Precision rifles can cost you an arm and a leg, but there are top-notch and highly accurate options that will still leave you with money for ammunition.
What are some affordable precision rifles that won't put you in the poorhouse?
- Savage AXIS II Precision
- Tikka T3x Ultimate Precision Rifle (UPR)
- Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range
- Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target
- Savage 110 Precision
- Tikka T3x Tactical Compact Rifle
- Howa Carbon Elevate
- Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
- Bergara B-14 HMR
Truth be told, with a little time, effort and modest investment, a shooter can transform most appropriately chambered modern rifles into precision rifles. But not everyone has an overabundance of those factors.
Luckily, the surging interest in placing a projectile dead on target a country mile away has washed the market with a host of precision rifles. Of course, a gander at some of these fine-tuned instruments can give some shooters second thoughts about their desires for going long. Given the high tolerances the guns require and special material typically called into action, these precision rifles can cost a small fortune.
But take heart; there are precision rifle options for the shooter willing to search that won’t break the bank. And that’s what we’re looking at with the 16 affordable precision rifles listed below, at least when it comes to bolt-actions.
Read Also: Savage Arms' Accuracy-Enhancing AccuFit System
Of course, this talk of affordability is relative. These rifles can be purchased for $1,600 (even if their MSRPs are officially larger) or less, which is expensive when compared to the average entry-level model. But when measured against the overall precision rifle market, they’re downright steals in some cases. For the marksman dying to really reach out while still putting dinner on the table, these rifles more than fit the bill.
Editor's Note: Some models on this list may have been discontinued by their manufacturers, but at the time of writing can still be found from distributors and on the secondhand market.
Top Affordable Precision Rifles
Savage AXIS II Precision
MSRP: $1,220
Envisioned as a starting-point for burgeoning hunters, the AXIS II now shoots for the same in the long-range game. Savage’s tried-and-true entry-level rifle has finally been decked out in a precision rifle configuration, none too soon for many shooters. For years now, budget marksmen have turned to the barreled action as the foundation of D.I.Y entry-level long-range builds.
Surprising no one, Savage turned to Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) for Axis II Precision’s chassis. The Canadian company’s catalog runs the full gamut, but in recent years has cooked up several budget stocks for partnership with gunmakers. In the case of the AXIS II, MDT customized the chassis specifically for the action, ensuring excellent metal-to-metal bedding for a rock-solid mate-up. Willowy at the fore-end, the chassis proper is beefy thanks to a polymer skin. Additionally, the buttstock is fully adjustable—length of pull (LOP) and cheek rise—the former, however, not on the fly. Spacers are the name of the game for LOP, so you’ll have to tailor that at home.
Customization in-house is also off the table. To keep the AXIS II Precision’s price down Savage kept barrel length a uniform 22-inches no matter the caliber. For the most part, this shouldn’t prove an issue, given available chamberings—.243 Winchester, .223 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor—all perform respectfully out of this length bore. Other notables on the rifle include adjustable AccuTrigger, M-Lok compatibility, ACIS magazine compatibility, threaded muzzle and 20 MOA rail. For shooters cutting their teeth on precision shooting, Savage has made a deal difficult to refuse.
Tikka T3x Ultimate Precision Rifle (UPR)
MSRP: $1,500
Tikka has the uncanny ability to knock it out of the park each time it steps up to the plate. So again is the case, as the talented Finnish company deals out another home run with the T3x Ultimate Precision Rifle (UPR).
Rethinking the lightweight precision stock, Tikka improved the bedding to create a seamless mate up, thus a platform solid as concrete footings. In particular, there is an extra layer of carbon fiber-fiberglass composite, improving the rigidity of this key interface, thus improving the rifle’s accuracy potential. In short, the action isn’t moving a tittle. The stock is also long several other desirable features, including a rough and grippy finish, fully-adjustable buttstock and an excellently designed pistol grip. It’s the perfect platform for the T3x action and Tikka’s top-notch barrels, which in and of themselves always seem to over-deliver.
Some of the UPR’s finer points include a threaded muzzle (5/8×24 thread), choice between a single-stage and set trigger, removable box magazine-fed, 20 MOA or 0 MOA rail option and QD sling attachment points. Caliber choice includes long-range favorites .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester and you have the alternative between 20- and 24-inch barrels for each chambering. The T3x UPR runs on the spendier side of affordable precision rifles, but there’s no arguing it’s worth every penny.
Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range
MSRP: Starting at $1,430
Technically, we’re behind the curve on Browning’s tact driver. The X-Bolt Max Long Range (MLR) hit the scene in 2019, the gunmaker’s attempt at a truly dedicated precision rifle. Wildly succeeding, Browning went the whole hog in 2020, pumping up the line with every conceivable caliber you might wish to pitch a country mile.
In all, the MLR comes in 11 calibers, including long-range stalwarts 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. As well as a host of belted and short magnums. In either case, Browning delivers a proven platform to launch them from.
The solid action with three-lug fat bolt is mated—in all calibers—with a 26-inch fluted heavy sporter barrel topped with proprietary muzzle brake. This is then bedded in Winchester Composite Max stock that, while light, provides the stiffness required for repeatable accuracy. Fully adjustable for length of pull (through spacers) and cheek rise, the rifle is also customizable to individual shooter’s frames.
The chops to go the distance, it feels like Browning's aim was a precision hunting rifle with the MLR. At a hair over 8 pounds, the rifle is less burdensome in the field and might be perfect for long shots during big-country hunts. At the same tick, lacking a bull barrel and some of the recoil-eating heft of a dedicated long-range rifle, it might not be the first choice when it comes to a match gun.
Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range 26 w/Gray Specs Fixed Max w/Adjustable
Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target
MSRP: $1,619
Granted, it has Mack Truck looks and heft, the Hawkeye Long-Range Target nevertheless is a hair-splitter. Of course, all that weight – 11-pounds of it line – is there for a reason.
Originally chambered in .300 Win. Mag (now also available in 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC), the rifle was designed to soak up the brute cartridge’s ample recoil. That, and it provides a shooting foundation second only to a concrete anchor lock.
Zero In On Long-Range Rifles And Shooting
The core of the system is a highly functional competition-style stock, which adds weight and control to the rifle. In addition to comb-height and length-of-pull adjustments, the laminate component also provides the rigidity required to produce tight groups consistently. It’s also decked out with a flush-fit M-LOK lower rail and QD points, so adding your choice of bi-pod and sling system is easy as pie.
As to the action, it’s Ruger’s tried-and-true Mauser-style controlled feed, reducing the worry of double feeding when you’re glued to your scope. Ruger then mates this with a 26-inch heavy contour barrel, providing superior harmonics and heat dispersion. Topping it off, the company’s Hybrid Muzzle Brake. A bonus, Ruger outfits the precision rifle with a 20 MOA Picatinny rail, with increased elevation capabilities over the integral mounts machined directly into the receiver.
Savage 110 Precision
MSRP: $1,850
Built around the legendary Savage 110 action, the 110 Precision features an MDT LSS XL chassis, an AccuTrigger and a threaded heavy barrel. The barrels are either 20 or 24 inches in length depending on caliber, and the rifle is available in .308 Winchester, .300 Win. Mag., 300 PRC, .338 Lapua and 6.5 Creedmoor.
The aluminum frame helps keep this rifle very rigid, allowing it to fend off creep even when firing the more brutish calibers. It’s also very adjustable right out of the box, allowing a shooter to tailor it to their exact preferences. The comb heigh, length of pull and trigger can all be adjusted, and the 5/8×24 threaded muzzle allows for the attachment of a suppressor or brake as well. It ships with a BA muzzle brake and one AICS-pattern magazine (either 5- or 10-round depending on caliber).
At 10 to 11 pounds, it’s not the lightest rifle out there, even with the skeletonized stock and fluted barrel. Of course, this also means that the 110 Precision should have no problem eating recoil, and for a bench rifle that’s not a bad thing. Once you add a scope to this setup, you should have everything you need to shoot a country mile.
Savage Arms Savage 110 Precision .300 Weatherby Bolt 57697
Tikka T3x Tactical Compact Rifle
MSRP: $1,150
Featuring Tikka’s rock-solid, single-piece T3 action, this little Finnish gem is accurate and adaptable.
Broached, instead of drilled from bar stock, the action is silky smooth, particularly with the aid of its oversized bolt handle. And it's stiff as overstretched sheets, thanks to the enclosed action design. Conveniently, Tikka has widened the ejection port on the T3 action, now making it possible to feed one round at a time — a difficulty on older models.
See Also: Tikka T3X Tactical A1 Review
A hammer-forged semi-heavy contour 20-inch barrel provides superior harmonics for its three chamberings — .260 Rem., .308 Win., and 6.5 Creedmoor. And it's hefty enough to shake off the heat from long shot strings.
Tikka’s TCR has a more traditional stock pattern and doesn’t boast the adjustments found on many precision rifles. But it does have some unique features. Chief among them is the fiberglass-reinforced synthetic stock's interchangeable grips that make it possible to modify the angle. And it comes with a foam insert that lowers stock-generated noise, keeping shooters stealthy as ever.
The precision rifle has a single-stage adjustable trigger, tunable between 2 and 4 pounds. And to top it all off, the T3x Tactical Compact rifle has an improved rail attachment system with extra screw placements on top of the receiver for a Picatinny rail.
Howa Carbon Elevate
MSRP: $1,639
If you want your precision bolt-action rifle to be as light as possible, the Howa Carbon Elevate is a top contender. Starting at only 4 pounds, 10 ounces, this model is packed to the brim with carbon fiber components.
It features a Stocky’s super lightweight carbon fiber stock with a Limbsaver buttpad and ACCUBLOCK lug bed, as well as a 24-inch heavy carbon fiber threaded barrel. The ability to mount a brake or compensator is extra appreciated for a rifle that’s this lightweight.
Howa’s tagline for the rifle, “Carbon on Carbon,” couldn’t be more appropriate. The generous use of carbon fiber isn’t cheap, but it still isn’t the most expensive rifle on this list. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a chassis rifle, if weight savings are what you’re after, the Carbon Elevate has it in spades. Howa offers the Carbon Elevate chambered for .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Grendel.
Howa M1500 Carbon Elevate ARC Bolt Gray/Black
Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
MSRP: $1,085
There's no doubt that the Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical is the company's most capable chassis rifle to date, offering a suite of features at a price point that enables many new shooters to get their feet wet in the long-range shooting game.
Sporting a 22-inch (.308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor) or 24-inch (6.5 PRC) medium threaded (5/8”-24 TPI) bull barrel with a target crown, it’s ready to accept a suppressor or compensator right out of the box. An adjustable LBA trigger, with no creep and a very crisp break, helps you extract the most accuracy out of the Patriot as you can.
The setup is finished off with an MDT chassis system, featuring aluminum V-block bedding, M-LOK slots, sling swivels and compatibility with AICS-style magazines. The chassis is a bit heavy at 8 pounds, so it may not be the best mountain rifle, but the extra weight will help absorb recoil when shooting at the range.
Mossberg Patriot .308 Bolt
Bergara B-14 HMR
MSRP: $1,170
Precision rifles can get pretty specialized pretty quickly, pigeonholing their application. For those shooting for a something that can equally knock the stuffing out of the 10-ring and a whitetail, look no further than Bergara. The Spanish company’s B-14 HMR (Hunting & Match Rifle) is about as tightly built a precision rifle as one could expect, without going custom.
See Also: Bergara B-14 BMP Chassis Rifle Review
While Bergara’s actions and barrels are well-respected, it’s the rifle’s stock that steals the show. At first blush, it appears to be just another synthetic job, with a modified benchrest buttstock, vertical grip and the usual length of pull and comb adjustments. But strip away the polymers, and there’s something unique going on underneath this Bergara B-14 HMR. Molded into the stock is an aluminum skeleton running from the grip all the way to the forend. In addition to free-floating the barrel, what Bergara calls its mini-chassis gives the B-14 the stiffness for precision.
The company has embraced the concept of crossover appeal with the rifle, making it sturdy enough to shoot a match, but practical enough to carry into the woods. It sports a No. 5 contour barrel — 22 inches on 6.5 Creedmoor, 20 inches on .308 Winchester — giving it enough material to avoid walking when it heats up, but making it less of a bear on a trudge to a deer stand.
The B-14 action is quick and smooth to work, especially with its oversized bolt handle, and feeds cleanly off an AICS detachable magazine. Some other nice features include Bergara’s trigger that breaks at 3 pounds, threaded muzzle and integrated QD flush cup mounts.
Bergara Rifles Bergara B-14 HMR .300 PRC 26 Black/Brown Speckled Adj HMR Mi
More On Precision Rifle Shooting
- 9 Long-Range Shooting Fundamentals You Must Master
- Long-Range Hunting: Times And Tactics Have Changed
- Legacy Skills: Becoming A Well-Rounded Long-Range Marksman
- Practical Precision: A Return To The Fighting Rifleman
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You really missed a great new gun made by Ruger. maybe better than any of those you mentioned. It is the Ruger Hawkeye m77 long Range target/predator rifle! It comes std with a 22” or 26” heavy contour barrel fluted chrome moly barrel, a terrific custom built stock (with all kinds of bells and whistles), a 20 moa picatinny rail, a two stage trigger and probably some other stuff that would be very important to the long range precision shooter that I’m missing. It is avail in 300 win mag, 6.5 Creedmoor and the new Hornady 6.5 PRC round. It’s built around the Ruger m77 action which was designed around the venerable Mauser 98 action. And here’s the best part. It has an MSRP of $1249 but the street price is just under a grand!
Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting by Wayne van Zwoll is a useful tool most especially to those people who want to be a sharpshooter even in long-distance position. 🙂
THANK YOU