4 Efficient and Economical Rifles to Consider for Your Next Hunt

Choosing a good firearm or bow is a crucial aspect of being a good hunter. So, as you prepare for the gun season (or you're reviewing your current firearms and considering adding a new one to your collection), we wanted to give you some insights into some of our favorite rifles that can help you hunt well without breaking the bank.

If you're new to hunting, any of these four firearms are a great place to start!

1. Mossberg Patriot Synthetic Kryptek Highlander

Price: $482

Why We Like It: The Mossberg Patriot Highlander is a highly affordable rifle that is field-ready with some attitude. It is designed exceptionally well, with an adjustable trigger for easy-to-use capability.

We highly recommend this rifle, as it can be described as your basic, go-to hunting rifle. It will get the job done and help you fill your freezer.
 

2. Winchester XPR Hunter – Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou

Price: $699.99

Why We Like It: The XPR Hunter – Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou comes with a composite stock finished with Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou camouflage.

This rifle is drilled and tapped for your scope mount, has the Inflex Technology recoil pad, the M.O.A. trigger system, and plenty of other features that make this an excellent shooting experience for the cost.  

Chambered for the .243 Winchester, this rifle has a superior cartridge for any deer. You are sure to see success with this well-constructed rifle.

3. Ruger American Rifle Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

Price: $489.99

Why We Like It: This bolt-action rifle is built with modern materials to help shooters get the most out of an economical firearm.

The Ruger uses a 3-lug bolt design, which provides hunters with clearance for their fingers, keeping them out of the way of the handle and scope. This rifle is lightweight and accurate, making it ideal for the rugged weather that the outdoors can provide.

This lightweight and innovative rifle will ultimately help you land a big buck.

4. Howa Rifles

Why We Like It: Although a Howa rifle could be the most expensive of our top rifles – depending on how you build yours – we feel that it was an important one to include.

Many hunters have adapted over to building their own AR 15 rifles, and you can actually build your own deer rifle too. Howa sells actions that are already barreled, allowing you to select chambering, stock, trigger, and other components of your liking. Considering you can choose amongst well-designed products at your preference, we believe you will have great luck shooting a rifle you construct with quality parts.

HuntWise and a Good Rifle Lead to Hunting Success

Although there are many economical rifles out there, we do feel that these four rifles are good options when it comes to not breaking the bank with a quality firearm that can help you hunt successfully.

Hunters don't need to spend $1,000+ on a rifle to get the job done. Just remember to know types of accessories you prefer, understand what type of species you will be hunting, and understand your budget.

You'll also want the best hunting app in your hand to help you find the game to hunt with your rifle! HuntWise helps you use your firearm (or bow) effectively in the field by helping you scout locations using map layers and markers. The app also helps you choose the best days to take your rifle into the field with HuntCast and WindCast forecasting features.

No matter which rifle or bow you use for your hunts, take HuntWise with you! If you've never downloaded it before, now is an excellent time to get the app and explore it for your first week – free.
 

Content reviewed and updated July 22, 2024.