Long range hunting rifles are built to hit your target from a long ways away, so they've gotta be powerful. Rifles that have the ability to shoot accurately from long distances and those that come with a price that will not cost you an arm and a leg are every hunter's dream.
But for those who are new to hunting, choosing an inexpensive rifle with the capability to shoot or reach its target with ease and with remarkable accuracy can be hard to find. Below is a list of long range hunting rifles that are powerful enough to bag you a big kill. Best of all, they're actually affordable. Check it out and pick your choice!
Long Range Hunting Rifles That Are Easy On The Wallet
1. Winchester XPR
For years, Winchester has been a leading rifle manufacturer and the brand is synonymous with quality for many American hunters. With the use of cutting-edge technologies, engineers of Winchester created a high-performance bolt action that is both tough and reliable.
The XPR has a superior trigger system that gives you a light, clean and crisp trigger pull. With a price ranging from $450-$500, this is one inexpensive rifle that can fit your deer hunting requirements. Truly, Winchester rifles are “the rifleman's rifle”.
2. Savage 12 Long Range Precision – .6.5 Creedmoor
This Savage 12 Long Range Precision rifle can shoot from a thousand yards with accuracy and efficiency. For the street price of $800, this rifle has an exceptional barrel, trigger, and stock. Don't mistake it for how basic it looks: trust the many shooters who say that it performs at a remarkably high level. This kick-ass rifle comes in .243 Win, 260 Rem, and 6.5 Creedmore.
3. Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD – .308 Win
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To those hunters who are opting to shoot 800 meters or less and want to use a flash suppressor, muzzle break, and sound suppressor, then this rifle is perfect for you.
For a low street price of $650, this badass rifle has the capability to shoot supersonic and subsonic ammunition. This Remington 700 SPS Tactical rifle is more of a medium range than a long range rifle, but its threaded muzzle is exceptional and that's what sets it apart from other rifles. So if you're looking for a bolt action rifle that won't cost you a fortune, this one gets the job done.
4. Thompson/Center Dimension – Multi-Caliber
If you're looking for a hunting rifle that offers impressive accuracy that has unique features such as the ability to change barrels, bolts, and magazines that can support .300 Winchester Magnum to .204 Ruger then this is the one for you.
The Thompson/ Center Dimension has a street price of under $600. A hunting rifle that has the combination of flexibility and affordability is definitely a must-have. It resembles one of those ordinary air rifles but just like what they say – looks can be deceiving.
5. Remington 700 VTR
The Remington 700 VTR is the most expensive rifle on this list. Priced at $930, this bad boy is nothing short of excellent in terms of performance. This Varmint Tactical is a revolutionary bolt-action rifle for a lot of reasons. First, it has an externally adjustable trigger and has a virtually zero creep.
It has a level of shot control that is unparalleled by any factory trigger today. This rifle also has the most efficient recoil pad in the world of hunting rifles today. So if you're a hunter that's looking for a one of a kind combination of excellent accuracy, compact size, and lightweight, this is the perfect choice for you.
6. Tikka T3 Lite – .260 Rem
The Tikka T3 Lite is an entry-level rifle for long-range shooting. With a street price of just over $500, this rifle is strikingly accurate, even at long distances. This astonishing rifle can reach a thousand yards easily. With a hammer forged barrel and smooth bolt throw, this Sako-made rifle stands out in any group of rifles.
If you're eager to know what's the best caliber for a long range hunting rifle, then you need to check this video out from Epic Outdoors!
Rifle manufacturers are constantly making weapons that can improve the way you shoot without hurting your budget, and they even make it a point to cater to a wide demographic. Unmatched accuracy and precision, coupled with affordability, are some of the important factors that hunters look for in a long-range hunting rifle. It is not that difficult to find one that matches this specific description. These long arms are comparable to custom rifles with outstanding performance in the field.
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Penny for your thoughts? Tell us what you think about this list by dropping your two cents in the comment section below.
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on December 7, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
I find it disheartening that the Ruger American series of rifles did not make this list yet TWO much higher priced Remington rifles did. The Ruger American can be had for as little as $349 from online and brick and mortar retailer Gander Mountain in calibers such as .30-06, .243, .308 and many other calibers. The Ruger American uses a proven action combined with a three lug bolt with a 70 degree throw and includes the Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. I have to admit that I do not own one of the Ruger American rifles but EVERY review I have read raves about them.
I bought one and put a Banner scope on it . It was chambered in 308 and dead on at 300 yards , that limit was me not the piece . Great rifle for under $ 400. Had a Savage low end 223 with scope package. Couldn’t hit crap with it , but I wrote it off on the shooter because I couldn’t hit anything with my Mini 14 in 223 either.
+1 on the Ruger American. I bought the .308 Predator version simply because I’ve always been a 30-06 guy and wanted to know what was the craze with the .308. I put a $130 Redfield Battlezone 3-9×44 Tac-moa scope on it and to the range I went… It outperformed my Winchester Model 70 with a $500 Leupold 30-06 hands down. At 300 yds (the max I had available that day) I was banging 3″ steel 16/20 times with el cheapo Core-lokt. I liked it so much I got rid of my Winchester, grabbed another American in 30-06 and put some extra $ back in my pocket. I have since taken a 5×5 elk at 475 yds and a cow at 775 yards with it (2 shots each elk 2 hits each elk) and wouldn’t look back.
I’ve grown up a fan of Ruger firearms. My preferred hunting rifle, the one my dad gave me for my 18th birthday and the one I’ve used for every deer and elk hunt in the last 32 years is a Ruger M77 MKII in 7mm Rem. Mag. The only change I’ve made to that rifle is to switch to a McMillan synthetic stock. With my hand loads, a Nosler Ballistic Tip in 160 gr. over 64.5 gr. of Reloader 22, I’m consistantly putting 3 shot groups on a dime at 100 yards. Three months ago I purchased a Ruger Precision Rifle in .308 which I mounted a Millett 6x25x56mm long range scope and I took it to a 500 yard range and I was consistently hitting the 10″ steel gong with cheap 168 gr. Austrian surplus military ammo.
I have a Ruger American in 243 and it is a tack driver. For $349.00 it is a bargain and here in Florida a long range shot is rare, but I can get 500 yds. with mine easily with the right bullet.
Interesting article, a couple of points though; 1) the prices given usually do not include the scope, you will need to add between $180 and $400 for a decent scope, 2) Don’t think you are getting the suppressor within the estimated prices shown – That would cost you up to $400 for the suppressor and $200 government stamp duty AND may not be legal in your State. Just saying.
It always kills me at the insane, and I mean INSANE amounts people think they have to spend to get a good scope. I have my boyhood Mossberg bolt-action, tube-fed 22 rifle that takes any mix of short, long and long rifle and I put a $48 Simmons Walmart scope on it that shoots 1 MOA. The scope has bright, clear optics and also has elev and horiz (windage) knobs plus it has a lifetime warranty. On my Savage 12 VLP I put a 1,000 yd Mueller scope for $230 that’s also a tack driver.
Glad the Ruger American did not make the list , Living here in Prescott area where Ruger is , I am one of a long list of gun owners who will never own another new Ruger. It turns out that they treat their employees like shit and when wages get too high Over $12 hr , They lay everyone off and start over . I interviewed there for a CNC job making slides and testing guns and was told it pays $10 hr. Most people hate it there and they go through tons of people as its just a Sweat shop , The few who I have talked to just work there to get discounts on guns . Oh yes they all have to work 12 hrs per day . Was the biggest Ruger fan till I found all this out.. For a company that has their stock gain 30 to 40% and pay slave wages makes me sick. BOYCOTT RUGER….
the problem is that they don’t have a problem getting losers working for $12 / hr….shame they offer not even a “living” wage
Thompson Center now also has the Compass line. I picked up a 7mm Mag with a threaded barrel and aluminum pillar bedding with a sub 1moa guarantee for under $300
Interesting write up. Hunting could be very dangerous and using long range hunting rifle is a perfect way of reducing some of the risk. The different long range hunting rifles are all unique and exceptional.
Echo previous comment about the Thompson/Center Compass. $400 set-up. $225 (after rebate) 1 MOA rifle with a Nikon $140 buckmaster 4×12 BDC scope. Room left over for scope mounts and sling.
Howa m1500 308. $800 rifle, scope, bipod, detachable magazine kit .5 moa out of the box……..its an excellent rifle