Rating of the best hunting sniper rifles for 2022

Despite the fact that a person no longer needs hunting as a way of obtaining meat for the purpose of subsistence, this type of recreation is still popular with men.

In order to track down an animal or a bird and get a trophy, you need to have not only special knowledge, instinct, but also all the necessary equipment. The main hunting tool is a gun, the condition of which directly affects the result. The better and, accordingly, the more expensive the equipment, the more likely it is to return home with the result.

In this article, we will consider popular models of hunting sniper rifles from the best world and Russian manufacturers.

What are the types of hunting weapons

There are a lot of types and systems of hunting carbines and rifles. Each hunter, before choosing equipment for hunting, must decide what kind of prey he wants to get and, based on this, choose the right type of weapon. This is necessary in order to know what to look for when buying and not to make mistakes when choosing, which can be expensive. The essential selection criteria are also the personal preferences of the hunter and the features of the area where the fishing will take place (wooded, open, etc.). Consider the parameters of each type of weapon.

1. Gun. This is the most popular type of hunting weapon. Shotguns are exclusively smooth-bore, which is associated with the peculiarities of their production. Guns can shoot both shot and buckshot, lead bullets. There are single-barreled (single-shot and multi-shot) and multi-barreled (two or more barrels). Multi-shot have the ability to independently load the cartridge without the participation of the shooter, in single-shot each cartridge must be sent separately. There are combined guns, in which, together with the shot barrel, there is a rifled one (it makes it possible to fire bullets). Sometimes there are also bullet shotguns that have a special barrel drilling and allow you to shoot both bullets and shot from one barrel.
2. A rifle is a weapon with a rifled barrel that has a butt for ease of shooting. It was invented in the 19th century as a replacement for muskets, which were not known for their accuracy and reliability. Now they are ubiquitous and are used not only for hunting.They are sold in specialized stores, and a license is required to purchase such weapons.
3. A carbine is a type of rifle that differs from it in a shorter barrel length and lighter weight, due to which it is widely used by both beginners and experienced hunters. The main disadvantage of such a weapon is poor range compared to a rifle. This is the best equipment for sea hunting. The compact size and light weight of the product for many hunters outweigh the ability to shoot long distances.

Deciding which type of weapon to buy is not easy, as each shooting equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages. For hunting from a stationary place, a rifle is best suited, since it is able to send a bullet to a distance of 2 kilometers or more, it does not have additional devices. This ability allows you to hunt shy game, which can not be approached at close range. At the same time, this type of equipment has a great destructive power, which is important when hunting a large animal. Close-range hunters note that there is no need to reload each shot (which is common with many rifles that use a bolt-action mechanism). In addition, many carbines are equipped with a bayonet-knife, which can be a good help when meeting a large animal one on one.

Shotguns come in a variety of caliber sizes. In fact, the caliber is the diameter of the gun barrel. The caliber number is the number of bullets (an integer value) that can be made from one pound of English lead. In this case, all bullets must be equal in weight and diameter. The most common rifle caliber is 12.The popularity of models with this caliber is due to the good accuracy of combat at close range, which is suitable for medium and large game. Such a cartridge can be loaded not only with buckshot or shot, but also with a lead bullet.

The 20 gauge is suitable for hunting birds and small animals. It can also be charged with salt. The power of such a charge is less than that of the twelfth caliber, but it has the best accuracy of all possible options.

16 is considered the middle option between 12 and 20 calibers. According to its main characteristics - accuracy of combat, range, it is close to size 20, but its power is close to size 12, that is, there is not enough lethal force for long-range shooting, which is why experienced hunters do not recommend choosing this caliber.

Now hunting equipment is also produced in 24, 28, 32 and 36 calibers, but the use of guns of this type is limited, and we will not consider them within the framework of this article.

Rifled weapons are classified as follows:

• small-caliber - with a diameter of up to 6.5 mm;
• medium (normal) caliber - 6.5-9 mm;
• large-caliber - 9-20 mm.

Small arms are considered weapons up to 23 mm, everything above is artillery. The most common small-caliber weapon used for hunting small game is 5.6 mm (22 LR). Also used in sport shooting. It is distinguished by good accuracy, quiet sound, budget price, low recoil. Of its shortcomings, one can single out a small power.

Caliber 7.62x54R is produced exclusively in Russia. Most often used for hunting medium and large animals (deer, elk, bear, etc.). Due to the fact that this is a Russian-made cartridge, it is inexpensive, and hunters have no difficulty finding where to buy it.

The most common caliber for big game hunting is 9.3x62mm. This is a foreign-made cartridge, developed by a German specialist in 1905. In addition to high lethal force, it is distinguished by low recoil and a large list of bullets that fit the charge. The disadvantages include how much it costs (high price) and a steep trajectory, which is why you can only effectively shoot at a distance of up to 250 meters.

Rating of high-quality Russian-made rifles, carbines and shotguns for 2022

Vepr-308

The first shotgun of the Vepr family was manufactured on the basis of the Kalashnikov machine gun at the Molot plant in 1995. During this period, the management of the enterprise was forced to reorient it to the production of products for the civilian population due to the fact that the Ministry of Defense and foreign clients reduced the number of orders to a minimum. This carbine is considered one of the best among similar competitors. Thanks to the popularity that he won not only among hunters, but also among organizations involved in service and security, he is still being produced, and has a large number of various modifications that differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in caliber.

In order for the carbine to have a long service life, the chamber and bore are coated with chrome, which prevents rapid wear of the working surfaces. The device has a place for mounting optics, which allows it to be used for long-range shooting. The device recharges itself, using the energy of exhaust gases and a spring mechanism when fired.

In order to ensure safety, a non-removable flame arrester is installed on the product. The butt is equipped with a rubber shock absorber, which allows you to soften the recoil when fired.

The Vepr-308 carbine (factory modification SOK-95) is configured to use 7.62.308 Winchester cartridges, from which it got its name. Even without the use of optics, the weapon allows for aimed shooting at a distance of up to 300 meters. The magazine compartment holds 5, 7 or 10 charges.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	7.62 mm
ammo	7.62x51; 308Win
barrel length	520 mm; 590 mm
Projectile speed	830 m/s
firing range	300 m
Magazine capacity	5-7 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	4.1 kg

• reliability - due to the fact that the weapon is made on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which has gained worldwide fame due to its quality and durability;
• a small return that even a beginner can handle;
• high accuracy and lethal power of a shot give the maximum effect from shooting;
• according to the manufacturer's description, the device can operate at temperatures ranging from -50 to +50 °C;
• it is possible to simultaneously use a standard sight along with an additional one.

• large weight and dimensions are not always convenient for hunting on foot; such a device is more suitable for physically developed hunters;
• according to buyers, the balancing in the carabiner is not of the best quality;
• not the best material is used for the manufacture of wooden parts - wood of the second and third grade;
• According to hunters, the flag fuse makes a lot of noise, and can frighten off a sensitive animal or bird.

Tiger 7.62x54R

The carbine is made on the basis of the Dragunov rifle, and is practically indistinguishable from the original in appearance.The light weight that the weapon received thanks to the shortened barrel made it popular with amateurs and professionals. At the same time, in terms of functionality, it is practically not inferior to a device with a full-sized barrel.

According to the reviews of the owners, the SVD mechanism is reliable and highly stable, which practically eliminates the possibility of misfires. Since classical brackets were used in the development of the model, a large number of optics can be used with the device to choose from. Most often used sniper PSO-1.

You can find a carbine in any hunting store, as the device is widespread in Russia. On the Internet on thematic forums there are many reviews on it. There you can also find recommendations for the care, repair and improvement of the product. All components have an average price compared to analogues, which gives a wide field for the development of the device in accordance with the user's preferences.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	7.62 mm
ammo	7.62х54R
barrel length	530, optional 620
Projectile speed	730 m/s
firing range	300 m
Magazine capacity	5-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.9 kg

• light weight compared to the previous model;
• is in first place in the ranking of popular carbines;
• on sale you can find modifications with a wooden or plastic stock;
• can be recharged automatically using the energy of exhaust gases;
• resistance to adverse weather conditions.

• some models do not have a flame arrester, due to which blinding of a person is possible at night;
• since this is a modified version of an army weapon, the optics and structure of the product are not always convenient for hunting.

TOZ-78

This product is intended for fishing of small game and birds. The modification was released to replace the outdated versions of TOZ-17 (18). The device was developed at the Tula Arms Plant, which gave the shortened rifle its name.

The model differs from its predecessors in a modified bolt, which was not previously used on rifles of this type. TOZ-78 is the basic modification, which is equipped with an optical sight and a magazine that holds 5 or 10 rounds.

This is a bolt-on carbine that cannot self-load, and you have to manually juggle the bolt. For small game hunters, this is not essential.

The carbine is equipped with a safety lever with a function to prevent spontaneous shots. The trigger mechanism is fixed on the side, on a special mount and has the ability to adjust. To do this, adjusting screws are used, one of which is responsible for the force of the descent, the second for the smoothness of its course.

The device is equipped with both a mechanical sight and an optical one. At the same time, the second one can move along the barrel, allowing the use of a mechanical sight without removing the optical one. The stock is made from birch. If the product is exported, beech or walnut can be used in the decoration.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	5.6mm
ammo	22 Long Rifle
barrel length	536 mm
Projectile speed	300 m/s
firing range	100-300 m
Magazine capacity	5-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	2.7 kg

• durable and reliable locking mechanism that allows the use of cartridges of different capacities;
• wide trigger adjustment range;
• to prevent spontaneous firing, a mechanical fuse is provided that blocks the shutter;
• long-term warranty from the manufacturer.

• unsuccessful fastening of the magazine, which makes it easy to lose it under accidental mechanical impact;
• some buyers do not like the appearance of the product, they consider it unattractive due to the narrow stock and non-standard position of the front sight.

Saiga 410

The history of the invention of this type of hunting equipment is interesting. In the 1970s, agricultural land in Asia was constantly destroyed by saigas. Moreover, they caused such damage that the Secretary of the Kazakh SSR was forced to turn to General Secretary Brezhnev with a request to instruct specialists to develop weapons that would be effective in hunting these animals.

The carbine was developed 4 years later on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle at the IzhMash plant. It did not receive mass distribution at that time, but began to be actively sold in the 90s, when the population was forced to acquire weapons not only for hunting, but also for self-defense.

Initially, the device was made in the form of a smoothbore gun, which was suitable for fishing for small animals, sports shooting or self-defense. Subsequently, a medium-caliber version of the gun was developed, which could be used for hunting medium-sized game. In the future, the model was repeatedly modified, rifled carbines were developed, which gained popularity among the population.

Saiga, unlike its famous predecessor, does not have the possibility of automatic shooting, since this parameter is not so important for fishing. The appearance of the product has also been changed.Due to the nuances of legislation regarding the volume of the magazine in weapons used for civilian equipment, its capacity has been reduced. However, craftsmen have developed a technology that allows the use of an army magazine in a device used for hunting wild animals. It should be noted that alterations of this kind are illegal, and if detected, they can bring a lot of problems to the owner of the carbine.

According to hunters, Saiga is more suitable for hunting medium and large game. A large number of modifications allows you to choose the device in accordance with your preferences. Buyers are offered shotguns for 410, 12 and 20 gauge. Among the rifled weapons, carbines chambered for 7.62X51, 7.62X39, 5.56X45 and 5.45X39 can be distinguished.

Saiga 410 is designed to be used in conjunction with the 410 cartridge, which is of foreign origin and is widely used in Europe and America. This cartridge is characterized by high range and low recoil. As a charge, you can use shot or bullets. The device can be used at temperatures from -30 to +50°C.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	410 mm
ammo	410, "Magnum"
barrel length	330 mm
Projectile speed	300 m/s
firing range	25m for shot, 50m for bullets
Magazine capacity	4-10 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.2 kg

• low recoil, high accuracy for smoothbore weapons;
• light weight of cartridges, which allows you to take a large number of spares with you;
• reliability and durability, due to the fact that the device was created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

• small firing range;
• high cost of cartridges;
• the possibility of easy deviation of bullets from a given trajectory in a collision with an obstacle, which is associated with their low weight.

Rating of high-quality foreign-made rifles, carbines and shotguns for 2022

Remington 700 SPS

This device was created in 1962 on the basis of the Mauser G98 known at that time. Mass production of the model began in 1966, field tests took place in Asia, during the fighting in Vietnam. The modernization of the device was carried out in 1077, all the shortcomings that existed at that time were taken into account.

The rifle has become widespread, and today it is not difficult to find spare parts and accessories for it. Models of most modern manufacturers can be used as a sight, because. The device is equipped with a universal mount.

Cartridges are delivered from the built-in magazine or from a removable external one. The Remington 700 model has become a prototype for the development of a large number of modifications - more than 600 varieties have already been developed and put on sale for civilians. Rifles of this type have earned the trust of users due to the high reliability and workmanship of each element.

Remington 700 SPS is made of chrome molybdenum steel. The stock is made of black polymer (plastic). The device is equipped with a built-in magazine for 4 rounds. 308 caliber is considered one of the most accurate in its class, a rifle with this caliber has a long barrel resource - up to 5000 shots without loss of accuracy. This popular hunting rifle is used for hunting small and medium game.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	.308 Win
barrel length	610 mm
Magazine capacity	4 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.3 kg

• due to the simplicity of the design, the device has excellent reliability and durability;
• thick-walled barrel is not subject to vibrations, cools down quickly during active shooting;
• there is a muzzle brake that reduces recoil;
• non-removable magazine eliminates the possibility of accidental loss;
• there is a constructive possibility of adjusting the trigger force;
• the bed is made of high-quality plastic, which is not subject to deformation from the aggressive effects of the external environment.

• inconvenient top recharge;
• many users complain about the small travel of the trigger;
• an overly protruding shutter lever during sea hunting creates certain difficulties - it clings to trees and bushes.

Browning X-Bolt Hunter

This Belgian-Japanese-made rifle has a classic design, manual reloading. Made in Japan for the world-renowned reliability and durability of its products, it is sought after by customers all over the world. During development, the manufacturer tried to simplify the design of the weapon as much as possible in order to achieve trouble-free operation.

Its compact size and light weight allow it to be used during sea hunting. The magazine is made of plastic and can be removed if necessary. Cartridges are sent directly, which eliminates the possibility of skew.

On the receiver there are brackets for mounting an optical sight. The trigger descent has a short and smooth course. The butt is made with the use of a recoil pad, which reduces recoil when fired.

Since the barrel of the Hunter modification weapon is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, and the stock is made of walnut, covered with a protective varnish, the rifle can be used in all weather conditions and at extreme ambient temperatures.

In 2009, the rifle was named "Hunting Rifle of the Year" by the National Rifle Association of America.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	.223 Rem / .243 Win / .308 Win / .30-06 Springfield
barrel length	560 mm
Accuracy	22 mm
Trigger force	1650
Magazine capacity	3-5 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.1 kg

• high accuracy;
• light weight, ergonomic design, comfortable to wear;
• reliability and durability;
• small opening angle.

• hard descent;
• a plastic removable magazine that can be lost during sea hunting.

Mauser M12 Magnum

This German-made carbine is designed for professional hunting and sport shooting. The model has 2 modifications - Standard and Magnum. The second modification is slightly longer than the first and is distinguished by natural wood trim.

According to hunters, the device is best suited for hunting medium and large game. The barrel of the weapon is made of stainless steel, which is not subject to corrosion and mechanical damage. The rifle bolt is quickly and easily disassembled without the use of additional devices.

For the safety of the user, the equipment is equipped with a three-position safety lock. According to customer reviews, the descent in the rifle is clear and smooth, with little effort.

Fans of modifications can lengthen the buttstock with a thickened butt plate; upon purchase, you can order a modification with grinding the shutter.

The device is equipped with a mechanical sight for offhand shooting, it is also possible to install an additional optical sight.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	7mm Rem.Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag
barrel length	524 mm
Accuracy	17 mm
Trigger force	825 g
Magazine capacity	4-5 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.0 kg

• high accuracy;
• high-quality performance, high resource;
• reliable three-position fuse;
• soft descent;
• ergonomic bed.

• removable magazine, which can be lost during running hunting;
• pressed stem.

Haenel Jaeger 10

This carbine is made in Germany, widely distributed due to the relatively low price, good functionality and workmanship. Weapons are made in the small town of Sule, not only their own components are used for production, but also spare parts from such well-known brands as Sauer and Merkel.

The store is removable, made of plastic and steel. Many users note the inconvenient and unreliable store latch. The locking of the shutter is carried out using 6 bolt stops arranged in two rows, due to which reloading is carried out quickly and without jamming.

The fuse in the device is side and two-position. A mechanical sight with a front sight, adjustable in height and horizontal, is installed on the barrel. The trigger is equipped with a trigger, which works with little effort on the part of the user. The stock is made of wood or plastic.

Specifications:

Index	Meaning
Caliber	.270 Win.; .30-06; .308 Win.; 6.5x55; 7x64; 8x57IS; 9.3x62; Magnum: 7mm Rem Mag.; .300 Win. Mag
barrel length	565 mm
Accuracy	25 mm
Trigger force	1150 g without shneller, 150 g with shnepper
Magazine capacity	4 rounds
Weight with loaded magazine and without optics	3.2 kg

• budget price;
• good accuracy for a device of this level;
• the presence of a mechanical sight for offhand shooting;
• performance quality.

• some users do not like the trigger that is equipped with the escapement in this model;
• the fuse makes a lot of noise.

Conclusion

Many novice hunters are not always able to understand which company's small arms are better. Many make their choice based on data from Internet resources, choosing a model from a photo. In no case should this be done, since it is impossible to evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular weapon without holding it in your hands.

Some believe that you can buy a gun by contacting a specialized store and getting advice from the seller. This is not quite the right approach, since each of them is interested in selling a more expensive model to the buyer, while the quality characteristics of the weapon are not important to him.

We recommend choosing a rifle or carbine based not only on personal preferences, but also after studying thematic forums and talking with experienced specialists. We advise you to go fishing with a group of hunters and evaluate the selected model in real conditions. We hope that our article will help you make the right choice and narrow down your search for the best rifles to a few items.