put together, but downrange accuracy wasn’t up to what we saw with other rifles.
Ruger Scout Rifle 6830 7.62mm NATO (308 Winchester), $1139 (July 2019)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Ruger Scout comes closest to the original Scout rifle concept, but it falls short due to weight. We still feel this a great rifle, and it offered excellent accuracy.
Remington M700 SPS 85538 308 Winchester, $600 (Oct. 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
This short rifle isn’t the most accurate, but the overall handling is superb.
Ruger Hawkeye Compact 37139 308 Winchester, $691 (April 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
This rifle has a short length of pull and a 16.5-inch barrel, this could be a great truck gun or an outstanding rifle for a smaller shooter.
Taurus Expedition 3-EXP308181 308 Winchester, $765 (January 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
We really liked the stock on the new Taurus Expedition and how well it was designed to mate up easily with the bipods and tripods. The trigger was great, though we couldn’t get the rifle to group under 1 inch, so we subtracted from the grade.
Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 46902 308 Winchester, $620 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
This new generation Ruger American sports an upgrade to its aesthetics, and accuracy was great, as we expected. There was an issue with the magazine that cost this new rifle a letter grade.
Ruger American Ranch Rifle No. 26968 300 BLK, $502 (June 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The Ruger American is a reliable and affordable rifle. It handles well and is accurate enough for most chores. The price differential between the Ruger and the CZ rifle isn’t that great, and the CZ simply outperformed the Ruger. After some work that is rightly classified as elbow-grease gunsmithing, we were able to get the Ruger smoother.
Stevens Model 334 18839 243 Winchester, $425 (March 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The trigger could be improved, capacity increased, and the lines made a bit more pleasing to the eye. That said, this inexpensive rifle with Turkish walnut furniture shot okay in the beginning and got better as it broke in. If you want a wood stock, then this isn’t a bad pick.
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT TI 7 PRC, $3300 (November 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
A marvelously light, accurate rifle whose design lends itself well to those who must carry their guns a long way or up steep hills. However, we experienced some feeding difficulties.
Mossberg Patriot Predator 28171 7 PRC, $467 (November 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Also trim and relatively light, the Mossberg showed it was bit pickier about ammo. But it shot the best average groups in this test with what it did like.
Remington 700 Long Range R84158 7 PRC, $1000 (November 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
We wondered if we would be testing a Remington rifle that exhibited any of the problems that have plagued the company’s firearms in recent years. Happily, it did not. We found our rifle shot well and functioned perfectly. We’d replace the trigger with a Timney or Trigger Tech unit.
Savage Axis II 18819 300 Blackout, $385 (March 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
While not as accurate as its Model 10 and 110 brothers, this Axis II performed well.
Mossberg MVP Scout Combo 7.62 NATO, $780 (July 2019)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Not a true interpretation of the Scout Rifle concept. Accurate, well-handling short rifle at a good price.
Savage Axis XP 19231 308 Winchester, $390 (March 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Accuracy was acceptable with the provided riflescope.
OTHER TESTED GUNS
Ruger American Ranch Rifle 26968 300 Blackout, $529 (March 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: C+
Short and handy, but the action was rough initially. Mediocre accuracy.
Mossberg Trophy Hunter 308 Winchester, $240 (Dec. 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: C
Overall, the rifle was worth the modest price, but there are better choices.
Savage Axis 19223 308 Winchester, $240 (Oct. 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: C
Accuracy wasn’t the best. The rifle was dogged by a heavy trigger that we fixed.
Mossberg 100 All-Terrain Rifle 27230 308 Winchester, $200 (March 2017)
GUN TESTS GRADE: C
The rifle did not misfeed. We liked the cheek rest. The primary problem was accuracy.
