Best Deer Hunting Rifles for 2018

Game & Fish takes a look at six of the best deer hunting rifles for 2018.

In much the same way as the population has changed, deer hunting gear and methodologies are radically different now in the 21st century: from high-tech scent elimination devices to cutting edge ammunition, and from state-of-the-art centerfire rifles to camouflage designed to bend light and make the wearer virtually invisible. Still, and as any veteran whitetail hunter will tell you, fancy gadgets and shiny doo-dads don't put 190-inch bucks on the wall...but they certainly can't hurt. -- M.D. Johnson

Here's a look at great deer hunting rifles for 2018 (reviews by M.D. Johnson and Gary Lewis):

Savage Model 110 Storm with AccuFit

Built for hunts when rain and snow are expected. Accuracy is improved with a rigid rail system along the entire barrel. The AccuFit system provides four length-of-pull inserts and five comb risers for the perfect cheek weld along with comfort panels at touch points. Adjustable trigger. SavageAarms.com $849

Winchester XPR Sporter

Grade 1 walnut with checkering for a positive grip. Barrel lengths range from 22 to 26 inches. Weight: starts at 6 pounds, 12 ounces.  Finished in matte black. Recessed target crown. It is Winchester's MOA trigger ystem with no creep. WinchesterGuns.com $599.99

Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed Long Range McMillan

A tactical frame combines with the grace of a classic hunting stock. The 26-inch barrel and receiver are treated with Cerakote in burnt bronze. Threaded muzzle. Calibers: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 WSM, 26 Nosler, 7mm Rem Mag, 28 Nosler and 300 Win Mag. Standard weight: 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Browning.com $2,129.99

Mossberg Patriot Synthetic Cerakote

Classic American bolt rifle in classic deer calibers, and a synthetic stock finished with Cerakote stainless steel. The fluted barrel and a 13.75-inch length of pull makes for a stealthy rifle for any weather conditions.Weight: 6 ½ pounds. Mossberg.com $440

Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie

Chambered for the smoking hot new 224 Valkyrie cartridge, the MSR 15 Valkryie delivers supersonic velocities out to 1,300 yards, along with flat trajectories and unsurpassed accuracy. The Valkryie features a tough Cerakote finish, and adjustable mid-length gas operation system. SavageAarms.com $1,500

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Mauser M18

Mauser calls the new M18 "The People's Rife." The renown German gunmaker has produced an affordable high-quality bolt action, perfect for deer hunters, that is packed with features. The M18 -- one of Game & Fish editors' favorites at SHOT Show 2018 has a cold-hammered steel barrel (56 cm for standard caliber / 62 cm for magnum), 5+1 magazine capacity, synthetic stock and soft grip inlays on the pistol grip and fore-end. Currently available in .308 and 30.06 calibers. Available in July will be: standard  —  .243 Win., .270 Win.; magnum — 7 mm Rem., .300 Win. Mauser.com $699

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