Precision bolt-action rifles aren’t only for PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitors. A high-quality bolt action capable of stellar precision on paper, steel, or game animals is a great addition to any gun owner’s collection. If you’ve been wondering what bolt actions might offer the best possible results, let us help. We’ve put together a list of our top 3 precision bolt action rifles to give you an idea of where to start.
Best Ultra-Lightweight Chassis: Christensen Arms MPR
Christensen Arms is well known for its beautiful high-quality bolt-action rifles. If you want a lighter-weight model, the Christensen Arms MPR is a fantastic choice. The rifle’s carbon fiber components create a durable and strong ultra-lightweight gun. The handguard, barrel, and even the comb on the stock are all made from carbon fiber. However, while the exact weight depends on the chosen caliber, the gun’s starting weight is 6.9 pounds. As such, that means it’s light enough to carry for extended periods, including hunting in the mountains.
Features of the Christensen Arms MPR include a target contour barrel, stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake, and a Picatinny rail over the receiver for optics. Furthermore, an additional length of rail on the handguard’s underside at the muzzle end makes adding a bipod simple. The rifle also has M-LOK compatible slots on the handguard for aftermarket accessories. The MPR is based on a standard Remington 700 footprint, giving it broad accessory compatibility. Meanwhile, an enlarged ejection port, enhanced bolt release, and skeletonized bolt handle all work to improve accuracy.
This rifle is offered in various calibers including 223 Remington, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm PRC, 300 Win Mag, and 338 Lapua Mag. Barrel length varies between 16 and 27 inches depending on caliber. Black anodized, Desert Brown Cerakote, or Tungsten Cerakote chassis color options combine with the black nitride action. The rifle’s other features worth mentioning are a fully adjustable stock, an AICS-compatible magazine, and an adjustable Trigger Tech flat trigger. Christensen Arms designs and manufactures exceptional bolt-action rifles according to exacting specifications. The MPR features superior precision, an ultra-lightweight platform, and incredible durability. It delivers all that — and more.
Best Precision Hunting Rifle: Proof Glacier Ti
You might know Proof best for their amazing carbon fiber barrels, but they also manufacture some excellent guns. The Proof Glacier Ti is a nice option for a precision bolt-action hunting rifle partly due to its light design and partly because it has a solid stock instead of a chassis with a bunch of moving parts. Specifically designed to serve hardcore mountain hunters chasing challenging game like sheep, the Glacier Ti withstands the elements and use-related wear. It’s also pack-friendly which means toting this rifle with your gear instead of slung over your shoulder is relatively straightforward.
The Proof Glacier Ti has a hinged floorplate BDL-style magazine, titanium action, and a sub-1/2 MOA accuracy guarantee (so bring your shooting skills). While factory set at 13 5/8 inches, the rifle’s length of pull is adjustable through customizable options. This rifle’s threaded barrel ships with a thread protector (much like the length of pull, you can add a custom option for a muzzle brake if you want one), so it’s suppressor-ready. The rifle features Proof’s patented match-grade barrel wrapped with carbon fiber as well as Proof’s carbon fiber Lightweight Mountain Hunter stock. To make it even better, the Glacier Ti is available in left or right-handed configurations.
There’s a Picatinny rail atop the receiver for your choice of optics with three attachment points for a sling or bipod. Available calibers include 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 308 Win, and 300 Win Mag. Barrel length varies from 20 inches to 26 inches depending on caliber. Color options for the stock include Black Granite, Green Granite, TFDE, Black Jungle, and Green Jungle. The action is also available with different finishes such as Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab, Black, Tungsten, and Sniper Gray. Glacier Ti overall length depends on the barrel length and other custom options. In addition, the empty weight ranges from approximately 5 pounds, 5 ounces to 6 pounds, 4 ounces. This is the ideal rifle for serious hunters requiring a rifle that can keep up with the demands of rough terrain.
Best Affordable Precision Rifle: Savage 10 BA Stealth
If you want to get into precision bolt-action rifles but prefer a more wallet-friendly price, check out the Savage 10 BA Stealth. This seriously tough heavier-duty rifle withstands hard use. The blueprinted action and customized monolithic aluminum chassis are designed for long-range precision. It’s chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, a cartridge popular with precision shooters for good reason. This is also an incredibly versatile rifle thanks to the chassis’ compatibility with AR buffer tube stocks and AR-style pistol grips. It’s also AICS-magazine compatible. The Stealth is a great option for getting into the precision bolt action rifle game.
Features of the Savage 10 BA Stealth include a six-position stock specifically designed to absorb felt recoil and create a more comfortable live fire experience with an adjustable cheek riser for improved cheek weld. The receiver’s Picatinny rail allows for optics mounting while the handguard also includes M-LOK compatible slots for accessories. It’s 24-inch, heavy contour, fluted barrel features an 11-degree crown. The threaded barrel ships with a thread protector. Of course, the rifle is muzzle device-ready if you want to add a suppressor or muzzle brake. A three-position safety makes it possible to load and unload the gun with the safety engaged while a fully adjustable AccuTrigger comes standard.
The rifle weighs 9 pounds empty (without optics or other accessories) and ships with a 10-round magazine. This is a nice choice for long-range shooting from the bench and a solid way to get yourself into bolt-actions without breaking the bank. The Savage 10 BA Stealth is well-made, reliable, and accurate.
Should you get a precision bolt action rifle?
A quality bolt-action rifle is a good addition to any gun collection (and also as a first rifle). Thanks to the wide availability of varying barrel lengths and calibers, you can get exactly what you need. Whether you want to get into PRS, long-range shooting at the range, or hunt at longer distances; a good precision bolt-action rifle is the way to go.
What’s your favorite precision bolt-action rifle? Tell us in the comments.
