Top 5 Rifles to Buy in 2025: Features, Uses & Comparisons

Before diving into specifications, here is the high-level take-away: Total Impact Guns & Range has a broad 2025 rifle lineup that covers tactical defense, long-range precision, competition speed, classic battle-rifle heritage and affordable rimfire training. 

After reviewing every rifle currently listed in the Centerfire, Centerfire Tactical and Rimfire departments of the store, five models clearly stand out for build quality, feature depth and in-stock availability. Each offers a distinct use-case so readers can match the right tool to their goals while staying inside one trusted dealer network.

How We Selected the Top 5

• Availability & Stock Rotation
  
  
• Broad Use-Cases – Hunting, precision target, home defense, competition and plinking all receive representation.
  
  
• 2025 Ready Features – Cold-hammer-forged barrels, modern modular rails, match triggers or proven semi-auto actions.
  
  
• Reputation & Manufacturer Support – Each rifle comes from a marquee brand with documented reliability.
  
  
• Value Across Price Bands – From sub-$500 rimfires to $2,000+ premium builds, there is an option for every budget.
  
  

Daniel Defense DDM4 V9 – The Versatile Tactical Workhorse

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
  
  
• Barrel: 16 in chrome-moly-vanadium, government profile
  
  
• Handguard: 15 in quad-rail for maximum accessory space
  
  
• Weight: 6.59 lb (unloaded)
  
  
• MSRP at Total Impact: $2,007
  
  

Daniel Defense designed the DDM4 V9 for shooters who demand flexibility, from 3-Gun matches to patrol-rifle classes. The extended rail lets you “drive” the muzzle precisely when engaging multiple targets, while a mid-length gas system softens recoil for quick follow-up shots. The rifle ships optic-ready, so you can mount red-dots or LPVOs without replacing fixed sights. At barely over six and a half pounds, it balances fast handling with the durability of a 7075-T6 aluminum receiver set.

Ideal For: Home-defense setups, tactical training, multi-gun competition.

Nosler Model 21 – Premium Lightweight Hunter

Key Specs

• Caliber Tested: 6.5 Creedmoor (multiple chamberings offered)
  
  
• Barrel: Shilen match-grade stainless
  
  
• Trigger: TriggerTech single-stage
  
  
• Weight: sub-7 lb
  
  
• Price at Total Impact: $2,799–$3,099 depending on finish
  
  

Nosler calls the Model 21 “a rifle for the next decade,” and the spec sheet backs that claim. A wire-EDM receiver, nitrided fluted bolt and integral recoil lug create a rigid yet featherweight action. Coupled with carbon-fiber-reinforced synthetic stocks, the rifle delivers sub-MOA precision without punishing your back on high-country hunts. The included TriggerTech unit breaks cleanly at pull weights hunters trust in adverse weather.

Ideal For: Western big-game hunters, back-country precision shooters, anyone wanting a carry-friendly rifle with match accuracy.

Springfield Armory M1A “Loaded” –/ Classic .308 Excellence

Key Specs

• Caliber: .308 Win
  
  
• Barrel: 22 in National Match medium profile
  
  
• Trigger: National Match two-stage (4.5-5 lb)
  
  
• Stock: American walnut
  
  
• Weight: 9.8 lb
  
  
• Total Impact Price: $2,231.60
  
  

The M1A Loaded bridges heritage and modern match upgrades. A semi-automatic descendant of the U.S.-issue M14, it sports air-gauged barrels and tuned triggers for superior accuracy while maintaining the battle-proven gas system. Shooters looking for an iron-sight-friendly distance rifle or a service-rifle competition platform will appreciate the adjustable National Match sights and ambidextrous safety. Walnut furniture also satisfies collectors who favor traditional aesthetics.

Ideal For: CMP/NRA service-rifle matches, long-range steel, shooters who want proven .308 power in semi-auto form.

Armalite M-15 TAC14 – Compact Defensive Carbine

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
  
  
• Barrel: 14.5 in pinned to 16 in, chrome-lined
  
  
• Handguard: 10 in KeyMod with full-length 1913 rail
  
  
• Gas Block: Adjustable for suppressed or tuned loads
  
  
• Weight: 6.8 lb
  
  
• Total Impact Price: $1,989.40
  
  

Armalite built the M-15 TAC14 for operators who need maneuverability without sacrificing durability. The pinned muzzle device keeps the carbine non-NFA while delivering flash-hiding and compensating performance. Magpul MBUS sights, MOE+ grip and STR stock come factory-installed, reducing immediate upgrade costs. An ambidextrous safety and two-stage precision trigger round out a carbine perfectly suited to CQB drills or vehicle carry.

Ideal For: Home defense, tactical carbine courses, shooters who prefer factory-equipped accessories.

Ruger 10/22 Deluxe – Affordable All-Purpose Rimfire

Key Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
  
  
• Barrel: 18.5 in hammer-forged
  
  
• Magazine: 10-round rotary
  
  
• Stock: Hardwood Deluxe pattern
  
  
• Weight: 5 lb
  
  
• Price at Total Impact: $488.60
  
  

No rifle list is complete without a .22, and the 10/22 Deluxe remains America’s favorite for good reason. The two-screw V-block barrel attachment boosts repeatable accuracy, while the detachable rotary magazine ensures reliable feeding. At roughly five pounds, the 10/22 is ideal for new shooters practicing fundamentals or seasoned competitors running steel-challenge strings.

Ideal For: First-time rifle owners, economical training, small-game hunting and backyard plinking.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Feature	DDM4 V9	Model 21	M1A Loaded	M-15 TAC14	10/22 Deluxe
Action	Semi-auto, direct impingement	Bolt	Semi-auto, gas piston	Semi-auto, direct impingement	Semi-auto blow-back
Primary Use	Tactical/Competition	Hunting/Precision	Service Rifle/Precision	Defense/Training	Plinking/Training
Barrel Length (in)	16	22–24 options	22	16 (pinned)	18.5
Weight (lb)	6.59	<7	9.8	6.8	5
MSRP (2025)	$2,007	$2,800 avg	$2,231.60	$1,989.40	$488.60

How to Match a Rifle to Your Needs

• Define Purpose First – Defensive carbines benefit from shorter barrels and modular rails, while hunting rigs favor lightweight stocks and high-BC calibers.
  
  
• Budget for Optics & Accessories – Plan roughly 30 percent of rifle cost for glass, mounts and slings.
  
  
• Use Total Impact’s Indoor Range – Rent lane time to validate zero and ergonomics before your first field outing.
  
  
• Leverage the Training Academy – Formal instruction accelerates skill and ensures you extract full potential from premium triggers or adjustable gas systems.
  
  
• Pair Ammo with Barrel Twist – For example, the 1:7 twist on both the DDM4 V9 and M-15 TAC14 stabilizes 62-gr to 77-gr match bullets, whereas the 1:9 twist on the 10/22 comfortably handles bulk 40-gr loads.
  
  

Next Steps

The 2025 rifle market rewards buyers who know exactly what they want to achieve on the range or in the field. Total Impact Guns curates inventory that meets those goals without forcing you to juggle multiple vendors. 

Whether you prioritize sub-MOA elk rifles like the Nosler Model 21, the heritage appeal of Springfield’s M1A, or the wallet-friendly versatility of Ruger’s 10/22, you can shop, train and service your firearm under a single roof. 

Explore the full Centerfire department for additional chamberings, or check the Rimfire section for specialized competition builds. When you are ready, reserve a lane, bring your new rifle and let the Total Impact staff help you dial in hits for 2025 and beyond.