Here are some solid budget-friendly rifles known for their reliability. Generally, rimfire rifles are less expensive because they don’t have to handle as much pressure as centerfires. But there are many safe, affordable centerfires as well.
Rimfires Under $400
Ruger 10/22 – The gold standard in 22 LR. Nearly indestructible, massive aftermarket support, and perfect for plinking or small game. ~$250–$300. Here’s an example:
Ruger 10/22 Carbine 1151 22 LR, $235
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.
Other rimfires also offer good values. Some examples:
Mossberg 802 Plinkster Model 38230 22 LR, $190
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.
Winchester Wildcat 521100102 22 LR, $245
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.
Rock Island Armory TM22-LA-20 22 LR, $300
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The Rock Island proved accurate, reliable, and easy to handle. Sights could be adjusted for elevation, but not windage. It easily accepts an optic. The rifle is more accurate than the Savage, indeed more accurate than most rimfire rifles in the price range. The 10-round detachable magazines are easily loaded. We were ambivalent concerning the safety system, but in the end, it was not the impediment we thought it would be.
Savage Mark II FVXP 26721 22 LR, $305
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.
Savage Model 93 Minimalist BNS-SR 22 WMR, $349
GUN TESTS GRADE: B-
Light, easy to maneuver, and accurate, the Minimalist had problems feeding both of the hollow-point rounds we tried. There were many things we liked about the rifle, but misfeeds are a big down grade.
Centerfires Under $500
Mossberg Patriot – A surprisingly capable bolt-action in common calibers (308, 30-06, etc.) for around $300–$350. A gun we tested was chambered in the magnum-power 7 PRC.
Mossberg Patriot Predator 28171 7 PRC, $467
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.
The Ruger American Rifle is another value choice. It is a lightweight, reliable bolt-action with a smooth trigger. Widely available in 308, 243, 6.5 Creedmoor, and more. A couple of examples:
Ruger American Rifle 6903 Standard 308 Win. $382
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Light enough, accurate enough, and inexpensive enough for us to want to keep it.
Ruger American 6904 243 Winchester, $442
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 Ranch Rifle No. 26968 300 BLK, $499
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.
The Savage Axis rifle variants are bolt-actions with an excellent AccuTrigger, available in many calibers. They are known for out-of-the-box accuracy at a low price. Some examples:
Savage Model 12FV 308 Win., $420
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Most accurate rifle tested. Modest recoil. The rifle never failed to impress us.
Savage Axis II 18819 300 Blackout, $385
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
While not as accurate as its Model 10 and 110 brothers, this Axis II performed well.
Savage Axis II XP 57095 308 Win. $411
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Best Buy. It works well, is accurate enough for hunting, and it is affordable.
Other brands also offer good values for less than $500:
Remington Model 783 85847 308 Win., $340
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Best Buy. The Remington 783 was the most accurate rifle tested this month. There were no demerits.
Stevens Model 334 18839 243 Winchester, $425
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.
Centerfire Rifles Between $500–$700
If you’re willing to step up a few dollars, many other makers offer a variety of chamberings and actions to consider:
CVA Cascade SB CR3914R 300 Blackout, $621
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The CVA Cascade handles well and shoots well.
Rossi R95 954570201 45-70 Gov’t, $645
GUN TESTS GRADE: A [BEST BUY]
The R95 is a rugged 45-70 levergun at a great price. It is accurate, comes optics ready, and can be customized. We’d buy this one for sure.
Savage Model 110 Tactical 57770 6 ARC, $663
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.
Winchester XPR 535700208 223 Remington, $640
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.
Savage Arms 110 Hog Hunter 223 Remington, $599
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Oversized bolt, adjustable iron sights, adjustable LOP, a box magazine, and a threaded barrel.
CZ 600 Alpha Rifle No. 07403 7.62x39mm, $665
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.
Savage Arms 10PT-SR 22356 308 Win., $550
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Good build. It did shoot sub-MOA with one round. We loved the handle and AccuTrigger.
