September 11, 2013
By P.J. Reilly
Deer hunters often are portrayed in cartoons as ignorant bumpkins who are at least 15 years behind the rest of the world. We know better. We're as smart as anyone else, and we're high-tech. Knowing this, equipment manufacturers do their best each year to upgrade the quality and technology of the gear we rely on to tag trophy bucks .
In that sense, 2013 is no different from any other year. There's a lot of good stuff coming to store shelves. Here's a look at some of the latest and greatest deer rifles of 2013.
Browning A-Bolt III Looking to improve upon the A-Bolt II,
Browning has brought out the A-Bolt III in a Composite Stalker model. Featuring a textured composite black stock, it's chambered in 30-06, 270 Win., 300 Win. Mag, and 7mm Rem. Mag. The bolt unlock button lets you unload the rifle while leaving the safety on. The free-floating, hand-chambered barrel is built for accuracy.
Price: $ 599
Marlin X7S The 'S ' stands for stainless, and
Marlin 's X7 series of bolt-action rifles now come in this weatherproof material. Choose from X7S short-action rifles in 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem. and 308 Win. or long-action rifles in 25-06 Rem., 270 Win. or 30-06 Sprg. All X7S rifles feature Marlin's Pro-Fire adjustable triggers, fluted bolts and black synthetic stocks.
Price: $ 505
Mossberg ATR Deer Thug Weighing in at just 6.75 pounds, the bolt-action
Mossberg ATR Deer Thug is offered in five long- and short-action cartridges. Wood and synthetic stocks are available. There's an adjustable trigger and 1-in-10-inch rifling.
Price: $ 476
Nosler Model 48 Trophy Guide The
Nosler Model 48 Trophy Guide's simple design is built for speed and accuracy. It features a match-grade barrel, composite stock, Cerakote finish, custom 3-pound-pull trigger and 1-inch 3-shot group guarantee at 100 yards. Eighteen cartridges are available.
Price: $ 1,995
Remington Model 783 This is the next generation of bolt-action rifles from
Remington . A dual-pillar bedding platform free floats the barrel for great shot-to-shot consistency. The Cross-Fire trigger system is user-adjustable. The 783 is available in 270 Win., 30-06 Sprg., 308 Win. and 7mm Rem. Mag.
Price: $ 451
Ruger American Rifle The
Ruger American is a 100 percent American-made rifle offered in short- and long-action calibers. The trigger adjusts between 3 and 5 pounds; a bedding block system locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel; the 4-round rotary magazine fits flush with the stock; and the 3-lug 70-degree bolt provides ample scope clearance.
Price: $ 449
Savage Axis Savage is known for accurate guns that are priced right. The Axis fits the bill. Its sleek new design looks great. The bolt is smooth as butter, so a second round can quickly be loaded. The Axis is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. It has a synthetic stock and carbon steel barrel and is available in a variety of cartridges, including .22-250 Rem. and 308 Win.
Price: $ 375
T/C Dimension The
T/C Dimension is a versatile bolt-action rifle that allows you to change barrels yourself to shoot different cartridges from a single base rifle. Accuracy guarantee promises 1-inch 3-shot groups at 100 yards with premium ammunition. Features include a detachable box magazine, composite stock and adjustable trigger.
Price: $ 649
Weatherby Vanguard Series Country Shooting specified ammunition at 100 yards, the
Weatherby Vanguard is guaranteed to produce 3-shot groups of under 1 inch. Features include a 24-inch fluted barrel with Cerakote finish; Monte Carlo composite stock with Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad; and a match-quality 2-stage trigger adjustable down to 2 1/2 pounds. Several cartridge options are offered.
Price: $ 1,399
Winchester Model 70 Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS The
Winchester Model 70 stainless bolt-action rifle features a stock with overmolded rubberized surfaces for firm control and grip, plus a sporter-weight, free-floating barrel. It's available in most popular short-action calibers with 22-inch barrels; short magnum and standard calibers with 24-inch barrels; and long-action magnums with 26-inch barrels.
Price: $ 1,039
