The 10 Most Accurate Rifles We've Ever Tested

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The primary trait everybody desires in a rifle is dime-splitting accuracy. The reality is that for the overwhelming majority of looking conditions, you don’t want a rifle that shoots itty-bitty teams. However you continue to need one—simply in case you might want to shoot throughout the canyon or thread the needle on a quartering shot, and, most necessary, as a result of a tack-driving rifle builds confidence, which makes you a greater shot.

Right here at Area & Stream, we’ve examined a whole bunch of rifles through the years, and we at all times topic them to rigorous precision/accuracy testing. Granted, simply because our take a look at rifle shot nice doesn’t imply should you purchase one prefer it, it can shoot the identical. But when a rifle carried out nicely in our take a look at, it ought to offer you some shopping for confidence.

Under is a rundown of the ten rifles we’ve examined since 2022 that delivered the most effective on-target precision primarily based on a number of five-shot teams at 100 yards with a number of a great deal of looking ammo. All however one in all these rifles shot common group sizes of lower than an inch with a number of hundreds. Their out of the field weights ranged from 4.8 to eight.6 kilos, and so they price from $769.00 to virtually 10 instances that a lot. There’s sure to be one that can suit your looking fashion and finances.

Proof Analysis Glacier TI

Specs

Size: 39.75 to 45.75

Weight: 5.31 to six.25 kilos (5.62 kilos as examined)

Barrel: Proof patented Carbon Fiber Wrapped match-grade (20 to 26 inches)

Motion: Proper or Left-Hand, Lengthy Peak titanium, two-lug motion

Set off: Person adjustable Set off Tech set off (2.0-pounds as examined)

Capability: 4+1

End: Cerakote

Inventory: Proof Analysis carbon fiber Light-weight Mountain Hunter Inventory

Obtainable Chamberings: 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 WSM, 300 PRC

Worth: $7,499

Common Precision: 0.84-inch

Proof Glacier Ti rifle balanced on a post — The Glacier Ti is probably the most exact rifle we’ve examined in recent times, but it surely doesn’t come low cost. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

This rifle is hellaciously costly, however excessive gentle weight and excessive precision don’t come collectively in the identical rifle at inexpensive costs. This Glacier Ti makes use of a carbon-fiber inventory, a carbon-fiber barrel, and a titanium motion. It’s additionally a full-custom rifle, so that you get to specify barrel size, inventory colour, size of pull, the colour of the Cerakote end, and whether or not it’s a left- or right-hand motion. That degree of customization comes at a worth as nicely. Backside line: In order for you the most effective and don’t thoughts paying for it, right here it’s.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Proof Glacier Ti right here.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT

Specs

Size: 38 to 44 inches with out muzzle brake and relying on chambering

Weight: 5.45 kilos (as examined)

Barrel: 16 to 24 inches relying on chambering, with threaded muzzle, brake, and thread protector. (20 inches, as examined)

Motion: Christensen Arms Mannequin 14, bolt motion, two-lug

Set off: TriggerTech adjustable, 2.25 kilos (as examined)

Capability: 3+1

End: Cerakote

Inventory: Christensen Carbon Fiber FFT

Obtainable Chamberings: 22-250 Rem., 243 Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 PRC (examined), 270 Win., 6.8 Western, 7mm-08 Rem., 280 Ackley, 7mm Rem. Magazine., 7mm PRC, 28 Nosler, 308 Win., 30-06 Springfield, 300 WSM, 300 Win. Magazine., 300 RUM, 300 PRC, 375 H&H

Worth: $2,149

Common Precision: 0.86-inch

Christensen Ridgeline rifle balanced on a post in a field. — The Ridgeline FFT isn’t low cost, however for what you get, it an excellent worth. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

This rifle is among the least costly rifles on our record, but it surely turned within the second-best total precision, and it additionally gained out Editor’s Alternative award in our 2025 rifles take a look at. It encompasses a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, a Flash Cast Expertise carbon-fiber inventory and is offered in quite a lot of colour choices. Additionally it is accessible in 24 in style big-game cartridge chamberings, beginning with the 22 Creedmoor, and now for 2026, going all the way in which as much as 375 H&H. For hunters trying to lengthen their attain with a rifle that won’t weight them down or bash their pockets, the Ridgeline FFT is among the finest buys available on the market.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Ridgeline FFT right here.

Wilson Fight Mannequin 20S

Specs

Size: 35.0 inches

Weight: 4.80 kilos

Barrel: 16.25 inches, w/ 5.8×24 threaded muzzle and thread protector

Motion: NULA Mannequin 20S

Set off: 2.75 kilos (as examined) adjustable

Capability: 5+1

End: Armorlube DLC (motion) Armor-Tuff (barrel) Arduous Anodized (floorplate)

Inventory: AG Composite

Obtainable Chamberings: 300 HAMR (examined) 22 ARC, 223 Remington (Wylde), 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 300 Blackout

Worth: $3,495

Common Precision: 0.90-inch

Wilson Compbat NULA 20S rifle balanced on a post in a field. — A rifle that weighs lower than 5 kilos and nonetheless shoots gentle out is a uncommon beast. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

Not solely did this rifle ship constant sub-MOA efficiency, however it’s also the lightest bolt-action rifle we now have examined so far. The Mannequin 20S kind of proves what shooters and hunters have been saying for years, and it’s that the NULA rifles are pound-for-pound the most effective capturing looking rifles ever made. The Wilson Fight NULA Mannequin 20S is a modernized manufacturing unit mini-action model of the full-custom New Extremely Mild Arms rifle that Melvin Forbes made well-known. This rifle is obtainable for centerfire rifle cartridges just like the 223 Remington, 300 Blackout, 300 HAMR, and 350 Legend and comes with a carbon-fiber inventory, flooring plate, and a threaded muzzle.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the NULA Mannequin 20S right here.

Weatherby Alpine CT

Specs

Size: 43.5 – 48 inches with muzzle brake (43.5 as examined)

Weight: 6.0 to six.3 kilos (6.1 as examined)

Barrel: 22 inches (24 with brake)

Motion: Weatherby 307

Set off: Set off Tech Area Set off

Capability: 2+1, 3+1, or 4+1 relying on chambering (4+1 as examined)

End: Chocolate Brown Cerakote

Inventory: Uncovered carbon fiber with WYO brown and backpack brushed sponge sample accents.

Obtainable Chamberings: 240 Weatherby Magnum, 243 Winchester, 257 Weatherby Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor (examined), 6.5 PRC, 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum, 6.5 Weatherby RPM, 280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Backcountry, 7mm PRC, Winchester, 7mm PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 PRC.

Worth: $2,249

Common Precision: 0.91-inch

Weatherby Alpine rifle balanced on a post in a field. — The Alpine CT is one other light-weight tack-driver. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

The Alpine CT rifle is constructed on Weatherby’s new 307 motion that’s appropriate with many Remington 700 equipment, and it comes with a light-weight PEAK 44 rifle inventory that weighs solely 24 ounces. Additionally it is fitted with a BSF carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel and comes with a Set off Tech set off. At simply over 6 kilos, it’s not the lightest rifle on this record however it’s a shooter. Weatherby provides’ two motion lengths for the Alpine CT with 5 big-game cartridges, together with the 25 Creedmoor, which might be accessible within the short-action model, and 11 within the long-action model to incorporate Weatherby’s new fast-twist 25 RPM and the progressive 7mm Backcountry.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Alpine CT right here.

Nosler Mannequin 21

Specs

Size: 41.65 inches to 44.5 inches

Weight: 6.8 kilos to 7.1 kilos

Barrel: Shilen Match Grade 22-inch or 24-inch

Motion: 4340 Chrome Moly Metal

Set off: Set off Tech (adjustable) 3.25-pounds as examined

End: Cerakote & Nitride

Inventory: McMillan Hunters Edge Sporter Inventory

Obtainable Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor (examined), 22 Nosler, 6.5 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler, 375 H&H.

Worth: $2,895

Common Precision: 0.94-inch

A shooter firing the Nosler Model 21 rifle. — The writer shoots the Mannequin 21 from off-hand at his house vary. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

We chosen the Nosler Mannequin 21 rifle as the most effective rifle in our 2022 rifle take a look at. We’ve examined a whole lot of rifles since then, however solely 4 nonetheless presently provided have turned in a greater common group dimension for on-target precision. The Mannequin 21 function a carbon-fiber inventory and a fool-proof motion with a bolt that’s outfitted with a M16-style extractor. It’s presently provided in 10 big-game rifle cartridges beginning with the 6.5 Creedmoor and together with 5 Nosler cartridges, the 280 Ackley Improved, and the 375 H&H. Again in 2022, we known as it among the best all-around big-game rifles we’ve ever examined, and that continues to be true right this moment.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Nosler Mannequin 21 right here.

Bergara Premier MG Lite

Specs

Size: 43-45 inches, relying on barrel size

Weight: 6.7 kilos

Barrel: Bergara CURE Carbon barrel, 22- or 24-inch

Motion: 4340 Chrome Moly Metal

Set off: Set off Tech (adjustable) Frictionless Launch Expertise 2.25-pounds as examined

End: Cerakote

Inventory: XLR Magnesium chassis w/folding inventory

Capability: Removable journal (3-5 spherical capability, aftermarket 10-round magazines additionally accessible)

Obtainable Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor (examined), 6.5 PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum (24-inch barrel)

Worth: $3,099

Common Precision: 0.97-inch

Bergara Premier MG Lite rifle on a tripod in a field. — In order for you a reasonably light-weight, great-shooting rifle that doesn’t seem like the opposite at camp, right here it’s. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

Of all of the rifles on this record, the Premier MG Lite is the least-traditional wanting. It’s constructed across the Bergara motion, however the motion is fitted right into a magnesium chassis, and it encompasses a carbon-fiber-wrapped CURE barrel, carbon fiber grip, and a folding carbon fiber butt inventory with an adjustable cheek piece. Even with the ARCA rail for bipod/tripod attachment, the Premier MG Lite rifle balanced very nicely for offhand capturing. It’s presently provided chambered for seven big-game rifle cartridges from 6.5 Creedmoor to 300 PRC, and even the heaviest of those rifles nonetheless weighs lower than 7 kilos.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Premier MG Lite right here.

Christensen Arms Evoke

Specs

Size: 42 inches

Weight: 7.69 kilos (as examined)

Barrel: 16.25″ to 22″ relying on chambering, w/ 5/8×24 threaded muzzle & RFR Brake

Motion: Two-lug, 90° bolt motion

Set off: Adjustable Set off Tech

Capability: 3+1 Removable MDT polymer Journal

End: Cerakote

Inventory: Artificial/Polymer

Obtainable Chamberings: 243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm PRC, 7mm Backcountry, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 RPC, 350 Legend.

Worth: $998.99

Common Precision: 0.98-inch

Christensen Evoke rifle balanced on a post in a field. — The Evoke is a tad heavy in comparison with most rifles right here, however at nicely underneath a grand, it’s a killer worth. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

The brand new Evoke from Christensen Arms is their entry-level rifle, and whereas our take a look at rifle couldn’t break the one-MOA mark with two of the hundreds examined, it shot so nicely with the third load that the rifle’s total common was simply shy of an inch. The Evoke is fitted with a 416R stainless barrel, an artificial inventory with a brief part of rail on the tip of the forend, and it feeds from a removable journal. It’s accessible in 10 completely different chamberings from 22 Creedmoor to 300 PRC, together with the model new 25 Creedmoor and the 7mm Backcountry. It’s the second-heaviest, and second-least-expensive nice capturing rifle on our record.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the Christensen Arms Evoke right here.

Ruger American Gen II

Specs

Size: 41.25 inches

Weight: 6 kilos, 7.4 ounces (precise)

Barrel: 20 inches, chilly hammer cast, 5-grooves, RH twist, threaded at 5/8″x24

Motion: Bolt motion, with three lugs and a 70° throw

Set off: Ruger Marksman Adjustable (4.0 kilos as examined)

Capability: 3+1 (10+1 in 204 Ruger and 223 Remington)

End: Gun-metal grey Cerakote

Inventory: Artificial inventory, with adjustable LOP, modular comb, optionally available weight equipment

Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor (examined), 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester, 450 Bushmaster, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington

Worth: $729

Common Precision: 0.99-inch

Ruger American Gen 2 rifle balanced on a post in a field. — You’re wanting on the solely rifle on this record that retails for lower than $800. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

The Ruger American Gen II rifle we examined in 2024 was the usual mannequin, however now Ruger is providing six variations of the Gen II to incorporate a Scout mannequin. This rifle options substantial upgrades over the unique Ruger American rifle with solely a small worth enhance, however what actually bought our consideration was how nicely this 6.5-pound rifle shot, with two of the three take a look at hundreds averaging lower than 0.90-inch. The Ruger American Gen II rifle may not be probably the most exact capturing rifle we now have ever examined, however in our 2024 rifles take a look at it obtained the most effective worth award, and it very nicely may nonetheless be the most effective worth rifle now two years later.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the American Gen II right here.

Stag Arms Pursuit

Specs

Weight: 8.6 kilos

Barrel: 22-inch Stainless-Metal Spiral Fluted

Motion: Remington 700 short-action footprint

Set off: TriggerTech Major 1.5-4 lbs. adjustable

Capability: 3-round AICS appropriate

End: Black Cerakote motion and barrel

Inventory: 3-part Chassis, Adjustable Comb and LOP, AR10-style

Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester

Worth: $1,899

Common Precision: 1.02-inches

Though throughout our testing the Stag Arms Pursuit rifle didn’t break the magic 1 MOA mark, it is available in because the tenth most exact rifle we’ve examined that’s nonetheless being manufactured in 2026. Moreover, this chassis rifle is a bit distinctive. The butt inventory is detachable with a single pin, the comb is height-adjustable, it has a free-floating forend with M-Lok slots and a free-float rail for bipod/tripod mounting. Because the heaviest rifle on our record, it’s also configured extra like a goal/precision long-range rifle than a looking rifle. It carried out flawlessly however it is just accessible in two chamberings—6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester.

Wilson Fight NULA Mannequin 20

Specs

Size: 39.38 inches

Weight: 5.17 kilos

Barrel: Wilson Fight, button rifled, 416R stainless, 16.25-, 20-, and 22-inches, relying on cartridge. Threaded at 5/8Ã—24.

Motion: Bolt, two-lug with Sako fashion extractor and plunger ejector

Set off: Timney Elite Hunter

Capability: 4+1 (hinged floorplate)

End: Armorlube DLC (motion) Armor-Tuff (barrel) Arduous Anodized (floorplate)

Inventory: AG Composites with Kodiak Rouge (examined), Canyon Rouge, or charcoal gray end

Chambering: 243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor (examined), 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester, 358 Winchester

Worth: $3,495

Common Precision: 1.04 inches

Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 rifle balanced on a post in a field. — (Photograph/Richard Mann)

In 1985, West Virginia gunsmith Melvin Forbes launched the Mannequin 20 {custom} rifle for short-action cartridges. Weighing proper at 5 kilos and capturing like a bench-rest rifle, it set the usual for light-weight looking rifles. Wilson Fight bought the corporate in 2022, modernized the Mannequin 20 with a threaded, {custom} tapered barrel, a brand new carbon-fiber inventory, a light-weight floorplate, and a Timney Elite Hunter set off. In our 2023 rifle take a look at, it took house our Editor’s Decide award. The Mannequin 20 is presently provided in 5 in style big-game chamberings, and the and 22 and 25 Creedmoor are coming in 2026.

Associated: Try a full assessment of the NULA Mannequin 20 right here.

Accuracy and Precision Outlined

There are two phrases shooters use when speaking about how nicely a rifle shoots. The primary is accuracy, which pertains to the variation between level of intention and level of impression. With a really correct shot, the purpose of impression would be the identical as the purpose of intention. Precision is the time period that finest describes a rifle’s capability to persistently direct bullets to the identical or very almost the identical spot each time. The 2 phrases are very related however don’t imply the identical factor.

Illustration of targets showing accuracy vs precision. — Accuracy means hitting what you’re aiming at. Precision means hitting the identical exact spot repeatedly.

For those who shoot a sub-inch group that’s within the heart of the goal, you’ve demonstrated accuracy and precision. If the sub-inch group will not be on the heart of the goal, you will have precision with out accuracy. If the group is centered on the goal however not very small, the capturing was correct however not very exact, and if the pictures are kind of sprayed all around the goal the capturing lacked accuracy and precision.

A target showing a group of bullet holes, with ammo. — It is a fantastically exact five-shot group, however the rifle’s scope must be adjusted for it to even be correct. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

In looking, accuracy is paramount as a result of your objective is to place a bullet within the kill zone. Precision means your rifle can do that each time. Nevertheless, as distance will increase, precision diminishes. A rifle able to capturing a one-inch or smaller group at 100 yards will doubtless shoot a five-inch group at 500 yards, and at a sure distance the rifle’s intrinsic degree of precision may exceed the dimensions of the kill zone. Because of this, hunters making an attempt long-range pictures on big-game animals need rifles that can ship excessive precision. It’s usually accepted {that a} rifle able to constant sub-MOA efficiency—5 shot teams averaging lower than one inch—is a really precise-shooting rifle.

Correct, and Exact-Taking pictures, Rifle Cartridges

Illustration showing the parts of a modern rifle cartridge — These are the important thing traits of the fashionable rifle cartridge.

The power of a rifle to shoot with nice precision hinges on the standard of all of the rifle’s elements and the way nicely the rifle was put collectively. That mentioned, ammunition high quality can be crucial. The cartridge case, bullet, powder, and primer, and the way nicely they had been assembled and work collectively matter too. And a few rifle cartridges are inclined to persistently ship good precision higher than others.

The rifle cartridges usually thought of to be probably the most correct are inclined to mirror the traits of our most fashionable cartridges. These traits embody powder capacities that aren’t overly massive when in comparison with bore diameter, sharp shoulder angles of 30°, a cartridge neck that’s longer than bullet diameter, a minimally tapered case, and a specified fast-twist barrel that can stabilize high-ballistic-coefficient bullets. Many fashionable cartridges just like the Creedmoors, the PRCs, the 6.5 Grendel, 224 Valkyrie, and the 7mm Backcountry mirror these design parameters.

A targets with five bullet holes and ammo. — Most will contemplate efficiency like this sub-MOA 5 shot group to be good precision, however solely whether it is persistently repeatable. (Photograph/Richard Mann)

That mentioned, a quantity older cartridges with solely a few of these traits have an excellent fame for precision, together with the 222 Remington, 6.5×55 Swede, 260, 7mm-08, and 308 Winchester. Whereas each fashionable and the older cartridges may need a fame for precision, there isn’t a mounted guidelines for a precision cartridge. Nice precision might be discovered with any cartridge utilizing good high quality ammo fired from a rifle put collectively proper with high quality elements. My first {custom} rifle was a 5-pound New Extremely Mild Arms (NULA) chambered for the vintage—120 12 months previous—35 Remington and was a constant sub-MOA performer. The underside line is, should you get a high-quality rifle recognized for driving tacks, and also you attempt quite a lot of good looking ammo with it, you’re very more likely to discover the mixture that offers you first-rate accuracy and precision.

Editor’s Be aware: Richard Mann’s new e-book, Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter: A Looking Journal Spanning a Half-Century particulars 50 rifle cartridges via actual hunts, sensible perception, and hard-earned classes. It’s important studying for critical hunters and riflemen who admire ballistic science and genuine outside journey.

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For greater than 125 years, Area & Stream has been offering readers with trustworthy and genuine protection of outside gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outside, and that keenness comes via in our product critiques. You possibly can rely on F&S to maintain you updated on the most effective new gear. And once we write a couple of product—whether or not it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cowl the nice and the dangerous, so you already know precisely what to anticipate earlier than you resolve to make a purchase order.

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