Five of the Best Deer Stalking Rifles for 2025

Sako 90 Peak

RRP: £3,895
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The Sako 90 Peak is a refined evolution of the classic Sako action. It’s available in a wide range of calibres and now features integrated Picatinny rails for easier scope mounting.

A three-lug bolt with a 60° lift offers smooth cycling. The action is quiet and secure thanks to a three-position safety with bolt-locking. Twin sprung plungers ensure reliable ejection.

The cold hammer-forged 20-inch barrel is threaded 15×1 and delivers sub-MOA accuracy. The trigger is adjustable and crisp, ideal for hunters who need to tailor pull weight throughout the seasons.

A standout carbon-fibre stock keeps weight down to just 2.6kg (5lb 11oz), making it an ideal hill rifle. It’s rigid, weatherproof, and durable. The recoil pad is 22mm thick with spacer compatibility to adjust the length of pull from 14.25 inches.

This rifle isn’t about adjustability – it’s built for lightweight, accurate hunting performance.

Seekins Precision Havak PH2

RRP: £2,770
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This American-made rifle combines smart modular design with high-end build quality. The 416 stainless barrel is fluted, bead-blasted and finished in deep grey Cerakote. It’s threaded 5/8×24 for moderators.

The bolt is fluted, with four lugs for a strong 90° lock-up. A 20 MOA Picatinny rail is fixed to the receiver for added reach.

Trigger Tech provides a crisp, weight-adjustable unit (1,140–2,280g). The stock is lightweight and stiff with epoxy pillar bedding, ensuring reliable zero retention.

Feeding is via a detachable five-round AICS magazine. Sub-MOA five-shot groups were easily achieved. Seekins’ lifetime warranty backs the rifle’s long-term performance.

Although it may divide opinions with its varmint-profile stock, it delivers serious accuracy and rugged build quality in a modern stalking package.

Ruger American Gen 2

RRP: £825
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For under £1,000, this is an impressively capable rifle for newcomers and seasoned stalkers alike.

The Ruger American Gen 2 features a grey polymer stock with adjustable spacers for custom length of pull. It includes a threaded barrel, muzzle brake and tungsten Cerakote finish.

A three-lug bolt offers a slick 70° lift. Ruger’s adjustable Marksman trigger (1,300–2,200g) is predictable and reliable, with a safety blade insert for added protection.

It feeds from a three-round polymer magazine. The ergonomics are excellent, with finger grooves and aggressive stippling providing solid control.

Despite its modest price, the fluted barrel and action finish give this rifle a premium feel. It’s robust, corrosion-resistant and delivers consistent performance for UK deer stalking.

Benelli Lupo Synthetic

RRP: POA
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Benelli’s Lupo rifle deserves more attention. Finished with their BE.S.T. anti-corrosion surface treatment, this rifle includes a 25-year corrosion warranty – ideal for UK weather.

It combines a polymer/aluminium stock chassis with impressive bolt smoothness. The recoil pad is soft-shooting and modular, with spacers to adjust length of pull and cheek height.

The single-stage trigger is adjustable (1,000–2,000g). The five-round magazine can be top-loaded with the bolt closed, offering fast follow-ups and even single-round direct chamber loading.

The free-floating barrel is clamped securely and maintains zero under tripod use. Benelli’s progressive recoil system absorbs energy through telescopic compression.

With unique styling and advanced features, this is a reliable and future-proof stalking rifle with high-end finish and user-focused ergonomics.

Sauer 505 Synchro XTC

RRP: £6,645
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The new Sauer 505 continues the legacy of the 404 while adding significant refinements.

Its steel action improves rigidity and corrosion resistance. The rifle uses Blaser’s proven saddle mount system – one of the best return-to-zero scope mounts available.

The barrel is cold hammer-forged, interchangeable, and screwcut for a moderator. A weight-adjustable trigger offers a crisp break. Although it lacks positional adjustment, it’s precise and responsive.

Stock options range from classic walnut to synthetic thumbhole and carbon fibre. The Synchro XTC carbon stock is ultralight and ergonomically advanced. A decocking system is built into the bolt shroud.

Steel magazines feed smoothly and quietly. The SUS sling swivel on the fore-end also doubles as a 4mm Allen key, allowing disassembly and adjustment in the field.

With a smooth 60° bolt lift and advanced ergonomics, the Sauer 505 is built for lifetime performance with luxury options to suit your hunting style.

Verdict

Whether you want a lightweight hill rifle like the Sako 90 Peak, modular American precision from the Seekins, or a budget-friendly option like the Ruger, there’s something here for every UK deer stalker.

For those looking to invest in the long term, the Sauer 505 or Benelli Lupo bring high-tech engineering and superior finishes that won’t let you down in poor weather or rugged terrain.