Best Large-Bore Hunting Rifles: Big Guns & Big Game

If you want to hunt the world's biggest game animals, you're going to need a serious large-bore hunting rifle. Lucky for you, we've selected some of the best so you can spend less time shopping, and more time prepping for a once-in-a-lifetime hunting trip.

Yes, we shoot a lot of black rifles and 9mm pistols around here, but the Pew Pew Tactical team also includes our share of hunters and all-around gun aficionados. We pooled all that expertise to narrow this list down to four of the very best large-bore hunting rifles you can buy.

What matters most is getting you a rifle that can get the job done -- and bring you home safe and sound.

Best Large-Bore Hunting Rifle Comparison Chart

How We Picked the Best Large-Bore Hunting Rifles

For this guide, we focused on rifles aimed at the biggest game species: brown bear, hippo, Cape buffalo, and the like. Prominent factors we considered were stopping power, build quality, and availability.

Yes, we'd all love a Holland & Holland Royal Double Rifle. But if that's in your budget, you're not shopping around, are you, old chap?

Cartridge Availability

To be considered, a rifle had to be available in a .375-caliber or larger cartridge. The Ruger No. 1 is the only exception; the single-shot classic in 9.3x62 is too perfect for African antelope species to not make the cut.

We don't have anything against conventional American big-game loads like .30-06 Sprg and .300 Win Mag, but this time we're going even bigger.

Record of Success

A lot of the game animals you'd hunt with these rifles are very dangerous. In addition to spec-sheet figures and things like factory and aftermarket support, we looked for rifles that have a sterling track record of reliability.

They may not be the newest or most flashy rifles out there, but they also won't give your guide second thoughts about taking you into the bush.

How to Choose a Large-Bore Hunting Rifle

We did a lot of homework for you. Here's what you need to figure out before you pull the trigger on one of these rifles.

Game Species

First, make a list of all the animals you'd like to hunt with your large-bore rifle. Think long term, because these guns are financially significant.

Being over-gunned can be an issue, but being under-gunned is much worse. What's the biggest animal you intend to hunt? What other rifles do you own than can over the smaller end of the spectrum?

Rifles like the Winchester Safari Express in .458 Win Mag are extremely capable, but if the biggest game you're likely to hunt only requires a Ruger No. 1 in 9.3x62, you might be able to do all of your hunting with something a little cheaper to feed and easier to shoot.

Legal Requirements

If you already know where you'll be hunting and what type of game you'll be pursuing, check the applicable laws pertaining to cartridge selection.

As with big-game regulations in the U.S., many African countries, local authorities, and individual properties have minimum cartridge requirements for specific species. Guides are very helpful for this kind of information.

Ammunition Availability

True large-bore hunting rifles are pretty uncommon here in the U.S. The ammunition they require is expensive, and you can't always count on it being in stock where you shop.

If you hunt long enough, you will end up in an unfamiliar place with your rifle, but no ammo. Whether it's because of forgetfulness or a customs experience gone wrong, things happen.

If you can nudge the odds in your favor by picking something fairly mainstream, you'll have better luck picking up a box when you need it.

Push Feed vs. Controlled-Round Feed

Not all bolt actions are the same. Two types you need to know about are push feed and controlled-round feed.

Push-feed rifles include the popular Remington Model 700 and Savage 110. With these rifles, the bolt simply presses each round out of the magazine and into the chamber. The extractor doesn't grip the cartridge rim until the bolt is locked.

It's a simple, inexpensive design. Push-feed rifles are better for chambering single rounds from the top by hand. Downsides include the potential for double feeding under certain situations, and the potential for failure to extract if dirt causes the cartridge to stick in the chamber.

Controlled-round-feed rifles include the Mauser 98 and Ruger Hawkeye African. This design grips the cartridge rim with a steel claw as the bolt strips it from the magazine, resulting in more reliable extraction and allowing the rifle to cycle in any orientation. On the other hand, attempting to chamber a round by hand on top of a full magazine for +1 capacity can stress or damage the mechanism.

Those are the basics. It's a hot topic and I won't try to sway you one way or the other; if you want to really nerd out, there's a fantastic writeup on the AfricaHunting forum.

Best Large-Bore Hunting Rifles

1. Ruger Hawkeye African - Best Value

Quick Verdict: The Ruger Hawkeye African checks a bunch of large-bore boxes at a surprisingly reasonable price. For what you'd spend on a mid-tier AR-15 or 1911, you can get a bona fide large-bore hunting rifle with controlled-round feed, a three-position safety, a removable muzzle brake, and a checkered American walnut stock. Express-style sights come standard, and the receiver features a two-piece integrated scope rail to eliminate a potential point of failure.

Best Value

Ruger Hawkeye African

$1263at Hinterland Outfitters

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1263at Hinterland Outfitters

Kygunco (See Price)

Primary Arms (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .416 Ruger
• Action: Bolt-action, controlled-round feed
• Capacity: 3+1
• Barrel Length: 23"
• Overall Length: 44.88"
• Weight: 7.8 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Why We Picked It

If you polled big-game hunters, there are a few features they'd probably rattle off as common must-haves for a large-bore hunting rifle; by and large, the Ruger Hawkeye African has them.

It all starts with a bolt action that uses non-rotating controlled-round feed to deliver maximum control and reliability under the kind of pressure only a charging leopard or bull elephant can create.

On top of the receiver are integrated scope rails that ought to handle the sheer force of .416 Ruger recoil better than a few tiny screws -- and scope rings are included. If you prefer irons, the Hawkeye African comes with an express-style V-notch rear sight and a white bead front sight for a quick, accurate sight picture.

The threaded muzzle comes with a brake, weight, and thread protector. Run what you like or add a suppressor.

Top it all off with a generously checkered American walnut stock, and you've got a rifle that seems more expensive than it is. Are there more refined large-bore hunting rifles out there? Absolutely. But this one will do a great job while leaving more money for your flight, tipping your guide, and coming home with an unforgettable experience (and maybe a trophy for the wall).

A left-handed version is also available.

One downside to this particular Hawkeye African is that, traditionally, the proprietary .416 Ruger cartridge made sourcing ammo a little difficult. Things seem to be improving, though. I like it because it's adequate for a lot of very large species and fits in a standard-length action for slightly quicker cycling.

Hornady .416 Ruger 400gr DGS

$104at GunMag Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$104at GunMag Warehouse

MidwayUSA (See Price)

Kygunco (See Price)

Like the Glenfield Model A and IWI Zion-15, the Ruger Hawkeye African has a way of saying, "I didn't spend a lot of money, but I know my stuff."

The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

Email addressSubscribe

2. Savage 110 Ridge Hunter - Best Budget

Quick Verdict: We don't want high-dollar rifles to prevent you from experiencing an incredible hunting opportunity, so we're grateful for the rugged, capable, and affordable Savage 110 Ridge Hunter. Push feed and a plastic stock might not be everyone's cup of tea for a dangerous game hunt overseas, but this rifle is just the ticket for a cold, rainy hunt in North America. And don't forget -- this one's threaded for a suppressor!

Best Budget

Savage 110 Ridge Hunter

$779at DEGuns

Prices accurate at time of writing

$779at DEGuns

Kygunco (See Price)

GrabAGun (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .375 Ruger
• Action: Bolt-action, push-feed
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 18"
• Overall Length: 39.11"
• Weight: 8.3 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Why We Picked It

The Savage 110 Ridge Hunter does a lot of things well, but we chose it for a specific type of hunter. This one's for anyone who got lucky enough to draw a moose or brown bear tag in the U.S., and needs a new rifle that won't blow the budget.

The plastic stock isn't fancy, but it handles precipitation, bumps, and scrapes better than wood. It's adjustable for length of pull, and comes with the thicker padding of any stock here (your shoulder will thank you).

The matte-finish stainless-steel barrel and action are perfect for the kind of hostile weather you're likely to encounter while chasing coastal bears or high-mountain moose.

I've had great experiences with Savage barrels. My Savage 110 Precision keeps up with far more expensive rifles, and the humble Axis 2 and MkII I both shined in my guide to the Best Budget Bolt-Action Rifles.

I doubt you'll be mag-dumping any of these rifles, but it's worth pointing out that the Savage 110 Ridge Hunter offers the highest capacity on this list at 5+1. And yes, because it's push-feed, you can safely take advantage of that +1.

Hornady .375 Ruger 300gr DGS

$81at GunMag Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$81at GunMag Warehouse

Firearms Depot (See Price)

Scheels (See Price)

MidwayUSA (See Price)

While the Savage 110's push-feed action is great for North American hunts and keeps costs down, many experienced hunters shy away from it for African dangerous game.

Can you hunt lions and elephants with a push-feed rifle? Of course, people do it all the time. You just need to understand the limitations, accept the risks, and train accordingly.

This is also the most lefty-friendly rifle on this list. Savage offers every single cartridge option (12 at the time of writing) in right- and left-handed configurations.

3. Winchester Safari Express - Best for Dangerous Game

Quick Verdict: The Winchester Model 70 is the rifleman's rifle, and the controlled-round-feed Winchester Model 70 Safari Express is the one to have if you plan on hunting the biggest game animals on the planet. Winchester moved manufacturing to Portugal but, by all accounts, this rifle exemplifies the fit and finish customers expect from Winchester. Eat your Wheaties because .458 Win Mag is no joke.

Best for Dangerous Game

Winchester Model 70 Safari Express

$1557at Hinterland Outfitters

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1557at Hinterland Outfitters

Kygunco (See Price)

Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .458 Win Mag
• Action: Bolt-action, controlled-round feed
• Capacity: 3+1
• Barrel Length: 24"
• Overall Length: 44.75"
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Country of Origin: Portugal

Why We Picked It

The Winchester Model 70 Safari Express and .458 Win Mag cartridge are a match made in dangerous-game heaven. If you want to feel good about squaring off with a member of the Big Five, this is what you want on your shoulder.

Let's get into some important details because not all Model 70s are the same.

For starters, the Model 70 Safari Express uses controlled-round feed. That's important for hunters who want to know their rifle can reliably feed, extract, and eject at any angle -- dangerous-game hunting can involve some pretty hasty defensive shooting. It's also helpful when you need to rip a dirty piece of brass out of the chamber in a hurry.

It's also built in Portugal, and I haven't heard any negative feedback about these rifles compared to U.S.-built Winchesters.

The rear sight is fully adjustable, the front sight is a hooded brass bead, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope rings.

Since we picked the punishing .458 Win Mag version of this rifle, it's important to note that the action features dual recoil lugs and a Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad.

Other standout features include a free-floating barrel, recessed target crown, and three-position safety.

Hornady .458 Win Mag 500gr DGS

$156at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$156at Kygunco

Palmetto State Armory (See Price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (See Price)

This is our pick for dangerous game. It's overkill for just about anything else, but it's exactly what you want for something like a Cape buffalo.

Our Most Popular Posts

Best Beginner Revolvers [2026]

Best Walther PDP Upgrades [2026]

Best AR-15 Rifles (2026): Every Use Case Tested

Best Handgun for Beginners & Home Defense [2026]

4. Ruger No. 1 in 9.3x62 - Best for Plains Game

Quick Verdict: If plains animals are on the itinerary, there's no better (or cooler) rifle for the money than the Ruger No. 1 paired with a Mannlicher-style stock and chambered for the 9.3x62 cartridge. The Farquharson falling block action keeps this rifle compact and agile, the solid American walnut stock is worthy of Safari photos, and 9.3x62 is capable of taking many plains animals without ruining the hide.

Best for Plains Game

Ruger No. 1

$1958at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1958at Kygunco

Specs

• Caliber: 9.3x62
• Action: Farquharson falling block
• Capacity: 1
• Barrel Length: 20"
• Overall Length: 36.5"
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA

Why We Picked It

If your prey is large but not particularly dangerous, you can comfortably hunt in style with the elegant Ruger No 1.

While the Farquharson falling block limits you to a single shot, it also keeps this rifle considerably shorter, lighter, and more maneuverable than other large-bore rifles with comparable barrel lengths.

I specifically chose the 9.3x62 version of this rifle because it's great for lots of plains game, and it's currently in production and readily available.

This round is perfectly adequate for animals like zebra, hartebeest, kudu, oryx, and the like. In fact, basic American .30-caliber cartridges can do the job and extend your effective range if they're allowed where you hunt. Avoiding overpowered rifles is important if you plan on saving the hide.

Looking for something else? Cartridge options open up if you shop the used market, and Ruger offers different cartridges every year. If you want a new rifle chambered in something else, just be patient.

Hornady 9.3×62 286gr DGS

$77at GunMag Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$77at GunMag Warehouse

Kygunco (See Price)

Hinterland Outfitters (See Price)

Ruger's current No. 1 lineup includes everything from 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win to .257 Wby and .275 Rigby.

Not all of them come with this exquisite Mannlicher-style stock, though.

Who Should Buy a Large-Bore Hunting Rifle

Large-bore hunting rifles are purpose-built rifles for hunting some of the biggest and most dangerous game on the planet. If you have a safari, moose, or Kodiak hunt on the calendar, these rifles are for you.

While they're extremely good at what they do, these are punishing rifles to shoot, ammunition is expensive, and they're inappropriate for most game species. If you're hunting big game in North America, a common .30-caliber platform (think .30-30 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag) or old-school .45-70 Govt lever gun should be more than enough.

Final Thoughts

If you're lucky enough to need one of these rifles, congratulations! You're in for the hunt of a lifetime, and we're happy for you.

This list is a fantastic starting place, but it's also smart to check in with your guide service well before your planned trip. They'll be able to offer specific cartridge recommendations, tell you which rifles they use, and maybe provide some helpful training tips.

And don't forget to come back and drop a story about your hunt in the comments!

Which large-bore hunting rifle would you take on safari? Make us jealous in the comments. Looking for some glass for your next hunting trip? Check out our guide to the Best Rifle Scopes!

Meet the Experts

This article comes to your from Pew Pew Tactical Editors & Senior Review Analysts Scott Murdock & Wyatt Sloan.

Scott is a Marine Corps veteran, hunter, and gear tester with hundreds of bylines spanning the shooting industry's leading publications. His professional experience includes evaluating rifles for accuracy, reliability, ballistic performance, and subjective traits. He's also interviewed many prominent figures in the American hunting community.

Wyatt provided the picks for this article based on his extensive experience shooting and owning large-bore hunting rifles. In addition to being a lifelong hunter, he is also an expert gear tester with hundreds of reviews based on thorough testing and sophisticated data collection to his name.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Latest Updates

• September 2026: Complete overhaul with new products and supporting content.