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The number one trait everyone wants in a rifle is dime-splitting accuracy. The truth is that for the vast majority of hunting situations, you don’t need a rifle that shoots itty-bitty groups. But you still want one—just in case you need to shoot across the canyon or thread the needle on a quartering shot, and, most important, because a tack-driving rifle builds confidence, which makes you a better shot.
Here at Field & Stream, we’ve tested hundreds of rifles over the years, and we always subject them to rigorous precision/accuracy testing. Granted, just because our test rifle shot great does not mean if you buy one like it, it will shoot the same. But if a rifle performed well in our test, it should give you some buying confidence.
Below is a rundown of the 10 rifles we’ve tested since 2022 that delivered the best on-target precision based on multiple five-shot groups at 100 yards with multiple loads of hunting ammo. All but one of these rifles shot average group sizes of less than an inch with multiple loads. Their out of the box weights ranged from 4.8 to 8.6 pounds, and they cost from $769.00 to almost 10 times that much. There’s bound to be one that will fit your hunting style and budget.
- Proof Research Glacier Ti
- Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT
- Wilson Combat Model 20S
- Weatherby Alpine CT
- Nosler Model 21
- Bergara Premier MG Lite
- Christensen Arms Evoke
- Ruger American Gen II
- Stag Arms Pursuit
- Wilson Combat NULA Model 20
Proof Research Glacier Ti
Proof Research Glacier TI
Specs
- Length: 39.75 to 45.75
- Weight: 5.31 to 6.25 pounds (5.62 pounds as tested)
- Barrel: Proof patented Carbon Fiber Wrapped match-grade (20 to 26 inches)
- Action: Right or Left-Hand, Long Peak titanium, two-lug action
- Trigger: User adjustable Trigger Tech trigger (2.0-pounds as tested)
- Capacity: 4+1
- Finish: Cerakote
- Stock: Proof Research carbon fiber Lightweight Mountain Hunter Stock
- Available Chamberings: 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 WSM, 300 PRC
- Price: $7,499
Average Precision: 0.84-inch
This rifle is hellaciously expensive, but extreme light weight and extreme precision do not come together in the same rifle at affordable prices. This Glacier Ti uses a carbon-fiber stock, a carbon-fiber barrel, and a titanium action. It’s also a full-custom rifle, so you get to specify barrel length, stock color, length of pull, the color of the Cerakote finish, and whether it is a left- or right-hand action. That level of customization comes at a price as well. Bottom line: If you want the best and don’t mind paying for it, here it is.
Related: Check out a full review of the Proof Glacier Ti here.
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT
Specs
- Length: 38 to 44 inches without muzzle brake and depending on chambering
- Weight: 5.45 pounds (as tested)
- Barrel: 16 to 24 inches depending on chambering, with threaded muzzle, brake, and thread protector. (20 inches, as tested)
- Action: Christensen Arms Model 14, bolt action, two-lug
- Trigger: TriggerTech adjustable, 2.25 pounds (as tested)
- Capacity: 3+1
- Finish: Cerakote
- Stock: Christensen Carbon Fiber FFT
- Available Chamberings: 22-250 Rem., 243 Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 PRC (tested), 270 Win., 6.8 Western, 7mm-08 Rem., 280 Ackley, 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm PRC, 28 Nosler, 308 Win., 30-06 Springfield, 300 WSM, 300 Win. Mag., 300 RUM, 300 PRC, 375 H&H
- Price: $2,149
Average Precision: 0.86-inch
This rifle is one of the least expensive rifles on our list, but it turned in the second-best overall precision, and it also won out Editor’s Choice award in our 2025 rifles test. It features a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, a Flash Forged Technology carbon-fiber stock and is available in a variety of color options. It is also available in 24 popular big-game cartridge chamberings, starting with the 22 Creedmoor, and now for 2026, going all the way up to 375 H&H. For hunters looking to extend their reach with a rifle that will not weight them down or bash their wallet, the Ridgeline FFT is one of the best buys on the market.
Related: Check out a full review of the Ridgeline FFT here.
Wilson Combat Model 20S
Wilson Combat Model 20S
Specs
- Length: 35.0 inches
- Weight: 4.80 pounds
- Barrel: 16.25 inches, w/ 5.8×24 threaded muzzle and thread protector
- Action: NULA Model 20S
- Trigger: 2.75 pounds (as tested) adjustable
- Capacity: 5+1
- Finish: Armorlube DLC (action) Armor-Tuff (barrel) Hard Anodized (floorplate)
- Stock: AG Composite
- Available Chamberings: 300 HAMR (tested) 22 ARC, 223 Remington (Wylde), 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 300 Blackout
- Price: $3,495
Average Precision: 0.90-inch
Not only did this rifle deliver consistent sub-MOA performance, but it is also the lightest bolt-action rifle we have tested to date. The Model 20S sort of proves what shooters and hunters have been saying for years, and it’s that the NULA rifles are pound-for-pound the best shooting hunting rifles ever made. The Wilson Combat NULA Model 20S is a modernized factory mini-action version of the full-custom New Ultra Light Arms rifle that Melvin Forbes made famous. This rifle is offered for centerfire rifle cartridges like the 223 Remington, 300 Blackout, 300 HAMR, and 350 Legend and comes with a carbon-fiber stock, floor plate, and a threaded muzzle.
Related: Check out a full review of the NULA Model 20S here.
Weatherby Alpine CT
Weatherby Alpine CT
Specs
- Length: 43.5 – 48 inches with muzzle brake (43.5 as tested)
- Weight: 6.0 to 6.3 pounds (6.1 as tested)
- Barrel: 22 inches (24 with brake)
- Action: Weatherby 307
- Trigger: Trigger Tech Field Trigger
- Capacity: 2+1, 3+1, or 4+1 depending on chambering (4+1 as tested)
- Finish: Chocolate Brown Cerakote
- Stock: Exposed carbon fiber with WYO brown and backpack brushed sponge pattern accents.
- Available Chamberings: 240 Weatherby Magnum, 243 Winchester, 257 Weatherby Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 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.
- Price: $2,249
Average Precision: 0.91-inch
The Alpine CT rifle is built on Weatherby’s new 307 action that is compatible with many Remington 700 accessories, and it comes with a lightweight PEAK 44 rifle stock that weighs only 24 ounces. It is also fitted with a BSF carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel and comes with a Trigger Tech trigger. At just over 6 pounds, it’s not the lightest rifle on this list but it is a shooter. Weatherby offers’ two action lengths for the Alpine CT with five big-game cartridges, including the 25 Creedmoor, that are available in the short-action version, and 11 in the long-action version to include Weatherby’s new fast-twist 25 RPM and the innovative 7mm Backcountry.
Related: Check out a full review of the Alpine CT here.
Nosler Model 21
Nosler Model 21
Specs
- Length: 41.65 inches to 44.5 inches
- Weight: 6.8 pounds to 7.1 pounds
- Barrel: Shilen Match Grade 22-inch or 24-inch
- Action: 4340 Chrome Moly Steel
- Trigger: Trigger Tech (adjustable) 3.25-pounds as tested
- Finish: Cerakote & Nitride
- Stock: McMillan Hunters Edge Sporter Stock
- Available Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 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.
- Price: $2,895
Average Precision: 0.94-inch
We selected the Nosler Model 21 rifle as the best rifle in our 2022 rifle test. We’ve tested a lot of rifles since then, but only four still currently offered have turned in a better average group size for on-target precision. The Model 21 feature a carbon-fiber stock and a fool-proof action with a bolt that’s outfitted with a M16-style extractor. It is currently offered in 10 big-game rifle cartridges starting with the 6.5 Creedmoor and including five Nosler cartridges, the 280 Ackley Improved, and the 375 H&H. Back in 2022, we called it one of the best all-around big-game rifles we’ve ever tested, and that remains true today.
Related: Check out a full review of the Nosler Model 21 here.
Bergara Premier MG Lite
Bergara Premier MG Lite
Specs
- Length: 43-45 inches, depending on barrel length
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Barrel: Bergara CURE Carbon barrel, 22- or 24-inch
- Action: 4340 Chrome Moly Steel
- Trigger: Trigger Tech (adjustable) Frictionless Release Technology 2.25-pounds as tested
- Finish: Cerakote
- Stock: XLR Magnesium chassis w/folding stock
- Capacity: Detachable magazine (3-5 round capacity, aftermarket 10-round magazines also available)
- Available Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 6.5 PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum (24-inch barrel)
- Price: $3,099
Average Precision: 0.97-inch
Of all the rifles on this list, the Premier MG Lite is the least-traditional looking. It is built around the Bergara action, but the action is fitted into a magnesium chassis, and it features a carbon-fiber-wrapped CURE barrel, carbon fiber grip, and a folding carbon fiber butt stock with an adjustable cheek piece. Even with the ARCA rail for bipod/tripod attachment, the Premier MG Lite rifle balanced very well for offhand shooting. It is currently offered chambered for seven big-game rifle cartridges from 6.5 Creedmoor to 300 PRC, and even the heaviest of these rifles still weighs less than 7 pounds.
Related: Check out a full review of the Premier MG Lite here.
Christensen Arms Evoke
Christensen Arms Evoke
Specs
- Length: 42 inches
- Weight: 7.69 pounds (as tested)
- Barrel: 16.25″ to 22″ depending on chambering, w/ 5/8×24 threaded muzzle & RFR Brake
- Action: Two-lug, 90° bolt action
- Trigger: Adjustable Trigger Tech
- Capacity: 3+1 Detachable MDT polymer Magazine
- Finish: Cerakote
- Stock: Synthetic/Polymer
- Available 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.
- Price: $998.99
Average Precision: 0.98-inch
The new Evoke from Christensen Arms is their entry-level rifle, and while our test rifle could not break the one-MOA mark with two of the loads tested, it shot so well with the third load that the rifle’s overall average was just shy of an inch. The Evoke is fitted with a 416R stainless barrel, a synthetic stock with a short section of rail at the tip of the forend, and it feeds from a detachable magazine. It is available in 10 different chamberings from 22 Creedmoor to 300 PRC, including the brand new 25 Creedmoor and the 7mm Backcountry. It is the second-heaviest, and second-least-expensive great shooting rifle on our list.
Related: Check out a full review of the Christensen Arms Evoke here.
Ruger American Gen II
Ruger American Gen II
Specs
- Length: 41.25 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds, 7.4 ounces (actual)
- Barrel: 20 inches, cold hammer forged, 5-grooves, RH twist, threaded at 5/8″x24
- Action: Bolt action, with three lugs and a 70° throw
- Trigger: Ruger Marksman Adjustable (4.0 pounds as tested)
- Capacity: 3+1 (10+1 in 204 Ruger and 223 Remington)
- Finish: Gun-metal gray Cerakote
- Stock: Synthetic stock, with adjustable LOP, modular comb, optional weight kit
- Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester, 450 Bushmaster, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington
- Price: $729
Average Precision: 0.99-inch
The Ruger American Gen II rifle we tested in 2024 was the standard model, but now Ruger is offering six variations of the Gen II to include a Scout model. This rifle features substantial upgrades over the original Ruger American rifle with only a small price increase, but what really got our attention was how well this 6.5-pound rifle shot, with two of the three test loads averaging less than 0.90-inch. The Ruger American Gen II rifle might not be the most precise shooting rifle we have ever tested, but in our 2024 rifles test it received the best value award, and it very well might still be the best value rifle now two years later.
Related: Check out a full review of the American Gen II here.
Stag Arms Pursuit
Stag Arms Pursuit
Specs
- Weight: 8.6 pounds
- Barrel: 22-inch Stainless-Steel Spiral Fluted
- Action: Remington 700 short-action footprint
- Trigger: TriggerTech Primary 1.5-4 lbs. adjustable
- Capacity: 3-round AICS compatible
- Finish: Black Cerakote action and barrel
- Stock: 3-part Chassis, Adjustable Comb and LOP, AR10-style
- Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester
- Price: $1,899
Average Precision: 1.02-inches
Although during our testing the Stag Arms Pursuit rifle did not break the magic 1 MOA mark, it comes in as the 10th most precise rifle we’ve tested that is still being manufactured in 2026. Additionally, this chassis rifle is a bit unique. The butt stock is removable 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. As the heaviest rifle on our list, it is also configured more like a target/precision long-range rifle than a hunting rifle. It performed flawlessly but it is only available in two chamberings—6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester.
Wilson Combat NULA Model 20
Wilson Combat NULA Model 20
Specs
- Length: 39.38 inches
- Weight: 5.17 pounds
- Barrel: Wilson Combat, button rifled, 416R stainless, 16.25-, 20-, and 22-inches, depending on cartridge. Threaded at 5/8×24.
- Action: Bolt, two-lug with Sako style extractor and plunger ejector
- Trigger: Timney Elite Hunter
- Capacity: 4+1 (hinged floorplate)
- Finish: Armorlube DLC (action) Armor-Tuff (barrel) Hard Anodized (floorplate)
- Stock: AG Composites with Kodiak Rouge (tested), Canyon Rouge, or charcoal grey finish
- Chambering: 243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester, 358 Winchester
- Price: $3,495
Average Precision: 1.04 inches
In 1985, West Virginia gunsmith Melvin Forbes introduced the Model 20 custom rifle for short-action cartridges. Weighing right at 5 pounds and shooting like a bench-rest rifle, it set the standard for lightweight hunting rifles. Wilson Combat purchased the company in 2022, modernized the Model 20 with a threaded, custom tapered barrel, a new carbon-fiber stock, a lightweight floorplate, and a Timney Elite Hunter trigger. In our 2023 rifle test, it took home our Editor’s Pick award. The Model 20 is currently offered in five popular big-game chamberings, and the and 22 and 25 Creedmoor are coming in 2026.
Related: Check out a full review of the NULA Model 20 here.
Accuracy and Precision Defined
There are two terms shooters use when talking about how well a rifle shoots. The first is accuracy, which relates to the variation between point of aim and point of impact. With a very accurate shot, the point of impact will be the same as the point of aim. Precision is the term that best describes a rifle’s ability to consistently direct bullets to the same or very nearly the same spot every time. The two terms are very similar but do not mean the same thing.
If you shoot a sub-inch group that is in the center of the target, you’ve demonstrated accuracy and precision. If the sub-inch group is not at the center of the target, you have precision without accuracy. If the group is centered on the target but not very small, the shooting was accurate but not very precise, and if the shots are sort of sprayed all over the target the shooting lacked accuracy and precision.
In hunting, accuracy is paramount because your goal is to put a bullet in the kill zone. Precision means your rifle can do that every time. However, as distance increases, precision diminishes. A rifle capable of shooting a one-inch or smaller group at 100 yards will likely shoot a five-inch group at 500 yards, and at a certain distance the rifle’s intrinsic level of precision might exceed the size of the kill zone. For this reason, hunters attempting long-range shots on big-game animals want rifles that will deliver extreme precision. It’s generally accepted that a rifle capable of consistent sub-MOA performance—five shot groups averaging less than one inch—is a very precise-shooting rifle.
Accurate, and Precise-Shooting, Rifle Cartridges
The ability of a rifle to shoot with great precision hinges on the quality of all the rifle’s components and how well the rifle was put together. That said, ammunition quality is also very important. The cartridge case, bullet, powder, and primer, and how well they were assembled and work together matter too. And some rifle cartridges tend to consistently deliver good precision better than others.
The rifle cartridges often considered to be the most accurate tend to reflect the characteristics of our most modern cartridges. These characteristics include powder capacities that are not overly large when compared to bore diameter, sharp shoulder angles of 30°, a cartridge neck that is longer than bullet diameter, a minimally tapered case, and a specified fast-twist barrel that will stabilize high-ballistic-coefficient bullets. Many modern cartridges like the Creedmoors, the PRCs, the 6.5 Grendel, 224 Valkyrie, and the 7mm Backcountry reflect these design parameters.
That said, a number older cartridges with only some of these characteristics have a great reputation for precision, including the 222 Remington, 6.5×55 Swede, 260, 7mm-08, and 308 Winchester. While both modern and the older cartridges might have a reputation for precision, there is no fixed rules for a precision cartridge. Great precision can be found with any cartridge using good quality ammo fired from a rifle put together right with quality components. My first custom rifle was a 5-pound New Ultra Light Arms (NULA) chambered for the antique—120 year old—35 Remington and was a consistent sub-MOA performer. The bottom line is, if you get a high-quality rifle known for driving tacks, and you try a variety of good hunting ammo with it, you are very likely to find the combination that gives you first-rate accuracy and precision.
Editor’s Note: Richard Mann’s new book, Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter: A Hunting Journal Spanning a Half-Century details 50 rifle cartridges through real hunts, practical insight, and hard-earned lessons. It is essential reading for serious hunters and riflemen who appreciate ballistic science and authentic outdoor adventure.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
THE 1871 CLUB
1 Comment
Tikka not on the list but Ruger is. Too funny.