Purchasing an affordable hunting rifle can seem overwhelming. We’ve compiled the research so you don’t have to.
Your hunting rifle is a key component of your ability to stock your freezer with wild game. But, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to procure an accurate, long-lasting rifle that’s also enjoyable to shoot.
The majority of the major firearms brands have an entry-level rifle. And some come in package options, scoped and ready to shoot right out of the box. This, in my opinion as a later-in-life hunter, is a great way to get set up with your first firearm.
And the better news is that the majority of these rifles come in well below the $1,000 price mark.
You’ll notice that the following are all centerfire bolt-action rifles, meant mostly for big-game hunting. All of the following guns are chambered in multiple options, but — with the current market — many options might be sold out.
Another thing to pay attention to is that many of these rifles offer a pared-down baseline option, starting at the lowest price. This is usually a plain jane synthetic stock option. Then, brands offer upgrades from there. So if you want a certain camo dip or added extra on your rifle, you’ll prob shell out a bit more for that.
For more information on calibers, what rifle to use for which kind of game, and more, check out our buyer’s guide below the following rifles.
Happy hunting!
Hunting Rifles Under $1,000
Note: We were careful to include guns that, as of July 2021, do have at least a few options in stock. But if you can’t find availability online, check local gun shops or reach out to the manufacturer for a timeline.
Not all rifles come in left-handed options. But you can find a wealth of them here.
Bergara B-14 Bolt Action Rifle
Starting at $700 and maxing out at $1,100, the Bergara B-14 Series offers a wide range of cartridges and options for every kind of shooter, from hunting to precision. Made in Spain, Bergara built this line to bring its lauded “Bergara barrel accuracy to a line of hunting rifles that is affordable to serious big-game hunters.”
And the wide array of options and finishes does just that. The Hunter, Ridge, and Timber models specifically cater to the hunting crowd. The biggest difference between models lies in stock production, with the action, barrel, and trigger systems unwavering.
Reviewers love the crisp Bergara trigger, and Bergara guarantees a 1.0 MOA or less at 100 yards with quality factory match-grade ammunition.
- Left-handed: Yes, in multiple cartridges
- Barrel lengths: 22-24″
- Package offered: No
- Weight: 7.1-7.3 lbs.
Customer Review on the .30-06 & .308: “The B-14 Hunter is simply awesome. I bought the 30-06 and my son bought the 308. We couldn’t be happier. Best out-of-the-box trigger I have ever felt. Both shoot sub-MOA with Federal Premium factory loads. The feel of the stock in my hand, even with gloves, is rock solid. This is a great rifle.” —Christopher V.
Check Price at Sportsman’sCheck Price at Bass Pro
Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter
- Left-handed: Yes, in multiple cartridges
- Barrel lengths: 20-26″ options
- Package offered: Yes
- Weight: Starts at 6 lbs., 11 oz.
CVA Cascade
- Left-handed: No
- Barrel lengths: 16.5-22″
- Package offered: No
- Weight: 6.75-6.95 lbs.
HOWA 1500 Hogue Bolt Action Rifle
- Left-handed: No
- Barrel lengths: 22-24″
- Package offered: Yes
- Weight: 7-8 lbs.; three different weights offered from light to heavy.
Kimber Hunter Bolt Action Rifle
- Left-handed: No
- Barrel lengths: 22-24″
- Package offered: No
- Weight: 5.5-6.5 lbs.
Remington Model 700 ADL Bolt Action Rifle Package
- Left-handed: Yes
- Barrel lengths: 16-26″
- Package offered: Yes
- Weight: Varies depending on model
Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP
- Left-handed: Yes
- Barrel lengths: 18-24″
- Package offered: Yes
- Weight: 7.5-8 lbs. with scope
Tikka T3x Lite Bolt Action Rifle
- Left-handed: Yes
- Barrel lengths: 22-24.3″
- Package offered: No
- Weight: 6.3-6.4 lbs.
Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic
- Left-handed: Yes, in various options
- Barrel lengths: 24-26″
- Package offered: Yes
- Weight: 7.5-8 lbs.
How to Choose a Hunting Rifle
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