Is a $3,000 rifle actually worth the premium price tag? We take these high-end options to the range to find out.

We are putting a selection of premium bolt-action rifles in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range to the test. This evaluation focuses on real-world shooting accuracy at 100 yards to see how these builds perform under consistent conditions.

We specifically examine the Christensen Ridgeline 300 PRC and Seekins Precision models. By testing different loads, we want to determine if the build quality justifies the investment for your next long range setup. This comparison highlights the subtle differences that separate a standard rifle from a high-end performer.

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About the Mauser C96 “Broomhandle”

The Mauser C96, nicknamed the “Broomhandle” for its round wooden grip, was one of the world’s first commercially successful semi-automatic pistols. It was designed by the Feederle brothers at the Mauser factory in the mid-1890s and stayed in production until 1937, carried by officers, explorers and soldiers around the world.

What makes the C96 different

• Magazine in front of the trigger: the internal box magazine sits ahead of the trigger guard, which gives the pistol its long, front-heavy profile. It is loaded from the top with stripper clips.
• Fast bottlenecked cartridge: the original 7.63x25mm Mauser round was unusually quick for a pistol cartridge of its day. Later “Red 9” models were chambered in 9mm Parabellum.
• Holster-stock: many C96s came with a wooden holster that attached to the grip and worked as a shoulder stock.

Why it still matters

The C96 is one of the most recognizable pistols ever made. Winston Churchill carried one at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, and its look has made it a favorite with collectors ever since. Condition, markings and matching numbers drive value, so look closely before you buy one. Vintage pistols reward good care, so find cleaning supplies at Brownells, and always wear electronic hearing protection and eye protection at the range. Follow your local laws.

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Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Choosing a hunting rifle under $2,000

Finding a reliable hunting rifle under $2,000 is easier when you know which features actually affect accuracy in the field. In the video, we take bolt-action rifles priced between $1,000 and $2,000 out to 400 yards and see how the build quality and stock furniture, including premium AAA-grade walnut stocks, hold up under real shooting.

What to look for

• Accuracy you can verify: a rifle should shoot tight, repeatable groups with the ammo you plan to hunt with. Test before you trust it, and stock up on hunting ammo at Natchez Shooting & Outdoors.
• Stock material: walnut looks great and feels classic, while synthetic stocks usually handle wet weather and rough treatment better. If you want to upgrade later, WOOX makes aftermarket stocks and chassis.
• Trigger: a clean, crisp trigger, ideally adjustable, makes long shots much easier to place.
• Weight and barrel length: a lighter rifle is easier to carry all day, and a heavier one is steadier at the bench.
• Caliber: match it to your game and distances. Popular choices include .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor and .30-06.
• Your optic budget: a rifle can only be as accurate as the scope and mounts on top of it, so plan to spend real money there. OpticsPlanet is a good place to compare riflescopes.

Scouting before the season helps too, and the onX Hunt app shows maps and land boundaries. Watch the video above for our top pick and the rifles we would skip.

Keep watching and reading

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Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

The ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer

The ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer is a .22 LR survival rifle designed by Eugene Stoner in 1959. Its best trick is that the whole rifle breaks down and stores inside its own waterproof, foam-filled stock, and yes, it floats.

What makes the AR-7 special

• Takedown design: the barrel, action and magazines pack away inside the hollow stock, so the rifle is compact and light to carry.
• Floating stock: the sealed, foam-filled stock keeps the packed rifle afloat, which suited it to boaters, pilots and backpackers.
• Quick to assemble: as the video shows, you can put it together in well under a minute.
• Affordable cartridge: .22 LR ammo is inexpensive and widely available. Browse range ammo at True Shot Ammo, and use ShellShock electronic hearing protection on range days.

A design that lasted

Eugene Stoner is best known for the AR-15 platform, but the AR-7 shows a different side of his work. After ArmaLite, the design was produced by other makers, and Henry Repeating Arms sells a version today as the Henry U.S. Survival rifle, so the concept is still easy to find. Keep any takedown rifle clean with supplies from Brownells.

Keep watching and reading

• The Famous Mauser C96 Pistol
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