Even with the surge in semi-automatic rifle sales, bolt-action rifles still hold a strong market presence. Hunters and precision shooters often prefer these traditional firearms for their accuracy and reliability. Simple Family Preparedness has compiled a list of the most purchased bolt-action rifles in 2023, based on data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Gungenius from GunBroker.
Bolt-action rifles are celebrated for their precision and dependability. Their straightforward design results in fewer malfunctions and better accuracy, making them ideal for hunters and target shooters alike. Despite the popularity of modern sporting rifles, the appeal of bolt-action rifles remains strong. These firearms are the go-to for military snipers and enthusiasts who prioritize precision over rapid-fire capability. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or plinking, bolt-action rifles have a long-standing place in American firearm culture.
While some bolt-action rifles are quite affordable, others can be more expensive due to advanced features and craftsmanship. Many of these top-selling rifles are made in the USA, with some exceptions like the Tikka T3 from overseas.
Ruger American Rifles
Approx. base price: $599
Popular usages: Hunting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .270 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and more.
Parent company: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Southport, CT
Starting at around $599, Ruger American Rifles are versatile and designed for hunters. Their thoughtful engineering includes features like a one-piece Picatinny rail, a 70-degree bolt throw for better scope clearance, and a lightweight synthetic stock with Ruger’s Power Bedding system. The cold hammer-forged barrel and Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger enhance accuracy.
Safety and comfort are also key, with an easy-to-reach tang safety and a soft rubber buttpad to reduce recoil. Standard features include sling swivel studs and a 4-round magazine. The Ruger American Rifle series offers diverse options, from the standard models to Predator and Ranch variants, each catering to specific shooting preferences.
Remington Model 700 Rifles
Approx. base price: $800
Popular usages: Hunting, target shooting
Chambered in: Numerous calibers including 6mm Remington, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and more.
Parent company: Freedom Group/Remington Outdoor Company
Parent company U.S. headquarters: LaGrange, GA
The Remington 700 has been a staple in the firearm industry for over 60 years, with more than five million units produced. This rifle family ranges from the Model 700 Custom “C” with a classic walnut stock to the rugged Model 700 North American Custom.
A standout model is the Remington 700 NRA American Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor, a limited edition with an olive-drab polymer stock and a 20-inch fluted barrel. The Model 700 VTR offers unique features like a triangular barrel profile and triple porting for improved cooling and recoil management.
Browning X-Bolt Rifles
Approx. base price: $860
Popular usages: Hunting, long-range, target shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, .308 Win, and more.
Parent company: Herstal Group
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Morgan, UT
Browning’s X-Bolt rifle series is known for its precision and versatility. Key features include the adjustable “X-Bolt Feather Trigger” and the “X-Lock” system for stable scope mounting. The X-Bolt series offers at least 26 variations, from suppressor-ready options to models designed for left-handed users.
Savage 10/110 Rifle Series
Approx. base price: $709
Popular usages: Hunting, long-range, target shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and more.
Parent company: Savage Arms, Inc.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Westfield, MA
The Savage 10/110 series is valued for its affordability and precision. First introduced in 1958, it remains one of the longest-running bolt-action rifle series in the U.S. With 30 variants, this series includes the Savage 110 Tactical, offering different barrel lengths and calibers. Key features are the adjustable AccuTrigger, AccuStock, and AccuFit system.
Savage Axis Series
Approx. base price: $414
Popular usages: Hunting, long-range, target shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and more.
Parent company: Savage Arms, Inc.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Westfield, MA
The Savage Axis series, originally known as the Savage Edge, offers great value and performance. Featuring a modern design with detachable box magazines and synthetic stocks, the Axis rifles are both durable and lightweight. Despite the affordable price, the Savage Axis maintains high accuracy.
CZ-USA 457 Rifle
Approx. base price: $549
Popular usages: Hunting, target shooting, plinking
Chambered in: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR
Parent company: Colt CZ Group
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Kansas City, KS
The CZ-USA 457 rifle combines classic American-style design with modern updates like a push-to-fire safety. Each rifle features a Turkish walnut stock with high, flat comb and checkering. The CZ 457 series also includes an 11mm dovetail for easy scope mounting, making it a favorite among rimfire enthusiasts.
Tikka T3 Series
Approx. base price: $1,170
Popular usages: Hunting, target shooting, long range
Chambered in: Various calibers including .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem Mag, and more.
Parent company: Beretta Holding
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Accokeek, MD
The Tikka T3 series, made by Sako in Finland, is renowned for precision and build quality. The T3 series was upgraded to T3x models, offering enhancements like an enlarged ejection port and a steel recoil lug. The T3 series provides high-performance rifles that can be tailored to specific needs.
Mossberg Patriot Series
Approx. base price: $468
Popular usages: Hunting, target shooting, security
Chambered in: Various calibers including 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, and more.
Parent company: O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: North Haven, CT
The Mossberg Patriot series offers a blend of quality and affordability. Designed for hunters and shooters, the Patriot series includes fluted barrels for reduced weight and improved cooling, adjustable triggers, and various stock options. The Patriot rifles combine traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
Weatherby Vanguard Series
Approx. base price: $549
Popular usages: Hunting, sport shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .223 Rem, .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and more.
Parent company: Weatherby, Inc.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Sheridan, WY
The Weatherby Vanguard series is known for precision and performance, with a SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee when using premium Weatherby ammunition. The Vanguard features a two-stage trigger adjustable to 2.5 pounds and a durable machined bolt body, offering 28 versions to match different shooting styles.
Winchester Model 70
Approx. base price: $1,300
Popular usages: Hunting, military
Chambered in: Various calibers including .22-250 Remington, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and more.
Parent company: Browning Arms Company
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Ogden, UT
Known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Winchester Model 70 has been a favorite since its introduction in 1936. Renowned for its precision, it is a top choice among hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel. Modern Model 70s continue to be produced with the same quality, now manufactured by FN Herstal, maintaining the Winchester legacy.
Sako 85 Series
Approx. base price: $1,500
Popular usages: Hunting, long-range shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .243 Win, .270 Win, 6.5×55 SE, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and more.
Parent company: Sako Ltd.
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Accokeek, MD
The Sako 85 series is renowned for its high precision, quality craftsmanship, and reliable performance. These Finnish-made rifles offer a range of models tailored to different shooting styles and preferences. The Sako 85 series includes features like a controlled feed action, adjustable single-stage trigger, and free-floating barrel, all contributing to its superior accuracy and smooth operation. The ergonomic design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for serious hunters and marksmen.
Bergara B-14 Series
Approx. base price: $800
Popular usages: Hunting, long-range, target shooting
Chambered in: Various calibers including .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and more.
Parent company: Bergara Rifles
Parent company U.S. headquarters: Lawrenceville, GA
The Bergara B-14 series combines affordability with high performance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced shooters. Known for their precision, Bergara rifles are equipped with a Bergara barrel, which is meticulously crafted for exceptional accuracy. The B-14 series features a smooth bolt action, adjustable trigger, and durable stock designs. Available in a variety of models, including the B-14 Hunter, B-14 Ridge, and B-14 HMR, these rifles cater to a wide range of hunting and shooting applications.
Methodology
Simple Family Preparedness used sales data from Gungenius and Gunbroker to determine the top-selling bolt-action rifles in the U.S. for 2023. The rankings are based on the number of units sold, reflecting consumer preferences. Base prices were sourced from the manufacturers’ websites, though some models have variations that may cost more.
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- Read More: Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
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- Read More: 14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
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This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
