Rating of the best hunting sniper rifles for 2024

Despite the fact that a person no longer needs hunting as a way of obtaining meat for food, this type of recreation is still popular among men.

In order to track down an animal or bird and get a trophy, you need to have not only special knowledge, flair, but also all the necessary equipment. The main hunting tool is a gun, the state of which directly affects the result. The better and, accordingly, the more expensive the equipment, the more chances you have to return home with a result.

In this article, we will consider the popular models of hunting sniper rifles from the best world and Russian manufacturers.

What are the types of hunting weapons

There are a lot of types and systems of hunting carbines and rifles. Each hunter, before choosing equipment for hunting, must decide what kind of prey he wants to get and, based on this, choose the desired type of weapon. This is necessary in order to know what to look for when buying and not make a mistake when choosing, which can be expensive. Essential selection criteria are also the personal preferences of the hunter and the peculiarities of the area where fishing will take place (wooded, open, etc.). Let's consider the parameters of each type of weapon.

1. Gun. This is the most popular type of hunting weapon. Shotguns are exceptionally smooth-bore, due to the peculiarities of their production. Shotguns can shoot both shot and buckshot, lead bullets. There are single-barreled (single-shot and multi-shot) and multi-barreled (two or more barrels). Multi-shot have the ability to independently load the cartridge without the participation of the shooter; in single-shot, each cartridge must be sent separately. There are combined guns, in which, along with the barrel for the shot, there is a rifled one (makes it possible to shoot bullets). Sometimes there are also bullet-shot guns that have a special bore hole and allow you to shoot both bullets and shot from one barrel.
2. A rifle is a rifled weapon that has a stock for easy shooting. It was invented in the 19th century as a replacement for muskets, which did not differ in accuracy and reliability. Now they are ubiquitous and are used not only for hunting. They are sold in specialized stores, and a license is required to purchase such weapons.
3. A carbine is a type of rifle that differs from it in a shortened barrel length and less weight, thanks to which it is widely used by both beginners and experienced hunters. The main disadvantage of such a weapon is its poor range compared to a rifle.This is the best equipment for walking hunting. The compact size and low weight of the product for many hunters outweigh the possibility of shooting at long distances.

Deciding which type of weapon is best to buy is not easy, since each shooting equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages. For hunting from a stationary place, a rifle is best suited, since it is capable of sending a bullet at a distance of 2 kilometers or more, and has no additional devices. This ability allows you to hunt shy game, which is impossible to approach from close range. At the same time, this type of equipment has great destructive power, which is important when hunting a large game. Adherents of close range hunting note that there is no need to reload every shot (which is inherent in many rifles that use a bolt action mechanism). In addition, many carbines are equipped with a bayonet-knife, which can be a good help when meeting a large animal one-on-one.

Smoothbore guns come in different sizes in caliber. Basically, caliber is the diameter of the rifle barrel. The caliber number is the number of bullets (whole value) that can be made from one pound of English lead. Moreover, all bullets must be equal in weight and diameter. The most common rifle caliber is 12. The popularity of models with this caliber is due to the good accuracy of combat at close range, which is suitable for medium and large game. Such a cartridge can be loaded not only with buckshot or shot, but also with a lead bullet.

The twentieth caliber is suitable for hunting birds and small animals. It can also be charged with salt. The power of such a charge is less than that of a twelfth caliber, but it has the best accuracy of all possible options.

The average option between 12 and 20 calibers is considered 16. According to its main characteristics - accuracy of combat, range, it is close to size 20, but its power is close to size 12, that is, there is not enough destructive power for long-range shooting, which is why experienced hunters it is not advised to choose this caliber.

Now hunting equipment is also produced in 24, 28, 32 and 36 calibers, but the use of guns of this type is limited, and we will not consider them in this article.

Rifled weapons are classified as follows:

• small-caliber - up to 6.5 mm in diameter;
• medium (normal) caliber - 6.5-9 mm;
• large-caliber - 9-20 mm.

Small arms are considered weapons up to 23 mm, everything above is artillery. The most common small-bore weapon used for hunting small animals is 5.6 mm (22 LR). Also used in sports shooting. It is distinguished by good accuracy, quiet sound, budget price, small impact. Its disadvantages include low power.

Caliber 7.62x54R is produced exclusively in Russia. Most often it is used for hunting medium and large animals (deer, elk, bear, etc.). Due to the fact that this is a Russian-made cartridge, it is inexpensive in price, and hunters do not have any difficulties with where to buy it.

The most common caliber for hunting big game is 9.3 x 62 mm. This is a foreign-made cartridge, was developed by a German specialist in 1905. In addition to its high destructive power, it has a low recoil and a large list of bullets that fit a charge. The disadvantages include how much it costs (high price) and a steep trajectory, because of which you can effectively shoot only at a distance of up to 250 meters.

Rating of high-quality Russian-made rifles, carbines and shotguns for 2024

Vepr-308

The first gun of the Vepr family was made on the basis of the Kalashnikov machine gun at the Molot plant in 1995. During this period, the management of the enterprise was forced to reorient it to the production of products for the civilian population due to the fact that the Ministry of Defense and foreign clients reduced the number of orders to a minimum.This carbine is considered one of the best among similar competitors. Thanks to the popularity that it won not only among hunters, but also among organizations involved in carrying out service, security, it is still being produced, and has a large number of various modifications that differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in caliber.

To ensure that the rifle has a long service life, the chamber and bore are chrome plated, which prevents rapid wear of the working surfaces. The device has a place for mounting optics, which allows it to be used for long-range shooting. The device recharges itself, using the energy of exhaust gases and a spring mechanism when firing.

For safety reasons, a non-removable flame arrester is installed on the product. The stock is equipped with a rubber shock absorber to soften the recoil when fired.

The Vepr-308 carbine (factory modification SOK-95) is configured to use Winchester cartridges of 7.62.308 caliber, from which it got its name. Even without the use of optics, the weapon allows aimed fire at a distance of up to 300 meters. The magazine compartment holds 5, 7, or 10 charges.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	7.62 mm
Cartridges	7.62x51; 308Win
Barrel length	520 mm; 590 mm
Projectile speed	830 m / s
Firing range	300 m
Store capacity	5-7 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	4.1 kg

• reliability - due to the fact that the weapon is manufactured on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which has gained worldwide fame due to its quality and durability;
• small payback that even a beginner can handle;
• high accuracy and destructive power of the shot give the maximum effect of shooting;
• according to the manufacturer's description, the device can operate in the temperature range from -50 to +50 ° С;
• it is possible to simultaneously use a standard sight along with an additional one.

• large weight and dimensions are not always convenient for hunting on foot, such a device is more suitable for physically developed hunters;
• according to buyers, balancing in the carbine is not of the best quality;
• for the manufacture of wooden parts, not the best material is used - wood of the second and third grade;
• according to hunters' reviews, the safety catch makes a lot of noise and can frighten off a sensitive animal or bird.

Tiger 7.62x54R

The carbine is made on the basis of the Dragunov rifle, and is practically indistinguishable from the original in appearance. The light weight that the weapon received thanks to the shortened barrel made it popular with amateurs and professionals. At the same time, in terms of functionality, it is practically not inferior to a device with a full-size barrel.

According to the owners, the SVD mechanism is made reliably and is highly stable, which practically excludes the possibility of misfires. Since classic brackets were used in the development of the model, a large number of optics can be used with the device to choose from. The most commonly used sniper PSO-1.

You can find a carbine in any hunting store, since the device is widespread in Russia. There are many reviews on it on the Internet on thematic forums. There you can also find recommendations for the care, repair and improvement of the product. All components have an average price compared to their counterparts, which gives a wide field for the development of the device in accordance with the user's preferences.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	7.62 mm
Cartridges	7.62x54R
Barrel length	530, optional 620
Projectile speed	730 m / s
Firing range	300 m
Store capacity	5-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.9 kg

• light weight compared to the previous model;
• is in the first place in the rating of popular carbines;
• on sale you can find modifications with a wooden or plastic stock;
• can be recharged automatically using waste gas energy;
• resistance to adverse weather conditions.

• some models do not have a flame arrester, which is why a person may be blinded at night;
• since this is a modified version of an army weapon, the optics and structure of the product are not always convenient for hunting.

TOZ-78

This product is intended for fishing small game and birds. The modification was released to replace the outdated versions of TOZ-17 (18). The device was developed at the Tula Arms Factory, which gave the name to the shortened rifle.

The model differs from its predecessors by a modified bolt, which has not been previously used on rifles of this type. TOZ-78 is a basic modification, which is completed with an optical sight and a magazine that holds 5 or 10 rounds.

This is a bolt-action carbine that cannot self-load, and you have to manually juggle the bolt. This is not essential for small game hunters.

The carbine is equipped with a safety catch with a function to prevent spontaneous firing. The trigger mechanism is fixed on the side, on a special mount and has the ability to adjust. For this, adjusting screws are used, one of which is responsible for the trigger force, the second for the smoothness of its movement.

The device is equipped with both a mechanical sight and an optical one. At the same time, the second can be displaced along the barrel, allowing the use of a mechanical sight without removing the optical one. The stock is made of birch. If the product is exported, beech or walnut can be used for decoration.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	5.6 mm
Cartridges	22 Long Rifle
Barrel length	536 mm
Projectile speed	300 m / s
Firing range	100-300 m
Store capacity	5-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	2.7 kg

• durable and reliable locking mechanism allowing the use of cartridges of different capacities;
• wide range of trigger settings;
• to prevent spontaneous firing, a mechanical safety device is provided to block the shutter;
• long warranty from the manufacturing plant.

• unsuccessful fastening of the store, because of which it is easy to lose it in case of accidental mechanical stress;
• some buyers do not like the appearance of the product, they find it unattractive because of the narrow butt and non-standard front sight.

Saiga 410

The history of the invention of this type of hunting equipment is interesting. In the 1970s, agricultural land in Asia was constantly destroyed by saigas. Moreover, they inflicted such damage that the secretary of the Kazakh SSR was forced to turn to the general secretary Brezhnev with a request to instruct specialists to develop weapons that would be effective when hunting these animals.

The carbine was developed 4 years later on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle at the IzhMash plant. It did not receive mass distribution at that time, but began to be actively sold in the 90s, when the population was forced to acquire weapons not only for hunting, but also for self-defense.

Initially, the device was made in the form of a smooth-bore gun, which was suitable for fishing small animals, shooting sports or self-defense. Subsequently, a medium-caliber version of the gun was developed, which could be used for hunting medium-sized game. In the future, the model was repeatedly modified, rifled carbines were developed, which gained popularity among the population.

Saiga, unlike its famous predecessor, does not have the ability to automatically fire, since this parameter is not so important for fishing. The appearance of the product has also been changed. Due to the nuances of legislation regarding the size of the magazine in weapons used for civilian equipment, its capacity has been reduced. However, craftsmen have developed technology that allows the army store to be used in a device used for hunting wild animals.It should be noted that alterations of this kind are illegal, and if detected, they can bring many problems to the owner of the carbine.

According to hunters, saiga is more suitable for fishing medium and large game. A large number of modifications allows you to choose a device in accordance with your preferences. Buyers are offered smoothbore shotguns for 410, 12 and 20 gauge. Among the rifled weapons, one can distinguish carbines chambered for 7.62X51, 7.62X39, 5.56X45 and 5.45X39.

Saiga 410 is designed for use in conjunction with the 410 cartridge, which is of foreign origin and is widely distributed in Europe and America. This cartridge is characterized by high range and low recoil. Shot or bullets can be used as a charge. The device can be used at temperatures from -30 to + 50 ° C.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	410 mm
Cartridges	410, "Magnum"
Barrel length	330 mm
Projectile speed	300 m / s
Firing range	25 m for shot, 50 m for bullets
Store capacity	4-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.2 kg

• small recoil, high accuracy for smooth-bore weapons;
• low weight of cartridges, which allows you to take with you a large number of spare;
• reliability and durability due to the fact that the device is based on a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

• short firing range;
• high cost of cartridges;
• the possibility of easy deviation of bullets from a given trajectory when colliding with an obstacle, due to their low weight.

Rating of high-quality rifles, carbines and shotguns of foreign production for 2024

Remington 700 SPS

This device was created in 1962 on the basis of the then famous Mauser G98. Mass production of the model began in 1966, field trials took place in Asia, during the fighting in Vietnam. The device was modernized in 1077, all the shortcomings at that time were taken into account.

The rifle has become widespread, and today it is not difficult to find spare parts and components for it. Models of most modern manufacturers can be used as a sight, because the device has a universal mount.

The cartridges are delivered from a built-in magazine or from a removable external one. The Remington 700 model became a prototype for the development of a large number of modifications - more than 600 varieties have already been developed and released on the market. Rifles of this type have earned the trust of users due to the high reliability and workmanship of each element.

The Remington 700 SPS is made of chrome molybdenum steel. The stock is made of black polymer (plastic). The device is equipped with a built-in 4-round magazine. 308 caliber is considered one of the most accurate in its class, a rifle with this caliber has a large barrel resource - up to 5000 rounds without loss of accuracy. This popular hunting rifle is used for hunting small to medium sized game.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	.308 Win
Barrel length	610 mm
Store capacity	4 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.3 kg

• due to the simplicity of the design, the device has excellent reliability and durability;
• the thick-walled barrel is not subject to vibrations, it cools down quickly during active shooting;
• there is a muzzle brake that reduces recoil;
• fixed magazine eliminates the possibility of accidental loss;
• there is a constructive ability to adjust the trigger force;
• the bed is made of high quality plastic, which is not subject to deformation from aggressive environmental influences.

• inconvenient top reloading;
• many users complain about the slow trigger travel;
• an excessively protruding shutter lever during hunting creates certain difficulties - it clings to trees and bushes.

Browning x-bolt hunter

This Belgian-Japanese-made rifle has a classic design, manual reloading.Thanks to the world-renowned reliability and durability of products manufactured in Japan, it is in demand by customers all over the world. When developing, the manufacturer tried to simplify the design of the weapon as much as possible in order to achieve trouble-free operation.

Its compact size and light weight allow it to be used while hunting. The store is made of plastic, can be removed if necessary. The cartridges are shipped directly to avoid skewing.

The receiver has brackets for installing an optical sight. The kurkovy descent has a short and smooth course. The buttstock is made using a butt pad, which reduces recoil when fired.

Since the barrel of the weapon of the Hunter modification is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, and the stock is made of walnut coated with a protective varnish, the rifle can be used in all weather conditions and at extreme ambient temperatures.

In 2009, the rifle was named "Hunting Rifle of the Year" by the National Rifle Association of America.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	.223 Rem / .243 Win / .308 Win / .30-06 Springfield
Barrel length	560 mm
Accuracy	22 mm
Descent force	1650 g
Store capacity	3-5 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.1 kg

• high accuracy;
• light weight, ergonomic performance, ease of wearing;
• reliability and durability;
• small opening angle.

• hard descent;
• removable plastic magazine, which can be lost when hunting.

Mauser M12 Magnum

This German-made rifle is designed for professional hunting and sport shooting. The model has 2 modifications - Standard and Magnum. The second modification is slightly longer than the first and has a natural wood finish.

According to hunters, the device is best suited for fishing medium and large game. The barrel of the weapon is made of stainless steel, which is not subject to corrosion and mechanical damage. The rifle bolt is quickly and easily disassembled without the use of additional accessories.

For the safety of the user, the equipment is equipped with a three-position fuse. According to customer reviews, the release in the rifle is clear and smooth, with little effort.

Fans of modifications can lengthen the stock with a thickened butt pad; upon purchase, you can order a modification with a grinding of the shutter.

The device is equipped with a mechanical sight for offhand shooting, it is also possible to install an additional optical sight.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	7 mm Rem. Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag
Barrel length	524 mm
Accuracy	17 mm
Descent force	825 g
Store capacity	4-5 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.0 kg

• high accuracy;
• high-quality performance, high resource;
• reliable three-position fuse;
• soft descent;
• ergonomic bed.

• removable magazine, which can be lost while hunting;
• pressed barrel.

Haenel Jaeger 10

This carbine is made in Germany and is widespread due to its relatively low price, good functionality and quality of performance. Weapons are manufactured in the small town of Sule; not only their own components are used for production, but also spare parts of such well-known brands as Sauer and Merkel.

The magazine is removable, made of plastic and steel. Many users note the inconvenient and unreliable store latch. The bolt is locked by 6 bolt stops arranged in two rows, so reloading is quick and without jamming.

The fuse in the device is lateral and two-position. A mechanical sight with a front sight, adjustable in height and horizontal, is installed on the barrel. The descent is equipped with a trigger, which is triggered with little effort from the user. The stock is made of wood or plastic.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Caliber	.270 Win .; .30-06; .308 Win .; 6.5x55; 7x64; 8x57IS; 9.3x62; Magnum: 7mm Rem Mag .; .300 Win. Mag
Barrel length	565 mm
Accuracy	25 mm
Descent force	1150 g without schneller, 150 g with schnapper
Store capacity	4 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.2 kg

• budget price;
• good accuracy for a device of this level;
• the presence of a mechanical sight for offhand shooting;
• quality of performance.

• some users do not like the trigger with which the trigger is equipped in this model;
• the fuse makes a lot of noise.

Conclusion

Many novice hunters do not always manage to understand which small arms are better. Many people make their choice based on the data of Internet resources, choosing a model from a photo. In no case should this be done, since it is impossible to assess all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular weapon without holding it in your hands.

Some people think that it is possible to buy a gun by going to a specialist store and consulting the seller. This is not an entirely correct approach, since each of them is interested in selling a more expensive model to the buyer, while the quality characteristics of the weapon are not important to him.

We recommend choosing a rifle or carbine based not only on personal preferences, but also having studied the thematic forums in advance, talking with experienced specialists. We advise you to go fishing with a group of hunters and evaluate the chosen model in real conditions. We hope that our article will help you make the right choice and narrow your search for the best rifles to a few items.