Photo courtesy of CVA USA.
January 29, 2024
By Alan Clemons
Camp debate often centers around questions that start like this: "What’s the best [fill in the blank]?" and then hunters throw out pros and cons for rifles, ammo, shotguns, bows or other hunting items and strategies. When it comes to the best rifles for predator hunting , though, usually the answer is unanimous of whatever is in your hand at the moment.
Predators and invasive species, such as feral hogs, can be hunted from coast to coast. Coyote hunters often opt for calibers such as the .223 and 224 Valkyrie to minimize pelt damage. Hog hunters want knockdown power and may opt for a .308 or .338, or hard-hitting slug. Varmint hunters span the gamut, sporting everything from the .17 HMR to larger calibers.
Here are some of the best new rifles for predator hunting that made their debuts at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas .
Rock River Arms .17 HMR Rock River Arms ' inaugural AR-platform .17 HMR rifle is designed for precision and versatility, a great combo when going after varmints and predators. With an RRA A4 billet upper and forged A2 lower, it boasts an 18-inch 41V50 CMV barrel, gas impingement system with delayed blowback operation, and a 1:9 twist for consistent performance with 15.5- to 20-grain cartridges. Enhancements include the RRA NM Ultra Match 2-stage trigger, rear charging handle and a winter trigger guard. The rifle features a Magpul MOE grip, Magpul SL-K stock, and a 15-inch free-float handguard with M-LOK for accessories.
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Bergara Wilderness Series The new Wilderness Sierra from Bergara is for the discerning hunter who likes a traditional sporter style of the Ridge rifle but with more adjustability. The Sierra has an adjustable comb, great for optimized shooting from set positions for predators or other game. It is chambered in .22-250, long a top predator caliber, along with hog-smashing calibers including the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 6.5 PRC, .30-06 SPRG, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag, and 300 PRC. The Wilderness Sierra has a 20- to 22-inch chrome-moly steel barrel (length depends on the caliber), with a sniper gray Cerakote finish. It weighs 7.4 pounds. Southpaw shooters will be glad to know it comes in a left-hand model, too.
CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter
Made specifically for varmint hunters, the new CVA https://alnk.to/hDpgzQJ Cascade Varmint Hunter features a medium-heavy barrel contour and fully featured stock with a flat, wide forend. If you’re set up on the ground with a bipod or rest shooting at distance, or in a blind or set with a tripod or other rest, the ample forend will be a big plus. The rifle also has a customizable length-of-pull and comb, high-capacity magazine, and 20 MOA rail so you’re ready to mount the scope of your choice. The fluted barrel with Cerakote finish is suppressor ready. The rifle is chambered in .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, 204 Ruger and .243 Win.
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AG Composites Stocks Want to build your own predator or varmint rifle? You can with AG Composites stocks, which now offers fiberglass options along with its highly popular handmade carbon fiber stocks. The new fiberglass options are heavier than the traditional AGC carbon fiber stocks, but offer the same quality manufacturing at a lower price. The fiberglass stocks have precise inletting, myriad finishes and a variety of options. If you want a lightweight, traditional carry rifle or something a bit more sniper-ish for predators, hogs or other game, the build is available. Merely select the rifle stock model, choose fiberglass (or carbon fiber), the inlet, barrel and finish, and it’s handled.
Shaw Barrels Excursion The Shaw Barrels Excursion rifle is packed with features that begins with a premium Shaw Match Grade barrel. It's paired with a glass-bedded Prak44 carbon fiber stock, 3DHex recoil pad, blueprinted 416 stainless steel receiver and user-adjustable TriggerTech trigger. The latter can be adjusted from 2.5 to 5 pounds. The Excursion is available in 39 short-action and 51 long-action calibers, and compatible with hundreds of stocks and triggers for predator or varmint hunters everywhere.
CZ 600 American Six of the most popular deer-hunting calibers are offered in the CZ 600 American, a traditional bolt-action design with Turkish walnut stock. You'll find the rifle in .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .270 Win, .30-06 Sprg and .300 WinMag. Chase coyotes and other predators with the 20 caliber options, and hogs or big game with the larger ones. CZ guarantees sub-MOA accuracy (three-shot groups at 100 meters with match-grade ammunition). The rifle has an anti-corrosion finish, adjustable trigger, double-stack magazine and more.
Christensen Arms Evoke Christensen Arms’ new Evoke rifles offer a versatile array of features and 11 calibers from .243 to 350 Legend. The rifles have a 416R stainless steel precision barrel with Cerakote finish, 60-degree bolt throw on a three-lug bolt, RFR muzzle brake, and are suppressor-ready. A hybrid grip angle and user-adjustable TriggerTech trigger helps put shooters on target every time. Other features include detachable box magazine, integrated Picatinny rail, swivel sling studs, adjustable cheek riser and integrated ARCA rail on select models.
Impulse Predator One of several rifles in the Impulse line, the predator-specific model is chambered in the popular .22-250, .243, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win calibers. Features include the adjustable AccuFit stock for LOP and comb height, AccuTrigger, ambidextrous two-position tang safety, quick-bolt release and multi-position ambidextrous bolt handle. The bolt handle can be adjusted for multiple positions, right- or left-hand, and is a security key to the gun. The integral mil-spec picatinny rail allows for optics or accessories.
Marlin Model 1894 Classic The Model 1894 Classic is a longtime favorite chambered in .44 Rem. Mag and .357 Mag that will be solid for hunting feral pigs. It has an American black walnut stock and forend. The rifle’s receiver, lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from alloy steel forgings, and its 20.25-inch cold hammer-forged barrel also is crafted from alloy steel. The receiver and barrel are blued with a satin finish. The Model 1894 has and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and hooded front post. It holds 10 rounds of .44 Rem. Mag.
CVA Cascade XT The Cascade XT in 7mm PRC hits speeds up to 3,000 fps and provides accurate shots without tooth-rattling recoil. The Cascade includes a large bolt knob, threaded muzzle, two-position safety, flush fit detachable magazine and trim lines with a 7.15-pound weight. The 7mm PRC chambering joins other XT stalwarts including the .223 Remington. 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester. .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Mag.
