Top 10 Elk Hunting Rifles of 2023. When it comes to elk hunting, having the right weapon can make all the difference.
Top 10 Elk Hunting Rifles of 2023
The carnivores known as elk can weigh up to 800 pounds and can reach heights of seven feet tall, so you’ll most likely need something more powerful than your average rifle. The market is full of different types of rifles specifically designed for elk hunting, but with such a wide range to choose from, finding the right one can be a bit of a challenge.
Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 elk hunting rifles of 2023 that are sure to help you bag your next trophy. From the classic to the cutting edge, we’ve got the perfect rifle for every elk hunter’s needs.
What Makes a Quality Elk Hunting Rifle?
Before we get into the specifics of which rifles make the cut, let’s take a look at some of the key characteristics that make a top-notch elk hunting rifle. While everyone has their own unique preferences when it comes to rifles, there are certain technical specifications and features that hold true for everyone.
Design: Elk hunting rifles should have modern ergonomic designs with adjustable features for the buttstock and fore-end to ensure maximum comfort and accuracy. Easy-to-reach controls make shooting easier while enhancing performance.
Category: Elk hunting rifles can be divided into two categories—bolt-action and semi-auto. Bolt-action rifles are traditional and reliable with little recoil, and they tend to be more accurate than their semi-auto counterparts. Semi-auto rifles are great for quick successive shots with less recoil due to the gas-operated mechanism.
Caliber: When it comes to the caliber of an elk hunting rifle, the general consensus is that bigger is better. Larger rounds offer more power and greater accuracy, while smaller rounds can cause too much damage to the elk’s pelt and potentially mask additional entry wounds.
Weight: Elk hunting rifles should be lightweight and easy to carry. After all, you’ll likely be lugging your rifle around for hours on end. Lightweight designs with high-strength materials are key.
Top 10 Elk Hunting Rifles of 2023
Now let’s take a look at the top 10 elk hunting rifles of 2023 that tick all the boxes listed above.
1. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade is well-known among veterans as one of the most reliable elk hunting rifles available. Not only is it chambered in .300 Win Mag, but it’s also an incredibly accurate rifle with a walnut stock and an Italian leather trim. The adjustable match-grade trigger makes it easier to prepare for every shot, and the blind magazine helps ensure that the rounds feed reliably and without incident.
2. Weatherby Vanguard
The Weatherby Vanguard is another excellent choice for elk hunting. It’s a bolt-action rifle with a walnut stock and a fluted stainless-steel barrel, and it’s chambered in the versatile .30-06 Springfield. Weatherby’s superior craftsmanship is what truly sets the Vanguard apart; the stock is ergonomically designed with a redesigned recoil pad and a pillar bedding system to ensure accuracy every time.
3. Savage Model 10 Predator
The Savage Model 10 Predator is a top-notch elk hunting rifle that’s chambered in .308 Win. Thanks to its modular design and the AccuTrigger, the Savage Model 10 Predator is a joy to shoot. The stock’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to carry, and the floating bolt head ensures that rounds feed and eject reliably. And with an adjustable muzzle brake, you can tailor the rifle to your specific needs.
4. Tikka T3x Lite
The Tikka T3x Lite is a lightweight elk hunting rifle that weighs just 7 pounds, and it offers the shooter accuracy and reliability. The rifle is available with a variety of different cartridges—the .308 Win, .270 Win, and the .243 Win, to name a few—and the synthetic stock is designed to be comfortable to carry, even under grueling conditions.
5. Browning X-Bolt Pro
The Browning X-Bolt Pro is an excellent choice for those after a reliable semi-auto elk hunting rifle. Its gas-operated system keeps recoil to a minimum, and the rifle’s adjustable muzzle brake allows shooters to customize the rifle to their specific needs. What’s more, the X-Bolt Pro is chambered in a variety of cartridges—the .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .30-06 Springfield, and .270 Win, just to name a few.
6. Remington 700
The Remington 700 is one of the most iconic elk hunting rifles on the market. It offers reliability and accuracy, and the light recoil is perfect for longer shooting sessions. The adjustable trigger and adjustable stock make the Remington 700 a pleasure to shoot, and it’s chambered in the powerful .30-06 Springfield round.
7. Ruger American Predator
The Ruger American Predator is an excellent choice for elk hunting. The rifle has the renowned AccuFit system which enables the shooter to customize its fit to their needs, and it’s also equipped with the rugged Marksman Adjustable Trigger. The matte black finish ensures that the Ruger American Predator is both durable and reliable.
8. Kimbery Montana XTR
If you’re after a lightweight elk hunting rifle, the Kimber Montana XTR is a great choice. It weighs just 6.5 pounds and is chambered in .300 Win Mag. What truly sets the Montana XTR apart, however, is its modern aluminum stock with the Inflex Technology. This enables the rifle to reduce felt recoil and point of impact shift for the most comfortable shooting experience.
9. FN SPR A5M
If you’re looking for a high-end elk hunting rifle, you can’t go wrong with the FN SPR A5M. It’s a bolt-action rifle that offers excellent accuracy and reliability, and it’s offered in either .270 Win or .308 Win. The rifle features a short-action, three-lug bolt design and a stock that’s designed to reduce felt recoil.
10. Steven Model M77
The Steven Model M77 is an excellent choice for those after a reliable elk hunting rifle that doesn’t break the bank. The rifle features the reliable two-lug rotary bolt head, and it’s chambered in the classic .30-06 Springfield. What makes the Model M77 truly stand out, however, is the adjustable removable trigger shroud that helps reduce the chance of a trigger pull accident.
Conclusion
The market for elk hunting rifles is full of options, so it’s important to narrow down your search to the ones that truly meet your needs and preferences. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 elk hunting rifles of 2023. Whether you’re after a classic bolt-action rifle or something a bit more modern, there’s sure to be something on this list for everyone. Happy hunting!
FAQs
What is the best caliber for elk hunting?
The general consensus is that the best caliber for elk hunting is one that is large and powerful. Larger rounds offer more power and greater accuracy, while smaller rounds can cause too much damage to the pelt and potentially mask additional entry wounds. Some popular calibers for elk hunting include .30-06 Springfield, .270 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Win Mag.
What is the advantage of a bolt-action rifle for elk hunting?
The main advantage of a bolt-action rifle for elk hunting is accuracy. Bolt-action rifles have little recoil, and they tend to be more accurate than their semi-auto counterparts. Additionally, bolt-action rifles know for their reliability, making them a popular choice among veteran hunters.
How important is the stock of an elk hunting rifle?
The stock of an elk hunting rifle is incredibly important. Elk hunting rifles should have ergonomic designs with adjustable features for the buttstock and fore-end to ensure maximum comfort and accuracy. Easy-to-reach controls make shooting easier while enhancing performance.
What makes the FN SPR A5M rifle stand out?
The FN SPR A5M is a high-end elk hunting rifle that offers excellent accuracy and reliability. It features a short-action, three-lug bolt design and a stock that’s designed to reduce felt recoil. Additionally, the FN SPR A5M has an adjustable removable trigger shroud, which helps reduce the chance of a trigger pull accident.
Are there any lightweight elk hunting rifles?
Yes! The Tikka T3x Lite is a lightweight elk hunting rifle that weighs just 7 pounds. It offered in a variety of cartridges, from the .308 Win to the .243 Win. The synthetic stock is designed to be comfortable to carry, even under grueling conditions. Additionally, the Kimber Montana XTR weighs just 6.5 pounds and is chambered in .300 Win Mag.
Are semi-auto elk hunting rifles reliable?
Yes! Semi-auto elk hunting rifles offer quick successive shots with less recoil due to the gas-operated mechanism. The Browning X-Bolt Pro is an excellent choice for those after a reliable semi-auto elk hunting rifle. Its gas-operated system keeps recoil to a minimum, and it offered in a variety of cartridges.
Do semi-auto and bolt-action elk hunting rifles perform the same?
Semi-auto and bolt-action elk hunting rifles have their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Bolt-action rifles are known for their accuracy and reliability, while semi-auto rifles offer quick successive shots with less recoil. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference—the best rifle for you is the one that meets your own specific needs and preferences.