Bolt-Action Rifles for Sale

GunBroker is the largest online marketplace for firearms, including bolt-action rifles from top sellers nationwide. You can also browse a huge selection of rifle ammo. Buy new and used bolt-action rifles from thousands of listings that are updated daily. Looking for used bolt-action rifles or deals under $500? GunBroker has a huge selection to choose from. Find popular models like the Tikka T3, Ruger Hawkeye, Swedish Mauser, and more today!

What is a Bolt-Action Rifle and How Does it Work?

A bolt-action rifle is a manually operated firearm. Although sometimes single-shot, they most often have either internal or detachable magazines. To reload after firing, the bolt handle is pulled up and back by the firing hand, ejecting the empty shell. Then the bolt handle is pushed forward and down, chambering a new cartridge.

Are Bolt-Action Rifles More Accurate Than Semi-Automatic Rifles?

Yes, bolt-action rifles are generally considered more accurate than semi-automatic rifles. Although follow-up shots are slower, a bolt-action has fewer moving parts and tighter mechanical tolerances, producing less vibration and more consistent shot placement.

This accuracy and precision is exactly why bolt-action rifles are often selected by snipers, long-range target shooters, and hunters. Popular precision calibers include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, and .300 Win. Mag.

What is the Best Caliber for a Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle?

This is a hotly debated topic, and nearly every caliber has its supporters and detractors. Here is a short list of popular options, but you should always do your research considering things like the type of game you want to hunt, price and availability of ammo, shooting environment, and your recoil tolerance.

• .308 Winchester: This is a great all-around caliber for medium-sized to big game like hogs, deer, and elk.
• .30-06 Springfield: This caliber has been praised for generations, versatile and powerful enough to take down every big game animal in North America including deer, elk, bear, and moose.
• 6.5 Creedmoor: A relative newcomer to the shooting world, 6.5 Creedmoor has taken off in popularity among precision shooters and deer hunters alike.
• .270 Winchester: The .270 is known for being a flat-shooting caliber that’s ideal for open-country hunting, and is considered great for game like deer, antelope, sheep, and mountain goats.

Are Bolt-Action Rifles Good for Beginners?

Yes, bolt-action rifles are a great choice for beginners. They are simple to operate, reliable, and the manual cycling forces the shooter to slow down and focus on fundamentals. .22LR is a very popular choice of caliber for a beginner’s first bolt-action rifle. The small cartridge has almost zero recoil, which reduces flinching, and the ammo is plentiful and inexpensive. Another bonus is that 22LR is a great small-game hunting round, so once plenty of range practice is put in the new shooter can get into introductory-level hunting!

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Now that you’re ready to buy a bolt-action rifle, browse new and used bolt-action rifles by brand, caliber, or price range on GunBroker today!