The Best New Rifles For Hunting Big Game

by Staff Editor + · Published October 6, 2014 · Updated May 19, 2016

New rifles enter an already saturated market each year, so it’s difficult to decide which one might be the right fit for you. We’ve put together this handy list to give you a look at some of the best models to enter the field in 2014.

Kimber 84M AdirondackThe 84m Adirondack weighs in at a little under five pounds, making it one of the lightest bolt-action rifles on the market right now. It also means that the Adirondack is an excellent choice for both still hunts and daylong events. Kimber offers the new model in .308 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington calibers and it’s capable of holding four rounds with another in the chamber. It has a stainless steel-barreled action and is finished in Gore Optifade Concealment in Forest Pattern for optimum camouflage. The barrel measures 18 inches making it a bit rough on the recoil, but it makes up for it in weight and power and it’s definitely worth it at only $1,899 MSRP.

Ruger American Rifle with Redfield RevolutionThe Ruger American comes equipped with a Redfield Revolution scope thanks to a deal between the two parent companies, making this gun a great bang for your buck. The rifle itself weighs only 7 pounds and has a 22” free floated barrel. It comes with an adjustable Ruger Marksman trigger, soft recoil pad and a two-position tang safety. The rifle has been hailed for it’s excellent accuracy thanks to the 3-9 X 40mm scope. The best part? It’s only $679.00.

CZ 557 SporterA combination of quality and affordability make the CZ 557 one of best options for big-game hunters this year. The 557 is equipped with a plunger-style ejector and shorter, spring-loaded extractor for smoother operation rather than the controlled-round feed found in previous models. It retains a classic look with a Mauser-style bolt action. The trigger system frees you from having to dissemble it and is easily adjustable for weight and trigger travel. The shorter barrel makes climbing and treading rough undergrowth easier than your standard rifle.

Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDRIf you’re in the market for a long-range rifle with superb accuracy consider giving the Vortek StrikerFire LDR a shot. The rifle has a 30” Chromoly barrel that allows for increased velocity and consistency while the TAC2 Trigger System is a two-stage, two-pound competition-style trigger that allows for faster shooting. The striker fire system is designed to provide quieter cocking and de-cocking with a recessed button while allowing you to mount a scope much closer to the bore than you normally would. The Vortek StrikerFire LDR also comes equipped with a stainless steel Accelerator Breech Plug.

CZ Western Series 550 Badlands MagnumThe second CZ rifle to make the list is the new addition to the classic Mauser bolt-action 550 line: the Western Series 550 Badlands Magnum. If there is any gun on the market that’s perfect for big game, it’s the Badlands Magnum. The Magnum is chambered for .338 Lapua and is capable of delivering up to 2000 foot-pounds of energy, making it the perfect gun to take down bison and other big game. It comes equipped with a recoil-taming muzzle break and a 25-inch barrel. The rifle has an adjustable trigger along with an aluminum-bedding block. It weighs in at over nine pounds, so it can get a little tiresome to lug around long distances but it makes up for it in accuracy.

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 WBY-X KryptekThe Weatherby WBY-X Kryptek makes this list purely due to the fact that it is an excellent attempt to draw younger generations into the field. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hold up well in terms of functionality, though. The entire WBY-X series is lined with rifles designed with bolder graphics and designs to appeal to a younger audience, but they still retain all of the features that make the Vanguard Series 2 a popular line of guns. The Kryptek comes with a cold hammer forger 24” barrel and match quality, two-stage trigger. It also contains a three-position safety and fully enclosed bolt sleeve. If the Kryptek isn’t your style, there are other models in the series specifically designed with adjustable stocks to grow with your kids.

Remington Model 700 Long RangeNo other brand has been as consistent at producing well-made and accurate rifles than Remington, and this year was no different. The 2014 Model 700 Long Range is designed and performs perfectly for exactly what it sounds like—nailing a target from afar. The rifle features a 26-inch heavy-contour barrel with synthetic stock and is available in .25-06 Rem, .30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .300 Rem Ultra Mag. Some of the coolest key features include a Bell and Carlson M40 tactical stock, and externally adjustable trigger system and aluminum bedding block that’s intended to improve accuracy. The Model 700 LR holds four standard calibers and three magnum. Remington had a small setback with safety of the trigger, but they issued a recall to fix the problems so the guns are now good to go!