VALUE GUIDE: Bolt-Action Rifles (Short Actions)

GUN NAME

ISSUE

GRADE

COMMENTS

Savage 110 Apex Storm XP 57344 6.5 Creedmoor, $605

June

2019

A-

Best Buy. The Savage Axis proved accurate, reliable, and fast handling. Adjustable LOP.

Mauser M18 M18065P 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC), $628

June

2019

A-

Accurate and reliable. Expensive compared to the others.

Savage Axis II XP Rifle w/Scope 57289 6.5 Creedmoor, $400

June

2019

B+

A credible and accurate rifle for hunting. Superior stock treatment.

Ruger 77/44 Model 7401

44 Remington Magnum, $754

May

2019

A-

The 77/44 offers accuracy and power in a lightweight rifle. We disliked the magazine.

Ruger American Rifle Standard 6903 308 Winchester, $382

Dec.

2018

A

Light enough, accurate enough, and

inexpensive enough for us to want to keep it.

Savage Axis II XP 57095

308 Winchester, $411

Dec.

2018

A-

Best Buy. It works well, is accurate enough for hunting, and it is affordable.

Savage Model 12FV 18393

308 Winchester, $420

Dec.

2018

A-

Most accurate rifle tested. Modest recoil. The rifle never failed to impress us.

Mossberg Trophy Hunter

308 Winchester, $240

Dec.

2018

C

Overall, the rifle was worth the modest price, but there are better choices.

Uintah Precision UPR-10 Bolt

AR-10 Upper 6.5 CM, $1295

June

2018

B+

Capable of very good accuracy, this was a dream upper in need of a little refinement.

Ruger American Rifle Ranch 06968 300 Blackout, $420

May

2018

A-

Shot well both suppressed and unsuppressed. Short length would make it handy.

Remington Model 700 SPS-T 84205 300 Blackout, $680

May

2018

A-

Shot well in 300 BLK supersonic and

subsonic.

Savage Arms 10PT-SR 22356

308 Winchester, $550

May

2018

B+

Good build. It did shoot sub-MOA with one round. We loved the handle and AccuTrigger.

CZ-USA CZ 527 Youth Carbine 03050 7.62x39mm, $650

March

2018

A-/B+

Grade A- for adults; Grade B+ for youths. We would trust it to work for a lifetime.

Browning A-Bolt Micro Hunter 035020216 7mm-08 Rem., $578

March

2018

A-/C+

Grade A- for adults; Grade C+ for youths. Too much rifle and recoil for younger shooters.

Savage Axis II Compact Muddy Girl 22230 243 Winchester, $490

March

2018

B/A

Grade B for adults; Grade A for youths. Clear

winner as a youth rifle.

Desert Tech SRS-A1

6.5 Creedmoor, $4495

Nov.

2017

A

Test results proved the SRS-A1 is at the top of the rifle-quality pyramid.

Ruger Hawkeye Mark IV VT

17980 6.5 Creedmoor, $1139

Nov.

2017

B+

Rough bolt action, but in terms of accuracy, the Hawkeye deserved an A.