When you look at hunting across the country, the guns that dominate shelves and deer camps say a lot about local culture and terrain. Some states lean on time-tested lever guns, while others flock to modern bolt-actions or semi-auto shotguns. Sales data and on-the-ground habits line up to paint a clear picture of what hunters actually reach for season after season. Here’s a look at the most popular choice in each state.
Alabama – Remington 870
In Alabama, bird hunters and deer hunters alike keep the Remington 870 in the field. Its pump-action reliability and adaptability make it a go-to whether you’re chasing doves in the fall or deer in thick timber with buckshot.
Alaska – Ruger American Rifle
Alaskan hunters need power and dependability, and the Ruger American in .30-06 and .300 Win Mag fits the bill. It’s affordable but tough, a rifle that stands up to wet weather and delivers the punch needed for moose or bear.
Arizona – Winchester Model 70
Open country and long shots define Arizona hunting, and the Winchester Model 70 has held its place for decades. Its controlled-feed action and flat-shooting chamberings make it a trusted choice for mule deer and elk across the state’s rugged terrain.
Arkansas – Mossberg 500
From duck blinds to deer stands, the Mossberg 500 covers Arkansas hunters well. Its versatility and rugged pump-action design make it just as comfortable in flooded timber as in a treestand with slugs or buckshot.
California – Remington 700
Despite strict gun laws, the Remington 700 remains the backbone of hunting in California. Popular chamberings like .308 and .30-06 give hunters an accurate, reliable rifle that works for everything from blacktail deer to wild pigs.
Colorado – Tikka T3x
Colorado elk hunters demand accuracy and a smooth action, which is why the Tikka T3x has surged in popularity. Known for out-of-the-box precision, it’s a favorite among those chasing elk in high country where every shot counts.
Connecticut – Remington 870
In Connecticut’s small-game and deer woods, the 870 still rules. Hunters trust it for everything from turkey hunting to running slugs for whitetails, especially in areas with shotgun-only zones.
Delaware – Mossberg 500
Delaware hunters appreciate the Mossberg 500’s no-fuss operation. With a strong waterfowl tradition and deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, the pump-action versatility keeps it at the top of the list.
Florida – Remington 700
Whether it’s hogs, deer, or even the occasional predator, the Remington 700 is still a leading choice in Florida. The humid climate makes hunters appreciate a rifle that’s easy to maintain and consistently accurate.
Georgia – Remington 700
Georgia hunters have relied on the 700 for decades. With whitetail deer dominating the state’s hunting scene, it’s a rifle that balances accuracy, reliability, and wide availability in calibers hunters trust.
Hawaii – Ruger American Rifle
In Hawaii’s unique hunting environment—feral hogs, goats, and axis deer—the Ruger American has become a mainstay. Affordable and rugged, it performs in humid conditions while offering the power needed for tough game.
Idaho – Tikka T3x
Idaho’s mix of elk, mule deer, and black bear country calls for precision. The Tikka T3x has earned respect here, with its smooth bolt throw and consistent accuracy winning over serious hunters.
Illinois – Mossberg 500
Illinois’ shotgun-only deer hunting makes the Mossberg 500 the natural leader. Hunters rely on rifled barrels and slugs, while the same shotgun pulls double duty on waterfowl across the state.
Indiana – Remington 870
Shotgun seasons and upland hunting cement the 870’s dominance in Indiana. Hunters love its adaptability and long-lasting build, making it a natural fit in both deer and bird camps.
Iowa – Mossberg 500
Iowa’s shotgun deer hunts and strong waterfowl culture keep the Mossberg 500 at the top. With its ruggedness and easy maintenance, it’s a gun that sticks with hunters across generations.
Kansas – Remington 700
Kansas is known for long, open shots on whitetails and mule deer, and the Remington 700 continues to anchor hunters’ rifles there. Its flat-shooting calibers help handle those windy prairie conditions.
Kentucky – Remington 700
Whitetails rule Kentucky, and the Remington 700 is still king. It’s been passed down from fathers to sons for decades, offering accuracy and a wide range of chamberings that suit the local hunting style.
Louisiana – Remington 870
Swamp hunting and flooded timber have made the 870 a Louisiana staple. Whether chasing ducks or deer with buckshot, hunters value its toughness in wet conditions where other guns might fail.
Maine – Marlin 336
Maine hunters still prize the Marlin 336 lever-action. In the thick northern woods where black bear and deer move fast, the .30-30 lever gun offers quick handling and enough power for close-range shots.
Maryland – Mossberg 500
With shotgun zones shaping hunting habits, Maryland hunters rely heavily on the Mossberg 500. It’s simple, durable, and effective, whether slinging slugs at whitetails or sitting in a duck blind.
Massachusetts – Remington 870
Shotgun restrictions and a strong turkey hunting tradition have kept the 870 popular in Massachusetts. Hunters stick with it because it performs season after season in multiple roles.
Michigan – Remington 870
Michigan’s combination of deer, turkey, and waterfowl makes the 870 a natural fit. Its adaptability across seasons keeps it at the top of hunters’ lists year after year.
Minnesota – Remington 700
Big northern whitetails and the chance at wolves or bear push Minnesota hunters toward the 700. Its reputation for accuracy and reliability in cold weather make it a safe choice in harsh conditions.
Mississippi – Remington 700
The Remington 700 dominates Mississippi deer hunting. Hunters rely on classic calibers like .30-06 and .270 Winchester to cover everything from whitetails to feral hogs.
Missouri – Mossberg 500
With shotgun seasons and waterfowl hunts shaping the state’s hunting culture, the Mossberg 500 has earned its spot as Missouri’s top seller. Hunters prize it for toughness and versatility.
Montana – Tikka T3x
In Montana’s wide-open elk and mule deer country, the Tikka T3x has grown steadily in popularity. Long-range accuracy out of the box makes it attractive to hunters who don’t compromise on precision.
Nebraska – Remington 700
Nebraska’s long, open fields call for rifles that shoot flat and true. The 700 continues to anchor deer and antelope hunting thanks to its wide range of proven chamberings.
Nevada – Winchester Model 70
Nevada’s hunters face long shots on mule deer and pronghorn, and the Model 70 still shines there. Its reliability and accuracy in magnum chamberings keep it relevant across the desert landscape.
New Hampshire – Marlin 336
New Hampshire hunters stick with the Marlin 336 for close-range shots in the woods. The lever gun handles quick shooting situations on deer and black bear better than most bolt-actions.
New Jersey – Mossberg 500
Shotgun restrictions define hunting in New Jersey, and the Mossberg 500 answers the call. Hunters use it heavily for deer with slugs and also in bird seasons for ducks and turkey.
New Mexico – Tikka T3x
New Mexico hunters pursue elk and mule deer in rough country, and the Tikka T3x gives them a lightweight, accurate option. Its growing popularity reflects how well it meets those demands.
New York – Remington 870
New York’s shotgun zones and diverse hunting opportunities make the 870 the clear favorite. It’s equally at home in deer season with slugs or turkey season with a tight choke.
North Carolina – Remington 700
North Carolina deer hunters lean on the Remington 700 for its accuracy and versatility. Whether it’s a .270 or .30-06, it’s a rifle that stays reliable across varied terrain.
North Dakota – Tikka T3x
Big-game hunters in North Dakota respect the Tikka T3x for its out-of-the-box accuracy. In wide-open prairie conditions, that precision matters on mule deer and antelope hunts.
Ohio – Mossberg 500
Ohio’s shotgun-only deer hunting keeps the Mossberg 500 at the top. Hunters trust it for accuracy with slugs while also using it across waterfowl and turkey seasons.
Oklahoma – Remington 700
With a strong whitetail tradition and plenty of hog hunting, the 700 is still a mainstay in Oklahoma. Hunters trust it for power, availability, and proven performance.
Oregon – Winchester Model 70
Oregon hunters chasing elk and blacktail deer often stick with the Model 70. Its controlled-feed action and reputation for rugged dependability fit the terrain and weather perfectly.
Pennsylvania – Remington 7600
Pennsylvania hunters have a long love affair with the Remington 7600 pump rifle. In calibers like .30-06, it’s been the go-to deer rifle across the state’s thick forests and steep ridges.
Rhode Island – Mossberg 500
Small but shotgun-heavy in regulations, Rhode Island hunters keep the Mossberg 500 popular. It’s practical, reliable, and works across multiple seasons without fuss.
South Carolina – Remington 700
South Carolina hunters keep the 700 in the woods for whitetail. Its balance of affordability and precision has cemented its place among deer camps for generations.
South Dakota – Tikka T3x
With pronghorn and mule deer in the open plains, South Dakota hunters prize accuracy. The Tikka T3x answers with consistent long-range performance and lightweight handling.
Tennessee – Remington 700
In Tennessee, the Remington 700 is still the rifle most deer hunters bring to camp. Its ability to stay accurate in rugged hills and varied weather keeps it a top pick.
Texas – Remington 700
Texas deer and hog country has kept the 700 on top for decades. Whether hunters go with .270, .308, or .30-06, the rifle’s dependability seals its role as a statewide favorite.
Utah – Winchester Model 70
Utah hunters face long-range shooting on elk and mule deer, and the Model 70 is still a respected name. Its accuracy and handling in magnum chamberings make it ideal in high country.
Vermont – Marlin 336
Vermont’s dense woods and short shooting lanes make the Marlin 336 an easy choice. The lever gun’s fast handling and .30-30 power continue to match the terrain perfectly.
Virginia – Remington 700
Virginia hunters use the 700 across whitetail, bear, and even predator hunts. It’s an accurate, trustworthy rifle that balances versatility and tradition across the state.
Washington – Winchester Model 70
Hunters in Washington trust the Model 70 for elk and deer across the Cascades. It handles rough weather well and offers the accuracy needed in steep, challenging country.
West Virginia – Marlin 336
West Virginia’s thick Appalachian cover calls for quick shooting rifles, and the Marlin 336 stays on top. Its lever-action handling and proven .30-30 round fit perfectly in the mountains.
Wisconsin – Remington 700
Wisconsin whitetail hunting has long been tied to the 700. Its widespread use reflects both availability and the trust hunters place in its accuracy when the big bucks step out.
Wyoming – Tikka T3x
Wyoming’s vast elk and mule deer ranges are tailor-made for the Tikka T3x. Hunters rely on its lightweight design and precise barrel quality when the shot stretches across canyons.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
