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:
- Glenfield Model A
- Savage Axis II
- Stevens 334 Synthetic
- Mossberg Patriot Synthetic
- 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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