Forget what you have heard about cheap bolt-action rifles. I took the rifles that sell for $500 or less and put them head to head so you do not have to. The results surprised me, and this article breaks down what I found so you can pick the best hunting rifle under $500.

Watch the video above for the range footage, then use this write-up to compare the rifles side by side. Looking for more options? Check out my guide to the best budget hunting rifles.

The best hunting rifle under $500: my ranked list of five

Right now there are only five bolt-action rifles that show up under the $500 mark on a regular basis: the Glenfield Model A, the Savage Axis II, the Stevens 334 Synthetic, the Mossberg Patriot Synthetic and the Savage Axis XP. Here is how I rank them from best to worst:

1. Glenfield Model A
2. Savage Axis II
3. Stevens 334 Synthetic
4. Mossberg Patriot Synthetic
5. Savage Axis XP

A quick note on fairness: I did not have a Stevens 334 on hand for the video, so that ranking is based on how it compares to the Savage Axis II rather than hands-on range time. Some of this also comes down to personal preference, and your experience could differ.

1. Glenfield Model A: the best hunting rifle under $500 in my book

The Glenfield Model A is made by Ruger. Glenfield is an old name that was once sold in department-store catalogs, and Ruger has brought it back so they can offer a rifle under $500. In practice it is essentially a Ruger American Gen 1 Predator, and I recently sold my own Ruger American Gen 1, so I know the platform well.

Here is why it wins for me:

• 70-degree bolt throw: This is the biggest advantage over the Savage Axis line. It is quicker to cycle and far easier to live with when you run a scope with bulky rings.
• Huge aftermarket support: Because it is compatible with Ruger American Gen 1 parts, there is a lot of stocks, triggers, magazines and accessories to choose from.
• Consistent accuracy and reliability: In my experience these shoot very consistently out of the box and are well made.
• Better components overall: In my opinion it has a better recoil lug system, a better bolt throw, a trigger that is just as good, and slightly higher quality components than the Savage Axis rifles.

For reference, Field & Stream lists the Glenfield Model A at $499 with a 20-inch barrel and a weight of about 6.3 pounds. In their test it averaged just over an inch at 100 yards for five-shot groups across three loads. They also point out that the safety does not lock the bolt, which is worth knowing before you buy.

Check the Glenfield Model A at Palmetto State Armory (affiliate link)

2. Savage Axis II: the best value runner-up

The Savage Axis II is my number two pick for the best hunting rifle under $500. It comes with a basic synthetic stock and a soft, pliable recoil pad, and its adjustable AccuTrigger with the center blade breaks crisp and clean, with only a little noticeable creep and a decent amount of overtravel. For a budget trigger, it is hard to complain about.

What I like and what I do not:

• Magazine design: I really like the Savage magazine. The release is part of the magazine, which makes it very easy to operate.
• Accuracy: These are generally very accurate rifles right out of the box.
• Bolt: The bolt has a 90-degree throw and a noticeably hard lift compared to some other rifles. That 90-degree throw can also cause problems with bulky scope rings, since you can bang your hand on the scope or be unable to mount a larger scope low.
• Build: The receiver is machined from bar stock, the recoil lug is a separate piece that sits in recesses in the receiver and stock, and the bolt head is free floated with two locking lugs. You also get a plastic trigger guard and a stamped metal magazine.
• Reliability: Savage rifles are known for occasional extraction, firing pin and ejection issues, and I have personally had more component failures with Savage Axis rifles than with Ruger American rifles.

The Axis II also offers right- and left-hand options and chamberings from .223 Remington up through .30-06, along with 350 Legend and 400 Legend. It lists around $515 at retail but is often on sale for under $400, according to Field & Stream.

Check the Savage Axis II at Palmetto State Armory (affiliate link)

3. Stevens 334 Synthetic: close, but I would take the Axis II

I did not have a Stevens 334 to go over with you on camera, so I cannot give you range numbers. Here is why I would still pick the Savage Axis II over it. The Axis II has more features that truly matter in the field, and in my opinion a consistently better trigger. The Stevens trigger tends to be very heavy, at 5 pounds or more.

That said, you can split hairs. Some shooters like the 334 more than the Axis II, and if you want a walnut stock, the Stevens 334 is available with one. It comes down to personal preference.

Check the Stevens 334 at Palmetto State Armory (affiliate link)

4. Mossberg Patriot Synthetic: great when it is good

The Mossberg Patriot has a cheap polymer stock with a rubber recoil pad and a sling swivel stud. The trigger is similar to the AccuTrigger with a center blade, but I like the AccuTrigger a lot more because the Patriot has noticeably more creep, although it is not bad.

• Bolt: A spiral-fluted bolt that rides a little rougher and sloppier in the receiver. The bolt throw is 90 degrees, but I find the lift and operation easier than the Savage. The bolt release is a simple tab on the left side, so you do not have to press the trigger and release at the same time like you do on a Savage.
• Action design: The front recoil lug is sandwiched between the barrel and receiver, much like a Remington 700, and sits in a recess in the stock. I actually like this recoil lug design better than the Savage Axis.
• Barrel: The barrel is free floated and the version I shot was threaded 5/8×24.
• Magazine release: The release lever is part of the stock. I find the Savage magazine release works a little better.

The big issue is consistency. The Patriot I showed in the video was a 7 PRC that shoots sub-MOA easily with factory ammo and will knock your socks off, but these rifles are known for quality control problems and inconsistent accuracy. That is the main reason I would not pick it over the rifles above.

Check the Mossberg Patriot at Palmetto State Armory (affiliate link)

5. Savage Axis XP: last on my list

The Savage Axis XP is basically the Axis II with the same AccuTrigger, usually bundled with a scope, so I did not go over it separately in the video. Because it has the same rifle underneath and the same component issues I have seen with Savage, I put it last on the list.

Check the Savage Axis XP at Palmetto State Armory (affiliate link)

So which is the best hunting rifle under $500?

If I were choosing the best hunting rifle under $500 today, I would pick the Glenfield Model A for its 70-degree bolt throw, huge aftermarket support, consistent accuracy and better overall components. The Savage Axis II is a strong second place, especially when it is on sale. Whichever rifle you choose, budget a little for good glass and rings, because a bargain rifle with a good scope will outshoot an expensive rifle with a bad one.

Prices and availability change often, so check the current price before you buy. Leave a comment on the video and tell me which one you think is the best hunting rifle under $500.

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Related

• Our top hunting rifle picks

Are budget rifles actually worth your money? I tested the top bolt-action rifle options under $500 to find the best value.

Many shooters assume low cost equals low quality, but the market is shifting. I gathered a variety of entry-level models to verify if they hold up during a real range session. We focused on build quality and consistent rifle performance to separate the reliable tools from the gear that fails under pressure.

The range data highlights specific winners that punch above their weight class and a few models that struggled to meet basic standards. By the end of this breakdown, you will have a clear understanding of which platforms offer the best shooting experience without breaking your budget.

Subscribe for weekly rifle breakdowns, and leave a comment telling me which model you want to see me test next.