Must-See New Hunting Rifles for 2023

If you’re in the market for a new hunting rifle this season, you’re in luck—NRA Women has rounded up a handful of new and updated models you’ll want to take a look at. Whether you’re after a standard bolt-action, a new version of a classic lever gun, or a boldly styled rimfire, we’ve got you covered with these eight models.

Benelli Lupo Walnut in .30-06 and .308
I can personally attest to the accuracy and smooth shooting of Benelli’s bolt-action Lupo (Italian for “wolf”), which the company introduced several years ago. Though it’s not new, and neither is the beautifully wood-stocked version, what is new is that you can now get the walnut-stocked Lupo in two classic calibers that weren’t previously available: .30-06 Springfield and .308 Win. If you’re thinking the wood stock makes it delicate, consider that Benelli has coated the metal parts with its proprietary BE.S.T. coating that makes it dang near impervious to the harshest conditions. Features include free-floating Crio-treated barrel, sub-MOA accuracy, advanced ergonomics (36 different drop and cast stock positions!), Progressive Comfort system and Combtech cheek pad for shooting comfort, and a double-stack box mag (detachable). It’ll cost you about $2,200, give or take. BenelliUSA.com

Browning X-Bolt Speed Suppressor Ready
Browning fans already know and appreciate the X-Bolt Speed’s features, like a bolt unlock button, detachable rotary magazine, adjustable Feather Trigger and rugged, durable finishes—a composite stock and Cerakote. This year, Browning’s made the Speed suppressor-ready by shortening the match-grade, fluted, sporter-weight barrel by four inches, which allows the gun to still handle well without being too long once a suppressor is added. They’ve made it lighter (just 6.2 pounds) and more stiff to enhance carryability and accuracy. You can get it in a bunch of chamberings from .204 Ruger up to .300 PRC, and it’ll run you about $1,400 to $1,500 depending on the caliber you choose. Browning.com

Franchi Momentum Elite All-Terrain
If you’re looking for an all-purpose gun, take a look at the Momentum Elite All-Terrain. Franchi designed it to excel as a truck gun and a hunting rifle, inspired by the scout rifle concept. The free-floated, light contour 18-inch barrel and Relia adjustable trigger help this gun earn its 1-MOA guarantee. It’s got adjustable flip-up sights, or you can mount an optic on the free-floated Picatinny rail. It uses AICS-pattern mags and has a sleek, modular stock, and although they’re not included, aftermarket options let you customize the fit and feel to your liking. Right now, the Momentum Elite All-Terrain comes in .308 Win and .223 Rem, in TrueTimber camo with Midnight Bronze Cerakote. MSRP is right around $1,450. FranchiUSA.com

Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC
Mossberg’s flagship rifle line, the Patriot, has been out for years, and the Predator model was made as a hunting rifle, with emphasis on accuracy and dependability. This year, the Patriot Predator is available in the year’s hottest new big-game cartridge, the 7mm PRC. Barrels are free-floating, fluted and threaded, the bolt is spiral fluted with an oversized handle, and the gun uses Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) adjustable trigger. The twin-lug, push-feed machined steel action is tough and reliable, fed from a detachable flush magazine. Other chamberings are available, but if you want it in the new 7mm PRC, your options are flat dark earth with a matte blued barrel (retail price is a bargain $519) or Strata camo and Patriot Brown Cerakote ($616). Mossberg.com

Remington Model 700 Alpha 1
Remington is back, under new ownership, and it is wisely focusing on its core best-sellers. The model 700 certainly falls in that category, and the new 700 Alpha 1 utilizes the legendary action with new and improved features. Most notable is the Elite Hunter Timney straight trigger (3 pounds), and you’ll also appreciate the one-piece spiral fluted bolt body, AG composite carbon fiber stock with Pachmayr recoil pad, threaded muzzle, larger ejection port, fluted 5R barrel, round receiver, tool-less takedown firing pin assembly and precision-ground recoil lugs. It comes in 11 different chamberings. Remington doesn’t list the MSRP, but I found it for $2,140 at MidwayUSA.com

Ruger-Made Marlin 336
Marlin, now owned by Ruger, is bringing back the lever-action 336. It’s got that classic lever-action look you’d expect, complete with walnut stock, gold trigger and standard-sized lever loop as opposed to those oversized loops that have become popular on modern lever-actions. Marlin says their manufacturing tolerances have improved, making this gun more reliable than ever. Features include cold-hammer-forged, alloy steel barrel, soft rubber buttpad, adjustable semi-buckhorn sights, and a weight of 7.5 lbs. It’s chambered in—of course—the venerable .30-30 Win, and Ruger lists a retail price of $1,239. Ruger.com

Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter
Savage made a bold choice designing the straight-pull Impulse a few years ago, as straight-pulls haven’t been traditionally popular in the U.S. in recent years. They have some serious benefits, though, because since you don’t have to lift and lower the bolt, they’re considerably faster to operate—a plus if you should need a follow-up shot quickly. The new-for-2023 Mountain Hunter version of the Impulse is lighter weight for, well, mountain hunters and anyone else who plans to carry their rifle around on long or arduous treks. It’s got Savage’s excellent AccuTrigger (adjustable), a Proof Research carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, an integral 20-MOA rail, and Savage’s AccuStock with AccuFit technology that lets you fit the gun to your frame. It comes in nine calibers and retails for $2,347. SavageArms.com

Springfield Model 2020 Redline
Springfield Armory 2020 Redline rifle is a lighter-weight counterpart to the full-sized 2020 Waypoint. Available chambered in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, the 2020 Redline is offered with a choice of 16-inch or 20-inch carbon fiber-jacketed barrels. A threaded muzzle combines with compact dimensions—overall length as short as 36.5 inches. The Grayboe Trekker stock, with its distinctive cutout in the buttstock, contributes to the rifle’s light weight. An adjustable length of pull is also offered—and almost mandatory these days for women trying to “right size” their rifles. In addition, a partnership program with Silencer Central offers all purchasers of Model 2020 Redline rifles—where legally applicable—a free $200 “Tax Stamp” for acquiring a Banish 30 suppressor through that company. MSRP is $2299. Springfield-Armory.com

Winchester Xpert 22LR
If rimfires for small game are your jam, Winchester’s unique-looking Xpert, now available in 22LR, deserves a look. It’s super lightweight (4 pounds, 8 ozs.), with unusual styling and features designed to enhance accuracy, including a durable steel receiver, precision button-rifled barrel, three-lever adjustable Rimfire M.O.A. trigger, adjustable rear sight and ramped post front sight, easy-to-use controls, and more. It accepts aftermarket 10/22 magazines (10-round rotary mag included) and has dual ambidextrous mag releases. True, a bolt-action .22LR might not be for everyone, but this has the potential to be a seriously fun small-game gun, and at an MSRP of $319