With big game season calling hunters to the great outdoors, it may be time to test out some new firepower.
With each passing year, hunting rifles make tremendous strides in terms of weight, power and accuracy. Many manufacturers continue to integrate new technologies, but these three tried-and-true rifle-makers won’t disappoint.
Winchester XPR Series
Winchester has a legendary reputation for quality rifles, and the 2017 XPR series is definitely no exception. One rifle stands out in particular: the XPR Compact has emerged as a budget-friendly hunting rifle that runs about $550. The 20-inch barrel and polymer stock make it a light-weight option that still packs all the required firepower. The detachable magazine holds three 243-caliber Win shots and it utilizes a high-tech but classic bolt action system.
Remington Model Seven LS
Another relatively light-weight bolt action rifle, the Remington features an 18.5-inch barrel and a 22-inch length for magnums. This 6.5-pounds hunting rifle enjoys synthetic, laminate and wood stocks and comes with options that include tactical and lefty setups. The Seven starts at $1,039, and the walnut stock version makes a tremendous mantle showpiece.
Mossberg MVP Light Chassis
Mossberg continues to develop excellent contemporary designs, and this line provides all the heavy firepower necessary for big game hunting. It chambers a .308 Win, enjoys a manageable 18.5-inch barrel and sports a light-weight aluminum chassis. Although it’s a hunting rifle, the urban appearance cries out assault weapon, and the collapsible stock and 10-round capacity gives it an AR-15 tweener feel. You may not be able to hunt deer everywhere given the magazine capacity. This bolt-action Mossberg has plenty of bells and whistles including a bipod and runs about $1,400. It’s serious.
These are some terrific hunting rifles. But as we all know, hunting skills and a steady hand bring home trophy bucks.
~ Firearm Daily
