Bolt-Action Rifles for Sale

Total Impact Guns stocks a deep lineup of bolt action rifles for sale, from lightweight hunting rifles to heavy-barreled precision builds, all backed by our price-match guarantee and nationwide shipping to your local FFL. Browse the bolt action rifles below, and if you don't see the exact model or chambering you want, we can usually get it for you.

Why Shooters Choose a Bolt-Action Rifle

A bolt action rifle is the most accurate and reliable design you can buy for the money, which is why it stays the top pick for hunting and long-range shooting. The simple manually-cycled action has fewer moving parts than a semi-auto, so it locks the cartridge in tight, holds zero, and rarely jams. It shoots tighter groups out of the box, handles big magnum cartridges a semi-auto can't, and tends to cost less than a comparable semi auto rifle of the same quality.

We stock bolt actions across every common chambering, and you can test-fire one on our indoor range before you commit. Most shooters buy a bolt gun as a dedicated hunting rifle or a precision target setup, and we carry both ends of that range.

Types of Bolt-Action Rifles

Bolt action rifles split into a few main types, and the right one depends on whether you're hunting, punching paper at distance, or just plinking on a budget. The build, weight, and barrel decide how the rifle carries and how it shoots.

TypeTypical caliberWeightBest for
Hunting / sporter.243, .270, .308, .30-066–8 lbsCarrying all day, deer and big game
Precision / long-range6.5 Creedmoor, .308, .300 Win Mag9–12+ lbsBench, matches, shooting past 600 yards
Rimfire / trainer.22 LR, .17 HMR5–6 lbsPractice, small game, teaching new shooters
Custom / chassisShooter's choiceVariesBuilt-to-spec accuracy and fit

A lightweight sporter is built to carry and gives up a little at long range to save weight, while a precision rifle adds a heavy barrel and chassis to hold a group off a bipod. Custom bolt action rifles let you pick the action, barrel, and stock to fit how you shoot. If you want a faster follow-up shot than a bolt allows, a lever action rifle is worth a look too.

How to Choose a Bolt-Action Rifle

The best bolt action rifle for you comes down to caliber, fit, and what you're shooting at, not the name on the receiver. Before you buy, work through these five things:

  1. Intended use. Hunting, long-range target, or practice. This sets your weight and barrel before anything else.
  2. Caliber. Match the cartridge to the job. .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor do almost everything, .243 is light on recoil for new shooters, and a magnum is for reaching way out or hunting big game.
  3. Fit and weight. A hunting rifle should come up easy and carry light, while a precision rifle can be heavy since it lives on a bench or bipod.
  4. Glass and rails. Most bolt guns ship without sights, so plan for a scope and check that the rifle is drilled and tapped or has a rail.
  5. Budget. A solid, accurate bolt action starts around $350, so you don't have to overspend to get a rifle that shoots tight groups.

The easiest way to settle it is to put a couple in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options at the shop, and you can shoot models on our range before you decide.

Best Bolt-Action Rifles and Brands

The best bolt action rifle is the one that fits your hand and your job for it, but a handful of models stay popular because they shoot well right out of the box. The Ruger American, Tikka T3x, and Bergara B-14 lead the pack for their accuracy, smooth actions, and value for the price.

Our curated bolt action lineup covers the brands shooters ask for most:

  • Ruger -- the American and Hawkeye, dependable and easy on the wallet
  • Tikka -- the T3x line, known for one of the smoothest factory actions made
  • Bergara -- the B-14 series, built for tight groups at a fair price
  • Savage -- the Axis and 110 with the user-adjustable AccuTrigger
  • Remington, Browning, Weatherby, and Christensen Arms -- proven from classic deer rifles to lightweight magnums

If you're after something more aggressive, a chassis-based tactical bolt action rifle gives you a precision setup ready for a bipod and a big optic. And if you have your eye on a model we don't stock, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.

What a Bolt-Action Rifle Costs

Most bolt action rifles sell for $400 to $900, with budget-friendly models starting near $350 and precision or custom builds running $1,200 to $2,500 or more. You're paying for the barrel, action, and trigger, not just the wood or polymer, so there's a good bolt gun at almost every price. Keep in mind a scope and mounts are a separate cost on top.

Total Impact backs every rifle with a price-match guarantee. If you find the same bolt action for less somewhere else, we'll match it, so you can shop with us without second-guessing the price.

How to Buy a Bolt-Action Rifle Online

Buying a bolt action rifle online is simple, and federal law just requires that the rifle ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works:

  1. Order your rifle. Pick your bolt action and check out on our site.
  2. Pick your FFL. Choose a local licensed dealer (FFL) for the transfer, or pick up in our shop.
  3. We ship it. We send the rifle to that dealer anywhere in the country.
  4. Pass your background check. Complete the standard background check at the dealer, then take it home.

You must be at least 18 to buy a rifle. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your bolt action to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere. Picking up at our shop is usually the fastest route.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bolt-Action Rifles

What is a bolt-action rifle good for?

A bolt action rifle is best for hunting and long-range target shooting, where accuracy and reliability matter more than firing fast. The locked-up bolt holds the cartridge tight for tighter groups and handles powerful magnum cartridges a semi-auto can't. Many shooters buy one as a dedicated hunting rifle.

How much does a bolt action rifle cost?

Most bolt action rifles cost between $400 and $900, with budget models near $350 and precision or custom builds at $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price.

What is the best caliber for a bolt action rifle?

The best all-around bolt action calibers are .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, since both are accurate, available everywhere, and good for deer-sized game out to long range. A 308 bolt action rifle is the classic do-everything choice, while .243 is softer-shooting for new or recoil-shy shooters.

Are bolt action rifles more accurate than semi-autos?

Yes, bolt action rifles are generally more accurate than semi-autos because the fixed barrel and locked bolt cut down on movement when the shot breaks. For long-range and hunting work the bolt gun is the proven choice, though a quality semi auto rifle wins when you need fast follow-up shots.

Do I need a scope for a bolt action rifle?

Most bolt action rifles ship without iron sights, so a scope is the standard setup for hunting and long-range shooting. Plan to add good glass and mounts, and our team can point you to a scope that matches your rifle.

Can you build a custom bolt action rifle?

Yes, custom bolt action rifles let you pick the action, barrel, stock or chassis, and trigger to fit how you shoot. They cost more than a factory rifle but deliver the tightest accuracy and the best fit. If we don't stock the parts or rifle you want, just ask and we can usually source it.

Find Your Next Bolt Action at Total Impact

Whether you're after a light deer rifle or a precision build for the bench, Total Impact has the bolt action rifles, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose. Browse the lineup above, and reach out if you want one we can source for you.