There are many rifles to choose from, but the best rifles are the ones that are the most reliable, accurate and versatile to the user. Here in this list, we explore the best long range rifles that are readily available for beginners and seasoned pro handlers alike.

Finding the Best Long Range Rifle

In deciding which rifle would best suit your needs and tastes, it’s good to keep in mind that there is no ‘best' when it comes to comparing firearms. There is only ‘different,’ as different rifles are made for different purposes, and because of the extremely wide variety of long-barreled and hunting rifles available on the market, it can be a challenge when deciding which weapon you should purchase. With that said, we have done our homework to give you some insight regarding what to look for when choosing the best long range rifle that suits your needs.

5 Best Long Range Rifle

Photo by Alex Andrews from Pexels

How We Reviewed

During the review of all five of the rifles in this article, we considered a wide variety of parameters. Namely incorporated features, and the Pros and Cons of each rifle. Another factor considered during the creation of this list was ergonomics, which is how comfortable a rifle is to hold and use. Finally, their price compared to other competing rifles, and warranties. Overall, the guns on this list were deemed the best long range rifles on the market.

Remington 700 AAC

Image source Remington

  • Weight: 7.5 lbs.
  • Barrel Length: 20 inches
  • Overall Length: 39.6 in.
  • Caliber: .308 Winchester
  • Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
  • Manufacturer: Remington Firearms
  • Best use: Long-range Shooting and Hunting
  • Prominent features: X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger; Hogue over-molded adjustable stock; 5/8-24 threaded barrel; Blued barrel and receiver finish

1. What Is It?

2. What Is It For?

3. How Does It Work?

4. Where Can You Buy It?

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Inexpensive ammunition and common caliber
  • Easy to repair and maintain
  • Comfortable to use

CONS

  • Low ammunition capacity
  • Relatively long overall length

2. M21 Long Range Match Krieger Barrel

M21 Long Range Match Krieger Barrel

Image source Hyatt Guns

  • Weight: 11.6 lbs.
  • Barrel Length: 22 in.
  • Overall Length: 44.3 in.
  • Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Action: Bolt-action
  • Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
  • Warranty: Yes, from manufacturer
  • Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
  • Best Use: Long-range shooting, Hunting
  • Prominent Features: Krieger stainless steel heavy match barrel; Adjustable cheek comb walnut stock; Parkerized finish; National Match blade front sight and rear sight(.0595 Match Grade Hooded Aperture with ½ MOA adjustment)

1. What Is It?

2. What Is It For?

3. How Does It Work?

4. Where Can You Buy It?

PROS

  • Inexpensive ammunition and common caliber
  • Easy to repair and maintain
  • Large magazine capacity
  • Semi-automatic design

CONS

  • High price tag
  • Heavy
  • Long overall length
Tikka T3 Scout CTR

Image source Tikka

  • Weight: 7.5 lbs.
  • Barrel Length: 20 in.
  • Overall Length: 40.1 in.
  • Caliber: .308 Winchester
  • Action: Bolt-action
  • Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
  • Manufacturer: Sako Limited
  • Warranty: No
  • Best Use: Long-range shooting, Hunting
  • Prominent Features: Single-column detachable magazine; Cold hammer-forged Sako barrel; Weatherproof synthetic stock; Single set trigger; Adjustable cheek piece; Stainless steel action; Picatinny rail or Weaver base

1. What Is It?

2. What Is It For?

3. How Does It Work?

4. Where Can You Buy It?

PROS

  • Relatively low price tag
  • Inexpensive ammunition and common caliber
  • Picatinny rail
  • Lightweight frame
  • Relatively high ammunition capacity
  • Short barrel and overall length

CONS

  • The rifle is no longer manufactured
4. Evolution Extreme Long Range Hunter

Image source MOA Rifles

  • Weight: 8 lbs.
  • Barrel Length: 26 in.
  • Caliber: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum, available in other calibers
  • Action: Bolt-action
  • Manufacturer: MOA Rifles
  • Best Use: Long-range shooting
  • Prominent Features: Free floated barrel channel; Pillar bedding; Silver and black options; McMillan A3-5 edge stock

1. What Is It?

2. What Is It For?

3. How Does It Work?

4. Where Can You Buy It?

PROS

  • Low weight
  • High effective range
  • Highly customizable through manufacturer
  • Ergonomic form factor

CONS

  • High price tag
  • Ammunition is very expensive and difficult to get
  • Relatively long barrel and overall length
5. Surgeon Rifle Scalpel

Image source Surgeon Rifle

  • Weight: 13 lbs.
  • Barrel Length: 24 in.
  • Caliber: .308 Winchester, available in other calibers
  • Action: Bolt-action
  • Manufacturer: Surgeon Rifles
  • Warranty: Yes, from manufacturer
  • Best Use: Long-range shooting, Hunting
  • Prominent Features: Surgeon Action with integral recoil lug; Dark earth cerakote finish; Picatinny rail scope mount; Krieger stainless steel match barrel; 2-position Jewell trigger safety

1. What Is It?

2. What Is It For?

3. How Does It Work?

4. Where Can You Buy It?

PROS

  • Common caliber and ammunition
  • Picatinny rail
  • Ergonomic stock and design
  • High effective range
  • Highly customizable through manufacturer

CONS

  • High price tag
  • Relatively heavy compared to other rifles
  • Relatively long barrel and overall length

The Verdict

While each of these rifles has its own strengths and weaknesses, and some have more strengths than others, it is important to reiterate the earlier statement regarding the best long range rifle: there is no best, only different, as the above list shows. But with that said, It is our duty to provide recommendations for a purchase. In this author’s experience, a firearm is only as good as the bullet it fires, and the .308 Winchester is a sound cartridge overall.

Another common theme in this list was the overall high price tags of most of the rifles themselves. There are few people that can easily afford to spend thousands of dollars on a single rifle. Therefore, if you are a someone who looking for a cheap, reliable and high-quality weapon, the Remington 700 AAC is a good decision. On the flip side however, if you are seeking range and hitting power (and have a small fortune to spend), the Evolution Extreme LRH would come across as a good, albeit expensive choice.