Best Rifles of 2026 [Range Tested & Reviewed]
What are the best rifles you should have on your radar this year? We got the lowdown on the best rifles from rimfire to semi-auto.
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It’s that time again, and we're back with our best rifles of 2026 rifle roundup!
The Pew Pew Tactical crew has been hard at work testing all kinds of rifles, shotguns, and pistols this year. It’s time to reflect on our work and see which ones stand out from the crowd.
These are the best rifles of 2026 (so far). They run the gamut from AR-15s to bolt guns, .308 Win to .22 LR, and even a funky upper receiver that you have to see to believe.
Let’s meet our winners!
The Quick List
- Best Overall: Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4-L89Jump to Details ↓
- Best Bolt Action: Glenfield Model AJump to Details ↓
- Best Rimfire: Savage MkIIJump to Details ↓
- Best Upper Receiver: Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt Action Upper ReceiverJump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
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Rifle Comparison Chart
| Price | Best Use | Caliber (As Tested) | Action | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOLGW M4 L89 | $1,999 | Duty, home defense | .223 Wylde | Semi-Automatic | 30+1 |
| H&R M16A1 | $1,099 | Target shooting | 5.56 NATO | Semi-Automatic | 30+1 |
| Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 | $479 | Home defense, target shooting | 5.56 NATO | Semi-Automatic | 30+1 |
| Glenfield Model A | $368 | Hunting, target shooting | .308 Win | Bolt action | 4+1 |
| Savage MkII | $149 | Target shooting | .22 LR | Bolt action | 5+1 |
| BCA Bolt-Action Upper | $259 | Target shooting | 5.56 NATO | Bolt action | N/A |
How We Tested the Best Rifles of 2026
These rifles earned a place on this list with standout performance in individual reviews, comparisons, or both.
Testing included hundreds of rounds from multiple ammunition manufacturers to evaluate accuracy and reliability. We evaluated accuracy with five-shot groups at 100 yards for centerfire rifles, and 50 yards for rimfire rifles.
A Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph provided ballistic data for each type of ammunition.
We also assessed more subjective factors, like ergonomics, customization potential, and availability.
There’s a lot more information available for each of these rifles, so I’ve linked to the articles and videos where you can nerd out on all the details.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Scott Murdock. Since serving in the Marine Corps, Scott has reviewed rifles, pistols, shotguns, optics, and accessories for several leading publications. His civilian experience includes professional courses and exclusive interviews with manufacturers and professional shooters.
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.
Best Rifles of 2026
1. Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4 L89 - Best Overall
Pros
- Duty-worthy reliability
- Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with certain ammunition
- Super stiff handguard minimizes point-of-impact shift
Cons
- Heavier than many AR-15s
- Premium pricing
The Bottom Line
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4 L89 is a duty rifle that's built to an uncompromising standard. If you can stomach the price and extra weight, it'll reward you with excellent reliability and accuracy. Looks like there's a new sheriff in town.
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 32”
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
There are few names that typically dominate the conversation about premium AR-15s. Lately, something different has been drawing some buzz: the Sons of Liberty Gunworks M4 L89. We got our hands on one, and it lived up to the chatter.
First, let’s address two hefty numbers: the price and the weight. This $2,000 rifle tips the scales at nearly 7 pounds. As tested, with a suppressor and a red dot, it weighed 8.4 pounds.
But man, was it a shooter.
The excellent barrel and two-pound trigger contributed to five-shot groups inside 2 inches with several types of ammunition. The best was a 0.66-inch group from 55-grain Nosler Varmageddon.
I could wax poetically about the pistol grip, handguard, and gas tuning – or I could just tell you that Sean rattled off five hits on a silhouette target at 10 yards in 0.89 seconds. The bottom line is that this rifle runs flawlessly and it’s incredibly easy to control.
SOLGW clearly obsessed over every little detail on this rifle, from the machining to the charging handle. It’s a true duty rifle.
Whether the M4 L89 can hang with names like Geissele and Daniel Defense in the long run remains to be seen (proving durability takes time), but it’s off to a scalding-hot start.
Want to see more? Check out the full video and dive into our Sons of Liberty Gun Works M4 L89 review!
What do you think of the L89? Rate it below!
Readers’ Ratings
5.00/5 (1108 Votes)
Your Rating
2. H&R M16A1 - Best Retro
Pros
- Historically accurate
- Accurate and reliable
- Awesome retro vibes
Cons
- Cheap-feeling furniture
- Some cosmetic blemishes
The Bottom Line
For about $1,000, the H&R M16A1 will unlock all the 60s nostalgia you can handle. The 20-inch barrel, triangular handguard, and old-school peep sights harken back to the days when the M16 was shiny and new. It just so happens to be one heck of a shooter, too.
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 20”
- Overall Length: 38.75”
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Take a step back from the latest hype-beast carbines, “optimal” riser heights, and feuds between 10.5- and 11.50inch barrels. Sometimes going back in time is worth the trip, and our time with the Harrington & Richardson M16A1 recently drove that point home.
H&R’s interpretation is a fairly faithful replica of the original M16A1 service rifle used by U.S. troops in Vietnam. Get a load of that 20-inch barrel, triangular handguard, fixed carry handle, and solid stock! This thing is a vibe unto itself.
And it’s not all show and no go. Wyatt shot multiple groups inside 3 inches at 100 yards with these old-school sights. There are plenty of people who would love to do that with a 1-6x LPVO.
Between good ergonomics and a rifle-length gas system, recoil was downright plush during testing.
Buy this rifle because you want to experience simpler times. Pick one up because you’re a history buff. Heck, you might just buy it because it’s a good rifle in its own right.
And feel free to pair it with a 1911.
Can you hear “Fortunate Son” getting louder? Better board the chopper over at our H&R M16A1 review!
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3. Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 - Best Budget
Andro Corp Industries ACI-15 Bravo 16Pros
- Fantastic value
- Great barrel
- Surprisingly good accuracy
Cons
- Very basic furniture
- Rough trigger pull
The Bottom Line
During our roundup of the best budget AR-15s, the Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 stood out as a delightful bright spot. It's one of the least expensive ways to get into AR-15s, but it outperformed rifles that cost significantly more. Upgrade the cheap-feeling furniture, or don't. You'll still have a great rifle on your hands.
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16”
- Overall Length: 33”
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Some of you are looking at the price on that M4 L89 and getting pretty glum about your odds of landing a sweet, new rifle this year. Fortunately, the Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 delivers a quality carbine at a price the rest of us can afford.
It's not fancy; Andro Corp kept costs in check with very basic furniture, a mil-spec charging handle, and a fairly gritty trigger.
But none of those are deal-breakers, and they're easy enough to upgrade down the road as your budget allows.
What's important is that we ran more than 500 rounds through the ACI-15 Bravo 16 with zero malfunctions. It also produced some really nice accuracy results, including one sub-MOA group with Nosler 77-grain ammo.
It might take some work on your part to run the ACI-15 Bravo 16 quickly and accurately, but it can do the job.
Considering you can buy this rifle for less than $500 (and sometimes less than $400), it has to be one of the smartest buys in the AR-15 market.
As I've written before, training is far more important than what you shoot. If saving money one of the best values in the business frees up money for training ammo and professional instruction, you're on the right path.
See this budget-friendly blaster in our Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo 16 review!
4. Glenfield Model A - Best Bolt Action
Pros
- Cheaper than the old Ruger American
- Nimble handling in the field
- Solid, tactile tang safety
Cons
- Barrel overheats quickly
- Hollow plastic stock
The Bottom Line
The Glenfield Model A doesn't just bring back an old brand, it reminds us of a time when manufacturers built rifles for the working hunter. The new Model A is simple, honest, and affordable. It's also refined, reliable, and accurate enough to surprise people with much more expensive setups. This is a great choice even if you aren't on a tight budget!
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Rem, .243 Win, .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster
- Action: Bolt action
- Capacity: 3-5 (varies by cartridge)
- Barrel Length: 20”
- Overall Length: 40”
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
We don’t review bolt-action rifles as often as gas guns around here, but I still got to experience one of the best recent comebacks in the firearm industry: the Glenfield Model A.
You might recognize this rifle because it’s essentially a reborn Ruger American. That means the bones are good, and the people at Ruger revitalized the Glenfield name with upgrades like a Picatinny rail and a threaded barrel.
Other features, like the adjustable trigger, three-lug bolt, and tang safety, stuck around. If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.
The plastic stock is nothing fancy, but it’s grippy enough to hang onto in foul fall or winter weather, and there are studs for a rifle sling or a bipod.
It’s a basic, but proven formula that’s as relevant today as it ever was. Once I figured out how long it took for the barrel to cool, I stuffed five rounds of .308 Win into a 0.61-inch group at 100 yards. For less than $400, that’s what I call a smashing success.
The real beauty of the Model A lies in its universal appeal. New shooters will like it because it’s affordable and performs well. Experienced shooters will like it because it brings back fond memories of the original Ruger American, and the once-deceased Glenfield brand. Everyone will smile when you take it out of the case.
Read my Glenfield Model A review for all the details.
5. Savage MkII - Best Rimfire
Pros
- Lots of variants available
- Shockingly accurate
- Great for new shooters
Cons
- Cheap-feeling stock
- Somewhat gritty action
The Bottom Line
When I unboxed the Savage MkII, I thought it looked like a budget version of the CZ 457 Pro Varmint-SR. On the range, the accuracy was a lot closer than I was prepared for. This dollar-store plinker consistently shot near-MOA groups! I don't care if you're looking for your first rifle or your hundredth, this one deserves a look.
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Bolt action
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 16.5”
- Overall Length: 35”
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Country of Origin: Canada
You’re right to be skeptical of inexpensive rimfire guns, but the Savage MkII is one budget .22 LR rifle that really overdelivers.
The one I tested came with a thick, fluted barrel and a threaded muzzle. A Picatinny rail made bolting up a $99 Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 easy as pie. After grabbing an assortment of ammo and a Ruger x Dead Air RXD22Ti suppressor, I was off to the races.
Sure, the stock was kid-sized and plastic, and the controls felt a little gritty. But this humble little rifle put five shots inside 0.6 inches from 50 yards time after time – it’s great!
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For the money, I’m not sure you can get a better introduction to rimfire shooting. The MkII is accessible enough for new shooters, and it’ll save you a bundle at the register.
At the same time, it’s accurate enough to varmint hunt or shoot tiny groups alongside rimfire rifles that cost much more. It would be a great addition to anyone’s collection, whether you’re looking for a range-day blaster or an accurate, knockaround truck gun.
This isn’t just a good plinker, the MkII is one of the Best Budget Bolt-Action Rifles you can buy!
This selection was tough because I recently tested another fantastic .22 LR rifle. The CZ 457 Pro-Varmint SR is basically a high-end version of the suppressor-ready Savage MkII.
I love this rifle’s rock-solid stock, heavy barrel, and smooth action. It’s the most accurate .22 LR rifle I’ve tested, with repeatable 0.30-inch groups of five at 50 yards.
The price puts it out of many people’s plinking budget, but I had to at least give it an honorable mention.
6. Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt-Action Upper Receiver - Best Upper Receiver
Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt Action Upper ReceiverPros
- Complete upper receiver
- Would be a great suppressor host
- Wide array of cartridge options
Cons
- Tough to find in stock
- Bolt doesn't cycle very nicely
The Bottom Line
Modding is half the fun of owning an AR-15, and the Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt-Action Upper Receiver is one of the most creative components we tested this year. It mounts right up, and lets you switch to all kinds of fun cartridges in seconds. It's not particularly refined or exceptionally accurate, but the price is right.
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, .22 ARC, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, .300 Blk, 6.8 SPC, 7.62x39, .338 ARC, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, 12.7x42
- Action: Bolt action
- Capacity: N/A
- Barrel Length: 4.5” - 24”
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
- Country of Origin: USA
Is it possible to modify an AR-15 to the point that it’s no longer an AR-15? The Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt-Action Upper Receiver gets pretty close.
This complete upper mounts up to any standard AR-15 lower receiver. The handguard accepts the same M-LOK and Picatinny accessories. But there’s no gas system, just an old-school bolt knob that you run by hand.
So, what’s the point? The fun of this upper receiver boils down to two things.
First, you can switch to a bunch of interesting cartridges. Go hog hunting with .450 Bushmaster, or try your hand at long-range shooting with 6.5 Grendel – all without buying a new firearm and dealing with an FFL. Remember, an upper receiver isn’t legally a firearm so it ships right to your door.
Second, this is incredibly easy and inexpensive for Bear Creek Arsenal to build since there’s no gas system to tune. You can pick one up for about $175 – with one caveat.
This is a really fun idea, so uppers sell out quickly. Keep a close eye on Bear Creek Arsenal’s website or be prepared to shell out more money when supplies are low.
While the one we tested wasn’t exactly a tack driver, it’s a great way to experience new things for a minimal price.
Check out our Bear Creek Arsenal Bolt-Action Upper Receiver review to see it in action!
How to Pick the Best Rifle
These are all great rifles, but choosing the best one is like comparing apples and oranges. Let’s figure out which criteria matter the most to you.
Intended Use
The first question you need to answer is why you want a new rifle in the first place.
If you’re looking for some range-day fun, a retro clone, rimfire plinker, or quirky upper receiver can really spice things up. Grab some bulk target ammo and have a blast.
Concerned about home defense? It’s hard to beat an AR-15.
Hunting season is just around the corner, and this is a great time to get your hands on a modern classic with the Glenfield Model A. You can’t beat the price, either!
Features
Once you decide whether you’re looking for something like an AR-15 or a bolt-action rifle, you can start to think about specific features that will affect your purchasing decision.
Do you want a duty rifle with a pinned gas block, refined trigger, and ambidextrous controls? Will a Picatinny rail make mounting a scope on your hunting rifle easier? Do you plan on adding a suppressor?
Figure out your priorities and buy the rifle that suits you, not somebody else.
Budget
When you’re shopping for a new rifle, it’s helpful to set a budget. Spending more money can get you a better rifle, but it’s not always necessary or cost-effective, depending on your goals.
ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo (Electronic)Remember to set aside ammo for other necessities, like range fees, ear protection, eye protection, targets, ammo, and an optic.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, these are all winners in our book. But which one is your favorite?
The good news is that you don’t have to pick just one. Several of these are surprisingly affordable, and offer a ton of bang for the buck. Maybe it’s worth expanding your collection this year.
What’s the best rifle you’ve shot this year? Drop your nominee in the comments. Looking for something a bit more portable? Check out our guide to the Best Budget Handguns of 2026!
Latest Updates
- July 2026: Complete overhaul with new products, testing, and supporting content.
- December 2024: Updated how we tested each rifle.
- May 2024: Removed the LWRC DI and CZ 600 Lux. Added the Aero Precision Solus.