By Robert Sadowski, GunBroker Contributor

The biggest news in hunting rifles is the new 7mm Backcountry cartridge from Federal Premium, which outclasses all other 7mm calibers with a velocity of 3,000 fps out of a 20-inch barrel.

2025 is seeing quite a few rifles brought out, ranging from high-end to much more affordable. On the upper end come semi-custom bolt-action rifles from Seekins, Geissele, Watchtower, and Christensen Arms. All offer performance and accuracy in lightweight packages.

Rifles for the rest of us from CVA, Franchi, Savage, Mossberg, and others offer affordable bolt-actions. The big innovation in muzzleloaders is the Traditions Nitrobolt, which is the first bolt-action muzzleloader to use the Firestick ignition system.

Benelli Lupo Charred Timber

Benelli expands the Lupo sub-MOA hunting rifle lineup with the Lupo Charred Timber (MSRP: $2,299), which has a fresh new finish that blends a Labrador Grey BE.S.T. metal finish with a Charred Timber color scheme on the buttstock and forend. Functional upgrades include a one-piece Picatinny rail to give hunters diverse scope mounting options plus a multi-port muzzle brake to tame recoil and to provide faster target reacquisition. Available in .308 Win. and .30-06 Spr. with a 22-inch barrel, .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm PRC with a 24-inch barrel.

Bergara BMR

The Bergara BMR rimfire bolt-action has been updated with the BMR-X Steel (MSRP: $719), which incorporates more target rifle features, like a vertical grip, adjustable length of pull and flat fore-end. Available calibers include .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. All three calibers have an 18-inch heavy-profile threaded steel barrel.

Browning X-Bolt 2

A number of new Browning X-Bolt 2 models have been introduced, including the X-Bolt 2 All Purpose (MSRP: $1,180) with a heavy-taper threaded barrel, extended magazine well with barricade stop, and adjustable OD Green Vari-Tech stock. Calibers include .243 Win., 6.5 CM and .308 Win.

The X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite has three new models: Two-Tone (MSRP: $1,199.99-$1,239.99 depending on caliber), TCB (MSRP: $1,199.99-$1,159.99 depending on caliber) and Stainless (MSRP: $1,259.99-$1,299.99 depending on caliber). The Two-Tone has a matte-gray stainless-steel receiver that contrasts with the sporter contour barrel with non-reflective matte blued finish. The TCB sports a Tungsten Cerakote finish on the receiver, spiral fluted bolt and muzzle brake. It also has a sporter contour barrel with a non-reflective matte-blued finish. The Stainless sports a stainless barreled action.

Christensen Arms Evoke & Modern Carbon Rifles

Two new bolt-action hunting rifles from Christensen Arms is the Evoke (MSRP: Starting at $898.99) and Modern Carbon Rifle (MSRP: Starting at $2,400). The Evoke is offered in four distinct, feature-rich models: Evoke with a smoked Bronze Cerakote finish and OD Green stock; Evoke Mossy Oak with a FDE Cerakote finish and Mossy Oak Bottom Lands Camo stock; Evoke Hunter with a black Cerakote finish and Christensen Arms Hunter Camo stock; and the Evoke Precision with a Dark Grey Cerakote finish with a hex pattern and Christensen Arms Hex Camo stock.

All Evoke models features a machined receiver, detachable magazine, hybrid grip angle, premium adjustable trigger, 416R stainless-steel suppressor-ready barrel with an RFR-style brake, integrated Picatinny rail, swivel sling studs, adjustable cheek riser and optic-ready base on select models. The Evoke line is chambered in a variety of popular hunting calibers in 18-, 20-, or 22-inch barrel lengths and synthetic stocks with a hybrid grip angle. All Evoke models come with a Sub-MOA Guarantee.

The Modern Carbon Rifle features the lightweight yet incredibly durable FFT carbon fiber stock with an adjustable push-button cheek riser, full-length M-LOK slots on the forearm, front and rear QD attachment points, adjustable length of pull via spacers, and an integrated forward Picatinny rail section. A Remington 700 style action is used in the Modern Carbon with an optic-ready 20-MOA Picatinny rail and a skeletonized bolt handle with an oversized bolt knob. The free-floated, hand-apped, button-rifled Christensen Arms Aerograde carbon fiber barrel is suppressor-ready and mated to the action.

CVA Scout Spur

The affordable single-shot CVA Scout shotgun line has been upgraded with the new Scout Spur (MSRP: $465.00) chambered in .410 with a 20-inch barrel and a XX-Full turkey choke. The barrel is compatible with Browning Invector choke tubes. The polymer stock has an OD Green finish and the metal is blued. Weight is 6.7 pounds and it comes with sling swivel studs and a Picatinny rail. 

Federal Premium 7mm Backcountry

The new 7mm Backcountry is a totally new 7mm centerfire caliber designed for all ranges that provides superior ballistics and terminal performance shorter barrel suppressed rifles. With 170-grain bullets, it achieves a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps out of a 20-inch barrel. The 155-grain load is the fastest 7mm on the market.

Unique to the 7mm Backcountry is its patented Peak Alloy case. This next-generation, one-piece design allows higher velocities over modern brass case ammunition. The caliber is being offered in a variety of reliable performance-built hunting bullets ranging in weights from 155 to 170 grains, such as Federal’s Terminal Ascent 155- and 170-grain bullets, Berger Elite hunter 195-grain Elite Hunter bullet, Barnes LRX 168 grain and Federal Fusion 175 grain. 

Franchi Rifles

Franchi expands the Momentum All-Terrain Elite line with an all-new camo pattern Franchi Verdant (MSRP: $1,479) featuring a Midnight Bronze Cerakote finished barreled action, muzzle brake and bolt handle. This bolt-action rifle is built in the spirit of the classic scout rifle and is chambered in .308 Win. and .223 Rem. It comes with a free-floated Picatinny rail to mount optics, flip-up adjustable sights, threaded free-floating 18-inch barrel with a muzzle brake and a 10-round Magpul AICS magazine.

The new Momentum Carbine Elite (MSRP: $1,249) was developed as the answer to hunters who demand maneuverability in close environments and favor a light, agile platform. It comes with the compact Evolved Ergonom-X stock, and is chambered in .308 Win. and .350 Legend with an 18-inch straight fluted barrel, and the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 20-inch straight fluted barrel, both with removable muzzle brake. It even comes with guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy.

The newest caliber to added to The Momentum Elite line gets a new caliber and camo finish. The 7 PRC (MSRP: $899) and the Franchi Biome camo pattern (MSRP: $899) are the latest caliber and finish options. The Momentum Varmint Elite rifle (MSRP: $1,249) has a new Franchi Verdant camo finish.

Geissele Automatics King Hunter

The King Hunter rifle (MSRP: $3,880) is Geissele’s first bolt-action rifle and its chambered in the new 7mm Backcountry cartridge. This rifle features a nitride-coated receiver and 20-inch stainless barrel, floating bolt head with roller-guided firing pin, and Manners Long Range Hunter stock.

Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader

New to the Henry Homesteader line is a non-threaded variant of the Homesteader 9mm (MSRP: $959, model #H027N-H9G). The Homesteader 9mm series uses a direct blowback semi-automatic system that accepts interchangeable magazine wells for Henry, Glock, SIG, or S&W M&P magazines. This new variant is pre-fitted with a Henry magazine well and includes a five-round and 10-round magazine in the box, along with a magazine well for OEM Glock G17 or G19 magazines.

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

The new VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope lineup is designed to adapt to all hunting situations from thick timber to wide-open plains. These six scope models deliver with multiple magnification ranges and reticle options, including the FireDot Duplex, Boone & Crockett, Twilight Hunter and TMOA. Models include 1-6x24mm (MSRP: $1,999.99), 2-12x42mm (MSRP: $2,199.99), 3-18x50mm (MSRP: $2,399.99), 3-18x56mm (MSRP: $2,499.99) and 4-24x52mm (MSRP: $2,599.99). All VX-6HD Gen 2 scopes offer SpeedSet dial technology, competition grade adjustments, integrated throw lever, oversized numbers for quick adjustments and reticles with Motion Sensor Technology.

Maxim Defense PRS 350

New to the Maxim Defense PRS line of hunting suppressors is the PRS 350 suppressor (MSRP: $695) designed for .35 caliber rifles. Built with a 7075 aluminum tube, core, and mount, the PRS 350 is designed for durability while keeping weight to a minimum. A Grade 5 titanium thread insert prevents galling and ensures long-term reliability. A good choice for light to mid-duty use. The PRS 350 combines performance with an affordable price. Like other PRS suppressors, the PSR 350 uses Precision MonoKore technology for effective sound reduction benefits.

Mossberg Bolt-Action Rifles

The Mossberg Patriot Carbine bolt-action rifle series (MSRP: $500) now has a suppressor-ready platform that includes threaded, free-floated barrel lengths of 16.25-, 18- and 20-inches, chambered in a wide range of calibers from .22-250 Rem. to 7mm PRC. Features include a durable black synthetic stock with a matte blue metal finish, twin-lug push-feed machined-steel action and flush polymer magazine.

The new MVP Patrol Professional Series AR-magazine compatible, bolt-action rifle (MSRP: $829) is available in 5.56mm NATO/223 Rem, .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62mm NATO/.308 Win. with black synthetic stock and Cerakote metal finish. The MVP Patrol Professional Series rifles feature a 16.25-inch medium-bull threaded barrel with A2-style muzzle brake, pillar-bedded stock, over-sized bolt handle, adjustable LBA Trigger System, factory-mounted Picatinny rail, and adjustable fiber-optic iron sights. It comes with a textured, black synthetic stock, featuring stippling on the pistol grip, sling swivel studs and a 10-round magazine.

Remington Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun Ammo

New to the classic Core-Lokt line of rifle ammo is Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun hunting ammo designed specifically for lever-action rifles. Lever Gun ammo uses Big Green’s polymer tip bullet, which improves long-range ballistics, in-flight accuracy, and initiates rapid expansion. Calibers include .360 Buckhammer with 180-grain bullet (MSRP: $48.99), .30-30 Win. with a 150-grain bullet (MSRP: $39.99), .35 Remington with 200-grain bullet (MSRP: $69.99), .45-70 with a 300-grain bullet (MSRP: $74.99), .444 Marlin with a 240-grain bullet (MSRP: $93.99) and .32 Win. Spl. with a 170-grain bullet (MSRP: $69.99).

Sako Finnlight

Sako is extending the 90 series with an updated version of the Finnlight. The Finnlight features an adjustable comb piece in the stock, along with textured inlays, flush QD sling swivel cups, cold hammer-forged barrel, Picatinny receiver, and adjustable Sako 90 trigger. Calibers choices include: .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., 6.5 CM, 7mm/08, .308 Win., .270 Win., .30/06, 8x57mm, 7mm Rem. Mag., .300 Win. Mag. and 9.3x62mm.

Savage Arms Bolt-Action Rifles

Savage is tapping into the new 7mm Backcountry caliber by chambering it in a variety of Model 110s. These include the Ultralite (MSRP: $1,699), Ultralite Elite (MSRP: $3,299), Pro Pursuit Rifle (MSRP: $2,399), Timberline  (MSRP: $1,279) and Trail Hunter Lite (MSRP: $699) 16.5-inch barrel model and 20-inch barrel models (MSRP: $699).

Certain models will be offered in both right and left-hand models. These lightweight, rugged hunting rifles features 20- or 16.5-inch barrels in either carbon fiber or steel and are able to traverse a wide array of environments, all while delivering the on-target performance the all-new 7mm Backcountry offers.

The AXIS 2 PRO (MSRP: $599.00) is now being offered in an all-new Forest SP camo finish in the 6mm ARC chambering. The 6mm ARC addition to the AXIS 2 PRO lineup makes this rifle available in a dozen offerings, including .22-250 Rem., 6.5 CM, .350 Legend and more. The 6mm ARC round is engineered for precision and versatility, making it an ideal choice for both long-range shooting and hunting applications.

The affordable Model 334 bolt-action rifle is now available with a Mossy Oak Terra Gila camo stock (MSRP: $529) and two new calibers: .30-06 Sprg. and .270 Win. The Model 334 features include a three-position safety, a 60-degree bolt lift with three locking lugs, ergonomic stock and recoil pad, 1913 Picatinny rail,and sling swivel studs.

Seekins Precision Havak PH3

The Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter series introduces the Havak PH3 (MSRP: $1,895), built with a three-lug action and quick-change barrel system and housed in a Seekins Mini Chassis. Features include a tool-less takedown bolt, integrated 20-MOA optics rail and Seekins PH3 carbon composite stock. Available calibers are 6mm CM, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .277 Fury, .308 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm PRC, 7mm Backcountry, .300 Win. Mag. and .300 PRC.

Sightron S6 Rifle Scopes

Best-in-class S6 30mm and 34mm riflescopes offer a new choice for hunters that need versatile, high-performance precision optics. Two models include the S6 5-30x56mm ED FFP Zero Stop (MSRP: $1,889.99) and S6 5-30x56mm ED Zero Stop (MSRP: $1,779.99). The S6 5-30x56mm ED FFP Zero Stop is a front focal plane (FFP) scope with an illuminated MH-7 reticle, while the S6 5-30x56mm ED Zero Stop is a second focal plane (SFP) scope with an illuminated MOA-7 reticle. Both optics use a 34mm body and feature zero stop tactical turrets, removable throw lever, ED glass and parallax adjustment.

Steiner ePredator 8 Rifle Scope

With its state-of-the-art, real-time ballistics calculator and integrated Heads-Up Display (HUD), the Steiner ePredator 8 3-24x50mm (MSRP: $3,295.99) hunting riflescope eliminates guesswork and on-the-fly ballistic calculations to provide easy turret adjustments for point-of-aim and point-of-impact precision.

Features include a real-time ballistics calculator with environmental sensors that instantly calculate bullet drop and environmental factors, brightness-adjustable overlay display, 8X zoom, fiber dot reticle illumination, HD lenses and precise mechanical clicks. It even syncs with the Steiner ePredator LRF 10×42 Binoculars or the Steiner Connect app via Bluetooth for faster adjustments and enhanced efficiency.

Traditions NitroBolt

The NitroBolt (MSRP: $995) is the first Firestick capable bolt-action muzzleloader. This 50-caliber features a 24-inch chromoly fluted and tapered barrel, 1:24-inch VAPR twist, three-position safety, free-floating barrel, pillar bedded stock, patented extractor for the Firestick, adjustable length of pull, adjustable cheek piece and three-lug bolt with 60-degree bolt handle.

Watchtower Firearms Bridger 7mm PRC

The new Bridger 7mm PRC rifle (MSRP: $6,499) pays homage to the legendary frontiersman Jim Bridger while setting a new standard for precision and reliability in long-range, lightweight hunting rifles. High-tech features include the LRA Precision Ti-Strike 22-inch barrel built from precision-milled 416R stainless and grade 5 titanium. This makes the barrel light and optimizes heat dissipation while offering excellent accuracy. Overall weight is only 6.8 pounds. Features include a Timney Hunter Elite Trigger, Picatinny mounts and McMillian Mountain Tracker carbon fiber stock. The Bridger is finished in a proprietary PVD coating.

Weatherby Range XP 2.0

The Weatherby Range XP 2.0 rifle (MSRP: $1,280) is built with the Model 307 action, a cylindrical two-lug M700-style receiver. It’s designed to be compatible with a wide variety of Model 700 aftermarket accessories. Features include a synthetic stock with an adjustable comb piece and a camo pattern. Barrel lengths vary between 20, 22, 24 and 26 inches, depending on caliber, and have a skip-flute scalloped pattern with muzzle brake. Comes in a Black Graphite Cerakote finish.

Winchester Wildcat Rifles

The Winchester Wildcat .22 SR (MSRP: $339.99) and Wildcat .22 LR (MSRP: $319.99) semi-automatic rifles are now available with an OD Green Flat Dark Earth finish. The SR (Suppressor Ready) model has a threaded barrel. Both feature a lightweight composite stock molded in OD Green and a 10-round rotary magazine that features last round bolt hold open.

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Tags: hunting ammo, hunting rifles, rifle scopes, SHOT Show 2025