SHOT Present 2025 introduced out the very best within the firearms {industry}, and we received our arms on a few of the hottest rifles hitting the market this yr. From precision bolt weapons constructed for long-range dominance to rugged, no-frills looking rifles designed to get the job achieved, the present flooring was full of innovation.
After a windy day on the vary in Nevada, we have been a bit confused about the place all of the looking rifles have been. The place appeared way more reserved than years prior, and a few manufacturers have been notably absent. Thankfully, we discovered precisely what we sought as soon as we hit the present flooring.
Whether or not you’re into backcountry looking or tactical capturing, otherwise you simply need the most recent and best in rifle tech, these fashions caught our consideration. They definitely received’t be leaving our wishlists anytime quickly.
All in favour of what received our nod for Finest in Present? Take a look at this yr’s SHOT Present award winners.
The Finest Looking Rifles of SHOT Present 2025
Browning X Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR builds on the earlier basis (which we coated in final yr’s SHOT Present roundup) with a number of key upgrades that enhance match, recoil administration, and general efficiency for long-range shooters.
Probably the most important adjustments is the adjustable comb inventory, permitting shooters to fine-tune their cheek weld for higher alignment with optics. This implies extra consolation and consistency when taking long-range photographs.
The brand new Recoil Hawg muzzle brake considerably reduces felt recoil in comparison with the unique, making follow-up photographs quicker and extra managed. Browning additionally refined the bolt deal with design, making it extra ergonomic for simpler manipulation. Whereas each fashions preserve the identical rugged reliability and Burnt Bronze Cerakote end for climate resistance, the X-Bolt 2 delivers an much more shooter-friendly expertise with these upgrades.
Worth: $1,470-1,550
Caliber – Barrel Size:
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR • 24″
- 6.5 PRC • 26″
- 6.8 Western • 26″
- 7MM REM MAG • 26″
- 7MM PRC • 24″
- 28 Nosler • 26″
- 300 WIN MAG • 26″
- 300 PRC • 26″
Savage Axis 2 Professional
The Savage Axis II Professional is a no-nonsense bolt-action rifle whose job is solely to get the job achieved. Outfitted with an nearly industry-standard AccuTrigger, it provides a crisp, adjustable set off pull that provides you customizable confidence in each shot. Its light-weight artificial inventory is hard sufficient for rugged terrain whereas remaining straightforward to hold on lengthy hunts.
The free-floating barrel and button-rifled bore are engineered for constant accuracy, making this rifle as reliable as it’s versatile. With choices for quite a lot of calibers and finishes, the Axis II is constructed to deal with every little thing from deer to varmints.
The most important perk? The value is much simpler on the pockets than most rifles at this time.
Worth: $599-639
Calibers – Barrel Size:
- Too many to checklist. There are at the moment 59 totally different configurations. The chances are that if you’d like it chambered in a selected caliber, it’s seemingly accessible.
Seekins Precision HAVAK PH3
The Seekins Precision HAVAK PH3 is touted as a long-range scalpel. It is without doubt one of the few precise rifles that discovered a spot on our Better of SHOT Present award winners this yr.
With its 24-inch hand-lapped, spiral-fluted barrel, full-length ARCA rail and Havak motion, this rifle is constructed to place rounds precisely the place you need them, with no excuses wanting shooter error.
The carbon composite inventory retains it mild with out sacrificing rigidity, whereas the adjustable cheekpiece ensures good eye-to-optic alignment. Chambered in critical long-range calibers and paired with a Timney Elite Hunter set off, the PH3 is for these critical about their time within the area.
Whether or not you’re establishing for a mile-long shot or stalking by means of the backcountry, this rifle is all about precision, which is what everybody expects from the machine store at Seekins Precision.
Worth: $1,895
Caliber – Barrel Size:
Watchtower Firearms Bridger Rifle
From tactical to the bushes, Watchtower is making an enormous transfer aimed straight at hunters.
The Watchtower Firearms Bridger Rifle is constructed for precision shooters who demand reliability and fashionable modularity. A 20-inch stainless-steel barrel ensures constant accuracy, whereas the monolithic free-float handguard supplies a stable, secure attachment platform. The absolutely ambidextrous billet receiver makes operation seamless for each left- and right-handed shooters.
An adjustable fuel system permits fine-tuning for suppressed or unsuppressed use, and the two-stage match set off delivers a crisp, predictable break for precision photographs. Light-weight but rugged, the Bridger is chambered in high-performance calibers and engineered for repeatable accuracy at prolonged distances.
This definitely isn’t a purchase order for the informal hunter. The value tag is perhaps powerful for some to swallow. Worth apart, it’s a rad rifle from a critical gun maker, and the factor simply appears to be like candy.
Worth: $6,499
Caliber – Barrel Size:
CVA Scout
The CVA Scout is a no-nonsense, single-shot rifle constructed for hunters who worth simplicity, accuracy, and reliability. A stainless-steel barrel ensures sturdiness in harsh situations, whereas the light-weight artificial inventory makes it straightforward to hold on lengthy hunts. The DuraSight scope rail permits fast optic mounting, and the crisp single-shot motion retains issues easy and reliable.
Obtainable in varied hard-hitting calibers, the Scout is designed for hunters who desire a light-weight, correct rifle with out pointless complexity. Whether or not within the woods or on the vary, this rifle proves that generally, much less is extra. As a result of let’s be trustworthy; you possibly can spend rather a lot on a rifle that can do the identical factor a funds rifle can.
For hunters in states with caliber restrictions, the Scout is on the market in straight-wall cartridges like .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster, providing authorized and efficient choices for whitetail looking. These calibers present wonderful stopping energy whereas assembly state laws, making the Scout a really perfect alternative for hunters needing compliance with out sacrificing efficiency.
Worth: $425-495
Calibers – Barrel Size:
