By Jeff Johnston
History books suggest that a rifle was a mere tool upon which Western settlers depended for survival. But I’d argue a good rifle—one that’s accurate and reliable—has always been much more than that. It was a status symbol, a companion in some cases, and an heirloom. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques and a competitive market, there are plenty of good sub-$500 rifles available today. But considering one guided elk hunt can cost $10,000, a $1,500 rifle that could someday make a grandchild beam with pride starts to seem like a bargain. Here are my picks for the top western hunting rifles in several categories.
Best Budget Rifle
In just 12 years of gunmaking, Bergara has become known for its bolt-action rifles that offer great value in terms of quality vs. price. One of its least expensive models is its B14 Hunter. Weighing 7 pounds, it’s built on the company’s proprietary action that’s mated to one of its own top-notch barrels. A superb trigger and a molder polymer stock that’s reinforced with glass fibers combine to make the rifle worthy of its sub-inch accuracy guarantee. The stock just feels good with its soft-touch finish, negating one of my biggest complaints of many budget rifles whose stocks are made of cheap, brittle plastic. The B14’s metal parts are Cerakoted for protection. In sum, this rifle just feels and shoots like rifles costing much more. While it’s offered in 10 calibers including the new 7mm PRC, don’t discount the classics such as .30-06, 270 Win. and 7mm Mag. because ammo is cheap(er) and can be found anywhere out West.
$800
Best All-Around Rifle
Everything about the streamlined X-Bolt was engineered by hunters for hunters, and for a long while I thought the rifle was perfect. But eventually new ideas come around, and even great products need updates. The X-Bolt 2 builds off the original by adding a threaded barrel for a suppressor, an adjustable comb that enhances long-range accuracy, and a soft-touch stock that can be adjusted for length-of-pull to give each shooter a customized fit.
A proprietary X-Bolt action, fluted 18- to 22-inch barrel, and an industry-best trigger combine to produce tiny groups that are extraordinary for a 6.3-lb. hunting rig. Details like the rifle’s unique two-position safety with a bolt release button, as well as its four-screw scope mounting system that’s stronger than others, are examples of features that the extra cash buys you. Finally, with its bronze Cerakote finish and Ovix camo, this nifty little X-Bolt just looks sweet. It’s available in eight calibers for western hunting; While you can’t go wrong with the .300 Win. Mag. for everything from bears to moose, Winchester’s new 6.8 Western cartridge represents the pinnacle of modern centerfire technology.
$1,499
Best Money’s-No-Object Rifle
The German-based Blaser firm has taken precision firearm engineering to the next level. Highlights are as follows: Its straight-pull bolt can be worked much faster than a regular bolt-action; Its tang safety also serves as the action’s cocking lever so the rifle can be safely carried with a round chambered yet fired in an instant. The R8’s real claim to fame, however, is that it can be disassembled into two pieces in seconds and reassembled—by hand—all while retaining its zero. (If you’ve ever lugged a full-length rifle case through multiple airports or aboard small bush planes, you know what a luxury this is.) Modular barrels and bolts can be purchased so a hunter can travel with multiple calibers, all in one small case. Expect half-inch groups when you shoot the R8, and all of your friends to drool when you show it to them.
$4,500 to $11,000