Lead & Leather

The Best Rifles of 2024: Power, Precision, and Performance

Rifles are the backbone of modern firearms. Whether you're a long-range sharpshooter, a tactical enthusiast, or just a hunter looking to bag your next trophy, there's a rifle out there for you. But with so many options flooding the market in 2024, it can be tough to pick the right one for your needs.

So, let’s dive into the world of rifles in 2024—where precision meets power, innovation meets tradition, and performance meets passion. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just a beginner. here are some great options. Let's dive in

1. FN SCAR 15P

The FN SCAR 15P is a variant of the FN SCAR series, designed for short-barrel tactical use. It's a 5.56mm NATO rifle built for close-quarters combat and specialized military and law enforcement applications, but available for civilian use. This rifle is known for its modular design, gas-piston system, and reliability under extreme conditions.

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Weight: ~7 lbs (unloaded)
Barrel Length: 13 inches (often used with suppressors)
Capacity: 30-round mags (or more with extended mags)
Key Features: Ambidextrous controls, rugged design, lightweight

2. Ruger SFAR (Small Frame Auto-Loader Rifle)

The Ruger SFAR is a revolutionary rifle, built on an AR-15 platform but chambered in the powerful 7.62 NATO round, which is typically found in larger, heavier rifles. This gives shooters the power of a larger-caliber rifle with the ergonomic size of an AR-15. The SFAR is designed to be both lightweight and rugged, making it ideal for hunters, tactical enthusiasts, and long-range shooters.

Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Weight: ~7 lbs
Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
Capacity: 20 rounds (magazines also available for higher capacity)
Key Features: Light recoil for a 7.62 NATO rifle, AR-15 ergonomics, versatile for multiple uses

3. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

The DDM4 V7 is part of Daniel Defense’s premium AR-15 line. Known for its accuracy, tactical reliability, and solid construction, the DDM4 V7 is perfect for competition, personal defense, or long-range shooting. Its cold hammer-forged barrel and excellent accuracy make it a standout choice for anyone serious about their AR platform.

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Weight: ~6.2 lbs
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Capacity: 30-rounds (standard AR-15 magazines)
Key Features: Picatinny rail system, modular design, high-performance trigger

4. Bergara B-14R

The Bergara B-14R is a rimfire bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 LR, designed for precision shooting at long ranges. While not a high-powered rifle like its centerfire cousins, it allows shooters to practice precision shooting without the cost and recoil of larger calibers. The Bergara B-14R is popular with new shooters and experienced marksmen alike, due to its sub-MOA accuracy at long ranges.

Caliber: .22 LR
Weight: ~6.5 lbs
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine
Key Features: Bolt-action, sub-MOA accuracy, ideal for training and competition

5. Browning X-Bolt Pro

The Browning X-Bolt Pro is a high-performance hunting rifle designed for hunters who demand accuracy, comfort, and ruggedness. It’s available in multiple calibers, from .308 Winchester to 6.5 Creedmoor, and it features a carbon-fiber stock that reduces weight while maintaining strength. With premium craftsmanship and a match-grade trigger, the X-Bolt Pro is considered one of the best hunting rifles of 2024.

Caliber: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win Mag, and more
Weight: ~6.5 lbs
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Capacity: 3+1 rounds
Key Features: Carbon fiber stock, match-grade trigger, superior accuracy

6. Tikka T3X Lite

The Tikka T3X Lite is an incredibly accurate and lightweight bolt-action rifle, which has earned a reputation for its out-of-the-box sub-MOA performance. Made by Beretta, Tikka rifles are known for their superb triggers and smooth bolt-action. The T3X Lite is available in popular hunting calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. It’s ideal for both long-range shooting and hunting, offering precision and reliability in a lightweight package.

Caliber: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win
Weight: ~6.6 lbs
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Capacity: 3+1 rounds
Key Features: Smooth bolt-action, adjustable stock, outstanding accuracy

Why These Rifles Stand Out in 2024:

Innovation: Rifles like the Ruger SFAR and FN SCAR 15P represent cutting-edge technology, offering advanced features like gas-piston systems, modular optics, and ambidextrous controls. These rifles are designed for versatility, whether you're using them for tactical applications, home defense, or even precision competitions.
Customization: Many of these rifles, such as the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 and Tikka T3X Lite, offer a high degree of customization. Whether you’re swapping out accessories, changing barrels, or mounting optics, these rifles are built for modular flexibility.
Performance: The Bergara B-14R is perfect for practice, training, or competition, allowing you to get in a lot of practice without the expense and recoil of larger rounds. Meanwhile, rifles like the Browning X-Bolt Pro and Tikka T3X Lite offer precision and reliability that make them ideal for hunters and long-range enthusiasts.
Purpose-Built: Whether you’re looking for a tactical rifle (like the SCAR 15P), a hunting rifle (like the Browning X-Bolt Pro), or a precision rifle (like the Bergara B-14R), each of these rifles is built with a specific purpose in mind—whether that’s military, law enforcement, or civilian use. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all in this list. Instead, each rifle is crafted to excel at its specific task.

In 2024, rifles are better than ever, combining advanced technology, high-performance features, and precision engineering to meet a variety of needs—whether you're chasing big game, defending your home, or honing your skills on the range. Whatever your shooting passion, there’s a rifle here to suit it.