5 Best Traditional Muzzleloaders in 2026: Flintlock and Percussion Rifles Ranked
The five traditional side-lock muzzleloaders worth buying in 2026, from the $290 Traditions Deerhunter to the Pennsylvania longrifle, plus the kit build.
Rifles
This is where our rifle reviews, comparisons and buying guides land. The best AR-15 rifles list covers every budget, and it’s the most-read page in this section for a reason.
Hunters should start with the best hunting rifles or go straight to the best deer hunting rifles. Want something classic? We’ve ranked the best lever action rifles, and the best .22 LR rifles are still the cheapest way to get good at shooting. Not sure which cartridge you need? Read the rifle caliber guide first. The full list of rifle roundups is in our buying guides hub.
5 Best Inline Muzzleloaders in 2026: Tested and Ranked for Deer Season
The five inline muzzleloaders worth buying for the 2026 season, from the $270 Traditions Buckstalker XT to the CVA Accura MR-X. No Paramount, and here is why.
CMP to Sell Surplus M14 Rifles, Semi-Auto Only
CMP will sell surplus M14 rifles converted to permanently semi-automatic, first orders late 2026 to early 2027. Eligibility, legal basis, open questions.
S&W Puts the M&P15 AXE in 300 Blackout
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE 300 Blackout arrives as an 8-inch SBR at $1,499 and a pistol at $1,479, both running Gemtech’s GVAC gas system.
New Jersey’s Assault Weapons Ban Falls: What Changes
The Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s assault weapons ban and its 10-round magazine limit en banc, 10-5. State Police say it takes effect July 31, 2026.
6 Best Air Rifles for Pest Control (2026): Quiet & Accurate
The best air rifles for pest control in 2026, quiet, accurate .22 PCPs and break-barrels for rats, pigeons and squirrels. Neighbor-friendly airguns ranked.
6 Best Airguns for Beginners (2026): First Guns for Kids & Adults
The best beginner airguns of 2026, from the classic Daisy Red Ryder for kids to the Ruger Air Hawk and Gamo Swarm for adults. Cheap, self-contained first guns.
7 Best .22 Air Rifles (2026): PCP & Break-Barrel Ranked
The best .22 air rifles of 2026, from the Benjamin Marauder PCP to the Gamo Swarm break-barrel. The do-everything airgun caliber ranked for hunting, pest control and plinking.
6 Best Big-Bore Airguns (2026): Deer & Hog Hunting Power
The best big-bore airguns of 2026, from the deer-capable Benjamin Bulldog .357 to the hard-hitting Umarex Hammer .50 and value AEA Zeus. Air-powered rifles for big game.