10 most popular hunting rifles in Alabama

Hunting season is just around the corner and many of us will be shopping for a new rifle. I polled several gun shops to find out which rifles are popular with Alabama hunters. The list is based on sales information only -- what gun stores sell the most. Some of these models have been in production for a long time, and some are brand new. Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

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10. Bergara B-14 Hunter

The Bergara B-14 Hunter bolt action rifle came in at #10 on our list. Bergara has been building top quality barrels for custom and military applications for years. The B-14, built in Bergara, Spain is an extremely accurate hunting rifle any hunter will appreciate. The B-14 Hunter rifle features a molded synthetic stock made of glass fiber reinforced polymer. As with the entire B-14 Series, the Hunter brings Bergara Barrel accuracy to a line of hunting rifles that is affordable to serious hunters. All B-14 rifles are capable of producing sub-1.0 MOA groups or less at 100 yards using factory match grade ammunition. The Hunter is available with either a hinged floor plate or a detachable magazine. It has been factory drilled and tapped to fit Remington 700 style rings and bases. Available in 7 calibers, pricing starts at $895.

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9. Weatherby Mark V Accumark

The Weatherby Mark V Accumark Rifle came in at #9 on our list. Weatherby has been producing their top end rifles in America for many years. The Mark V is the newest model from the company. The rifle features a fluted bolt body with a 54-degree bolt lift, fluted stainless steel barrel and precise LXX trigger that deliver an amazing shooting experience. The magazine holds 2-5 rounds depending on caliber. The Mark V is available in 15 calibers and weighs from 7.25-8.5 pounds depending on the model. Pricing starts at $1799.00.

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8. Christensen Mesa

The Christensen Mesa bolt action rifle came in at #8 on our list. Built in America by Christensen Arms, who built the first ever carbon fiber rifle barrel, the Mesa is a highly functional, lightweight rifle with plenty of features. The rifle features Christensen Arms 416R Stainless Steel Barrel with a Featherweight Contour stainless steel seamless radial brake (Removable). It also has a threaded muzzle 1/2 x 28 and a tungsten cerakote finish. The Mesa comes with a match grade with a 2.5-3.5 pound pull. The stock is carbon fiber composite in a shorter style and is black with gray webbing. Pricing starts at around $1,200.

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7. Howa Hogue 1500

The Howa Hogue 1500 bolt action rifle came in at #7 on our list. Howa is a arms company based in Japan and also builds parts for many other gun companies including Mossberg. The 1500 is available in 11 calibers and both 22 inch standard and 24 inch magnum barrel options. The 1500 also features Howa's HACT two-stage trigger system and a detachable box magazine. Standard blue and Cerakote finishes are available. Prices range from $499-$599.

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6. Savage Axis Rifle

The Savage Axis Rifle came in at #6 on our list. The Savage Axis is a family of bolt action rifles designed and manufactured in the United States by Savage Arms. The Axis is chambered in nine calibers from .22-250 Remington to the powerful 7mm-08 Remington. Axis rifles feature a synthetic stock, detachable box magazine, and a silky smooth action. Some models feature the company's fully adjustable AccuTrigger. Prices ranges from $368-$600 depending on model.

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5. Steyr Pro Hunter

The Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter comes in at #5 on the list. Produced by Steyr Arms of Austria, the Pro Hunter is a premium hunting rifle for a nice price. A durable synthetic stock resists weather and rough use and features removable spacers in the butt of the stock to adjust length of pull. The Pro Hunter's barrel is available in a 23.6" or 20" barrel Stainless Steel version or Mountain version with 20" barrel. The rifle is chambered in a choice of 7mm-08 Remington, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum (available only in a 25.6" barrel variant). Pro Hunter features the Safe Bolt System (SBS), a unique 2+1 safety function that offers 3 settings operated by a wheel switch on the tang of the stock. The Pro Hunter is priced at $850 retail but can be found for less.

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4. Remington 700 Rifle

Coming in at #4 is the Remington 700 series bolt action rifles. The Remington 700 is one of the most produced bolt action rifles of all time. There are many varied models of the 700 from varmint versions to full dressed out tactical versions. Stocks vary as well from many types of composite to fine wood versions. The 700 is American made and available in most popular calibers. Prices range from around $400 for the starter Model 783 to the 200th Anniversary model that sells for $2,400.

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3. Browning X-Bolt Rifle

The Browning X-Bolt rifle is #3 on the list. Browning has been building top quality hunting rifles for many decades. The X-Bolt incorporates two Browning innovations, the X-Lock scope mounting system and the Feather Trigger. The X-Lock scope mount offers a perfect marriage of a scope to a fully free floating barrel. The short 60deg bolt lift is fast cycling and allows you to work the bolt quickly without the scope getting in the way. The Browning X-Bolt rifle is offered 19 calibers and weighs 6.6-7 pounds depending on the configuration. Prices range from $769-$900.

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2. Ruger American Rifle

The Ruger American Rifle came in at #2 most popular with Alabama hunters. The Ruger American Rifle is 100% American made bolt action rifle and was introduced in 2012. The American is available in 18 calibers from .17 HMR up to the powerful .338 Winchester Magnum. The rifle feeds from a four shot rotary magazine and the one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70deg throw provides ample scope clearance. The American offers seven models for centerfire calibers and six models for rimfire calibers. The American has a Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger that adjusts from a 3-5 pound trigger pull. Prices range from just over $300 for rimfire models and start at $360 from centerfire models.

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1. Tikka T3x lite

The #1 hunting rifle purchased by Alabama hunters this year is the Tikka T3x lite. Made Sako of Finland, the Tikka is a new, updated model. Available in over 20 calibers from .204 Ruger to the powerful .338 Winchester Magnum, there is a caliber available for all of your hunting requirements. Overall rifle length is 42.5 inches and weighs just over 6 pounds. It uses a single stack magazine that holds 3-4 rounds depending on the caliber. The Tikka T3 has a single stage trigger, adjustable from 2-4 pounds and a two stage safety. Prices range from $650-$900 depending on model and caliber.

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Special thanks to these gun shops for their help putting this information together:

Birmingham Pistol Wholesale

Grabow Outdoors

Mark's Outdoors

TS Arms

Simmons Sporting Goods

All American Outdoors

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Here are some more stories on this topic:

15 Most Popular Handguns in Alabama 2017

10 Most Popular Handguns in Alabama 2016

10 Most Popular Rifles in Alabama 2016

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