With stalking season on the horizon, we look at the must-stock rifles
Savage B22 Precision
From .22 LR to the punch of .22 WMR, the Savage B Series delivers exceptional performance and includes an 18in heavy-threaded barrel, one-piece MDT chassis and 10-shot magazine.
RRP £800
Edgar Brothers
01625 613177
edgarbrothers.com
Ruger Long-Range Target
This precision .22 includes a flush-mounted BX-1 10-round rotary magazine for all 10/22 loads. Meanwhile, Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger offers a crisp release.
RRP £780
Viking Arms
01423 780810
vikingshoot.com
Steyr Carbon CL II
The Carbon CL II combines the accuracy of a Steyr rifle with a new extra-light carbon-fibre stock. Designed by FBT, the stock is not only lightweight and stable, but it is also ‘quiet’, with the same acoustic characteristics as a wooden stock.
Steyr Mannlicher
RRP £3,796
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
Tikka T1x
Tikka T1x’s cross-over barrel offers lightweight stability. It is threaded for a moderator, topped with an 11in rail, boasts an interchangeable stock and a 10-round magazine.
RRP from £575
GMK
01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
Howa M1100
This bolt-action rifle has a smooth action and comes with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee—something rare for a rimfire. The .17 HMR version is a solid varmint rig for foxes and other small critters.
SRP £539.99
Highland Outdoors
0345 099 0252
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
X-Bolt SF Max Varmint
This rifle is designed for rough conditions. The Influx II recoil pad lets you securely shoulder the rifle while taking care of the recoil. The bolt head is easy to handle, and the 24in blued barrel prevents glare.
RRP £1,299
Browning
01235 514550
browning.eu
Savage Model 10 GRS
The Savage Model 10 with GRS stock still features the proven Savage action, AccuTrigger and fluted heavy barrel. The GRS stock has a beavertail fore-end and a single stud for bipod fitting.
RRP from £1,800
Edgar Brothers
01625 613177
edgarbrothers.com
Howa Bifrost FDE
The Howa Bifrost is perfect for rugged stalking. With a superior hammer-forged steel action, the grip and fore-end have a rubber surface that is steady and comfortable in any weather.
SRP from £1,101
Highland Outdoors
0345 099 0252
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro
The standout features on these bolt-action rifles include the lightweight and rigid carbon-fibre stock, which is ¼lb lighter than previous versions, and the Browning Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, which reduces recoil up to 77%. Weather resistance is paramount, with the stainless-steel-barrelled action available with either a Cerakote Burnt Bronze or Tungsten finish.
RRP from $2,399.99
Browning
01235 514550
browning.eu
Franchi Horizon
The updated version of Franchi’s Horizon rifle benefits from the same excellent design, quality and fantastic value for money but with a couple of useful new features. The rifle now has a detachable magazine and a fluted bolt, and with the same ergonomic synthetic stock and blued barrel, this is a tough yet attractive rifle. The Horizon range is available in .243, .270, .308, .223 and 6.5 Creedmoor.
RRP £730
GMK
01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
CL II SX Mountain
The Steyr Mannlicher CL II SX sets a new standard for all synthetic hunting rifles. Built for accuracy, comfort and durability, the latest model features a new aluminium bedded synthetic stock, polymer inlays for improved grip and a design that’s perfect for bipod shooting.
For weather protection, there is a Mannox coating as standard. Steyr’s optimised barrel profile guarantees high accuracy, and the rifle also features the manufacturer’s rolling three-stage safety. The CL II SX hunting rifle is available in up to 17 calibres and with the option of two different barrel lengths—standard (22in) and mountain (20in).
Steyr Mannlicher
RRP £1,706.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
CZ 557 American
CZ has been producing centrefire rifles using ball cartridges since the 1960s and its products have always been among the best on the market. The latest CZ 557 model series combines the best of its extensive experience with the most advanced design and manufacturing processes.
At the heart of these firearms is the modernised mini Mauser barrelled action with a short extractor and spring-loaded ejector. High accuracy is ensured by the cold-hammer-forged barrels, and additional benefits include a silent and easy-to-reach manual safety and absolute reliability in all calibres.
RRP £1,066
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
Strasser RS14 Thumbhole Evolution
Based on the Strasser multi-calibre system, the RS-14 Evolution features an integrated Picatinny rail and a DLC coating on the trigger. As with the standard RS-14, the Evolution model retains the modular design concept that allows the gun to be field stripped to its component parts within minutes, and features Strasser’s BEST Barrel Release System.
Available in mini calibres .222 Rem, .223 Rem; standard calibres .243 Win, 6.5×55 SE, 6.5×65 RWS, .270 Win, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06, 8×57 IS, 8.5×63, 9.3×62; and magnum calibres 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag.
Strasser
RRP £3,118.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354 870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
Sako Kodiak
Designed as a special order for the UK market, the Kodiak stock is made of grey laminated hardwood and reinforced with two cross-bolts. The bolt, receiver and mag are made from stainless steel.
RRP from £2,425
GMK
01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
Marlin XT-22
The XT .22 LR from Marlin has a seven-round magazine and adjustable trigger, and is threaded for a sound moderator. Synthetic and timber stocks are available.
RRP from £269
Raytrade
01635 253344
raytradeuk.co.uk
Ruger American Predator
Featuring a moss green composite stock and a blued barrel, this centrefire includes Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger and a one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70-degree throw.
RRP £680
Viking Arms
01423 780810
vikingshoot.com
Comments are closed