Not every rifle that shoots lights-out needs to cost as much as your truck. Some manufacturers have figured out how to bring the kind of accuracy you’d expect from a custom shop down to a price regular folks can stomach. These rifles don’t need a trigger job or re-barrel out of the gate—they’re already dialed in tight. If you’re after performance without draining your account, these rifles are worth a hard look.
Bergara B14 Ridge
Bergara earned its reputation for barrels, and the B14 Ridge proves why. The action is smooth, the trigger is crisp, and the accuracy is there without needing any upgrades. This thing consistently groups under an inch with factory loads if you do your part.
It uses a Remington 700 footprint, so swapping parts down the road is easy. But honestly, you probably won’t need to. The stock’s sturdy, the recoil pad’s solid, and the bolt cycles like it costs twice as much. It’s about as plug-and-play as a sub-MOA rifle gets.
Tikka T3x Lite
Tikka’s T3x Lite might not look flashy, but it flat-out shoots. The barrel quality and bolt smoothness are way ahead of what most rifles offer in this price range. Factory ammo groups consistently tight, and the trigger’s ready right out of the box.
You get lightweight handling without sacrificing control, and the cold-hammer-forged barrel holds up shot after shot. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box performer that feels like it’s been tuned up, this one’s hard to beat.
Ruger American Predator
Don’t let the price tag fool you—the Ruger American Predator is more capable than most give it credit for. It comes with a heavier barrel, a decent factory trigger, and a scope rail already installed. With good ammo, it’ll shoot with rifles twice the cost.
The action isn’t the slickest, but it’s consistent. You’re not going to win any beauty contests, but you will punch paper with precision or fill tags in the fall. It’s a smart pick for someone who values results more than looks.
Savage 110 Tactical
The Savage 110 Tactical punches above its weight, especially once you factor in the adjustable AccuFit stock and AccuTrigger. Those two features alone make it feel more tailored than most rifles off the shelf. And the accuracy speaks for itself.
With the right load, sub-MOA is easy. The heavy barrel and tight chamber tolerances really help wring out precision. If you’re heading to the range or hunting from a stand and want a tack-driver without dropping $2K, this one’s a top contender.
Howa 1500 Hogue
The Howa 1500 in the Hogue stock has become a sleeper favorite among budget precision shooters. It’s built on a solid action with a forged barrel that’s known to hold tight groups. The two-stage trigger breaks clean, and you’ll feel the consistency in every shot.
You don’t need to modify much to make it a shooter. The stock gives decent grip and helps with recoil, and the accuracy is good enough for long-range practice or hunting. With the right optic, this rifle won’t leave you wanting more.
Mossberg MVP Patrol
The Mossberg MVP Patrol isn’t your typical hunting rifle, but it earns a spot on this list for its performance and versatility. It uses standard AR mags in .223 and .308 models, has a threaded barrel, and delivers impressive accuracy for the price.
It’s compact and easy to handle, but still shoots like a full-size rig. With decent glass, you can stretch this rifle further than you’d expect. If you want one rifle that can do double-duty between the range and the field, this one deserves a look.
Thompson/Center Compass II
The Compass II fixed what needed fixing on the original and turned into a serious contender. The trigger’s cleaner, the barrel’s more consistent, and the groups prove it. For a rifle under $500, it delivers performance that catches people off guard.
It’s not fancy, but it’s functional. You get a threaded barrel, a three-lug bolt, and a synthetic stock that holds up well. If you’re trying to build an affordable precision setup or want a second rifle that doesn’t feel like a downgrade, this one holds its own.
CVA Cascade
CVA’s Cascade is one of those rifles that sneaks up on people. You’re getting a free-floated barrel, threaded muzzle, and a solid trigger—plus sub-MOA accuracy with good ammo. That’s more than most folks expect at this price point.
It’s well-balanced, cycles smoothly, and uses familiar scope mounts. The recoil pad takes the edge off, and the synthetic stock doesn’t flex under pressure. If you’re building out a budget hunting rifle that doesn’t need a bunch of upgrades, this one’s a safe bet.
Remington 700 ADL Varmint
The Remington 700 ADL Varmint model gives you a heavy barrel and that proven 700 action in a package that’s surprisingly affordable. It’s not the highest-end version by any stretch, but the bones are there—and that’s what matters.
Even in stock trim, it’ll shoot tight with the right load. And since it’s a 700, there’s endless aftermarket support if you do want to upgrade later. For someone who wants solid accuracy now but likes the option to tinker down the road, it’s a strong choice.
Winchester XPR
The Winchester XPR is often overlooked, but that doesn’t mean it can’t shoot. The barrel and action are built right, and with decent ammo, it performs like something twice the cost. You also get a crisp trigger and solid ergonomics for field use.
It’s reliable, accurate, and built with hunters in mind. If you’re looking for a gun that holds its zero, groups well, and won’t blow your budget, this one’s worth checking out. It’s proof that Winchester can still deliver where it counts.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
