A Top 5 List of Reliable and Accurate Rifles for Deer Hunting
When it comes to whitetail deer hunting, you want to make sure you have the best possible tools for the job. At Kansas Trophy Outfitters, we know that the success of the hunt can all be determined by the quality of the rifle. When choosing a rifle, you want to pay attention to what customers are saying about its accuracy, quality of build, and versatility. To get you started with your selection process, we put together a list of five deer hunting rifles that we feel warrant consideration. Some of these are American classics and others are brand new to the bolt-action rifle scene.
Benelli LUPO Bolt-Action
There’s a new rifle that’s making a lot of noise on the market. Longtime Italian gunmaker Benelli has finally expanded into the bolt-action arena and the early reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The Benelli LUPO (Italian for “wolf”) bolt-action rifle is being lauded for its superior accuracy, high-quality build and materials, and overall comfort via the low recoil (it uses a patented Progressive Comfort recoil pad). The trigger is crisp and adjustable, with the option to switch from 2.2 to 4.4 pounds. One of the most distinct features of this rifle is its ability to adjust to the user. Shims allow for the stock to be set in up to 36 different positions, allowing any hunter to get that perfect feel and fit. The Benelli LUPO bolt-action is available with .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and .300 Winchester Magnum chamberings.
Remington Model 700
When it comes to purchasing a reliable rifle, nothing beats an American classic. Of course, we’re talking about the Remington Model 700, which is bolt-action centerfire and offers a variety of chamberings that are perfect for hunting whitetail deer or other big game. It’s been widely regarded as “the most accurate out-of-the-box production rifle on the market today.” The best part about the Remington series is that it’s been around for so long that it’s able to provide the perfect rifle for all varieties of hunter for a wide range of budgets. People tend to gravitate to the Remington for its smooth action at long distances, overall comfort, and time-tested longevity in the hunting market. This is also a great gun if you want a more classic look with wood or a laminate finish.
Ruger American Rifle with Go Wild Camo
Yet another American classic on our list is the Ruger American Rifle, which has been field-tested and approved by countless whitetail deer hunters and other sportsmen. Like the Remington Model 700 series, you’re going to get a well-built rifle that’s comfortable, accurate, and built to withstand the elements of even the harshest hunting seasons. Features include 22” barrel, three-lug bolt with 70-degree throw, and the Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. It also comes with several different options and chamberings. What makes the Ruger different from many of its competitors is that you can use straight-wall cartridges like .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster for states with restrictions on centerfire rifles. The Ruger Rifle comes in standard finishes, but is also available in Burnt Bronze Cerakote as well for better concealment. At only 6.6 pounds, the Ruger Rifle is great for hunters looking to pack light.
CVA Cascade
Like the Benelli mentioned previously on our list, the CVA Cascade is another newcomer to the bolt-action market after being a longtime and trusted manufacturer in muzzleloaders. It is being touted as one of the best rifles you can get for under $600. This rifle is available in ten different calibers for its initial rollout – from .22-250 Varmint all the way up to the .450 Bushmaster – and features Cascade’s 4140 carbon steel barrel and threaded muzzle. The magazine is detachable (four-round, flush-fit) and designed for ease of use. A great differentiating factor about the Cascade rifle is that the buttstock is adjustable, making it a great gun for those who are still growing or for hunters who find themselves changing the amount of layers they’re wearing mid-hunt. This is the perfect gun for those looking for versatility and reliability but who are also on a budget.
Vanguard Weatherby
Hunting whitetail deer presents its own unique set of challenges, but with the Weatherby Vanguard, the weather won’t be one of them. This rifle was specifically built to withstand rain, snow, and the elements so that even during the toughest Kansas winter hunts, you won’t have to worry about your rifle’s performance. It’s completely weatherproof. The Monte Carlo stock and all the metalwork are made to look great and hold up in harsh environments. This rifle features an adjustable trigger, fluted bolt body, and a three-position safety. It’s regarded as one of the most accurate rifles you can get and the company stands by their product like few do. Vanguard guarantees that all of its rifles will shoot a 3-shot group of .99” or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA) from a cold barrel within two years of the verified purchase date. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Get the Ultimate Hunting Experience at the Best Hunting Preserve in Kansas
Once you’ve bought your new hunting rifle, there’s nothing left to do but to test it out in the field on a whitetail deer hunt. Kansas Trophy Outfitters provides comprehensive high fence hunting experiences. Our guided hunts include rifle hunting and bow hunting for whitetail deer and other big game and exotic animals.