If you’re looking for a new deer-hunting rifle or shotgun, there is an excellent lineup for your next season. From high-end, long-distance rifles to slug guns, budget centerfires and a new muzzleloader as well, you have your pick of many calibers, styles and prices.
Following are the best deer hunting rifles of 2016.
NOSLER | M48 LIBERTY
The Nosler Model 48 Liberty comes in 18 different caliber options, but the new one is 30 Nosler, with a 26-inch barrel. At 7.65 pounds, it has a synthetic stock, pillar bedding, a tuned trigger and a push-button lightweight floorplate. MSRP, $1,795.
REMINGTON | MODEL 783
This rifle might be priced right for the working man, but it shoots like a bank-breaking custom job with its adjustable CrossFire Trigger and new synthetic stock design complete with the SuperCell recoil pad. Choose from 10 different calibers in this go-anywhere rifle. MSRP $399.
MOSSBERG | PATRIOT
Fans of the bolt-action Mossberg Patriot lineup will see that the rifle now has a stock covered in Kryptek Highlander camouflage. The 6 1/2-pound Patriot has a Lightning Bolt Action trigger, adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds. MSRP, $421.
WEATHERBY | MARK V ACCUMARK
They’re calling it the fastest 6.5mm there is. In keeping with some long-range shooters’ need for speed, the new 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum pushes a high-ballistic coefficient 127-grain bullet at over 3,500 feet per second. The Mark V comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. MSRP, $2,300.
MONTANA RIFLE COMPANY | COLORADO BUCK EDITION
This rifle stands out with a carbon fiber Kevlar reinforced stock in caramel brown with black spider webbing. The barrel is 24 inches of hand-lapped stainless steel, Cerakoted in tungsten grey and finished off with a muzzle brake. Best caliber options for the Western deer hunter are 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. MSRP, $1,850.
BROWNING | HELL’S CANYON SPEED
This new sub-7-pound X-Bolt rifle is designed with a composite stock, a fluted and muzzle-brake threaded barrel, and the adjustable Feather Trigger. Choose from calibers ranging from .243 Win to .300 Win Mag 23- or 26-inch barrels. MSRP, $1,200-$1,240 for magnums.
Looking for the newest gear? Check these out:
Game and Fish Readers Choice Awards: Top Hunting Gear 2017 ‘Suppressors Shootout: 4 New .22LR Cans Tested’ New Shotguns from NRA Atlanta 2017 New Hunting Rifles At NRA Atlanta Show 2017 NRA Atlanta: 5 New Riflescopes With Tactical Features NRA Atlanta: New Deer Hunting Ammo
RUGER | AMERICAN RIFLE
This American-made rifle is now equipped with a factory-installed Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 riflescope. Choose from .243 Win, .270 Win, 30-06 Sprg, or .308 Win. The rifle has a four-round capacity, black synthetic stock. MSRP, $639.
SAVAGE ARMS | AXIS XP 6.5 CREEDMOOR
Several Savage rifle lines now feature the popular 6.5 Creedmoor caliber for 2016, including the Axis XP with its 22-inch barrel, four-round capacity, and overall weight of 6 1/2 pounds. This synthetic-stock rifle is drilled and tapped with scope mounts, and comes standard with a 3-9×40 scope. MSRP, $407.
TRADITIONS | NITRIDE MUZZLELOADER
New this year for Traditions is a durable, corrosion-, weather-, and pitting-resistant nitride finish on several of their top-end frontstuffers including the Vortek StrikerFire and StrikerFire LDR. MSRP, $389-$854.
WINCHESTER | XPR HUNTER
The M.O.A. Trigger System, an new polymer stock in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, and a detachable box magazine are all standard on this new deer rifle. It’s offered in several calibers from.243 Win to .338 Win Mag. For safety in the deer woods, the XPR boasts a two-position thumb safety and cocking indicator. MSRP, $600.
