Of course, selecting the "best" bolt-action rifle for whitetail hunting is subjective, as it depends on personal preferences, budget and the specific hunting conditions you'll encounter. For example, the ideal rifle for a deer hunter sitting in a box blind overlooking a large ag field is far different than the one needed by a hunter sneaking through seemingly endless forest in the north country. That said, I’m confident that almost any whitetail hunter’s dream gun is found on the following list. (Note: Out of fairness to all the brands, I’ll list them in alphabetical order.)
1. Browning X-Bolt Hunter
The Browning X-Bolt lineup is known for its precision and smooth operation. The X-Bolt comes in various models, but my choice is the X-Bolt Hunter, which features a beautiful satin walnut stock and matte blue barrel and action. The 6.5-pound rifle has a detachable magazine, short-throw bolt (60 degree bolt lift) and an adjustable trigger. I had the chance to field test a Browning X-Bolt several years ago, and it was a dependable tack-driver.
2. Kimber 84M Hunter
Kimber 84M rifles are on the wish lists of many deer hunters because of their lightweight design, accuracy and quality. They are especially popular for western big game hunters who need to carry their rifles over long distances. My favorite in the series is the Kimber Hunter. It weighs only 5.5 pounds, has a Northwoods Brown Polymer stock, stainless-steel barrel, detachable magazine and an adjustable trigger.
3. Remington Model 700 CDL
The Remington 700 series is a classic choice known for its accuracy, reliability and a wide range of available configurations and calibers. My top pick is the Model 700 CDL, with its sleek, satin-finished American walnut stock with the trademark black fore-end cap. In a word — gorgeous! The 7.4-pound rifle (in 6.5 Creedmoor, my cartridge of choice for whitetails) has a hinged floor-plate, too, which I prefer over a detachable magazine.
4. Ruger American Predator
The Ruger American is a budget-friendly series of bolt-action rifles that deliver excellent performance. It's available in several calibers and stock options. If I had to pick one for whitetails, it would be the Ruger American Predator, which has an attractive Moss Green Synthetic stock and a matte black barrel and receiver. The 6.6-pound rifle has an adjustable trigger, factory-installed Picatinny scope base, heavier tapered threaded barrel, and detachable magazine.
5. Savage 110 Hunter
Savage's Model 110 series offers excellent accuracy and is a great value. I’ve carried the Model 110 Hunter bolt-action on a few deer hunts and have always been impressed. The 7.5-pound rifle features the Savage AccuFit system (see photo), which makes it easy to customize length of pull and comb height; it’s a smart system. In addition, the Savage 110 has the company’s proven user-adjustable AccuTrigger system (light, clean pull and no creep), and detachable magazine.
6. Tikka T3x Hunter
Tikka T3 rifles have a well-deserved outstanding reputation for their consistent accuracy, excellent triggers and affordability. Like most rifles on this list, T3s are available in various calibers and stock options. My No. 1 pick is the Tikka T3x Hunter. The 6.8-pound rifle (in 6.5 Creedmoor) has an attractive oiled-brown wood stock, black steel barrel and receiver, and detachable magazine.
7. Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic
For at least a decade, the most accurate deer rifle in my gun safe has been a Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic (mine is a .270 Win.). Most hunters equate Weatherby with top quality and accuracy, but also high price. In the case of the 7.5-pound Vanguard Synthetic, you’re getting the legendary Weatherby performance for the MSRP of $699. I call that an incredible value. Like all Vanguard rifles, this model is guaranteed to shoot a three-shot group of .99 inches or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA). In addition to the gun's hinged floor plate, I LOVE its two-stage adjustable trigger; it provides a super-clean break and no doubt contributes greatly to this rifle’s amazing accuracy.
8. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
The Winchester Model 70 is celebrated for its smooth action and accuracy. It has been a trusted deer hunting rifle since it was introduced in 1936. Of the many models available, I prefer the classic lines found in the Model 70 Featherweight. This 6.75-pound rifle (in 6.5 Creedmoor) has a beautiful black walnut stock, brushed polish barrel and receiver, Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, and detachable magazine. In my opinion, its best feature is the M.O.A. Trigger System, which results in a trigger that is light, crisp (no creep) and consistent.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a bolt-action rifle for deer hunting, consider factors such as caliber/cartridge, barrel length, stock material, weight and the specific features that suit your hunting style and preferences.
It's also crucial to invest in a top-notch riflescope. Understand that by “top-notch” I don’t necessarily mean expensive. While it’s true that high-dollar scopes almost always perform well at the range and in the field, you can get a good scope without spending more on it than the rifle. Example: One of my favorite scopes is the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9X40. It has clear glass, is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof, has a MSRP of $199.99 — and a lifetime warranty.
