The 25 Best Used Hunting Rifles You Can Buy Right Now (2026 Deer Season Edition)

Your grandfather's deer rifle was probably a used gun. So was his father's. American hunters have handed down, traded up, and bought pre-owned rifles for a hundred years. It's how the tradition survives.

What changed recently isn't the tradition — it's the SUPPLY. Guns.com currently lists 8,822 used long guns for sale, spanning every legendary American hunting brand: Remington, Winchester, Marlin, Ruger, Savage, Weatherby, Browning, Henry, Bergara, Christensen. 3,470 of those are Certified Pre-Owned — inspected by their in-house gunsmiths and backed by a return policy.

The math is simple: a used Remington 700 in .30-06 that MSRPs at $1,200 new sits on Guns.com in the $500-$900 range, inspected, ready to hunt this fall. You save $500. You buy the scope. You buy the tags. You buy the trip. That's the used-rifle math.

We ranked the 25 rifles you should actually be looking at right now for the 2026 deer season — worst to first. The #1 pick isn't a specific rifle. It's a category. Read on.

Why buy used at all?

The value math is undeniable. A working hunting rifle depreciates 30-40% the moment it leaves the shop, then depreciates almost nothing for the next 30 years. You capture that entire depreciation curve by buying used. Same rifle. Same accuracy. Same expected service life. Different price.

You're not buying a phone. Bolt-action deer rifles are 100-year-old technology executed with modern manufacturing. A well-cared-for Remington 700 or Ruger M77 built in 1985 will outshoot brand-new rifles from most manufacturers today. There's no "new model year is better" arms race in bolt-action hunting rifles the way there is with consumer electronics.

Used inventory is DEEPER than new. The specific caliber-and-configuration you want is usually only in stock used, because new production runs skew to the top 3-5 popular calibers. Want a Winchester Model 70 Classic in .270 with a walnut stock? Good luck finding one new. You'll find twenty used.

The Guns.com moat. Their Certified Pre-Owned program (3,470 rifles as of publishing) inspects every gun on a 10-point checklist: barrel, bore, bolt, trigger, sights, action, stock, safety, magazine, function. If it fails any point, it doesn't get the certified badge. You buy with a return policy, which is what most first-time used-rifle buyers actually need.

What to look for on ANY used rifle

Every rifle on this list has specific inspection notes below, but four things apply universally:

1. Bore condition. Look down the barrel from the muzzle with a bright light. You're looking for: pitting (bad — corrosion), copper fouling (fine — cleans off), throat erosion (moderate wear is normal, extreme is bad). A used rifle with a mirror-bright bore is worth $100-200 more than the same rifle with a rough bore.

2. Bolt-lug engagement (bolt-actions). Cycle the bolt. It should close smoothly with even resistance. When you dry-fire and lift the bolt, both lugs should show even wear patterns on the receiver. Uneven wear = the rifle was fired hot and hard, or the bedding is bad.

3. Trigger function. Every rifle on this list has a trigger you should personally verify. Dry-fire it (safely, with the muzzle in a safe direction). It should break crisp, not creep. Adjustable triggers (AccuTrigger, X-Mark Pro, Marksman) can be user-set — check the current break weight.

4. Stock-to-action fit. Look at the barrel channel where it meets the stock. It should be even, no gaps on one side or the other. Wood stocks: check for cracks near the tang and the wrist. Synthetic stocks: check the inletting hasn't been dremeled by a previous owner.

Everything else you'd worry about on a used rifle — bore leade, cocking-indicator wear, magazine spring fatigue — is either cosmetic or easily fixed. The four items above are the ones that determine whether a $600 used rifle is a bargain or a heartbreak.

The 25 rifles worth putting in your safe this deer season

Ranked worst-to-first. Every CTA below routes to Guns.com's live search for that specific model's used inventory — so the link stays fresh as guns sell and new ones list.

#25

CZ 600

CZ · Bolt-action · .308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor / .243 Win

Guns.com used inventory: growing · Price band: $700–$1,200

Best for: The next-gen replacement for the beloved CZ 550. Modular, threaded barrel, sub-MOA guarantee from the factory.

What to inspect on a used one: Check the interchangeable-barrel lockup — the 600's headline feature is the swappable barrel system. If the previous owner swapped calibers, verify the bolt-face fits the current chambering. Look for wear on the trigger's aluminum housing.

Bottom line: A modern rifle that's already showing up used at meaningful discount because owners are trading up. If you find a lightly-used 600 Range or Alpha under $900, buy it.

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#24

Sako 85

Sako · Bolt-action · .270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag / .30-06 / .338 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 11 in stock · Price band: $1,400–$2,600

Best for: The connoisseur's bolt-action. Finnish precision, one of the smoothest actions ever made, and a resale value that barely drops in a decade.

What to inspect on a used one: Sako 85s hold value because owners baby them — condition is usually excellent. Check the barrel crown and the bolt-face gas ports. If the walnut has been re-oiled, it's fine; if it's been sanded, walk away.

Bottom line: Not cheap even used. But you'll pass this rifle to your kid, and they'll pass it to theirs.

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#23

Christensen Mesa

Christensen Arms · Bolt-action · 6.5 Creedmoor / .308 / .300 Win Mag / .28 Nosler

Guns.com used inventory: 25 in stock · Price band: $1,300–$2,200

Best for: Sub-6-lb carbon-fiber-stocked mountain rifle for the elk hunter who counts every ounce.

What to inspect on a used one: Christensen's carbon barrels are legit but check the stock-to-action bedding — early Mesa production had bedding issues that Christensen quietly corrected. If the group opens up over 5 rounds, walk. Sub-MOA cold-bore is the standard.

Bottom line: The lightweight-mountain-rifle price ladder starts here. Above this, you're paying $3,000+ for a Kimber Mountain Ascent.

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#22

Thompson/Center Encore

Thompson/Center · Break-action single-shot · Swappable — .223 to .30-06 to 12ga

Guns.com used inventory: 23 in stock · Price band: $500–$1,100

Best for: The one-rifle hunter who wants to shoot everything from squirrels to elk without owning five safe queens.

What to inspect on a used one: Encore uppers swap between calibers on one receiver. Verify the receiver's hinge pin has no play, check every barrel latch, and if it's a used receiver with multiple barrels, ask for headspacing docs on each.

Bottom line: Bought right, an Encore with 2–3 used barrels IS your rifle collection. Great value if you find a package deal.

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#21

Mossberg Patriot

Mossberg · Bolt-action · .243 Win / .270 Win / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor

Guns.com used inventory: 101 in stock · Price band: $300–$550

Best for: The under-$400 first-deer-rifle for a kid or a broke-but-smart new hunter.

What to inspect on a used one: Fluted barrel, spiral-fluted bolt. Check the LBA trigger for creep (it's user-adjustable — sometimes previous owner has set it too light). Stocks are polymer and dead-reliable; walnut versions from 2018+ hold value better.

Bottom line: Overlooked because it's not a Remington or a Ruger, but the Patriot outshoots both in the entry-level segment.

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#20

Ruger 10/22

Ruger · .22 semi-auto · .22 LR

Guns.com used inventory: 141 in stock · Price band: $200–$500

Best for: The rifle every kid learns on. Small-game hunter's silent partner. Practice-round grinder for the deer-season shooter.

What to inspect on a used one: 10/22s live forever. Check the extractor tension, magazine well for wear, and the barrel crown. Ignore cosmetic scratches — this is a working gun, not a safe queen.

Bottom line: Under $300 for a used 10/22 in solid condition is a no-brainer. Nobody regrets owning one.

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#19

Henry Golden Boy (.22 lever)

Henry · Lever-action · .22 LR / .22 Mag / .17 HMR

Guns.com used inventory: 19 in stock · Price band: $400–$700

Best for: The lever-action .22 you buy your daughter for her twelfth birthday. Also — every American made-in-America hunter's second rifle.

What to inspect on a used one: American-made in New Jersey. Brass receiver + walnut stock. Check the lever throw for smoothness — if it feels gritty, the previous owner didn't clean it. Fixable with a strip-down.

Bottom line: Passes the wife test AND the trail test. Made in America matters here.

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#18

Henry Big Boy

Henry · Lever-action · .357 Mag / .44 Mag / .45 Colt / .30-30

Guns.com used inventory: 19 in stock · Price band: $700–$1,100

Best for: The pistol-caliber lever gun. Perfect brush-country deer rifle for a shooter who already owns a .357 or .44 handgun (share the ammo).

What to inspect on a used one: Brass or steel receiver. Steel is stronger for the magnums; brass looks prettier and holds up fine at pistol-caliber pressures. Check the loading gate spring — early Big Boys had weak gates that got stuck.

Bottom line: Under $800 used, this is one of the most-fun rifles you'll ever own. American-made.

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#17

Browning BAR (semi-auto)

Browning · Semi-auto · .270 Win / .30-06 / .300 Win Mag / .338 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 42 in stock · Price band: $900–$1,600

Best for: The semi-auto deer/elk rifle for a hunter who wants faster follow-up shots without giving up magnum-caliber authority.

What to inspect on a used one: BAR gas systems can carbon up if the previous owner neglected them. Check for smooth cycling with a snap cap. Wood stocks: verify the checkering hasn't been sanded. Original Belgian-made BARs (pre-2000) command premiums — verify country of origin.

Bottom line: Underrated semi-auto hunter. Under $1,200 used with a scope is a genuine deal.

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#16

Weatherby Vanguard

Weatherby · Bolt-action · .223 / .243 / .270 / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor / .300 Wby Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 103 in stock · Price band: $500–$900

Best for: The Weatherby you can afford. Same sub-MOA guarantee as the Mark V at half the price.

What to inspect on a used one: Vanguard actions are Howa 1500-based (see #12). Check the trigger break — Weatherby Series 2 triggers are excellent adjustable units; original series triggers have creep. Stock inletting on the Synthetic model is dependable.

Bottom line: Sub-MOA out of the box, under $700 used, comes in every hunting caliber worth owning. Buy with confidence.

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#15

Tikka T3

Tikka (Sako) · Bolt-action · .243 / .308 / .270 / 6.5 Creedmoor / .300 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 73 in stock · Price band: $700–$1,300

Best for: Finnish precision at real-world pricing. The T3's action is smoother than most rifles twice the price.

What to inspect on a used one: Tikka triggers are legendary — check for factory adjustment. Bolt cocking indicator should snap crisp. If the stock has been aftermarket-swapped (Manners, McMillan), that's a plus, not a minus.

Bottom line: Under $900 used = one of the best value-per-dollar deer rifles in the market. A T3x Lite in .308 is a lifetime rifle.

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#14

Howa 1500

Howa (Legacy) · Bolt-action · .223 / .243 / .308 / 6.5 Creedmoor / .300 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 84 in stock · Price band: $500–$900

Best for: The Weatherby Vanguard's Japanese twin — same action, less marketing tax.

What to inspect on a used one: Same action as the Vanguard (both built by Howa Machinery in Japan). Two-lug bolt, hammer-forged barrel. Check the safety detent — Howa 1500s have a reputation for reliable safeties, so if it feels mushy, walk.

Bottom line: The most underrated deer rifle in America. If you find a Howa 1500 in .308 under $600, you've done well.

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#13

Marlin 1895 (.45-70)

Marlin (Ruger) · Lever-action · .45-70 Government

Guns.com used inventory: 25 in stock · Price band: $900–$1,600

Best for: The one rifle for hunting anything that walks in North America — including brown bear in the alders. Post-Ruger-takeover 1895s are the best ones ever made.

What to inspect on a used one: Post-2021 Marlin (Ruger-manufactured) rifles have a horse-head medallion in the pistol grip cap. Pre-Ruger Marlins can be great too, but avoid the 2016–2020 Remington-manufactured 'Remlins' — build quality was inconsistent.

Bottom line: The .45-70 lever is a truck rifle, a bear rifle, and a heritage rifle in one. Under $1,300 used, buy without hesitation.

#12

Browning X-Bolt

Browning · Bolt-action · .243 / .270 / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor / 6.5 PRC / .300 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 117 in stock · Price band: $800–$1,500

Best for: The premium American hunting bolt. Rotary magazine, 60-degree bolt lift, and a trigger that breaks like glass.

What to inspect on a used one: X-Bolts have a rep for great triggers — check the Feather Trigger for creep. Barrels are hammer-forged and hold zero. Composite stocks are dead-nuts durable; walnut versions require normal wood care.

Bottom line: Under $1,100 used = a serious hunting rifle at a real discount off the $1,400 new sticker.

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#11

Weatherby Mark V

Weatherby · Bolt-action · .257 Wby Mag / .270 Wby Mag / .300 Wby Mag / .340 Wby Mag / .338 Lapua

Guns.com used inventory: 116 in stock · Price band: $1,400–$2,800

Best for: Magnum-caliber long-range hunter. Nine-lug bolt, one of the strongest actions ever made, and Roy Weatherby's original vision of maximum-velocity hunting.

What to inspect on a used one: Mark V actions are massively over-built and rarely wear out. Check the bolt lug engagement (should be even), the recoil pad (magnum kicks — original pads may be crushed), and the muzzle crown.

Bottom line: Used Mark V in .270 or .300 Weatherby Magnum under $1,700 = a lifetime magnum rifle.

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#10

Ruger M77 Hawkeye

Ruger · Bolt-action · .243 / .270 / .308 / .30-06 / .338 Win Mag / .375 Ruger

Guns.com used inventory: 129 in stock · Price band: $700–$1,300

Best for: The controlled-round-feed classic. Mauser-style claw extractor, integral scope mounts, and the American answer to the pre-64 Winchester Model 70.

What to inspect on a used one: Hawkeye actions are essentially bulletproof — the claw extractor is what makes them reliable in extreme cold and dirty conditions. Check the Ruger LC6 trigger for creep. Original walnut stocks are fine; boat-paddle synthetics from the '90s are ugly but functional.

Bottom line: Under $900 used = a heirloom-quality American controlled-feed rifle. Buy in .30-06 and you've bought a rifle for life.

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#9

Winchester Model 70 (Post-64)

Winchester · Bolt-action · .270 Win / .308 / .30-06 / .300 Win Mag / .338 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 106 in stock · Price band: $800–$2,200

Best for: The rifleman's rifle. The Model 70 is what serious American hunters carried in the 20th century — and the modern versions still deliver.

What to inspect on a used one: Post-'64 Model 70s split into eras: the '64–'92 push-feed actions are OK but not collectible; the '92-and-later 'Classic' controlled-round-feed actions are the ones worth owning. FN-Herstal era (2008+) rifles have excellent triggers and MOA guarantees.

Bottom line: A Winchester Model 70 Classic in .30-06 or .270 Win under $1,200 used = you own a piece of American hunting history.

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#8

Bergara B-14

Bergara · Bolt-action · 6.5 Creedmoor / .308 / .300 Win Mag / 6.5 PRC / .28 Nosler

Guns.com used inventory: 94 in stock · Price band: $900–$1,600

Best for: The under-$1,000 precision rifle that shoots like a $2,500 custom. Bergara barrels are among the best in the industry — hammer-forged, hand-lapped.

What to inspect on a used one: B-14 actions are Remington 700 clones (a good thing — every aftermarket 700 upgrade fits). Check the bolt lug engagement, trigger break (should be crisp), and stock-to-action bedding.

Bottom line: Sub-MOA guaranteed, under $1,100 used = the smart money's precision rifle. Especially in 6.5 Creedmoor.

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#7

Savage Axis

Savage · Bolt-action · .243 Win / .270 Win / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor / 7mm-08

Guns.com used inventory: 248 in stock · Price band: $250–$450

Best for: The best sub-$400 first deer rifle in America. Nobody's proud to admit they hunt with an Axis, and every hunter who owns one shoots deer with it every fall.

What to inspect on a used one: AccuTrigger on all modern Axis rifles — check that it's adjusted crisp (user-adjustable). Barrel is button-rifled and dead-accurate. Ignore the ugly polymer stock — the gun shoots.

Bottom line: Under $350 used with the AccuTrigger = the best value hunting rifle on this list, full stop.

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#6

Savage 110

Savage · Bolt-action · .223 / .243 / .270 / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor / .300 Win Mag / .338 Lapua

Guns.com used inventory: 212 in stock · Price band: $450–$1,000

Best for: The Savage that shoots better than rifles twice its price. AccuTrigger, AccuFit stock, and Savage's floating bolt-head design.

What to inspect on a used one: The 110 platform has been in production since 1958 — check the era. Modern (2015+) 110s with AccuFit stock and AccuTrigger are the ones to buy; pre-AccuTrigger models are still good but less refined. Look for barrel wear at the muzzle.

Bottom line: Under $600 used = the best-shooting rifle-per-dollar in America. The 110 is why Savage is a serious rifle company.

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#5

Ruger American

Ruger · Bolt-action · .243 / .270 / .308 / .30-06 / 6.5 Creedmoor / 7mm-08 / .300 Win Mag

Guns.com used inventory: 222 in stock · Price band: $300–$600

Best for: The kid's-first-deer rifle and the working hunter's daily-driver. Ruger's answer to the Savage Axis — and arguably better.

What to inspect on a used one: Marksman Adjustable trigger — check for creep (user-adjustable). Rotary magazine feeds flawlessly. Barrel is cold-hammer-forged and accurate. Ignore cosmetic scratches on the polymer stock.

Bottom line: Under $400 used in .308 or .270 = you have a real hunting rifle and enough leftover for a scope, ammo, and a tag.

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#4

Marlin 336

Marlin (Ruger) · Lever-action · .30-30 Winchester / .35 Remington

Guns.com used inventory: 44 in stock · Price band: $700–$1,400

Best for: The classic American brush-country deer rifle. If you hunt hardwoods east of the Mississippi, this is the tradition.

What to inspect on a used one: Same era split as the 1895 — post-2021 Ruger-manufactured Marlins are excellent; the 2016–2020 Remington-era 'Remlins' were inconsistent. JM-stamped (pre-2007) originals command premiums and shoot beautifully.

Bottom line: A used Marlin 336 in .30-30 under $900 = the same rifle your grandfather carried. Now made better than ever.

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#3

Winchester 94 (lever)

Winchester · Lever-action · .30-30 Winchester / .32 Win Special

Guns.com used inventory: 201 in stock · Price band: $700–$2,500

Best for: The most-manufactured hunting rifle in American history. Over 7 million made. If you buy one used, you're literally buying American heritage.

What to inspect on a used one: Pre-'64 Model 94s are collector pieces (value $2,000+, don't beat them up hunting). Post-'64 to 2006 production is where you hunt. 2010+ Miroku-manufactured (Japanese) 94s are extremely well-made and hold value.

Bottom line: A post-'64 Winchester 94 in .30-30 under $900 = every American hunter should own one.

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#2

Remington 700

Remington · Bolt-action · Every hunting caliber ever chambered — .223 through .375 H&H

Guns.com used inventory: 314 in stock · Price band: $500–$2,200

Best for: The most-copied bolt-action in the world. Every aftermarket stock, trigger, and scope base fits it. The default 'if you have to pick one hunting rifle' answer for 60 years.

What to inspect on a used one: Avoid rifles with the original X-Mark Pro trigger (2006–2014 recall era — some had accidental discharge issues; Remington replaced them, but verify the trigger has been swapped or updated). Pre-2006 rifles have the original Walker trigger — great when properly adjusted. Check the bolt-lug engagement.

Bottom line: The Remington 700 in .30-06 under $700 used is the answer to 'what should my one rifle be?' — for 90% of American hunters.

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#1

Guns.com Certified Pre-Owned (Editor's Choice)

Any — Guns.com's inspection program · Any · Every caliber worth owning

Guns.com used inventory: 3,470 total certified in stock · Price band: Varies

Best for: The buyer who wants a used rifle WITHOUT the used-rifle risk. Guns.com's Certified Pre-Owned rifles pass a 10-point inspection, ship with a return policy, and eliminate every reason most hunters won't buy used.

What to inspect on a used one: You're not inspecting — Guns.com's gunsmiths already did. That's the entire product. Barrel wear, bore condition, bolt lug engagement, trigger function, sight alignment, all verified by their in-house team before it ships.

Bottom line: This is the #1 pick because it eliminates the biggest objection to used firearms: buyer risk. If you're new to buying used rifles, START HERE. Certified Pre-Owned is Guns.com's moat, and it's why we recommend them over every other online seller.

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How to pair your rifle with the right scope

A used rifle without glass is half a rifle. If you don't already own the scope you want, our 15 Best Rifle Scopes 2026 mega-post ranks the 15 best hunting scopes by budget and use case. For a mid-price hunting rifle from this list, a Vortex Diamondback or Leupold VX-Freedom in 3-9x40 will run you another $200-400 used and turn a good hunting rifle into a great one.

What about ammunition?

Most rifles on this list chamber calibers that are readily available at any sporting-goods store: .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-30 Winchester. Avoid buying a rifle chambered in a caliber your local shop doesn't stock — hunt-camp ammo runs get expensive when you're driving 90 minutes for a box of .28 Nosler.

Frequently asked

Is buying used really safe?

If you buy Guns.com Certified Pre-Owned, yes — it's inspected, tested, and comes with a return policy. If you buy uncertified used from any online source, follow the 4-point inspection checklist above OR bring a gunsmith friend to look at it before you commit. Most modern hunting rifles are dead-reliable if the previous owner didn't abuse them.

How does the transfer work?

Guns.com ships to any FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer near you. You pick your FFL at checkout, they ship the rifle there, and you pick it up in person after a background check (BATF Form 4473 — same as buying a new rifle from a shop). FFL transfer fees run $20-50 depending on the shop.

Can I buy a used rifle from Guns.com and have it shipped to my house?

No — federal law requires the transfer to happen through an FFL. It's not a Guns.com policy, it's federal law. Every online gun retailer works this way.

What if the used rifle I buy doesn't work?

Certified Pre-Owned rifles have Guns.com's return policy — inspect and shoot within their return window. If there's a legitimate defect, you return it. Uncertified used rifles are sold as-is, which is why we recommend Certified for first-time used-rifle buyers.

Which state can I have this shipped to?

Every bolt-action, lever-action, and sporting semi-auto rifle on this list ships to at least 40 US states. Restricted states (CA, NY, NJ, MA, MD, HI, IL) may have magazine capacity or feature-based restrictions on specific configurations — Guns.com's checkout will flag any restrictions based on your shipping address before you buy.

Why does Guns.com pay commission on used firearms when nobody else does?

Honest answer: because they've built a business around used firearms. It's their category. Their affiliate program reflects where their revenue actually comes from. Most gun retailers (Palmetto State, Bass Pro, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse) built their affiliate programs around new-product marketing and never expanded to used because used isn't their focus. Guns.com's is.

Fair disclosure

Talk soon,
OSS AMERICA

God · Family · Country · The rifle you inherit is worth more than the rifle you buy new.