Best Budget Bolt-Action Rifles (Under $700) — 2025 Edition
November 11, 2025
If you’re hunting for budget bolt-action rifles that still punch above their price, good news: 2025 has plenty of sub-$700 choices that group tight, run reliably, and won’t make your wallet whinny. Below, we compare five proven models, what they do best, and how to pick the right one for your hunts, range days, or first rifle build.
Why budget bolt-action rifles still rule
- Real accuracy: Factory barrels and better triggers make sub-MOA groups realistic with the right ammo.
- Light, rugged stocks: Synthetic stocks keep weight down and shrug off bad weather.
- Easy upgrades: Most of these rifles accept common scope bases, AICS-pattern mags (select models), and drop-in triggers.
If you’re brand-new, start in our bolt-action rifles category for a quick view of what’s trending by caliber and brand. Then cross-shop the brand hubs for current trims and chamberings.
Quick picks (TL;DR)
- Best all-around: Ruger American — broad caliber options, handy sizes, great starter.
- Best out-of-box trigger: Savage Axis II — AccuTrigger keeps learning curves short.
- Best classic value: Mossberg Patriot — traditional look, lots of combos.
- Best hunter’s sleeper: CVA Cascade — smooth action, hunter-focused features.
- Best “grows with you” platform: Winchester XPR — strong recoil lug system, steady aftermarket.
What to look for at this price
- Caliber & use case. Deer inside 300 yards? Start with 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win. Varmints and youth shooters often prefer .243 Win or .223 Rem for low recoil.
- Barrel length. 22″ is the sweet spot for balance; go 20″ for blinds/trucks, 24″ if you’ll stretch distance and don’t mind extra length.
- Trigger. Adjustable triggers (factory or aftermarket-ready) help you shoot better, faster.
- Stock & fit. Spacer systems or adjustable combs are worth it if multiple shooters share the rifle.
- Weight. Sub-7.5 lb carries easier all day; add a sling and a lightweight 3-9x or 3-15x scope and you’re set.
Model snapshots
Ruger American (Standard & Ranch)
Ruger’s budget line remains a favorite for first-time buyers. Actions are smooth enough, magazines are easy to live with, and the lineup covers everything from .223 to .308 and 6.5 CM—plus compact Ranch variants for short barrels and suppressed setups. Explore the Ruger brand page and filter for American variants.
Savage Axis II
The Axis II adds the user-friendly AccuTrigger, a big deal when you’re refining fundamentals. Combo packages with serviceable optics make it “range-ready” on day one—ideal for new hunters gearing up before season. Browse the Savage brand page for current Axis II trims.
Mossberg Patriot
A classic profile with modern touches. You’ll see a wide variety of stocks (synthetic to wood) and factory combo options. If you prefer the traditional hunting-rifle aesthetic without the premium price, the Patriot is an easy pick. See the Mossberg brand page to compare SKUs.
CVA Cascade
Often overlooked, the Cascade is a hunter-centric bolt gun with a smooth 70-degree throw and practical feature sets (threaded muzzles are common). It’s a great value for whitetail and western crossover builds. Check the CVA brand page for chamberings and finishes.
Winchester XPR
The XPR brings Winchester’s modern bedding and recoil-management ideas to the value tier. If you plan to upgrade stocks/optics over time, XPR makes a solid foundation. Visit the Winchester brand page for current configurations.
Spec table (representative trims)
| Platform | Action | Caliber | Barrel length / Weight | Capacity | Overall length | MSRP / Street |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger American (Standard) | Bolt | .308 Win / 6.5 CM | ~22″ / ~6.6–6.8 lb | 3–4+1 | ~42″ | Street: ~$500–$650 |
| Ruger American Ranch | Bolt | .223 Rem / 300 BLK | ~16–16.5″ / ~6.0–6.2 lb | 5+1 (model-dependent) | ~36″ | Street: ~$500–$600 |
| Savage Axis II | Bolt | .308 Win / 6.5 CM | ~22″ / ~6.5–7.0 lb | 4+1 | ~42.5″ | Street: ~$450–$600 |
| Mossberg Patriot | Bolt | .308 Win / .243 Win | ~22″ / ~6.5–7.0 lb | 4+1 | ~42.25″ | Street: ~$450–$600 |
| CVA Cascade | Bolt | 6.5 CM / .308 Win | ~22″ (varies) / ~7.0 lb | 4+1 | ~42″ | Street: ~$600–$700 |
| Winchester XPR | Bolt | .308 Win / 6.5 CM | ~22″ / ~6.8–7.2 lb | 3+1 | ~42–44″ | Street: ~$575–$700 |
Notes: Specs vary by exact SKU and year. Always verify barrel threading, magazine style, and included bases before you buy.
Accuracy & ammo: getting the most from a budget rig
- Pick a load the rifle likes. Most of these rifles will shoot sub-MOA with the right ammo. Try 2–3 hunting loads (e.g., 120–143gr in 6.5 CM; 150–168gr in .308) and note group size, point of impact, and velocity (if you chronograph).
- Torque & bases matter. Even great rifles print poorly with loose bases/rings. Confirm torque specs and add blue threadlocker where appropriate.
- Don’t chase barrel heat. Thin hunting barrels walk when hot. Fire 3-shot groups with cooldowns to assess true performance.
Fit & ergonomics trump everything
A “cheap” rifle that fits you will outshoot an expensive one that doesn’t. Mind length of pull, eye relief with your scope at max magnification, and cheek weld. If the stock feels too short, add spacers; if your cheek sits low, consider cheek-riser kits or different rings.
When to spend a little more
If you plan to shoot long strings at distance, or you’re picky about triggers and stocks, consider stepping up to mid-tier rifles with heavier barrels or adjustable chassis. But for deer, hogs, and general range use, these sub-$700 options deliver excellent results — and leave room in the budget for quality optics and ammo.
Ready to compare? Start with bolt-action rifles and brand hubs for Ruger, Savage, Mossberg, CVA, and Winchester.