The 2026 SHOT Show delivered some of the most exciting hunting rifle announcements we’ve seen in years. From ultralight mountain rifles to budget-friendly bolt guns, manufacturers are pushing the envelope on accuracy, weight, and versatility. Whether you’re chasing elk in the Colorado backcountry or sitting a whitetail stand in Alberta, here’s our breakdown of the rifles that deserve your attention this year.
Lightweight Mountain Rifles Are Dominating
The trend toward ultralight rifles continues to accelerate, and 2026 brought some standouts that mountain hunters will love.
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra
- Weight: 4.1 to 4.4 pounds
- Action: Titanium Mark V action
- Stock: Peak 44 carbon-fiber stock
- Barrel: 17- and 21-inch barrel options
- Calibers: .22 Creedmoor to 6.5 WBY RPM
- MSRP: $3,499
At under 4.5 pounds, the Capra is a dream for backcountry elk hunts where every ounce matters. If you’re packing into the Colorado high country on horseback, this is the rifle to consider.
Bergara Premier Cima Pro
- Weight: 5.5 to 5.75 pounds
- Stock: Autoclave carbon-fiber stock
- Barrel: CURE carbon-wrapped barrel
- Trigger: TriggerTech trigger
- Calibers: 6.5 PRC / 7mm PRC / .300 Win Mag
- MSRP: $3,099
The Cima Pro in .300 Win Mag is a serious option if you’re looking at guided elk hunts out West. For a deeper dive on which caliber to pair with it, check out our best caliber for elk hunting breakdown.
Seekins Precision Element Hunter
- Weight: 5.4 to 6.0 pounds
- Stock: Folding stock
- Barrel: Carbon fiber threaded barrel
- Accuracy: Sub-MOA
- MSRP: $3,200
Best Value Hunting Rifles of 2026
Savage 110 Core Hunter — $799
AccuFit V2, improved extractor, dual ejectors, AccuTrigger, 22+ caliber options. This is a lot of rifle for under $800. With caliber options ranging from .243 to .300 Win Mag, it covers everything from mule deer to elk.
Ruger American Gen II Prairie — $769
Spiral-fluted bull barrel, threaded muzzle, Smoked Bronze Cerakote, Marksman trigger, AI-pattern magazines.
Glenfield Model A — $499
Ruger revived the Glenfield brand with this budget powerhouse. Same action as the Ruger American, Cerakote finish, threaded barrel. Hard to beat at this price point.
Lever-Action
Henry SPD Predator — $2,510
Sub-MOA guarantee, carbon fiber threaded barrel, grey laminate stock, chambered in .223/5.56. Henry is proving that lever guns can hang with modern precision.
Innovation
Savage Impulse Core Hunter — $1,599
Straight-pull action, AccuFit V2 stock system, available in .22 Creedmoor, .25 Creedmoor, and 7mm Backcountry.
Franklin Armory Prevail — $3,200
Total Round Control action, interchangeable bolt heads. A genuinely new concept in bolt-action design.
Classics
Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed HD — $1,380
Vari-Tech stock, Cerakote finish, sub-MOA guarantee, and six left-hand models available. Browning continues to refine what was already a great platform.
Bergara Platinum Stalker — $1,900
Grey laminate Monte Carlo stock, available from 6.5 Creedmoor all the way up to .375 H&H. A beautiful rifle that performs. The .375 H&H option makes it worth a look if you’re planning a South Africa safari — read our guide on choosing the right caliber for Africa before you buy.
Our Top Picks by Hunting Style
- Western Big Game: Weatherby Capra or Bergara Cima Pro — pair either with our elk hunting gear list and you’re set
- Whitetail / Stand Hunting: Browning X-Bolt 2 or Savage 110 — a great match for Kansas whitetail hunts
- Budget Pick: Glenfield Model A at $499
- All-Around: Savage 110 Core Hunter at $799
Ready to Put Your New Rifle to Work?
A great rifle deserves a great hunt. Browse our guided hunting trips to find your next adventure, or talk to a hunting consultant about booking the perfect hunt for your setup and budget.
A few rifle hunts our consultants are booking right now: New Mexico Unit 13 rifle elk, GMU 55 Colorado elk, and Montana elk, deer, and black bear combos.
