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

Published on September 9, 2019
Duration: 17:44

This review compares five hunting rifles under $350, highlighting the Ruger American as the top pick for its superior accuracy (0.8995") and reliable feeding. While the Savage Axis and Remington 783 offered good accuracy (1.035" and 1.243" respectively), they had drawbacks like a lack of AccuTrigger or dangerous scope eye relief. The Thompson Center Compass suffered from feeding issues and a heavy trigger, and the Mossberg Patriot was notably inaccurate.

Quick Summary

The Ruger American is the best hunting rifle under $350, excelling with the best accuracy (0.8995"), reliable feeding, and a durable synthetic stock. It outperformed the Savage Axis, Remington 783, Thompson Center Compass, and Mossberg Patriot in head-to-head testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 5 Budget Hunting Rifles
  2. 01:01Mossberg Patriot Review & Accuracy Test
  3. 05:16Thompson Center Compass Review: Feeding Issues
  4. 07:08Remington 783 Review: Accuracy vs. Safety
  5. 10:47Savage Axis Review: Solid Budget Option
  6. 13:00Ruger American Review: Top Pick Under $350

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best hunting rifle under $350?

The Ruger American is the top pick for a hunting rifle under $350, offering the best accuracy at 0.8995 inches, reliable feeding, and a durable synthetic stock compared to other budget options.

How did the Savage Axis perform in accuracy tests?

The Savage Axis delivered sub-MOA accuracy, achieving a median group size of 1.035 inches at 100 yards. It's considered a solid, unremarkable choice for its price point.

What were the main issues with the Thompson Center Compass?

The Thompson Center Compass suffered from significant magazine feeding failures and had a heavy 5.5 lb trigger pull, despite being very affordable and featuring a threaded barrel.

Is the Mossberg Patriot accurate enough for hunting?

No, the Mossberg Patriot was found to be extremely inaccurate, with a median group size of 4.785 inches, making it unsuitable for most hunting applications despite its appealing aesthetics.

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