The Top Bolt-Action Rifles Americans Can’t Stop Buying

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By Jennifer Geer Published
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The Top Bolt-Action Rifles Americans Can’t Stop Buying

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24/7 Wall St. Insights

  • 24/7 Wall St. used a report from Gungenius to identify the 10 most popular bolt-action rifles in America.
  • Bolt action rifles are known for their precision and accuracy.
  • Also: 2 Dividend Legends To Hold Forever

The bolt action rifle was invented in 1824 by German arms designer, Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse. The bolt action rifle was extremely popular throughout the 1800s and continued its domination in World War I as the standard issue rifle for US troops. Today, the bolt action remains a popular firearm for hunters and gun enthusiasts.

To identify the 10 most popular bolt-action rifles in America, 24/7 Wall St. 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.)

Bolt action rifles are renowned for their accuracy. Their simple design and minimal moving parts make the firing process clean, allowing for precision. Because the bolt handle must be operated manually, this rifle allows for a more deliberate shooting style and a single, well-placed shot. Hunters and the military value the bolt action rifles for clean and accurate shots with long-distance targets. (Here is a look at every U.S. military standard-issue rifle since the American Revolution.)

The following list reflects sales data from online retailers only. Firearms purchased online are first shipped to licensed dealers. Licensed dealers 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

Melissa Kopka / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

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

  • Approx. base retail price: $1,220
  • Available chamberings include: .243, .270, .270 WSM, .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, 6.5 PRC
  • Parent company: Herstal Group
  • Winchester U.S. rifle production in 2021: 0
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: None

9. Weatherby Vanguard Series

  • Approx. base retail price: $480
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .243, .270, 7mm Rem., .308, .30-06, .300, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
  • Parent company: Weatherby
  • Weatherby U.S. rifle production in 2021: 7,630 (0.2% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Sheridan, WY

8. Mossberg Patriot Series

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
  • Approx. base retail price: $350
  • Available chamberings include: .243, .270, 7mm PRC, .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 PRC, .450 Bushmaster, .400 Legend
  • Parent company: O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Maverick Arms
  • Mossberg and Maverick U.S. rifle production in 2021: 70,700 (1.8% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: North Haven, CT and Eagle Pass, TX

7. Tikka T3 Series

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
  • Approx. base retail price: $680
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .243, .270, 7mm Rem. Mag., .308, .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, 6.5 PRC
  • Parent company: Beretta Holding
  • Beretta U.S. rifle production in 2021: 1,177 (0.0% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Gallatin, TN (Beretta USA)

6. CZ-USA Model 457 Series

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
  • Approx. base retail price: $550
  • Available chamberings include: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR
  • Parent company: Colt CZ Group
  • CZ-USA U.S. rifle production in 2021: 188 (0.0% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Kansas City, KS

5. Savage Axis Series

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
  • Approx. base retail price: $270
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .270, .30-06,.308, .350 Legend, 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Parent company: Savage Arms, Inc.
  • Savage U.S. rifle production in 2021: 392,880 (10.0% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Westfield, MA

4. Savage 10/110 Rifles Series

  • Approx. base retail price: $460
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .270, .30-06,.308, .450 Bushmaster, 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Parent company: Savage Arms, Inc.
  • Savage U.S. rifle production in 2021: 392,880 (10.0% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Westfield, MA

3. Browning X-Bolt Series

  • Approx. base retail price: $740
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .243, .270, .270 WSM, .30-06, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Parent company: Herstal Group
  • Browning U.S. rifle production in 2021: 1
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Morgan, UT (Browning)

2. Remington Model 700 Series

  • Approx. base retail price: $421
  • Available chamberings include: .223, .243, .270, .270 WSM, .30-06, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Parent company: RemArms
  • Remington U.S. rifle production in 2021: 23,444 (0.6% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Ilion, NY

1. Ruger American Series

  • Approx. base retail price: $480
  • Available chamberings include: .30-06, .243, .270, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Parent company: Sturm, Ruger & Company
  • Ruger U.S. rifle production in 2021: 736,664 (18.7% of all U.S. made rifles)
  • U.S. manufacturing locations in 2021: Prescott, AZ, Southport, CT, Mayodan, NC, and Newport, NH
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