It’s a new year, and that means a new crop of hunting guns will be arriving shortly on store shelves. This year’s class of new hunting guns contains something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight rimfire for rabbit and squirrel hunting or a fine over/under for the upland fields. The crossover between sporting and target/tactical centerfire rifles continues this year, but there were a few real surprises including a sleek bolt-action muzzleloader that utilizes NitroFire loads and simplifies smokepole shooting. We also saw the release of a new slug shotgun—something that hasn’t happened in recent memory.
Regardless of the game or the terrain, this roundup includes something for every hunter and every budget. Without further delay, here’s a list of the new hunting guns that will be hitting store shelves in 2025.
Smith & Wesson 1854 .357 Magnum
What It Is: The smooth-handling little brother of the 1854 .44 Magnum and .45 Colt
Smith & Wesson surprised everyone with the release of their 1854 lever action rifle last year. Originally chambered in .44 Remington Magnum, the 1854 family has grown to include a .45 Colt version and—for 2025—a .357 Magnum model. Like the .44 and .45, the new .357 Magnum version of the 1854 is available with either a black polymer stock and stainless steel metalwork or a walnut stock with black Armornite finish. Both versions come with a 19.25-inch barrel, a 10-round tubular magazine, oversized lever loop and a 4 ¾-inch Picatinny rail. They also feature XS ghost-ring rear sights and a brass-bead front sight. There’s also a new Stealth Hunter 1854 .357 Magnum rifle with a 16.3-inch barrel, black finish and aluminum handguard with M-Lok slots. These smooth-shooting, low-recoiling rifles are a perfect fit for all kinds of hunting applications. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com. MSRP: $1,279-$1,399
Ruger 10/22 Carbon
What It Is: A new ultra-lightweight version of Ruger’s ultra-reliable .22 autoloader
The 10/22 has been the unassailable king of semi-auto 22s for the last six decades, and this year, Ruger is introducing a brand-new version of their iconic .22 rifle with a carbon-fiber barrel. The new 10/22 Carbon Fiber comes with a Magpul MOE X-22 lightweight polymer stock which features M-Lok attachment points at the six o’clock position on the forearm and TSP texturing on the vertical pistol grip. The steel barrel comes with a tensioned carbon-fiber sleeve and measures just 16.1-inches, giving this gun an overall length of 34.1-inches. The barrel is threaded ½ x 28 TPI to accept suppressors or muzzle devices, and the short overall length means this gun is still manageable in the woods even with a can in place. An optic rail comes standard, and weight is a mere 3.5-pounds—perfect for carrying all day in the squirrel woods. For more information, visit ruger.com. MSRP: $649.00
Citadel AD500
What It Is: A reliable autoloading centerfire rifle chambered in one of the world’s most versatile cartridges.
At one time, autoloading rifles like Remington’s 742 and Winchester’s Model 100 dominated the deer woods. While semi-autos are still popular with hunters (AR-platform rifles in particular), it’s been awhile since a company launched a new semi-auto sporting rifle platform. If that type of rifle trips your trigger check out the new AD500 semiauto rifle from Citadel. It utilizes a reliable gas-operating system and comes with a detachable box magazine. Chambered in versatile .308 Winchester, this gun is suitable for just about any North American hunting. There are four different AD500 models available with different stocks and finishes, but all come with adjustable iron sights (fiber-optic rear) and a rail for mounting optics. The 1:12 twist 20-inch barrels keeps overall length to a minimum, and these rifles weigh a very manageable 6.6-pounds. For more information, visit citadelfirearms.com. MSRP: $739 to $759
Mossberg Suppressor Ready Patriot Carbine
What it Is: The Patriot turnbolt rifle that’s built with suppressor owners in mind
I’ve been a fan of the Mossberg Patriot bolt-action since it arrived on the scene in 2015. The Patriot is a suitable big-game gun for anyone seeking reliable performance at a value price, and has done very well since its release. However, times have changed and so have the needs of hunters. In particular, more hunters than ever are using suppressed rifles, and the new Suppressor Ready Patriot Carbine was built to accommodate cans. These rifles come with barrels ranging from 16.5- to 20-inches depending upon caliber, and threaded muzzles with popular thread pitches. Durable black synthetic stocks come standard on these guns, and so do Picatinny rails for mounting optics. The shorter barrel keeps overall length to a minimum, so even if you aren’t planning to use a suppressor these compact rifles are great for hunting from tree stands and blinds. As with all Mossberg products, you can expect reliable performance from these new suppressor-ready Patriot rifles. For more information, visit mossberg.com. MSRP: $500
Traditions NitroBolt
What It Is: A clever bolt-action muzzleloader that’s safe and easy to operate
The new Traditions NitroBolt is the first bolt-action muzzleloading rifle to make use of Federal’s innovative Firestick. Firestick pre-measured charges are color coded by powder weight, and make the NitroBolt one of the easiest and safest muzzleloading rifles to shoot and maintain. Simply seat the .50-caliber bullet with the ramrod, open the bolt, and insert a Firestick with 209 primer into the action. The NitroBolt comes with a 3-position safety that allows you to unlock the bolt and operate the action with the safety engaged. The muzzle is threaded and a muzzle brake is optional. I had an opportunity to test the NitroBolt in Ohio and was very impressed. These rifles were very accurate with Traditions Smackdown ELD-X bullets, and by opening the bolt I could remove the Nitrostick and make the rifle completely safe. Cleaning is also quite simple since the bolt can be removed. For more information, visit traditionsfirearms.com. MSRP: $995
Howa Mini Action .22 ARC
What It Is: A compact, quick-handling bolt gun chambered for the hot new .22 ARC
Howa’s Mini Action sleek is almost an inch shorter than standard short actions. This shortened length lightens the Mini Action and improves cycling speed. This year, Howa is unveiling a brand-new lineup of .22 ARC Mini Action rifles that will appeal to long-range predator and varmint hunters. These guns are available with 20- or 22-inch steel barrels or 20-inch carbon-fiber barrels. Stock options include synthetic stocks, walnut, carbon fiber and an APC chassis. All Howa Mini-Action .22 ARC rifles come with threaded barrels and five-round detachable box magazines, and they all feature Howa’s two-stage HACT trigger. The slick Mini Action is a scaled-down version of Howa’s popular and reliable 1500 action, and just like its big brother the Mini Action features a durable M16-style extractor and dual front locking lugs. If you’re searching for a new varmint or predator gun this year, this is a superb option. For more on the Mini Action .22 ARC, visit howausa.com. MSRP: $529
Browning X-Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR
What It Is: The next generation of Browning long-range big game rifle
Browning unveiled the new X-Bolt 2 last year, and the newest member of the XB2 family is the Western Hunter LR (Long-range) model, which launched at SHOT Show 2025. The XB2 Western hunter LR offers many of the same innovative features found on other X-Bolt 2s like the adjustable Vari-Tech stock, spiral-fluted bolt and new Plus Magazine system, but the Western Hunter LR is purpose-built for long-range hunting and shooting. The sporter-contour barrel is belled at the muzzle which allows for a standard 5/8 x 24 TPI thread pitch, and that makes it easier to mount suppressors and other muzzle devices. A radial brake comes standard on the gun, as does a Picatinny rail on the underside of the fore-end for mounting bipods and other accessories. The bolt handle has been redesigned so it’s easier to operate, and the dense Inflex recoil pad does an excellent job managing recoil. I especially like the new Vari-Tech stock that allows shooters to adjust length of pull (LOP) without visible spacers. For more from Browning, visit browning.com. MSRP: $1,470
Tikka T3x Ace Game
What It Is: Tikka’s superb T3x barreled action combined with a modular chassis
The Tikka T3x Ace Target was designed with target shooters and PRS or NRL competitors in mind, but its cousin the T3x Ace Game is designed with hunters in mind. It features a medium-contour barrel that helps reduce overall weight and make the gun easier to carry in the field. The chassis offers recoil pad, LOP and cheek rest adjustments, and the vertical grip and thumb shelves offer a comfortable hold on the rifle. In addition, the pistol grip is compatible with AR grips so you can customize this rifle any way you’d like. Available in chamberings from .223 Remington to .300 Winchester Magnum, the versatile and accurate T3x Ace Game blends the best features of top tactical rifles and sporters, making this a superb bolt gun for all your big-game hunting needs. For more information, check out tikka.fi. MSRP: 1749
Bergara BMR-X
What They Are: A pair of refined rimfires that are perfect for plinking and small game hunting
At this year’s SHOT Show, Bergara unveiled a pair of brand-new rimfire bolt-action rifles, the BMR-X Steel and BMR-X Carbon. Both rifles are available chambered in .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 WMR, and both utilize Bergara’s sleek Micro Rimfire action. The Steel model comes with a #6 contour 4140 chromoly steel barrel while the Carbon version comes with a #6 carbon-fiber barrel. Both barrels are threaded and measures 18-inches in length. The Carbon version is slightly lighter (5.7 pounds compared to 6.6 for the Steel model), and both of these rifles come with length of pull spacers and the Bergara Performance Trigger. There’s no need to worry about buying scope bases because both rifles are equipped with optic rails, and five- or ten-round magazines (depending on caliber) come standard. If you’re looking for an accurate rimfire that’s built to big game gun standards the BMR-X rifles will suit you well. Check out bergarausa.com for more. MSRP: $719 (BMR-X Steel), $819 (BMR-X Carbon)
Marlin 1894 Guide
What It Is: A sleek, understated lever-action .44 Magnum that’s versatile and fun to shoot
The Marlin 1894 Guide debuted late last year, but SHOT 2025 offered most folks their first close inspection of this new rifle. With its black laminate stock and matte-blued finish, the 1894 Guide isn’t as flashy as some of its lever-gun counterparts, but it manages to blend the classic lines of a lever gun with the durability of laminate wood for a robust, field-ready rifle. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds of .44 Magnum (11 of .44 Special), and at just 6.4-pounds the Guide rifle remains light and handy while packing a powerful punch. It’s a great option for hunting whitetails in straight-well states, especially in heavy cover or in the tight confines of a blind. Fit and finish are excellent and semi-buckhorn rear sight is adjustable. The smooth action and mild recoil make this gun fun to shoot, and while it doesn’t come with a polished chrome finish or tactical stock like some other lever guns it’s a robust, reliable rifle. For more information, visit marlinfirearms.com. MSRP: $1,279
Sauer 505
What It Is: A supremely engineered German hunting rifle for discerning hunters
When you hold the new Sauer 505 rifle and you instantly appreciate the refinement that is built into this rifle. The bolt is as smooth as a custom gun and the cold-hammer-forged barrels and receivers are beautifully finished. Like the 404 it replaces, you can swap barrels and calibers on the 505. The 505 also utilizes Blaser’s ingenious saddle optics system which allows you to remove a scope and replace it without having to rezero. But my favorite feature on this rifle (besides the beautiful fit and finish of the top-end guns) is the decocker/safety. When you press forward on the safety, the rifle simultaneously cocks and a bright red indicator is visible. When the safety is engaged the rifle decocks, making this one of the safest guns to carry in the field. The 505 is available in chamberings ranging from .222 Remington to .375 H&H Magnum, and there are multiple stock options including polymer, carbon fiber, thumbhole and several grades of walnut. Visit blaser-group.com/us/ for more. MSRP: $3,200
CVA Scout/Scout TD
What They Are: A pair of affordable single-shot rifles loaded with lots of extra features
The Scout and Scout TD are CVA’s break-action single-shot hunting rifle platform, and there’s a .410 version of the Scout for small game and turkey hunting. Both guns come with adjustable combs and length of pull spacers for a perfect fit, and both are equipped with threaded muzzles (the Scout .410 comes with Jeb’s XX-Full turkey choke). These guns feature rugged polymer stocks and the TD model features a stainless steel fluted barrel and muzzle brake. The standard Scout comes with a blued steel barrel. Both guns come with an ambidextrous hammer spur and a semi-vertical grip with a palm swell for maximum comfort. This year the company is adding two new straight-wall cartridge options—.360 Buckhammer and .400 Legend—to both the Scout and Scout TD lines. Simple to operate and affordable to own, the Scout and Scout TD are solid guns for most any hunting application. Check out cva.com for more. MSRP: $425 (Scout), $495 (Scout TD)
Weatherby 307 Range XP 2.0
What It Is: A feature-rich hunting rifle worthy of the Weatherby name
The Weatherby Model 307 is the company’s first rifle to be designed at their new headquarters in Sheridan, Wyo. and Weatherby’s first new action in six decades. The company’s new 307 Range XP 2.0 rifle blends their push-feed 307 action with a lightweight, hand-painted polymer stock with a vertical grip. The barrel is skip fluted and threaded, and each of these rifles comes with a TriggerTech adjustable trigger. Speaking of adjustment, the stock is adjustable for both comb height and length of pull. The 307 action is Remington 700 compatible so there are lots of accessories available, but in factory form the Model 307 XP 2.0 is an exceptional rifle with lots of high-end features. It’s also backed by Weatherby’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Check out weatherby.com for more. MSRP: $1,279
Savage 110 PPR
What It Is: The next evolution of Savage’s premium hunting rifles
The Savage 110 is the oldest continuously produced bolt-action hunting rifle in the United States, but these guns have done extremely well at keeping pace with the demands of modern shooters. Take, for example, the new 110 PPR (Professional Pursuit Rifle). It combines a Savage 110 action with a PRROF Research 20-inch carbon fiber barrel and a Grayboe Phoenix 2 painted stock. The Grayboe stock offers comb height/cant and length of pull adjustments for a perfect fit, and the M-Lok slots and QD cups allow you to customize the rifle to suit your hunting or shooting needs. Up top you’ll find a 20 MOA rail with enough built-in elevation for really long shots, and the radial brake helps tame recoil. Should you choose to remove the brake you can mount a suppressor on the rifle, and the short 20-inch barrel keeps overall length manageable even with a can in place. The 110 PPR is available in a long list of hunting calibers from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 Win Mag including the hot new 7mm Backcountry. Visit savagearms.com for more. MSRP: $2,399
Watchtower Bridger
What It Is: A precision hunting rifle worthy of Jim Bridger’s name
Watchtower’s new precision bolt gun is built with hunters in mind, and it’s named in honor of one of the nation’s greatest hunters—Jim Bridger. This rifle is chambered in 7mm PRC and features an LRA Precision Ti-Strike threaded barrel, which is light and dissipates heat efficiently. Also included on this rifle are a precision-machined 416 stainless steel action and a McMillan carbon fiber stock. A Timney Elite Hunter trigger comes standard and is set to 2.5-poinds and this rifle weighs just 7.1-pounds unloaded. The durable finish is designed to protect against the worst elements and the flush-fit QD cups allow you to attach or remove your sling quickly in the field. Of all this rifle’s impressive features the most eye-catching is the unique pattern on the stock which fades from camo to a map of the western United States on the buttstock. This may be the most striking bolt-action rifle to hit the floor in Vegas in 2025. It isn’t cheap, but this is truly a masterpiece of rifle craftsmanship. Check out watchtowerfirearms.com to learn more about their products. MSRP: $6,499
Savage Axis 2 Pro
What It Is: Savage’s revamped entry-level bolt gun that offers upgrades and maintains a modest price point.
First, a note about nomenclature: A few years after introducing the original Axis rifle, Savage added the Axis II (which came with the AccuTrigger) to the line. This rifle—the Axis 2—is an updated version of those guns for ’25. All Axis 2 Pro rifles come with an adjustable AccuTrigger and other upgrades including a redesigned stock with a vertical grip and palm swells. The bolt handle has also been redesigned so that it’s easier to grasp and operate. There are three polymer stock color options (FDE, OD green, gray) and there’s also a version with a walnut stock. Both right- and left-handed versions are available and there’s a compact model for short-statured shooters. I recently tested the Axis 2 Pro and found it to be a reliable performer, capable of producing three-shot groups under 1.5-inches at 100 yards. With a load it really likes you can expect even better performance—quite impressive for a budget rifle. Head on over to savagearms.com to learn more. MSRP: $489
