How can you make a list of the best rifles without it being a 50-page novel?
Well…you can’t, but that isn’t going to stop us anyway.
While it is easier to break down best-ofs into different categories, say AR-15s or hunting rifles, sometimes people just want a good ol’ fashioned “what do you think is the best overall” type list.
Today, we are taking on that monumental task of trying to condense the best rifles down to a bite-sized list — hopefully without upsetting too many people.
THE QUICK LIST
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How We Chose the Best Rifles
So, what am I considering the best here? Great question.
This list isn’t strictly about budget picks, but it isn’t going to be filled with absolute top-of-the-line rifles either. There are a lot of great rifles under $500, and some of the best guns out there cost well over $5000.
We picked the guns on the list by equally weighing the value, overall build quality, and performance while also considering things like aftermarket, fun factor, and availability.
Ultimately, these are current-production rifles that I feel are solid picks and relatively easy to get while avoiding the extremes of budget or extremely expensive guns.
For this list, we picked a mix of guns that we have full reviews on or extended trigger time behind. You can learn more about how we test and rate each and every gun.
There are a metric ton of excellent rifles that won’t make the list, but sacrifices had to be made in order to keep it short and sweet. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
Best Semi-Auto Rifles
1. Daniel Defense DDM4V7 – Best AR-15
Starting out the list is one of the editorial team’s favorite AR-15 rifles — the Daniel Defense DDM4V7.
This is an extremely reliable and accurate AR-15 that is widely recommended for good reason. Daniel Defense makes much of its parts in-house, including its excellent cold hammer-forged barrels.
A high standard of quality control, excellent fit and finish, and consistent performance make these perennial contenders.
The downside? Well, the price. If you are just testing the AR waters, it might be a bit much, but if you are looking to step up to something nicer or just go for gold right out of the gate, the DDM4V7 is worth the spend.
During our time testing it, it ran well and shot smoothly. We had no hiccups, which reflects the reliability they are known for. We’ve also tested Daniel Defense’s RIII, MK18, M4ISR, DD5, and DDM4 PDW — all of which have been collectively positive experiences.
We did note that heavier loads produced better results on paper, so you might want to keep that in mind when shopping for ammo.
Overall, the DDM4V7 is perfect for those who want a high-quality AR-15. If you have the cash, we say spend it!
For more on the DDM4V7 check out our video review below or the full article.
2. Zastava ZPAP M70 – Best AK-47
This gun was my personal editor’s pick in our Best AK-47s article. I have one of these rifles and absolutely love it.
For me, the ZPAP M70 ticks all of the boxes for what I am looking for in an AK. It is reasonably priced (as far as AKs go these days), built like an absolute tank, and has a surprisingly nice fit and finish.
Current M70s feature an RPK-style 1.5mm bulged trunnion for extra strength, chrome-lined barrels, and optics side mounts.
Zastava makes the important parts, like the receiver and barrel, in Serbia. Those parts are sent over, where the gun is then assembled and finished at Zastava’s US plant using US parts.
These rifles are put together with care and precision, and it shows. Operation is smooth, and the guns feel robust and shoot well — no canted sights or rattly mag wells here.
Note that these are “Yugo pattern” guns, so standard AKM furniture won’t fit. However, there is plenty of aftermarket for Yugo pattern rifles these days, so don’t sweat it too much.
3. PSA Gen 3 PA-10 – Best AR-10
I am bending my own rules a little here, but not as much as it might seem.
Palmetto State Armory is widely known as the champion of budget-minded folk. This holds true with their Gen 3 PA-10.
AR-10s used to be a $1000+ proposition no matter how you sliced it, but the PA-10 challenged that notion. But budgets aside, these are just great rifles.
You can get this battle rifle with an M-LOK rail, enhanced polished 2-stage trigger, Magpul stock, adjustable gas block, and a stainless barrel, all for $650-850.
On top of some excellent features, these rifles tend to produce near MOA accuracy with basic ammo and sub-MOA accuracy with the right loads. That is outstanding performance regardless of price.
Many “next tier” rifles require you to build your own gun or spend an extra $400-1000, making the PA-10 appealing. This rifle is tough to beat if you are looking for an off-the-shelf, solid, heavy-hitting semi-auto.
You can peep our complete review here!
Best Bolt-Action Rifles
4. Bergara B-14 HMR – Best All-Purpose Bolt-Action
Bergara has been making barrels for decades but only started making rifles in 2012. The fact that their guns have made it onto so many of these types of lists is a testament to their quality.
Their B-14 HMR (Hunting & Match Rifle) is the ultimate do-it-all rifle. They set out to create a gun that is equally at home in a deer blind as it is on the 1,000-yard range.
Well, they succeeded. Much of that is due to their excellent barrels and the tried-and-true Remington 700 pattern action.
You also get a well-designed stock with QD sling slots, an adjustable length of pull and cheek riser, and a mini-chassis for bedding. These rifles also come with threaded barrels and accept standard AICS magazines.
Users also get a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee and a selection of seven different calibers.
Overall, this is one of the best all-around options in the bolt-action market today.
Check out our hands-on review!
5. Aero Precision Solus Competition – Best Long-Range Rifle
Aero Precision is largely known for its manufacturing of AR parts and rifles, but they have made huge waves recently with its first-ever bolt-action rifle — the Solus.
Like the Bergara, the Solus is also based on the Remington 700 action. However, the Solus was built with modularity in mind. Chassis, barrels, and actions are all available as separate pieces to allow users to build the rifle as they see fit.
Aero has wisely chosen to also offer complete rifles for shooters who are looking for something ready to go right out of the box.
These rifles are geared toward long-range precision shooting and offer a great entry point for beginners looking to get into that game.
![The Best Rifles of 2024 [Range Tested]](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Aero-Precision-SOLUS-prone-1024x576.jpg "The Best Rifles of 2024 [Range Tested] 5")
You get copious amounts of M-LOK, Arca rail, QD points for maximum accessorization, and other great features like the lapped Sendero contour barrel, excellent trigger, and AICS magazine.
Our content creator, Sean Curtis, was able to achieve 1/2 MOA groups with the Solus Competition model. He was so impressed that he gave this gun a rare 5 out of 5 stars across every category.
You can read more about why he loves this gun so much in our full review. Or listen to him wax poetic in the video below!
Best Lever-Action Rifles
6. Marlin 1895 SBL – Best Lever-Action
Whether you are hunting polar bears, buffalo, t-rexes, or just goofing around, the Marlin 1895 SBL is a good companion.
With Ruger’s recent acquisition of Marlin, production of some of the classic Marlin rifles has started up again. I’ve shot the new Ruger-made 1895, and while I still like my older JM 1895 better, the new one is still outstanding.
A stainless finish and grey laminate stock combo make for a badass-looking gun. A spiral-fluted bolt makes for a smoother action, and this rifle is set up with a 19” barrel and has a generous Picatinny rail for optics mounting.
Other features include a slick ghost ring rear-sight and tritium fiber front-sight setup and a threaded barrel for those who want to mount a muzzle brake or a suppressor.
At the end of the day, the 1895 SBL is the definitive 45-70 lever gun right now. It’s hot, it’s cool, it’s hip, and all your friends will be jealous.
7. Henry Long Ranger – Editor’s Pick
This one might be a bit of a curveball, especially for you purists out there.
The Henry Long Ranger isn’t just a lever-action rifle; it’s a box-magazine-fed lever-action rifle. This means you can use modern Spitzer bullets.
Available calibers include .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. These choices mean the Henry Long Ranger is a formidable and versatile hunting platform for those who want something other than a bolt-action or an AR.
I have one of these in .243, and man, is it sweet. A relatively smooth action is paired with a crisp trigger, and the gun is superbly balanced and quick handling.
On top of how well it points, I can get .75 to 1-MOA accuracy out of mine with relative ease. These guns are slim, accurate, and just flat-out cool.
While it may not be traditional, the overall feel and performance make this one of the best lever-action rifles on the market today.
What do you think of the Long Ranger? Rate it below!
Best Rimfire Rifles
8. Ruger 10/22 – Best Semi-Auto Rimfire
Undefeated, undisputed — the Ruger 10/22 remains the crown king of rimfire rifles.
There isn’t much to say here that hasn’t already been said, but I will go ahead and say it anyway.
A simple blowback semi-automatic action, rotary magazines of varying capacities, and an intuitive and reliable overall design have made this gun a staple in the shooting world for decades.
This is evidenced by the fact the 10/22 enjoys one of the largest aftermarkets of any weapon ever created. Seriously, you can get anything you want for these guns!
You can get walnut-stocked models, threaded tactical models, takedown models, and everything in between. The 10/22 offers something for everyone and has a lower price point that makes it easy to get into.
You simply can’t go wrong by getting one.
