Have you ever been out in the woods hunting and just had no luck at all? Maybe you are wondering how to attract the big deer? You could be hunting in the perfect spot, wearing the perfect camouflage and using the right rifle or bow and still not see a deer the whole hunting trip.  If you were relying on luck to get that big deer to come to you, then chances are you could benefit from learning some basics on calling deer.

A successful deer call can convince deer in your vicinity that there is either a potential mate or, worse yet, a challenger to an alpha deer’s domain. Either way, using the proper deer call at the proper time can help ensure you get the deer you are after.

Whether it’s your first big hunt or you’re a seasoned veteran, there are few things more important than your rifle. Finding a deer-hunting rifle is easy, but finding the best deer-hunting rifle can be a challenge. As you do for any other tool, you want to carefully research each option before choosing the best rifle for the job. Each rifle is specifically designed for a particular purpose. Whether you are hunting big game on the open plain or chasing smaller animals through the woods, you’ll want the right gear for a safe, enjoyable and successful hunt. Here is a list of some of the best hunting rifles on the market today. It’s by no means all of the rifles available, and there are many great options that didn’t make this list. Look through the FAQs to better appreciate each of these finely crafted rifles, and get to know your gun and its safety features before going out on your next big hunt. If you want your rifle to last a lifetime, make sure to take proper care of your equipment.

Comparison Table Of The Best Deer Hunting Rifle

FAQs

How We Reviewed

Each of these rifles was selected based on a number of factors. First, they are all highly rated by professional reviewers. Next, they are best sellers and popular among buyers. These rifles are well priced, rugged and able to meet all your deer-hunting needs. Because of the number of factors that go into choosing a great rifle this isn’t a complete list of all the top-rated rifles, but it’s a good snapshot of some excellent-quality choices. Depending on your hunting style and caliber preferences you may or may not find the best hunting rifle for you on this list.

Price Range

For deer-hunting rifles the sky's the limit for price range. You can easily spend several thousand dollars on an exquisitely crafted rifle. However, for a balance of practicality and cost effectiveness the rifles. This represents a good investment without extravagant features that aren’t necessary. Determine how much you are willing to spend, and look for a rifle that suits both your style and wallet. There are a few factors that affect the price range. The caliber and barrel length can dramatically increase the price so less expensive rifles may not necessarily be of lower quality. The type of material the upper, lower and stock are built with also affect the price.

Remington Model 700 Sendero SF II

Made for accuracy, this bolt-action 7mm rifle is an excellent choice for long-range kill shots. It has an ambidextrous grip and can be equipped with a bipod for additional accuracy and support. With a 26-inch barrel it’s the longest rifle on this list. The fluted barrel helps with heat dissipation, and the sleek look gives you no-nonsense power and performance. For a calm, steady hunter who likes to line up the perfect long-range shot, this is a great rifle.

Vanguard Safari

This stylish rifle has a beautiful European walnut stock and hand-rubbed oil finish. It’s another bolt-action, accurate rifle. The adjustable trigger ensures you get a clean shot, and you won’t have to worry about tugging the trigger or any delay in action. With a powerful .30-06 you’ll be thankful for the comfortable recoil pad. The bolt body is also fluted which gives you smooth action and eliminates resistance. It only has a 24-inch barrel, but it’s significantly less expensive than the Remington Model 700 Sendero SF II. It’s a great rifle for a balance between long range, lightweight and cost-effective hunting.

Ruger American Rifle Magnum

One of the more inexpensive rifles, the Ruger American Rifle Magnum is a straightforward choice. Its .300 Win Mag won’t sacrifice any power for affordability, and the single-column magazine gives you a 3-round capacity. It comes with a scope rail so you can add a scope for greater accuracy. It has a more modern look and can also come with .338 Win Mag.

H&R Synthetic Handi-Rifle

The least-expensive rifle, the Handi-Rifle is one of the only small-caliber rifles on this list. The .22 Hornet gives this rifle far less recoil and weight than other, larger-caliber choices. Because of this it’s a great rifle for young hunters. The 22-inch barrel is still long enough for mid-range shots, and the overall length of 38 inches is good for easy carrying. Of course it won’t have the stopping power of a high-powered rifle, so you’ll want to line up the perfect shot. If you’re a casual hunter looking for a great deal or if your teenager is looking to join your next hunt, this is a great choice.

Tikka T3 Hunter

This rifle has an incredible amount of customization. While the .308 is a popular choice, you can choose anything from .243 Win, 7mm Rem Mag or .30-06. You can also purchase a variety of barrel lengths for this versatile rifle. This rifle has a wide and angled ejection port which is convenient for feeding and ejecting cartridges correctly every time. The stock is specifically designed to lower the noise so you’ll be able to take your time. If a .308 gives you too much recoil, you’ll enjoy the comfortable recoil pad. This particular option comes with a slightly shorter barrel which is great for a compact, stalking design. If you prefer a longer barrel, there are several options available. It’s a great rifle for the avid hunter if you know the exact caliber and barrel length you prefer.

Sako 85 Finnlight

This durable, high-quality rifle is designed to be used in a variety of climates and is compact enough for long treks, tired arms or younger hunters. It’s got plenty of power with .308 Win Mag. The fluted barrel helps cool it much faster and also gives it less weight. The stock is comfortable and efficient. The overall look is a bit plain, but the subtle style creates a sturdy, no-nonsense feel. It’s great for someone looking for an affordable, lightweight rifle that still provides a powerful and accurate shot.

DPMS GII AP4

This award-winning rifle has a tremendous number of features and high-quality craftsmanship. It won the Golden Bullseye Award from the NRA which means you can trust it’s an excellent product. It’s designed to be compact, lightweight, durable and accurate. This tactical rifle isn’t as long-range as some of the other more traditional deer-hunting selections. However, it’s designed for efficiency and has an extraction system that avoids ejection malfunctions. The magazine is beveled which is easy to change and comfortable to hold. Its heavy-duty construction includes an upper and lower that is forged. The steel feed ramp has excellent ammunition-feeding functionality. If you are looking for a professionally designed rifle with excellent features and a lightweight package, this is a great choice for you.

The Verdict

Now that you’ve reviewed some of the best deer-hunting rifle options on the market, carefully consider the type of hunting you most enjoy. Whether you are looking for a long-range mule deer hunt on the plains or stalking elusive whitetails through the woods, there are many options when it comes to deer hunting. Once you have decided the type of hunting, you need to consider which options will best suit your style. A long-barreled, accurate model like the Remington Model 700 Sendero SF II works well for a smooth, careful kill shot. On the other hand, if you need to hike long distances and have low visibility, the DPMS GII AP4 or the H&R Synthetic Handi-Rifle would be great choices. Whichever model you choose, any rifle on this list will give you a durable, accurate choice for deer hunting.                                            

Are you new to deer hunting and are worried about field dressing a deer for the first time? This final step is one that many hunters dread having to do since this is where the real work seems to begin. It can be difficult when you are first learning because it is not something that you do or practice regularly. Field dressing only needs to be done when you have killed a deer. 

Field dressing a deer can be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with how it is done. There are a number of things that can go wrong and can potentially cause you to lose a significant amount of useable meat unless done properly. The good news is that once you have seen how it is done, the actual task of field dressing a deer is not difficult. It make take a few times to become as efficient as possible, but you should have no trouble cleaning you next kill.

As a hunter, it is very meaningful for us to have a remembrance of our catch. After filling ourselves with its delicious meat, after storing all the best proteins we can get, we would want something that would remind us of our great hunting experience and of our great feat. One thing we enjoyed having after catching a deer is a nice white skull for a trophy.

Some hunters bring it to a taxidermist to have it cleaned for them while some find it more fulfilling to clean and bleach their own trophies. Some, on the other hand, just wanted to save money. Some hunters may have already mastered bleaching a deer skull but some may not.

There are several factors to consider when looking for the best deer hunting rifle. Obviously, you’ll want one with the great build quality and thoughtful engineering. Each of these rifles is designed for particular needs, so take these factors into account.

First, you want to choose a rifle with the right caliber. Next, take a look at the length of your barrel, and decide what type of hunting you’ll be doing and at what distance you expect to make your shot. You should also consider the action type: whether you want the long-range bolt-action, break-action or semi-automatic.

There are many different tools and features to consider, but these are the biggest factors when determining which rifle will best suit your needs.

Finding the perfect caliber is like finding the holy grail. Many hunters, professional and amateur, have different feelings about which caliber is best suited for deer. There are many pros and cons when choosing your caliber, and over time you may find yourself favoring a particular caliber. The caliber refers to the diameter of the barrel’s interior.

Most rifles on this list are larger caliber rifles. .308 Win Mag, .30-06 and 7mm are all heavy-duty rifles that have lots of recoil. You may feel they are too powerful for deer hunting, but the extra power is great for longer shots and bigger deer. You won’t want to take a .30-30 to a trophy hunt.

There are many calibers available, and some hunters prefer smaller, more portable rifles with less recoil. Calibers like .243 and .270 are great for these close encounters. Whichever type you prefer there are many pros and cons, so try a few out before settling on your preferred caliber.

There are two factors to consider in choosing the length of your barrel. First, a longer barrel can give you more accuracy for a long-range shot. Second, a longer barrel adds both weight and length which can make your gun heavy enough to hold steady or too heavy to carry comfortably through the woods.

Depending on the type of hunting you are doing, the amount you’ll be walking and the length of shot you hope to take, you’ll want to choose the right barrel size for your specific hunting style.

The most common barrels are around 24 inches. These are a bit on the long side but give you some nice accuracy as you look for the perfect shot. The smallest barrel on this list is 16 inches. It’s too small for long-range shooting, but this lightweight and compact design is great for stalking or tracking deer.

Do you have a rifle, and are you ready to hunt? In the excitement of a new purchase, whether you have one rifle or 100 you’ll no doubt be ready to get shooting.

However, there are many other factors to consider before going out. You’ll want to carefully research the rest of the gear you need, including safety gear like a hunter’s orange vest. Next you’ll want to look for local deer-season laws and the necessary tags and training you’ll need.

Deer hunting can be both invigorating and dangerous, and your careful planning can make the difference between the two. There are also plenty of tools and gear available to give you a more comfortable and effective hunt.

Everything from a rifle sling to binoculars to scents and calls can make the difference between a miserable or successful and comfortable hunt. Proper clothing, safety and preparation are just as important as a proper rifle and understanding of your rifle. Be sure to review all the safety features of your rifle before use.

Each of these rifles was selected based on a number of factors. First, they are all highly rated by professional reviewers. Next, they are best sellers and popular among buyers. These rifles are well priced, rugged and able to meet all your deer-hunting needs. Because of the number of factors that go into choosing a great rifle this isn’t a complete list of all the top-rated rifles, but it’s a good snapshot of some excellent-quality choices. Depending on your hunting style and caliber preferences you may or may not find the best hunting rifle for you on this list.

For the best deer hunting rifle, the sky's the limit for a price range. You can easily spend several thousand dollars on an exquisitely crafted rifle. However, for a balance of practicality and cost-effectiveness the rifles on this list range from mid-range to high-range. This represents a good investment without extravagant features that aren’t necessary.

Determine how much you are willing to spend, and look for a rifle that suits both your style and wallet. There are a few factors that affect the price range. The caliber and barrel length can dramatically increase the price so less expensive rifles may not necessarily be of lower quality. The type of material the upper, lower and stock are built with also affect the price.

Now that you’ve reviewed some of the best deer hunting rifle options on the market. Carefully consider the type of hunting you most enjoy. Whether you are looking for a long-range mule deer hunt on the plains or stalking elusive whitetails through the woods, there are many options when it comes to deer hunting.

Once you have decided on the type of hunting, you need to consider which options will best suit your style. A long-barreled, accurate model like the Remington Model 700 Sendero SF II works well for a smooth, careful kill shot. On the other hand, if you need to hike long distances and have low visibility, the DPMS GII AP4 or the H&R Synthetic Handi-Rifle would be great choices.

Whichever model you choose, any rifle on this list will give you a durable, accurate choice for deer hunting.