Rating of the best hunting sniper rifles for 2022

Despite the fact that people no longer need hunting as a way to obtain meat for food, this type of recreation is still popular among men.

In order to track an animal or bird and get a trophy, you need to have not only special knowledge and flair, but also all the necessary equipment. The main hunting weapon is a gun, the condition of which directly determines the result. The better and, accordingly, more expensive the equipment, the greater the chances of returning home with results.

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

What types of hunting weapons are there?

There are many types and systems of hunting carbines and rifles. Every 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 make a mistake when choosing, which can be expensive. Essential selection criteria are also the personal preferences of the hunter and the characteristics of the area where the fishing will take place (wooded, open, etc.). Let's look at 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 due to the peculiarities of their production. Shotguns can fire both shot and buckshot and lead bullets. There are single-barreled (single-shot and multi-shot) and multi-barrel (two or more barrels). Multi-shot ones have the ability to independently load a cartridge without the participation of the shooter; in single-shot ones, each cartridge must be sent separately. There are combination guns in which, along with a shot barrel, there is a rifled barrel (which makes it possible to fire bullets). Sometimes there are also bullet shotguns that have a special drilling of the barrel and allow you to shoot both bullets and shot from one barrel.
2. A rifle is a weapon with a rifled barrel and a stock for easy shooting. It was invented in the 19th century as a replacement for muskets, which were not very accurate or reliable. Now they are widespread and are used not only for hunting. They are sold in specialized stores, and to purchase such weapons you must have a license.
3. A carbine is a type of rifle that differs from it in having a shorter barrel length and lighter weight, which makes it widely used by both beginners and experienced hunters. The main disadvantage of such weapons is their poor range compared to a rifle. This is the best equipment for walking hunting. The compact size and light weight of the product outweigh the ability to shoot over long distances for many hunters.

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

Smoothbore shotguns come in different sizes by caliber. Essentially, caliber is the diameter of a gun barrel. The caliber number is the number of bullets (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 good accuracy at close ranges, 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 twentieth 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 a twelve-gauge, but it has the best accuracy of all possible options.

The middle option between 12 and 20 gauges is considered to be 16. In terms of its main characteristics - combat accuracy, range, it is close to size 20, but its power is close to size 12, that is, it does not have enough stopping power for long-range shooting, which is why experienced hunters It is not recommended to choose this caliber.

Nowadays they also produce hunting equipment of 24, 28, 32 and 36 calibers, but the use of guns of this type is limited, and we will not consider them in 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.

Weapons up to 23 mm are considered small arms, everything above is artillery. The most common small-caliber weapon used for hunting small animals is 5.6 mm (22 LR). Also used in sports shooting. It has good accuracy, quiet sound, budget price, and low recoil. One of its disadvantages is its low 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 difficulties with 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 destructive power, 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 fire a shot at a distance of up to 250 meters.

Number and length of rifling

The rifling in the barrel of a rifle allows the bullet to rotate as it leaves the barrel, resulting in increased shot accuracy. The number, direction of rotation, type and pitch of rifling vary from rifle to rifle.

The number of rifling in the barrels of modern weapons can be from 4 to 10. The greater the number of rifling, the higher the accuracy.

The rifling in the barrel of a rifled weapon can have either a right or left direction of rotation.

The grooves can have different profiles: rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, oval. The most common are rectangular and trapezoidal rifling profiles.

The pitch of the rifling (twist) is the distance at which the rifling makes one full revolution. In Russia, the rifling pitch is indicated in millimeters, in Western countries in one turn per number of inches. A longer bullet needs a shorter (faster) rifling pitch, a shorter bullet needs a longer (slower) twist.

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

Vepr-308

The first gun of the Vepr family was made on the basis of the Kalashnikov machine gun in 1995. During this period, the management of the enterprise was forced to reorient it to produce 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 it gained not only among hunters, but also among organizations involved in service and security, it is still produced today, and has a large number of different 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 space 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.

To ensure safety, the product is equipped with a non-removable flame arrester. The butt is equipped with a rubber shock absorber to soften recoil when fired.

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

Specifications:

Advantages:

• reliability - due to the fact that the weapon is manufactured on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which has gained worldwide fame due to its quality and durability;
• low recoil that even a beginner can handle;
• high accuracy and lethal power of the shot provide maximum shooting effect;
• according to the manufacturer’s description, the device can operate in a temperature range from -50 to +50 °C;
• It is possible to simultaneously use a standard sight along with an additional one.

Flaws:

• heavy 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 carbine is not of the best quality;
• for the manufacture of wooden parts, not the best material is used - second and third grade wood;
• According to reviews from hunters, the safety catch 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 gained due to the shortened barrel made it popular among amateurs and professionals. At the same time, in terms of functionality it is practically not inferior to a device with a full-size barrel.

According to reviews from owners, the SVD mechanism is made reliably and is highly stable, which virtually eliminates the possibility of misfires. Since classic brackets were used in the development of the model, a large number of optics can be used with the device to choose from. The most commonly used sniper PSO-1.

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

Specifications:

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• some models do not have a flame arrester, which is why a person may be blinded at night;
• Since this is a modified version of a military weapon, the optics and structure of the product are not always convenient for hunting.

TOZ-78

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

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

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

The carbine is equipped with a safety catch with a function to prevent spontaneous firing. The trigger mechanism is fixed on the side, on a special mount and is adjustable. For this, adjusting screws are used, one of which is responsible for the force of the trigger, the second for the smoothness of its movement.

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 of birch. If the product is exported, beech or walnut may be used in the finishing.

Specifications:

Advantages:

• durable and reliable locking mechanism, allowing the use of cartridges of different powers;
• wide range of trigger settings;
• to prevent spontaneous firing, a mechanical fuse is provided that blocks the bolt;
• long warranty from the manufacturer.

Flaws:

• poor mounting of the magazine, which makes it easy to lose due to accidental mechanical impact;
• some buyers do not like the appearance of the product; they consider it unattractive due to the narrow butt 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. It did not become widespread at that time, but began to be actively sold in the 90s, when the population was forced to purchase 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 hunting small animals, sport shooting or self-defense. Subsequently, a medium-caliber version of the gun was developed, which could be used for hunting medium-sized game. Subsequently, the model was repeatedly modified; rifled carbines were developed, which gained popularity among the population.

Saiga, unlike its famous predecessor, does not have the ability to automatically fire, since this parameter is not so important for fishing. The appearance of the product has also been changed. Due to the nuances of the legislation regarding the volume of the magazine in weapons used for civilian equipment, its capacity was reduced. However, craftsmen have developed 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 many problems to the owner of the carbine.

According to hunters, Saiga is more suitable for hunting medium and large animals. A large number of modifications allows you to choose a device according to your preferences. Buyers are offered smoothbore shotguns for 410, 12 and 20 calibers. Among rifled weapons, carbines chambered for 7.62X51, 7.62X39, 5.56X45 and 5.45X39 cartridges can be distinguished.

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

Specifications:

Advantages:

• low recoil, high accuracy for smooth-bore weapons;
• light weight of cartridges, which allows you to take a large number of spare ones with you;
• reliability and durability due to the fact that the device is based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Flaws:

• short firing range;
• high cost of ammunition;
• the ability to easily deflect bullets from a given trajectory when colliding with an obstacle, which is due to their low weight.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of the Evanix Blizzard S10 air rifle:

Rating of high-quality rifles, carbines and shotguns of foreign production 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 existing at that time were taken into account.

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

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

The 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 4-round magazine. 308 caliber is considered one of the most accurate in its class; a rifle with this caliber has a long barrel life - up to 5000 shots without loss of accuracy. This popular hunting rifle is used for hunting small and medium-sized game.

Specifications:

Advantages:

• due to the simplicity of the design, the device has excellent reliability and durability;
• the thick-walled barrel is not subject to vibrations and cools 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 stock is made of high-quality plastic, which is not subject to deformation from aggressive environmental influences.

Flaws:

• inconvenient top reload;
• many users complain about the short travel of the trigger;
• An excessively protruding shutter lever creates certain difficulties during hunting - it clings to trees and bushes.

Browning X-Bolt Hunter

This Belgian-Japanese-made rifle has a classic design and manual reloading. Thanks to the world-renowned reliability and durability of products manufactured in Japan, it is in demand among 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.

Compact dimensions and light weight allow it to be used during walking hunting. The magazine is made of plastic and can be removed if necessary. The cartridges are sent directly, eliminating the possibility of misalignment.

The receiver has brackets for installing an optical sight. The trigger trigger has a short and smooth stroke. The buttstock is made with a butt 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 coated with a protective varnish, the rifle can be used in all weather conditions and at extreme ambient temperatures.

In 2009, the rifle was recognized as the “Hunting Rifle of the Year” by the National Rifle Association of America.

Specifications:

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• hard descent;
• a plastic removable magazine that can get lost during 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 features a natural wood finish.

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

For user safety, the equipment is equipped with a three-position fuse. According to customer reviews, the rifle's trigger is clear and smooth, with little effort.

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

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

Specifications:

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Haenel Jaeger 10

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

The magazine is removable, made of plastic and steel. Many users note that the magazine latch is inconvenient and unreliable. The bolt is locked using 6 bolt stops arranged in two rows, making reloading quick and jam-free.

The fuse in the device is lateral and two-position. The barrel is equipped with a mechanical sight with a front sight that is adjustable in height and windage. The release is equipped with a trigger, which is triggered with little effort on the part of the user. The stock is made of wood or plastic.

Specifications:

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Multicompression (compression)

This type of pneumatics is represented mainly by rifles and single pistols. In such models, air pressure is created by a hand pump, the handle of which is usually the rifle fore-end or a special lever. With such a rifle, you can control the muzzle power by the number of strokes (the maximum number is specified by the manufacturer). Weapons of this type are usually lighter and more compact than other types; the second advantage, as a rule, will be a fixed barrel (but not for all types), which does not affect its accuracy during service. The disadvantage of a multi-compression mechanism is that it takes a long time to reload, especially if you choose such a model for hunting, where there is often not a lot of time to reload, in addition, you will have to work hard to get maximum power. Examples of such rifles would be: Crosman 2100 B and Crosman 525X Recruit, a very worthy multi-compression model, in our opinion. As for pistols, let's also pay attention to the Crosman 1377 C and the Spanish model GAMO AF-10.