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The 10 Best New Rifles Of The 2020s (So Far)
We’re barely halfway through the 2020s, and it’s already been an eventful decade. Rifle development has not slowed down at all. Manufacturers have taken advantage of advancements in technology and materials to push the design of rifles as far as ever to achieve results previously thought impossible. This means we’ve seen accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics improving almost universally.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best rifles released between 2020 and 2024. Whether you are a competitive shooter, hunter, weekend plinker, or simple firearms enthusiast, there is a rifle for you on this list.
Precision Rifles
Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro
Competitive shooting is as competitive of a sport as you will find. Thousands to tens of thousands of dollars are spent on rifles, training, and ammunition. A high-quality rifle is a necessity in the sport. The Daniel Defenses Delta 5 Pro is that rifle.
The performance of the Delta 5 Pro easily justifies the price. Source
Its cold hammer-forged barrel ensures sub-MOA accuracy out of the box, and its stock provides the customization needed for each shooter to make their rifle their own. The stock can be adjusted for the length of pull, cheek height, and buttpad position. If you’re not accurate with this rifle, you can almost always blame it on the shooter.
Bergara BMR
Bergara is a brand known for producing high-quality, precise rifles. The BMR is a testament to this legacy and stands out for what it adds to the brand. The 4140 CrMo Steel No. 4 Taper barrel on the BMR is top-notch—you would expect no less from Bergara—and the action is very smooth.
Now, that is a beautiful rifle. Source
Bergara put the barrel and action into a solid stock to ensure the rifle has a stable base, resulting in an excellent long-range shooting rifle. Bunters and competition shooters alike will appreciate the BMR’s ability to put rounds on target.
Hunting Rifles
Benelli LUPO
When you hear Benelli, you very likely think of quality shotguns, but the LUPO calls on Benelli’s years of manufacturing expertise to create an excellent rifle for hunting. The LUPO uses a precision-machined chassis that is adjustable to the shooter and includes an adjustable comb.
With high-quality Hornady ammunition, your LUPO will feel unstoppable.
The LUPO comes with a sub-MOA guarantee from Benelli and will outshoot most shooters. While looks don’t matter in a practical sense, the LUPO is also a good-looking rifle. Overall, the Benelli LUPO should be high on any hunter’s wishlist.
CZ 600 Series
The CZ 600 Series is a set of versatile hunting rifles designed to meet the needs of the modern hunter and is known for its smooth actions. They sport a modular design that allows qualified gunsmiths to easily change stocks and barrels, making it easier for shooters to adapt their rifles to their individual needs. The rifle is rugged and accurate, with some models sporting sub-MOA guarantees and one even sporting a sub-¾-MOA guarantee.
Wood and steel, the CZ 600 America is beautiful. Source
Marlin 1895 SBL
Ruger’s purchase of Marlin breathed new life into the venerable brand and, as a result, the lever-action platform. The Marlin 1895 SBL is chambered in .45-70 Govt, ensuring it has the power to bring down any game animal in North America. To support this jaw-dropping power of the .45-70, Marlin made the rifle as tough as the people who use it.
Lever-action rifles will leave you feeling like a cowboy. Source
Stainless steel construction gives it the rigidity to be highly accurate and the durability to handle many trips to your favorite hunting spot. If you want a combination of modern performance and the nostalgia and beauty of a classic lever-action, look no further.
Ruger American Gen 2
Affordable performance is the perfect way to describe the Ruger American Gen 2. The Ruger American Gen 1 was one of the best budget rifles of the 2010s, and Ruger listened to the end users when designing the Gen 2.
Budget does NOT mean cheap regarding the Ruger American Gen 2. Source
The rifles have an improved Cerakote finish for enhanced durability, and the stock was replaced/redesigned for better ergonomics and performance. While it lacks the sub-MOA guarantee some of the other rifles on this list have, it has plenty of practical accuracy, so don’t be surprised if your rifle does shoot sub-MOA with quality ammunition.
Sako 90 Series
If you want to buy a rifle from one of the legends of rifle manufacturing, look no further than the Sako 90 Series. Released in 2023, the 90 Series is designed to fulfill the needs of both backcountry and traditional hunters. Sako manufactured the 90s to a demanding standard, and it shows. The bolt is smooth, the trigger is crisp, and when combined with the premium cold-hammer-forged barrel, you have a rifle designed for successful hunting. All you’ll need to do is pick your favorite scope and ammo.
The classic design meets modern construction. Source
Sig Sauer CROSS Rifle
The Sig Sauer CROSS combines the features of a stand-out hunting rifle and a precision rifle. The result is a versatile hunting rifle that is at home on the range. Thanks to the folding stock, it’s compact and comes in at a lightweight 6.5 pounds.
Pairing the CROSS with a Sig Scope just makes sense. Source
The CROSS has familiar AR-style controls, an aluminum receiver, and a 2-stage adjustable match trigger. These features make it perfect for hunting. It is very user-friendly and a potential game-changer for the design of hunting rifles in the latter half of the 2020s.
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
Springfield Armory’s Model 2020 rifles are easily some of the best rifles to be introduced this decade. The first feature that jumps out about the 2020 Waypoint is the .75-MOA guarantee. The Model 2020 is going to outshoot you from day one.
It is hard to deny the accuracy of the Springfield 2020. Source
It uses carbon fiber in the construction of the barrel and has a TriggerTech trigger, which combines to deliver top-notch performance. The stock is customizable and helps to make the rifle one of the most ergonomic on the market. When you are ready to up the performance of your hunting rifle, the Springfield 2020 series of rifles is ready for you.
Tactical Rifles
Springfield Armory Hellion
Innovation in the tactical rifle realm can be hard to find. Every new rifle seems to be a minor evolution of the classic AR-15/M-16 design. The design has new components and evolutionary changes, but nothing revolutionary. The Hellion is something different.
Which color would you pick? Source
Its bullpup design makes it one of the most compact styles of tactical rifle. The Hellion competes with the legendary Steyr Aug and IWI Tavor in the bullpup market and holds its own. You’ll find fully ambidextrous controls and an adjustable gas system that ensures reliable functioning with varied ammunition loadings. Plus, it takes standard AR-15 magazines. Rugged and equipped with Picatinny rails for customization, the Hellion is ready to excel in sport shooting and tactical purposes.
Last Words
As you now see, the 2020s have brought us a diverse group of new rifles. Innovative designs like the Sig Sauer CROSS are paired with more traditional rifles like the Ruger American Gen 2 to provide shooters with plenty of choices, and precision-focused rifles like the Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro share the space with the tactically focused Springfield Hellion.
Pinpoint accuracy, rugged reliability, and cutting-edge features are all there in this crop of rifles and there is something for every shooter. It is great to see manufacturers working to meet the users’ needs and introducing innovations that the industry will utilize for years to come.
