Types of Hunting Rifles: A Complete Guide
Hunting rifles fall into seven main action types — bolt-action, semi-automatic, lever-action, pump-action, breech-loading, muzzle-loading, and falling block/single-shot — plus three ammunition categories: centerfire, rimfire, and black powder. Each action type trades off speed, simplicity, and capacity differently, and the right one depends on your game, terrain, and how you like to shoot.
Bolt-action rifles
The Remington 700 and Winchester Model 70 are among the most popular bolt-action models, commonly chambered in .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield for their versatility and performance. Bolt actions are known for reliability and accuracy, making them a go-to for long-range shooting and big game hunting.
Semi-automatic rifles
Semi-autos like the AR-15 (commonly in .223 Remington) and the Browning BAR (commonly in .308 Winchester) are versatile across small to medium game, offering a quick follow-up shot without cycling a bolt or lever by hand.
Lever-action rifles
Lever guns cycle quickly with a manual lever that ejects the spent case and loads the next round — intuitive, reliable, and deeply tied to American firearms history. They excel at medium game like deer and hogs, and their compact size suits brush hunting. The Winchester Model 94 (commonly .30-30 Winchester) and the Marlin 336 (commonly .35 Remington or .30-30 Winchester) are the best-known examples.
Pump-action rifles
The shooter manually cycles the fore-end backward to eject a spent case, then forward to chamber a fresh round. The Remington 7600 and Browning BPS Field Model are well-known pump-action rifles, valued for fast follow-up shots and caliber versatility from .223 Remington for small game up to .35 Whelen for large game.
Breech-loading rifles
Breech-loaders, including break-action designs, are mechanically simple and easy to use, which makes them a common recommendation for beginners. The Remington Rolling Block and Sharps 1874 are historically significant examples, often paired with .22-caliber chamberings for small game or target practice.
Muzzle-loading rifles
To fire a muzzleloader, you load the bullet into the muzzle, pour black powder down the barrel, and a cap struck by the hammer ignites the charge. The Hawken Rifle (.50 and .54 caliber) and the Kentucky Long Rifle (.40 to .50 caliber) are iconic examples, popular with black powder hunters and historical reenactors.
Falling block / single-shot rifles
Falling block rifles use a one-piece receiver and a breechblock that drops down to expose the chamber for loading. Their single-shot design rewards precision and is popular for niche, deliberate hunting styles. The Ruger No. 1 and Dakota Model 10 are common examples, often chambered in .243 Winchester for light-to-medium game or 6.5mm Creedmoor for long-range hunting.
Choosing by ammunition type
| Ammunition type | Best for | Common calibers |
|---|---|---|
| Centerfire | Long-range and larger game | .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| Rimfire | Small game, varmints, low-recoil practice | .22 Long Rifle |
| Black powder | Historical shooting, reenactment | .50, .45, .58 caliber |
Choosing the right hunting rifle
Match the rifle to your game, terrain, and preference. Larger or farther game calls for a centerfire rifle with more power and reach; smaller game or close-range work suits a lightweight rimfire. Dense brush favors a compact, maneuverable rifle; open terrain favors a longer, flatter-shooting one. Handle a few in person to check weight, balance, and stock fit before buying.
Rifle maintenance basics
Regular cleaning prevents residue buildup that can affect accuracy, and periodic inspection — checking the barrel for rust, the action for smooth cycling, and components for wear — catches problems early regardless of action type. See our Rifle & Magazine Care and Maintenance guide for a full routine.
Where ARM fits in
American Rifle Magazines manufactures US-made, factory-pattern replacement magazines for two of the platforms above: Marlin rimfire bolt-action and semi-auto .22LR/.22WMR/.17HMR rifles, and the Remington 783 bolt-action centerfire rifle. If one of those is in your safe, see our fitment guides below.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best type of hunting rifle for a beginner?
A bolt-action rifle in a common centerfire caliber like .308 Winchester is a common beginner recommendation for reliability and simplicity, though breech-loading single-shots are also beginner-friendly for small game.
What's the difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition?
Centerfire cartridges ignite via a primer in the center of the case base and are used for everything from varmints to big game at longer range. Rimfire cartridges, like .22 Long Rifle, ignite via the case rim and are typically used for small game, varmints, and low-recoil practice.
Does American Rifle Magazines make magazines for all these rifle types?
No. ARM manufactures detachable box magazines for Marlin rimfire rifles (.22LR/.22WMR/.17HMR) and the Remington 783 centerfire rifle only.
Which hunting rifle action cycles fastest for follow-up shots?
Semi-automatic rifles cycle fastest since no manual action is required between shots. Lever-action and pump-action rifles are close behind and are popular where a semi-auto isn't preferred or permitted.
Own a Marlin rimfire or Remington 783? Confirm your model number and shop the correct replacement magazine.
Buying for a shop, a range, or more than one rifle? See our wholesale purchasing terms for volume pricing.
