Despite the incredible diversity of today’s high-powered, semi-automatic rifles, the bolt-action design remains the favorite of hunters and target shooters. Semi-automatics may load and shoot quicker, but bolt-action rifles are perfect for those direct, one-shot hits.
Well known for their accuracy, bolt-action rifles have a simple design with minimal moving parts. This makes the firing process much cleaner and allows for greater reliability and precision. The manual operation of the bolt handle also encourages a slower, more deliberate shooting style. Unlike other rifles that blast out amo, bolt-action rifles allow for a single, well-placed shot. Prioritizing a clean and accurate shot, especially with long-distance targets, is what makes these rifles invaluable for hunters and the military. (Here is a look at every U.S. military standard-issue rifle since the American Revolution.)
To identify the 10 most popular bolt-action rifles in America, 24/7 used a report from Gungenius with compiled sales data from the online firearms marketplace GunBroker.com. This ranking is based on 2023 sales figures, although specific sales numbers were not disclosed. Many of the rifles on this list come in a wide range of calibers, offering hunters a tailored experience for their specific needs. (Here is a look at the 14 most versatile hunting rifle cartridges.)
It is important to note that this list reflects sales data from online retailers only. Firearms purchased online are first shipped to licensed dealers. Licensed dealers then conduct background checks before transferring the weapons to their new owners. In addition, although many base models start at around a few hundred dollars, customization and high-end variations often cost much more.
Why We’re Covering This
Guns are a multi-billion dollar industry, and firearms sales offer a unique window into current trends and the state of the United States. The most popular guns can provide insight into investment stocks, cultural trends, and contemporary tensions. In addition, firearms manufacturing companies are major cultural influencers. They help to shape conversations and potentially, even politics and policy decisions.
These are America’s most popular bolt-action rifles.
10. Winchester Model 70 Series
The Winchester Model 70 Series is a bolt-action rifle made by the Herstal Group. Its base price starts around $1,220 and comes in various various calibers, including .243, .270, .270 WSM, .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, and 6.5 PRC. There weren’t any rifles produced in the U.S. in 2021.
9. Weatherby Vanguard Series
The Weatherby Vanguard Series is a bolt-action rifle made by Weatherby. Its base price starts at around $480 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .243, .270, 7mm Rem., .308, .30-06, .300, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5 PRC. In 2021, 7,630 rifles were produced in Sheridan, WY, which accounted for 0.2% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
8. Mossberg Patriot Series
The Mossberg Patriot Series is a bolt-action rifle made by O. F. Mossberg & Sons / Maverick Arms. Its base price starts at around $350 and comes in various calibers, including .243, .270, 7mm PRC, .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 PRC, .450 Bushmaster, and .400 Legend. In 2021, 70,700 rifles were produced in North Haven, CT, and Eagle Pass, TX, which accounted for 1.8%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
7. Tikka T3 Series
The Tikka T3 Series is a bolt-action rifle made by Beretta Holding. Its base price starts at around $680 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .243, .270, 7mm Rem. Mag., .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, and 6.5 PRC. In 2021, 1,177 rifles were produced in Gallatin, TN (Beretta USA), which accounted for 0.0%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
6. CZ-USA Model 457 Series
The CZ-USA Model 457 Series is a bolt-action rifle made by the Colt CZ Group. Its base price starts at around $550 and comes in various calibers, including 22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. In 2021, 188 rifles were produced in Kansas City, KS, which accounted for 0.0%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
5. Savage Axis Series
The Savage Axis Series is a bolt-action rifle made by Savage Arms, Inc. Its base price starts at around $270 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .270, .30-06,.308, .350 Legend, and 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2021, 392,880 rifles were produced in Westfield, MA, which accounted for 10.0%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
4. Savage 10/110 Rifles Series
The Savage 10/110 Rifles Series is a bolt-action rifle made by Savage Arms, Inc. Its base price starts at around $460 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .270, .30-06,.308, .450 Bushmaster, and 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2021, 392,880 rifles were produced in Westfield, MA, which accounted for 10.0%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
3. Browning X-Bolt Series
The Browning X-Bolt Series is a bolt-action rifle made by the Herstal Group. Its base price starts at around $740 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .243, .270, .270 WSM, .30-06, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2021, 1 rifle was produced in Morgan, UT (Browning).
2. Remington Model 700 Series
The Remington Model 700 Series is a bolt-action rifle made by RemArms. Its base price starts at around $421 and comes in various calibers, including .223, .243, .270, .270 WSM, .30-06, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2021, 23,444 rifles were produced in Ilion, NY, which accounted for 0.6%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
1. Ruger American Series
The Ruger American Series is a bolt-action rifle made by Sturm, Ruger & Company. Its base price starts at around $480 and comes in various calibers, including .30-06, .243, .270, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2021, 736,664 rifles were produced in Prescott, AZ; Southport, CT; Mayodan, NC; and Newport, NH, which accounted for 18.7%% of all rifles made in the U.S. that year.
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