Best Guns for Hunting (2026): The Complete Guide

Last updated March 2026 · By Nick Hall, hunter who has taken whitetail, elk, hog, and waterfowl with guns across every category on this list

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The Best Guns for Hunting: Your Complete Guide

Picking the right hunting gun is one of the most important decisions you will make as a hunter. Get it right, and you have got a tool that will last you decades and put meat in the freezer every season. Get it wrong, and you are lugging around dead weight while your buddy fills his tag.

I have spent years testing rifles, shotguns, handguns, and even crossbows for hunting. This page is your home base for all of it. Whether you are a first-time deer hunter or you are chasing elk in the backcountry, I have broken down everything by category so you can find exactly what you need.

Every section below links to our full in-depth guides where we go deep on specs, pricing, and real-world performance. Think of this as your hunting firearms table of contents.

Best Hunting Rifles

A good rifle is the backbone of any hunting setup. Bolt actions dominate for a reason: they are reliable, accurate, and available in every cartridge under the sun. But lever actions, semi-autos, and even budget rifles all have their place depending on what you are chasing and where.

Our 12 Best Hunting Rifles guide is the flagship here. It covers everything from the Tikka T3x to the Browning X-Bolt, tested and ranked. If you want the short answer on what to buy for deer, elk, or general big game, start there.

Hunting Rifles by Action Type

Bolt actions get all the love, but don’t sleep on lever guns. Our Best Lever Action Rifles guide covers the Marlin 336, Henry Big Boy, and more. There is something deeply satisfying about running a lever in thick timber. Fast follow-up shots, light weight, and they look cool as hell.

For .22 bolt actions (perfect for small game and squirrel hunting), check out our Best .22 Bolt Action Rifles roundup. And if you want the most accurate .22 ammo to feed them, we tested and ranked those too in our Best .22 LR Ammo guide.

Hunting Rifles on a Budget

You don’t need to spend $1,500 to get a solid hunting rifle. Our Best Cheap Rifles guide proves you can get something genuinely accurate for under $500. The Ruger American and Savage Axis regularly punch way above their price point.

If you have got a bigger budget and want the best value per dollar, our World’s Best Hunting Rifle deep dive makes a strong case for one particular rifle that does everything well.

Most Popular Hunting Rifles in America

Curious what everyone else is buying? Our America’s Most Popular Rifles breakdown shows what is actually flying off shelves. Spoiler: the Remington 700 and Ruger American are still everywhere. We also put together America’s Most Popular Rifle Calibers so you can see what cartridges are dominating right now.

Best Hunting Calibers and Cartridges

The caliber debate never ends, and honestly, that is half the fun. But some cartridges really do stand above the rest for specific hunting applications. Here is where we break it all down.

6.5 Creedmoor: The Modern Hunting Standard

The 6.5 Creedmoor has basically taken over the hunting world in the last decade, and for good reason. Low recoil, flat trajectory, and it hits hard enough for anything up to elk at reasonable distances. Our 6.5 Creedmoor for Hunting article lays out why it might be the only round you need.

Want a rifle chambered in it? We have got 16 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles at every price point, plus a focused Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles Under $1,000 guide if you are budget-conscious. And if you want a semi-auto option, our 6.5 Creedmoor Semi-Auto Rifles guide has you covered.

The eternal question: 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Win? We put them head to head on ballistics, recoil, ammo cost, and hunting performance.

.308 Winchester: The Proven Workhorse

The .308 has been putting deer down since 1952 and it is not going anywhere. Our 14 Best .308 Rifles guide covers bolt actions, and if you want a semi-auto .308 for hunting or hog control, the Best .308 Semi-Auto Rifles guide is what you need.

Ammo selection matters just as much as the rifle. Our Best .308 Ammo guide breaks down the top hunting loads, range ammo, and defense rounds.

.30-06 Springfield: Grandpa’s Caliber (Still Kills Everything)

The .30-06 has over a century of proven performance on every game animal in North America. It hits harder than the .308 with a wider range of bullet weights. Our 10 Best .30-06 Rifles guide covers the top picks from budget to premium.

.223 Remington: Varmints and Predators

The .223 is perfect for coyotes, prairie dogs, and other varmints. Light recoil, cheap ammo, and you can shoot it all day. Check out our 11 Best .223 Rifles for the top options. Just don’t try to take it deer hunting in most states. It is illegal for a reason.

.338 Lapua: When You Need to Reach Way Out

For long-range elk, moose, or anything at extreme distance, the .338 Lapua Magnum is a sledgehammer. It is expensive to shoot and the rifles are heavy, but nothing else reaches out like it. Our Best .338 Lapua Rifles guide covers the top options. If big bore power is what you are after, also check our 12 Most Powerful Rifles roundup.

Best Hunting Shotguns

Shotguns are the most versatile hunting tool you can own. Swap the barrel or choke and you go from duck blinds to deer stands to turkey fields with the same gun. If you could only own one firearm for hunting, a 12-gauge shotgun would be the smart pick.

Our 10 Best Hunting Shotguns guide ranks the top 12-gauge options for all-around hunting. From the Mossberg 500 to the Beretta A300, every budget and style is covered.

Pump Action vs Semi-Auto

This is another one of those debates that will never die. Pumps are cheaper, more reliable in dirty conditions, and just feel right. Semi-autos soak up recoil and let you get follow-up shots faster. We broke down the full Pump Action vs Semi-Auto Shotguns comparison so you can decide for yourself.

For dedicated pump gun buyers, our Best Pump Action Shotguns guide covers the top 11 options. And if you want the best Benelli has to offer (and Benelli makes some of the finest hunting shotguns on the planet), we ranked all the Best Benelli Shotguns.

20 Gauge: The Lighter Option

A 20-gauge is perfect for smaller-framed shooters, younger hunters, or anyone who wants less recoil without giving up much killing power. Our 15 Best 20 Gauge Shotguns guide has options for everything from upland birds to home defense.

Shotgun Ammo for Hunting

Slugs turn your shotgun into a short-range deer rifle. Our Best 12 Gauge Slugs guide covers the top options for both hunting and defense. The right slug in a rifled barrel can be frighteningly accurate out to 150 yards.

Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is its own animal (pun intended). You need specific gear, specific loads, and the patience of a saint. A gobbler at 40 yards is one of the most exciting moments in hunting, and having the right shotgun makes or breaks that moment.

Our 9 Best Turkey Shotguns guide covers dedicated turkey guns with tight chokes, camo patterns, and the features that actually matter in the spring woods. And if you are not sure when to head out, our When Is Turkey Hunting Season? breakdown covers every state’s dates and regulations.

Best Hunting Handguns

Handgun hunting is a whole different challenge, and that is what makes it fun. You need to get closer, your margin for error shrinks, and the satisfaction of a clean kill with a pistol or revolver is hard to beat.

Our 12 Best Hunting Handguns guide ranks the top revolvers and pistols for big game. We are talking .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .460 S&W, and even the mighty .500 S&W Magnum. For even more hand cannon options, our 12 Most Powerful Handguns guide goes full send on the biggest boomers available.

10mm for Hunting and Bear Defense

The 10mm Auto has become the go-to caliber for backcountry carry. It is powerful enough for black bear defense while being manageable in a semi-auto pistol. Our 12 Best 10mm Pistols guide covers every option from Glock to Dan Wesson.

If you are specifically worried about bear encounters in the backcountry, our 10mm for Bear Defense guide is the deep dive you need. And for general bear safety, we wrote up How to Survive a Bear Attack because sometimes the best defense does not involve a firearm at all.

Hunting Handgun Ammo

If you are carrying a .44 Magnum into the woods, you need the right ammo. Our Best .44 Magnum Ammo guide breaks down the best hunting loads, self-defense rounds, and range ammo for America’s most iconic revolver cartridge.

Hunting Optics

Your scope might matter more than your rifle. Seriously. A cheap rifle with a great scope will outshoot an expensive rifle with a garbage scope every single time. Don’t skimp here.

Our 9 Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting and Long Range guide covers glass from budget Vortex options to premium Leupold and Nightforce scopes. Whether you are setting up a deer rifle or building a long-range elk rig, this is where to start.

Thermal Scopes for Night Hunting

If you are hunting hogs at night or doing predator control, thermal optics are a game changer. They are not cheap, but they turn night into day. Our 5 Best Thermal Scopes guide covers the top options from Pulsar, ATN, and others.

Crossbows for Hunting

Crossbows have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and most states now allow them during archery season. They are quiet, deadly accurate, and you don’t need months of practice to shoot them well.

Our Best Crossbows guide ranks the top hunting crossbows from TenPoint, Ravin, and Barnett. If you want a specific recommendation, our TenPoint Shadow NXT review covers one of the best mid-range hunting crossbows on the market. And for budget hunters, the Barnett Recruit at around $165 is tough to beat for the money.

Hunting on a Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get into hunting. Between budget rifles, affordable shotguns, and smart ammo choices, you can build a solid hunting setup for under $500 all-in.

Start with our Best Cheap Rifles guide for rifles under $500. Pair it with an affordable scope from our Best Rifle Scopes guide (several options under $300), and you have got a deer rig that will fill tags for years.

For a full picture of what you will spend, our How Much Do Guns Cost? pricing guide breaks down every category so you know exactly what to budget. And if you just want the best deals on firearms in general, check out our Cheap Guns You Need page where we track the best deals across all major retailers.

How to Choose the Right Hunting Gun

If you are new to hunting and all these options feel overwhelming, here is the cheat sheet. Answer these three questions and you will narrow it down fast.

What Are You Hunting?

• Whitetail deer: A bolt-action rifle in .308, .30-06, or 6.5 Creedmoor. A 12-gauge with slugs also works in thick brush states.
• Elk and mule deer: Step up to .30-06, .300 Win Mag, or 6.5 Creedmoor with premium bullets. You need more range and energy.
• Turkey: A dedicated turkey shotgun with a tight choke and TSS loads. 12 or 20 gauge.
• Waterfowl: A semi-auto 12-gauge shotgun. The Beretta A300 and Benelli SBE3 are top picks from our hunting shotgun guide.
• Upland birds: A lightweight 20-gauge shotgun is ideal. You will be walking all day.
• Hogs: Almost anything works. .308 semi-autos are popular, as are .223 rifles for lighter hogs. Night hunters love thermal scopes.
• Varmints and predators: A .223 rifle is the classic choice. For small game and squirrels, a .22 bolt action is perfect.
• Bear country backup: A 10mm pistol or a large-bore revolver for bear defense.

What Is Your Budget?

Under $500: You have got great options. The Ruger American, Savage Axis, and Mossberg Patriot all come in under $500 and shoot better than rifles that cost three times as much. See our cheap rifles guide.

$500 to $1,000: This is the sweet spot. You can get a Tikka T3x, Bergara B-14, or Weatherby Vanguard. Our best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles under $1,000 shows what is possible in this range.

$1,000+: Premium rifles from Browning, Sako, and Christensen Arms. Our full hunting rifles guide covers the top picks at every price point.

How Far Will You Be Shooting?

Under 100 yards: Shotguns with slugs, lever actions, and brush guns. Most deer in the eastern US are taken inside 100 yards.

100 to 300 yards: Standard hunting rifles in .308, .30-06, or 6.5 Creedmoor. This covers 90% of hunting situations across North America.

300+ yards: You need a flat-shooting cartridge like 6.5 Creedmoor or .300 Win Mag, a quality scope, and serious practice. Consider the rifles in our best long-range rifles guide if you are serious about reaching out.

Where to Buy Hunting Guns Online

Buying a hunting gun online is safe, legal, and often cheaper than your local shop. The gun ships to a local FFL dealer where you complete the background check and pick it up. Here are the retailers we trust and use ourselves:

• Palmetto State Armory: Best overall prices, especially on budget rifles and shotguns. Hard to beat their sales.
• Guns.com: Massive selection and reliable shipping. Good for finding specific models.
• Brownells: The go-to for rifle accessories, optics, and parts alongside complete firearms.
• Sportsman’s Guide: Great for ammo deals and budget hunting gear alongside firearms.
• Sportsman’s Warehouse: Solid hunting-focused retailer with good in-store pickup options.
• EuroOptic: Premium optics and higher-end rifles. Best for serious long-range hunting setups.

Use our price checker tool to compare prices across all major retailers in real time. It searches live inventory so you always get the best deal.

FAQ: Best Guns for Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions