At no time in hunting’s history has there been a more extensive, or better quality, selection of rifles to choose from. What is the ideal choice for someone heading afield in pursuit of the white-tailed deer? Check below for the definitive answer!

Tip 1: The Bolt-Action Rifle?
Without a doubt, this is the best deer rifle – right? By far the most popular among hunters, bolt rifles are available in scores of calibers, and the combinations of different types of stocks, metal finishes, barrel lengths, and overall weight can provide many thousands of options – providing an ideal solution for any particular use or preference. The proven, robust design can handle the most powerful magnum cartridges, and cleaning and maintenance is fairly easy. Why would any hunter need anything else?

Tip 2: The Lever-Action Rifle?
Lever actions have a nostalgic look and feel, but a couple of drawbacks reduced their popularity among hunters. For a long time they could not use spitzer (pointed) bullets, which were more accurate at distance, and they were knocked for being slow to reload. However, lever rifles are often shorter, handle and point well, and Hornady now makes LEVERevolution ammunition in 15 calibers, providing outstanding bullets for lever rifles. Companies like Henry and Browning make lever rifles that are as accurate as common bolt rifles at average deer hunting distances, in a wide variety of calibers. A lever rifle is perfect for most deer hunters.

Tip 3: A Pump?
Pump shotguns are everywhere, but pump action rifles are almost nonexistent. Remington has made the Model 7600 since 1981, but only offers it in four calibers (although they are all great deer rounds: .243, .270, .308, .30-06), and I have yet to notice one in the deer woods. With a design that includes a rotary bolt with four radial lugs and a free-floating barrel, this rifle is accurate, and fast with a second shot. There is no particular reason this is such a rare choice, because its function and features make it ideal for most hunters.

Tip 4: The Single-Shot Rifle?
It is often considered just a ‘youth gun,’ but single-shots are solid, reliable, easy to operate, accurate, often less expensive, and with a little practice can be reloaded very quickly. I combined a CVA Scout in .44-70 with a Hawke Endurance scope, and I’ve got a 200-yard rifle good for game from deer to moose. I had a friend rag on me about this setup because “you only get one shot.” He changed the subject when I pointed out that he hunts deer exclusively with arrows and a muzzleloader. Can a single-shot be the perfect deer rifle?

Tip 5: The Modern Sporting Rifle?
The MSR is a perfect deer rifle – and not because it is semiautomatic. They are accurate, customizable, and chambered in great deer calibers including .243, 6.5mm Creedmoor, .308, .450 Bushmaster, and even .338 and .300 Win Mag, making them able to take any big game for which you have a tag. When my daughter was young, her favorite rifle was an MSR because the stock was adjustable to fit her frame. I’ve hunted with an M1, a true military rifle and functionally no different than an MSR, but since it had a wood stock no one said ‘boo.’ I’ve had other hunters ask why I tote an MSR into the deer woods, and I always answer, “Because it’s a perfect deer rifle.”

Tip 6: Learn to Shoot.
Any rifle, or slug gun, or muzzleloader, or bow, is the perfect hunting tool if you put your first shot where it needs to go, every time. Instead of spending time arguing over gear, get to the range and practice so you are the best shot possible, in every position, weather condition, and wearing any type of clothing. If you are a consistent shot, there is no wrong rifle.

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