Gun Tests has evaluated many rifles in various chamberings and action types 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 Ten Lower-Recoil Hunting Rifles list below. Recoil is always felt subjectively, and it depends somewhat on rifle weight and stock design, but there are some rounds that most field shooters agree don’t hurt the shooter’s shoulder, and that’s what we’ve compiled here, from 22 LR up to 308 Winchester, for both small-game and big-game use.
We haven’t tested every rifle on the market, of course, so we’ll be interested to see which rifle and chambering combo is your favorite in the comments below. 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
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Long Ranger is a slick-operating lever action. Accuracy is very good with certain bullet weights. We would not feel undergunned with this in a deer blind.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Top-ranked straight-wall selection. Outstanding trigger and tons of features. Tied with the Savage M110 Hog Hunter.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Lever guns aren’t known for their gilt-edged accuracy, but this tricked-out Marlin managed to average sub-2-inch groups. Short, light, and easy to carry, this could be a great woods gun or defensive carbine.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Offers an excellent stock with vertical grip, smooth-cycling action, is lightweight, and is accurate. Recoil was mild. Accuracy was less affected as the barrel heated up. A hybrid tactical/hunting rifle.
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.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Springfield 2020 is a thoroughly modern rifle with a proven 10-round magazine. Handling cannot be faulted. Excellent optics-mounting configuration.
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.
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.
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.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A bit heavy for all-day carry in the field, the Tikka Varmint is perfect for a bench or tripod. We find their actions incredibly smooth with great factory triggers.
OTHER MODELS
Note: Older firearms in this listicle may still be available as NIB products or as used guns.
Browning BLR Lightweight ‘81 034006111 243 Win, $1020 (Apr-May 2026)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The BLR is a classic lever action with modern features like an integrated trigger and lever. The trigger pull could have felt less creepy and should be lighter.
Rossi R95 Triple Black 953030161TB 30-30 Win., $950 (Feb-March 2026)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
We thought the Rossi was a bit smoother to operate than the Marlin, but the R95 did not have M-Lok slots and was not as accurate as the Marlin. But it didn’t miss it by much.
Winchester XPR 535700208 223 Remington, $640 (Oct-Nov 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Winchester XPR did a great job, especially for what we initially thought might be a more entry-level rifle. This Winchester would be light and handy to carry afield.
Ruger Hawkeye Predator 17122 223 Remington, $1125 (Oct-Nov 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Heavy, but well balanced, the Ruger Hawkeye Predator would be a great choice for the shooter who likes the traditional look of a laminated stock.
Savage Model 110 Varmint 57066 223 Remington, $775 (Oct-Nov 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The Savage 110 Varmint was the most accurate rifle in this test, but we had some problems with its feeding from a magazine, and it had a heavy trigger.
Ruger American Rimfire Talo Exclusive 8359 22 LR, $569 (February 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
This is a well-made rifle, a classic in many ways. We find the Ruger satisfactory in every way, but we simply did not like the dated optics-mounting system. However, the rifle is supplied with iron sights.
Colt CBX Tac Hunter CBX-SP20PGA-308 308 Win., $843 (January 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+ [OUR PICK]
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.
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.
Winchester Model 1892 357 Magnum, $1500 (September 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Your personal requirements should make choosing between these two obvious. Both rifles handled and shot well. The Winchester can’t accept an optical sight Marlin 1894, but if you want a beautiful, modern version of a classic, buy it.
Marlin Model 1894 357 Magnum, ~$1200 (September 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
This is a light, quick handling rifle. It has Micro-Groove rifling that could present problems for those wishing to shoot soft lead bullets, but there is a solution. If you want to use optics, the Marlin 1894 should be your choice.
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.
Marlin Model 1894 Classic 70401 44 Special/44 Rem. Magnum, $1019 (July 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Ruger took a great rifle and made it better. Ruger has shown outstanding judgment in placing Skinner Sights on a number of their lever guns. We’d love to see them come from the factory on this model.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 13812 44 Special/44 Rem. Magnum, $1279 (July 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The S&W Model 1854 had the better factory trigger and sights, but proved to be a little more choosey about what ammo it liked. It’s an updated version of a tried-and-true lever-action rifle.
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.
Savage A22 BNS-SR 47249 22 LR, $440 (May 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The A22 had good accuracy and good looks. The trigger had some creep, and loading the magazine took practice. This is a good choice as an adult-size rimfire rifle with traditional styling.
Ruger 10/22 Target Model 21186 22 LR, $660 (May 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Target is a fast-handling rifle designed for steel-plate competition. For those wanting to get into steel-plate competition, it is a good rifle at a reasonable cost compared to other 10/22 target rifles.
Bergara BXR Steel BXR001 22 LR, $560 (May 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The BXR is an accurate and excellent all-round 22 rimfire rifle with a stock that is comfortable to shoot off a bench, prone, or offhand. It is suitable for a variety of shooter statures. The magazine was tricky to insert into the magwell.
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.
Bergara BMR Carbon Model BMR002 22 LR, $650 (January 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The BMR is super lightweight and had darn good accuracy off the bench. The stock was comfortable for adult-size shooters, and the action was slick.
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.
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.
Ruger American Rimfire Target Model 8367 22 LR, $505 (January 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The American Rimfire Target is a heavy rimfire with a fairly good trigger. Accuracy was good. The 60-degree bolt lift made manipulating the bolt fast and no fingers jammed against the scope.
Savage Mark II FVXP 26721 22 LR, $305 (January 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Mark II had good accuracy and a clean breaking trigger. This is a good, low-cost training rifle and plinker. Worth the money, especially when you count the included Weaver optic.
Mossberg 802 Plinkster Model 38230 22 LR, $190 (January 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The 802 Plinkster is a no-frills rimfire rifle that is accurate but was fairly stiff to operate. Trigger-pull weight was heavy and wasn’t adjustable.
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.
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.
Savage B22 Precision Rifle 70248 22 LR, $570 (April 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Barely more than 36 inches long, the B22 was short, handy, adaptable, and accurate. The trigger was outstanding. Another good collaboration with chassis-maker Modular Driven Technologies.
CZ-USA CZ 457 Varmint MTR 02345 22 LR $720 (April 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The CZ 457 Varmint MTR shot all the ammo selections well. Add that to a great-looking piece of Turkish walnut, and we had a winner.
Ruger American Rimfire Long-Range Target 8378 22 LR, $532 (April 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Ruger LRT was a great shooter from the bench. Stock design was great, but inletting and finish should have been better.
Browning T-Bolt 025236202 22 LR, $880 (April 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Slightly less accurate than the other rifles in this test, primarily because it did not do well with the SK Match ammo. The T-Bolt was fast-cycling and would be our choice for hunting.
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.
Winchester Wildcat 521100102 22 LR, $245 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Wildcat features good sights, plenty of mounting area to mount optics, red dots, and lasers, and the takedown is quite simple. It was the most accurate rifle tested. The Wildcat is a winner and is our top-ranked plinker.
Ruger 10/22 Carbine 1151 22 LR, $235 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The 10/22’s long suit is reliability, and there are many aftermarket upgrades available. The rifle was almost the most accurate tested, losing by a hair’s breadth to the Winchester. It lost a half grade because the 10/22’s sights weren’t as good as the others.
Rossi Rimfire Rifle RS22L1811-TH 22 LR, $159 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The stylish stock, good reliability, useful accuracy, good sights, and an attractive price are important features. If you like a magazine-fed gun with a single-column magazine, the Rossi is among a few available.
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.
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.
Henry Pump Action Octagon H003T 22 S/L/LR, $500 (July 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Most accurate rifle of the trio tested in this configuration. Smooth in operation and felt substantial in hand. This is our top-ranked pumpgun.
Taurus Pump Action Rifle M62R 22 LR, $400 (July 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A Winchester Model 62 knockoff that is fun to shoot. Worth owning if you can find one in good condition.
Rossi Gallery 22 RP22181SY 22 LR, $270 (July 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
We liked the updated look of the Gallery and found its accuracy to be good. Fun rifle for plinking.
Ruger Precision Rimfire 8401 22 LR, $480 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
Lots of features that should bring a smile to the face of competitive shooters. Would like to see more accuracy.
Bergara B14R 22 LR, $950 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Bergara was ready to perform right out of the box. Heaviest, most accurate, most expensive.
Christensen Ranger 22 22 LR, $830 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Were we to grade this quartet strictly for hunting, the Christensen would win running away.
CVA Cascade SB CR3914R 300 Blackout, $621 (March 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The most accurate in the test, the CVA Cascade handles well and shoots well.
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.
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.
Rossi Rio Bravo RL22181WD 22 LR, $300 (February 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Bravo to the Rio Bravo lever gun. The rifle was accurate, lightweight, and had a smooth-cycling lever. This rifle is traditionally styled in wood and blued metal for plinking or small-game hunting and comes in at a good price. This was the Best Buy in this test, and it would be a great choice for small-game hunting.
Henry Golden Boy Model H004 22 S/L/LR, $500 (February 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Golden Boy Henry shines, in our opinion. It is heavy and has a very smooth operating lever. The angle of the stock was not as comfortable as some shooters would have liked. This was Our Pick this month.
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 Model H002C 22 LR, $349 (January 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The AR-7 is fun to shoot and packs up into a small, sealed package. The camo finish was starting to wear from multiple disassemblies. It ran flawlessly with different bullet weights and types.
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.
Browning BL-22 Grade I 024100103 22 S/L/LR, $700 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Browning BL-22 rifle is iconic and delivered on its reputation. The short-stroke lever makes follow-up shots fast. The fit and finish was superb, and that is reflected in the cost. Accuracy was the best of the three rifles tested. Trigger pull could have been lighter.
Henry Classic Lever Action 22 H001 22 S/L/LR, $386 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Classic 22 Lever Henry is well made, fun to shoot and inexpensive. Accuracy was good, and the lever is silky smooth to operate.
Taylor’s & Co. Scout RIF/2045 22 LR, $594 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Taylor’s Scout is styled after a resized Winchester Model 1873. The accuracy was good, and we liked the option of adding an optic. The silver-finish receiver gives the Scout a striking look. We did need to manage the lever to ensure we didn’t short-stroke the rifle. Good option if you like the look of the Winchester ‘73 rifle.
Henry Classic Lever Action 22 H001 22 S/L/LR, $386 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Classic 22 Lever Henry is well made, fun to shoot and inexpensive. Accuracy was good.
Taylor’s & Co. Scout RIF/2045 22 LR, $594 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Styled after a resized Winchester Model 1873. We liked the option of adding an optic. Silver finish is striking.
Browning BL-22 Grade I 024100103 22 S/L/LR, $700 (September 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The fit and finish of this lever gun were superb, and that is reflected in the cost.
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.
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.
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)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Least accurate with the Federal ammo. Black Hills and Berger ammunition were much better.
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.
