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SHOT Show's 10 Best Hunting Guns

After fondling more than our share of new deer slayers and duck killers at the 2011 SHOT Show, we've picked the ten best hunting guns for this calendar year. By NRA Staff 1/28/2011 With thousands of manufacturers rolling out new products at the 2011 SHOT Show, the AmericanHunter.org team knew it had to have a game plan. What was our strategy? To find as many new hunting guns as we could get our hands on. After fondling more than our share of new deer slayers, duck killers and a few surprises, we've picked the 10 best hunting guns from SHOT Show 2011 (in no particular order). Mossberg Turkey Thug Shotgun Mossberg is stepping up its efforts to serve turkey hunters everywhere this year with the new Turkey Thug line of shotguns. There will be four models offered which come complete with the Lightning Pump Action (LPA) trigger system, adjustable fiber optic sights and an engraving on the receiver that reads "Turkey THUG Series." The shotguns will be exclusively featured on Mossy Oak’s Turkey Thug show in 2011-12, which airs on the Pursuit Channel. Despite its unconventional name, the Turkey Thug is said to perform flawlessly in the field. We'll be testing that notion this spring. You can pick up the top of the line model, the Turkey Thug 835, for only $642. Benelli Super Vinci Benelli USA is maintaining the reputation it gained for marketing genius in 2009 with its efforts at the 2011 SHOT Show. They’re calling the newest addition “the evolution of the revolution.” The Super Vinci comes complete with a catchy new commercial, user-friendly website and the aforementioned slogan. The shotgun’s In-Line inertia driven system has been redesigned to handle 3 1/2-inch magnum loads. It also features the QuadraFit buttstock, the ComforTech Plus recoil reduction system and a newly styled lower receiver. With improved ergonomics and an enlarged safety button and trigger guard, this gun should please every waterfowler in your crew. It can be yours for a low MSRP of $1,750. Nosler Custom M48 Legacy  The new NoslerCustom Model 48 Legacy Rifle is guaranteed to deliver ¾-inch or better, three-shot groups at 100 yards using Nosler ammo. The Model 48 action is glass-pillar bedded and mated to a hand-lapped, free-floating 24-inch match grade chrome barrel that has been custom chambered for each cartridge. The Legacy Rifle integrates a midnight-colored cerakote finish on all exterior metals along with the unique MicroSlick coating on interior metal surfaces. The select American black-walnut stock is an absolute beauty, making this complete-package rifle fit to bare the Nosler name. The MSRP for the Model 48 Legacy is $2,195. Gamo Varmint Hunter HP .22 Cal.  Gamo has added a durable, all-weather solution for pest control and small-game hunting to its line with the new Varmint Hunter HP. This .22 caliber air rifle comes with a lightweight, molded synthetic stock; fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel 18-inch barrel and a heavy duty power plant that produces 1,000 fps with PBA ammo. The package also comes with a 4x32 riflescope with rings, a laser sight and flashlight. This airgun has all the reliability and power of every Gamo offering with the ability to track down your target at night. The upgraded version Varmint Hunter Series is available for $289.95. Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle No, this rifle wasn’t built exclusively for hunting purposes, but it’s such a perfect display of precision that it can undoubtedly handle any shooting task with ease. In short, it’s one wicked gun. Developed with help from Gunsite instructor Ed Head, it’s a new platform in the Ruger M77 family. While the Scout Rifle has M77 features such as controlled round feed and integral scope mounts (scope rings included), the 10-round detachable box magazine gives it a distinctly tactical look. A Mini-14/SR-556 flash suppressor takes care of the pesky muzzle flash that is often the result of a .308 Winchester load combined with a 16 ½-inch barrel. The best part is that it’s available for only $995.00. Beretta A400 Xplor Light Following the example of Benelli and its new Super Vinci, Beretta has evolved last year’s revolutionary A400 Xplor Unico shotgun. It now comes in a “Light” version.  Weighing in at just over six pounds, the new A400 Xplor uses an exclusive exhaust valve that allows the shotgun to shoot a broad range of ammunition. The Light is also designed to reduce the already low felt recoil. Beretta has given shooters all the innovation of the original model in a lighter, less-punishing 12-gauge. You can pick one of these up for $1,400. Browning A-Bolt Shotgun The Browning A-Bolt is back and better than ever for 2011. After a 13-year absence, Browning is bringing back this slug gun in hopes that it will rekindle its old flame in the growing number of shotgun-only states—some of which are right in the center of the Midwest whitetail paradise. The A-Bolt, which looks stylish with a low-luster blued barrel and a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity composite stock, comes standard with a 3-inch chamber, 60-degree bolt lift, detachable two-round magazine and recoil pad. Go ahead, purchase a piece of nostalgia for this deer season, it will only cost $1,240 MSRP. Taurus Raging Judge Taurus announced the Raging Judge revolver chambered for 28 gauge during the SHOT Show last week. OK, so we know this isn’t the traditional bird hunting gun, but once again, it’s too cool to leave off this list. “With this gun, the Judge not only gets a bigger bore,” wrote American Rifleman Editor in Chief Mark Keefe, “but also the features that made the Raging Bull in .454 so distinctive and more friendly to the shooter when it comes recoil, including a cushioned insert grip.” Taurus has created a new breed of handgun with the Raging Judge, and the rumors have been flying regarding an impending ATF ruling in regards to shotguns and "sporting purposes," but we’ve learned they have nothing to do with this 28-gauge. Weatherby Vanguard S2  Weatherby is adding to its top selling line with a new version of the Vanguard rifle. The new Series 2 (S2) is guaranteed to shoot SUB-MOA with factory or premium ammunition and comes in almost every popular caliber. It accomplishes this feat with a new two-stage Match Quality Target Trigger, Griptonite stock with non-slip panels and a right-side palm swell and the legendary Mark V action. Throw in the full-length, cold hammer forged 24-inch barrel that is known to provide maximum velocity and there’s no reason not to spend $450 to $630 on this rifle. Winchester Model 1886 Short Rifle Winchester is reviltalizing several of its classic lever-action rifles this year, and the reliable action of Winchester Model 1886 is among the finest. The Model 1886 Short Rifle, designed by John Moses Browning, was built to handle the then-new, heavier 45-70 Govt. cartridge, way back in 1873. The Model 1886 Short Rifle features a deep blue receiver, barrel and lever, along with a matching blued steel end cap and steel crescent buttplate. Like the other historical rifle models being offered by Winchester this year, production is limited. You can own this piece of history for only $1,269.

Five Best Hunting Rifles for Less Than $370 by Aaron

For most of the country deer hunting season is in full swing. Many hunters have already tagged this year’s trophy buck, but in many states the doe seasons and late firearms seasons have yet to come.

Some of you out there are thinking about hunting this year but found getting outfitted with the proper gear a formidable obstacle that has kept you from joining the ranks of those who venture out to enjoy the outdoors and manage the wildlife population. Then there may be some that are ready to start that youth hunter on their journey into the exciting world of hunting and sport shooting.

You might think I’m joking, but you’d be surprised at how many newcomers I observed picking out rifles in the last few days and hours before rifle season opened. And let’s face it, if you are new to this sport, the idea of walking into a firearms or sporting goods store to purchase a rifle can be a daunting task indeed. Especially if you go in alone and without an experienced hunter or sport shooter to give advice.

Purchasing a rifle should not be a last minute exercise in futility just prior to opening day, and buying blind because of appearance or a salesman’s suggestions can often lead to disaster. The last thing newcomers need is to make the bold step to enter into the sport only to have a miserable first experience due to poor rifle selection or having a non-zeroed rifle miss that first deer or target bullseye. That kind of confidence killer is what causes many to hang up their camouflage and boots and give up altogether.

With that in mind I thought it would be helpful to examine five great starter rifles for the newcomer and the youth hunter alike. My criteria was fairly straight forward – rifles needed to be less than $500.00, made by reputable manufacturers, bolt action, and available in common hunting calibers.

Savage Axis XP 30-06 Camo with Scope

The first rifle I chose to look at was the Savage Axis XP in .30-06. This particular model is considered by some to be a “best in class” entry level rifle. Like many Savage rifles this one comes in a combination rifle with scope. The rifle I selected comes with a camouflaged synthetic stock, matte finished barrel, and the scope is a 3-9x40mm.  This rifle does not have the patented Savage Accu-Trigger system, instead coming with a standard one stage trigger.

I know some purists aren’t too favorable towards combination rifle packages, but I again emphasize this an entry level rifle selection. For the newcomer, getting a rifle and scope combination is a great ease of mind. This allows for minor adjustments to get on target as opposed to a lengthy process of selecting a scope, mounting it properly and then zeroing it in. Many combination manufacturers have bore-sighted their rifles at the factory adding to the readiness of the rifle for shooting.

The Savage Axis has a 22” matte black barrel with an overall length of nearly 44 inches. The Axis has a free-floating barrel to increase accuracy and the rifle weighs in at a manageable 6.5 lbs. The Axis has a detachable box magazine with a 4+1 capacity, which means four cartridges in the magazine with one in the chamber. I like detachable box magazines for their ease of operation in loading and unloading a rifle, and for a starter rifle I think it just makes sense.

My first hunting rifle was a Savage Model 111 .30-06 combination package that included at 3-9x30mm Simmons scope. I have found Savage to have a very reliable rifle with a smooth bolt operation. The trigger pull is probably set a little heavier than some hunters and shooters would like, but it is smooth and consistent. I would recommend a Savage rifle without hesitation and the Axis appears to be another great product by this fine American gun manufacturer.

I chose the Axis in .30-06 because that caliber is a very popular deer hunting cartridge, but the Axis also comes in: .223, .22-250, .243, .270, .308, and in shorter youth models as well.  I like the camouflage stocks, but the Axis has a matte black stock as well.  Site sponsorGunsForSale.com has the Savage Axis XP Camo for sale for $349.99, while the black stock version of the Savage Axis is for sale at $299.99.

Marlin XL7C .30-06 APG

Another great starter rifle is the Marlin XL7C in .30-06. This rifle does not come in a combination rifle and scope configuration, so it will require the purchaser to find an acceptable scope to mount to the rifle. There are some decent starter scopes from Simmons, Bushnell, or Center Point that can be had for around $50.00-$60.00 so this rifle just makes it into my criteria of being ready at under $500.00.

This Marlin XL7C also has a 22” barrel but is a little shorter than the Savage with an overall length of 42.5 inches. This rifle comes with a pillar bedded stock and a free- floating barrel that has a blued finish. The XL7C has a 4+1 magazine capacity, but this magazine is an interior magazine requiring the shooter to manipulate the bolt each time to eject stored cartridges.

The Marlin XL7C has the adjustable Pro-Fire trigger system, which is a great benefit for the new or experienced shooter alike. This trigger allows the shooter to engage a part of the trigger mechanism to assist the shooter in smooth trigger pulls. When the shooter engages the first stage they pull back until that part meets up with the full trigger. Then a short pull further fires the rifle. This helps take out the guessing (and jerking the shot in anticipation of recoil) of traditional triggers that require a full squeeze of the primary trigger.

The XL7C has a “Soft-Tech” recoil pad to help with those hard hitting shots from a .30-06, and this particular model has a stock already camouflaged in the popular Realtree AP pattern. Marlin adds a fluted bolt to this nice rifle to increase speed and smoothness of bolt operation, and a “target style” muzzle crown.

For those who have always wondered what “fluting” of the barrel or bolt does for a rifle, it is not just an aesthetic feature. When a shot is fired energy goes out in all directions. The rifle barrel focuses most of that energy to pushing the bullet out the end of the barrel, the path of least resistance, but some energy is exerted on the barrel and bolt. By fluting the barrel, or in this case the bolt, engineers have found a way to give more surface space for energy to transfer without compromising barrel/bolt strength or integrity. The end result is a reduction in recoil by the dissemination of energy, and that means easier shots and follow up shots for the shooter.

The Marlin XL7C is for sale though our sponsor for only $339.99.

Remington 770 Sporter .30-06 with Scope APHD

Remington has long been a name associated with the highest quality of rifles, and their Model 700 has been a standard issued military and police sniper rifle for decades. In response to their competitions offerings of starter rifles, Remington came out with the Model 770 series of rifles a couple of years ago.

The Remington 770 comes in a variety of popular calibers including: .243, .270, 7 mm, 7 mm magnum, .308, .30-06, and .300 magnum, along with youth versions as well. The Model 770 is a combination rifle coming with a pre-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm Remington rifle scope, a feature that I think makes sense for a starter rifle.

The Model 770 SS APHD has a 22” stainless steel barrel and an overall length of 42.5 inches. Having a stainless steel barrel really assists a shooter in rifle maintenance, as usually a gentle wipe down after field use is sufficient exterior maintenance. And this particular version, the APHD, is outfitted with a synthetic stock decked out in Realtree AP Hardwoods camouflage, and a raised cheek rest to assist in proper shot alignment.

Weighing in at 8.5 lbs. this rifle is a little heavier than the first two rifles examined. The Model 770 has a detachable box magazine that allows for 4+1 capacity.

This version of the Remington 770 Camo is for sale at our sponsor for only $369.99.  The 770 also comes in a basic model with a matte black synthetic stock which is on sale through the end of the month for a mere $289.99.

There are some shooting blogs that have an unfavorable opinion of the Model 770, and I have to admit that my first time handling one of these rifles left me a little dissatisfied with its feel. The synthetic stock feels hard and boxy and the action wasn’t as smooth as I was used to with Remington rifles. In fact the trigger pull seemed a bit on the heavy side to me.

On the other hand there are many buyers that stand behind this rifle, and think it is a great Remington rifle that can be had for starter rifle prices. My brother-in-law got one of these Model 770’s in .30-06 a couple of seasons ago and I haven’t heard any complaints out of him.

Mossberg Model 100 ATR .30-06

Mossberg has been a name associated with quality shotguns for some time, but it wasn’t until recent years that their rifles have started to make their way onto the lists of desired hunting rifles. Mossberg focused on the more popular hunting calibers including: .243, .270, .308, 7mm, and .30-06. I’ve chosen to stay consistent with the .30-06 version here.

The Model 100 has a free-floating, matte blue barrel that is 22” long with a total rifle length of 42.75 inches. The Mossberg 100 weighs 7.0 lbs. putting it right in the middle of the rifles examined in this article.

The Model 100 features an adjustable LBA trigger system which allows for a smoother and more sure firing point. The safety is a side lever action and the magazine is a 4+1 internal magazine. This particular rifle does not come with a combination scope, but it is pre-drilled with a 2-piece scope mount.

The Realtree AP camouflage version is really a bargain, with the Mossberg 100 ATR for salefor only $349.99 at our sponsor, GunsForSale.com.

I have had the opportunity to handle one of these rifles and I can say I was pleasantly surprised to find the action very smooth and the trigger pull reasonable. Reading some of the opinions offered on this rifle gives me hope that Mossberg will stay in the rifle business and continue to offer quality options for shooters and hunters for years to come. For just getting into the rifle market the Mossberg Model 100 is a rifle to keep on your check list of starter rifles.

Maverick Super Bantam .30-06

Maverick Arms rifles are produced by Mossberg, and the Super Bantam rifle I chose to examine is the .30-06 version. The Maverick Super Bantam can also be had in .243, .270, and .308 calibers, all very popular hunting calibers.

I have only had limited experience with Maverick rifles and from initial observations they appear to be a similarly made rifle to the Mossberg Model 100, although a more basic model. Being made by Mossberg gives me enough confidence to include this rifle in my selection of possibilities for bargain starter rifles that still maintain reliability and quality.

The Super Bantam comes with a matte black synthetic stock (no camouflage for this one), a 22” free floating matte black barrel, and an overall length of 42.5 inches. The Super Bantam has an interior magazine with a capacity of 4+1. Weighing in at 7 lbs. this rifle is right in the middle of the rifles examined in this article.

The trigger is not the Mossberg LBA trigger system, but is instead a standard one stage trigger pull.

This is also not a combination model so the buyer will have to make a scope selection to finish out the readiness of this rifle for hunting, but the rifle does come pre-drilled with a 2-piece scope mount ready to accept that scope.

Make no mistake, this rifle is a no frills, bare bones hunting rifle. But with as the Maverick Super Bantam is for sale for only $249.99, and with the Mossberg name behind Maverick, I would be tempted to see just how well this rifle can perform. Some out there may refuse to buy a rifle without a “big” name attached to it, but a “big” name does not always mean a “big deal.”

Years ago Montgomery Ward had a series of firearms and ammunition made exclusively for their company, a kind of working man’s selection, and there were many who bought those products proudly. So the Maverick Arms Super Bantam is one to examine with a cautious eye, but one to examine nonetheless.

Happy hunting and shooting!

Posted in Hunting and Hunting Accessories, review, Rifles

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