Rifle buying guides
Explore our rifle buying guides page, your trusted resource for selecting the perfect rifle and accessories for your shooting needs.
From choosing the right calibre and action type to understanding scopes, mounts and other essentials, our expertly curated guides provide detailed advice and comparisons.
Whether you’re a seasoned deer stalker or new to rifle shooting, discover practical insights to make informed purchasing decisions for success in the field.
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Rifle buying guidesSix of the best bolt-action rifles
From high seat to hill, driven day to woodland – one of these six bolt-action rifles will fit, whether you want a composite workhorse or heirloom walnut
By Shooting Times | 17 July 2026
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Rifle buying guidesBergara B14 Cima CF review
Bruce Potts gets hands-on with the new Bergara B14 Cima CF, an affordable, lightweight carbon fibre stalking rifle
By Shooting Times | 14 May 2026
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Rifle buying guidesFranchi Horizon Varmint Elite Subalpine rifle review
Bruce Potts puts the Franchi Horizon Varmint Elite Subalpine through its paces from bench to bunny, proving that it provides hunters with great reliability and value
By Shooting Times | 17 March 2026
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Gear buying guides5 of the best: hunting rifles for gamekeepers
From agile all-rounders to precision rimfires, we look at five of the best rifles currently helping gamekeepers manage everything from rabbits to red deer
By Shooting Times | 24 February 2026
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GearBrowning X Bolt 2 Distance Eclipse review: the best X-Bolt yet?
Bruce Potts puts the new Browning X Bolt 2 Distance Eclipse to the test, discovering why this premium walnut thumbhole model is his favourite version of the rifle to date
By Shooting Times | 19 February 2026
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GearCZ 457 At-One Varmint Match .22 LR review: a precision rimfire?
A rimfire that is well positioned for the range and the field, offering shooters exceptional value and refined ergonomics.
By Shooting Times | 22 January 2026
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GearAnschütz 1761 Classic review: the pinnacle of rimfire design?
Bruce Potts reviews the Anschütz 1761 Classic in .17 HMR. We test if this compact rimfire rifle lives up to the legendary Anschütz pedigree.
By Shooting Times | 14 January 2026
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Rifle buying guides
Five of the best premium stalking rifles for UK deer stalkers
Selecting a premium stalking rifle is about more than ballistics or weight. It also involves build quality, ergonomics and confidence in the field. A top-tier stalking rifle must offer durability, han...
By Shooting Times | 5 December 2025
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Rifle buying guides
Five rifles to tackle deer big and small
Your choice of rifle will not only come down to personal preference but will also depend on which species you plan to stalk, writes Bruce Potts.
By ShootingUK | 15 April 2025
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