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Every shooter eventually hits that moment when a handgun just doesn’t cut it anymore. Maybe you want more range, more precision, or more power. That’s where rifles step in. They stretch your reach, sharpen your accuracy, and open up an entirely new side of shooting. At Gunner HQ, you can walk from classic wood-stocked lever guns to sleek modern AR platforms in a few steps.
Each one feels different. Each one pushes your skills in its own way. The trick is figuring out which rifle fits the kind of shooting you actually enjoy. Let’s break down the major types and what they’re best at, so you can find the one that makes sense for you.
If you want something tough and simple, AK rifles are hard to beat. Their design has barely changed in decades because it works. They tolerate dirt, sand, and neglect that would jam other rifles. Recoil is firm but predictable, and maintenance is straightforward. Brands like Century Arms and Zastava Arms are known for AK-style builds that keep the original spirit alive. They’re not built for extreme precision, but they’ll keep running even when conditions get rough. For defensive use or rugged field carry, an AK is that old pickup truck you can count on to start every time.
AR rifles are like the sports cars of the rifle world: fast, lightweight, and customizable. They’re ideal for target shooting, home defense, and competitive matches where speed and control matter. The recoil is soft, and the controls are intuitive, which makes them a favorite for new rifle shooters. Aero Precision and Alexander Arms offer AR platforms that blend accuracy with flexibility. With 6.5mm Grendel uppers available from Alexander Arms, you can stretch out to longer ranges without a punishing recoil. If you enjoy tinkering and tailoring your gear, an AR is a blank canvas ready for your personal touches.
When distance matters more than speed, bolt action rifles are the go-to. Each shot is loaded manually by cycling the bolt, which keeps the action tight and consistent. That consistency makes them incredibly accurate, and they handle powerful cartridges well. Bergara and CZ-USA are favorites among long-range shooters. Bergara’s barrels are known for match-grade precision, while CZ’s 457 series delivers surprising accuracy in smaller calibers like .17 HM2 Ammunition or .17 Hornet Ammunition. If your idea of fun is ringing steel at 500 yards, this is your style.
There’s something nostalgic about cycling a lever. It’s fast, smooth, and surprisingly satisfying. Lever action rifles were the standard for decades, and they still make fantastic hunting or ranch rifles today. Browning keeps the tradition alive with modern lever guns that blend old-school charm with reliable performance. They’re quick to shoulder, fast to fire, and perfect for short to mid-range hunting. And honestly, nothing looks better on a rack over the fireplace.
Pump action rifles are rare these days, but they’re worth mentioning because they offer something unique. Like a pump shotgun, the action is worked by sliding the fore-end back and forward. It’s faster than a bolt, and it keeps your sight picture steadier between shots. They shine in brushy hunting environments where quick follow-up shots matter. While not as common, some models from Taurus and Citadel occasionally appear in Gunner HQ’s lineup. If you want something different that sparks conversations at the range, a pump rifle will do it.
Semi-auto rifles balance the speed of an AR with the familiarity of traditional layouts. They automatically chamber the next round after each shot, letting you fire rapidly without losing focus on your target. B&T and Century Arms both offer semi-auto rifles that run smoothly and reliably. They’re excellent for competition, sport shooting, or defensive use. If you like fast-paced drills or steel plate matches, this type keeps the pace high and the fun higher.
Sometimes less is more. Single shot rifles make you slow down, aim carefully, and make your shot count. They’re incredibly accurate and lightweight, which makes them popular for small game or youth training. CZ-USA and Browning both produce excellent single shots in smaller calibers like .204 Ruger Ammunition or .300 HMR Ammunition. If you want a calm, precise shooting experience, this is the way to go.
The best rifle for you depends on what you want from it. Ask yourself a few questions:
If you want minimal recoil and low cost, something in .17 HM2 or .22-based platforms is perfect for practice. If you want extreme long-range energy, .416 Barrett Ammunition from Barrett Firearms delivers staggering power. For an all-around balance, the versatile 6.5mm Grendel from Alexander Arms has become a modern favorite.
Inventory changes, but you’ll often find:
You can explore them all in the Rifles collection and round out your setup with Rifle Magazines and Scopes while you’re at it.
Rifles open the door to a different kind of shooting. They slow things down or speed them up depending on which path you take. They can reach across fields, handle tough weather, or simply make plinking cans at the range more satisfying. For rugged dependability, AK rifles hold their ground. For modular speed, ARs shine. For raw precision, bolt actions never disappoint. And for timeless style, lever actions are still hard to beat. Whatever you choose, Gunner HQ has rifles built for it—whether you want a tool, a challenge, or just something that makes you smile every time you pull the trigger.
