Best Hunting Rifle Under $350: Five guns reviewed head-to-head and hands-on

Published on September 9, 2019
Duration: 17:44

This expert review from Backfire compares five hunting rifles under $350, including the Mossberg Patriot, Remington 783, Ruger American, Savage Axis, and Thompson Center Compass. The analysis focuses on hands-on testing, accuracy, trigger pull, and reliability, providing valuable insights for budget-conscious hunters. The Ruger American is highlighted as the top performer in this price bracket.

Quick Summary

The Ruger American is the best hunting rifle under $350, offering superior accuracy (0.8995" group), reliable feeding, and a durable stock. It outperformed competitors like the Savage Axis, Remington 783, TC Compass, and Mossberg Patriot in hands-on testing by Backfire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Rifle Lineup
  2. 01:01Mossberg Patriot Review
  3. 05:16Thompson Center Compass Review
  4. 07:08Remington 783 Review
  5. 10:47Savage Axis Review
  6. 13:00Ruger American Review - Top Pick

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best hunting rifle under $350?

Based on expert hands-on testing, the Ruger American is the top-performing hunting rifle under $350. It offers the best accuracy (0.8995" group), reliable feeding, and a durable synthetic stock compared to other budget options reviewed.

What are the key performance differences between budget hunting rifles like the Ruger American and Savage Axis?

The Ruger American excels with superior accuracy (0.8995" vs 1.035" group) and a more robust stock. The Savage Axis provides solid sub-MOA accuracy but lacks some refinements found in the Ruger American, making the Ruger the preferred choice for overall performance and durability.

What common issues should buyers look for in budget hunting rifles?

Buyers should be wary of poor accuracy (like the Mossberg Patriot's 4.785" group), magazine feeding failures (seen on the TC Compass), and dangerous scope eye relief (a concern with the Remington 783). Testing these aspects is crucial.

How did the Thompson Center Compass and Remington 783 perform in the review?

The TC Compass was affordable but suffered major magazine feeding issues and a heavy trigger. The Remington 783 had a cheap feel and dangerous eye relief but surprisingly good accuracy (1.243" group). Neither was recommended over the Ruger American.

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