6 Best Deer Rifles in Your Local Gun Shop
As the air cools and leaves turn from green to gold, the minds of many people turn to pumpkin spice lattes and the coming holidays. For others, however, crisp air and multi-colored leaves can mean only one thing: deer hunting. This fall, before you hit your favorite tree stand, make sure you have a quality rifle on your sling that’s best-suited for making that “BBD!” (Big Buck Down) social media post a reality.
Ruger American Magnum
Ruger has been manufacturing firearms for nearly three-quarters of a century, and during that time it has produced countless well-made long guns. As a result, there are quite a few models to choose from in their catalog, but there is one in particular that meets my criteria for an excellent all-around deer rifle: reasonably lightweight, reliable, accurate, and capable of delivering a clean kill from a variety of distances. I’m talking about the Ruger American Magnum.
At first glance, the rifle, chambered in .300 Win Mag, might seem like a lot of gun — but if you intend to deer hunt at longer distances, it’s ideal.
With an overall length of 44.50” and empty weight of 7.5 pounds, it’s a bit long for maneuvering in close spaces, but it remains light enough to carry to your hunting spot.
Plus, Ruger made this rifle with comfort in mind: the black synthetic nylon stock is ergonomically designed so the gun can be shouldered quickly and easily — the forend is contoured for a solid grip, and the buttpad reduces felt recoil.
Most importantly, this is a precise rifle. It’s made using Ruger’s Power Bedding process, an integral bedding block system that creates an exact fit between barrel and stock, resulting in superior accuracy. The bolt gun is topped off with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger, which has a smooth pull, clean break, and pull weight adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds.
This model also comes chambered in 7mm Rem Mag and .338 Win Mag.
Caliber: 300 Win Mag (also 7mm Rem Mag and .338 Win Mag)
Stock: Black Synthetic
Sights: None, includes installed top rail
Trigger: Ruger Marksman, adjustable
Trigger pull weight: Adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Thread Pattern: 5/8″-24
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Capacity: 3 (.300 Win Mag)
Finish: Matte stainless
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Overall Length: 44.5 inches
Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
MSRP: $699.00
See the full list atRange365.com.
Noting that deer are selective feeders, Wildlife Biologist and GrowingDeer.TV Host Grant Woods shares a tip about native vegetation that will help you better position yourself in the woods so you can provide venison for your family.