Best Long-Range Rifles in 2025: Stretching Your Skills and Your Rounds

Looking for the Best Long-Range Rifles in 2025? This expert guide covers top picks for target shooting, hunting, and hybrid use

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Not all targets are 25 yards away. Real shooting challenges begin when you’re reaching 600, 800, or 1,000 yards, where the margin for error grows and gear choices become crucial.

Whether you’re ringing steel or taking ethical shots in the field, long-range shooting demands more from you and your rifle. This guide walks you through the best options for 2025, from purpose-built match rigs to budget-friendly bolt guns that can grow with your skill set.

Precision vs. Accuracy: What Matters

Most shooters say they want accuracy, hitting the target. But in the world of long-range, precision matters more. Precision is about repeatability. It’s consistency. And it’s the foundation of hitting anything beyond 500 yards reliably.

You’re shooting steel or paper from a bench or prone. When shooting from a bench, rifle weight doesn’t matter; consistency does. Look for adjustable stocks, heavy barrels, and modular chassis systems.

You’re out in the field, covering distance on foot. You need a rifle that’s accurate but light enough to carry for miles. Adjustable stocks are great, but simplicity and durability are more important.

You want one rifle for hunting and competition. That means you’ll need something well-balanced, adjustable, threaded, and supported by a solid aftermarket.

Traditional stocks (polymer, fiberglass, or wood) are lighter and preferred by hunters.
Chassis systems (aluminum or magnesium) offer rigidity and modularity. They’re ideal for competition and allow the use of AR-style grips and rail systems.

Even some stock rifles, such as the Bergara B14 HMR, utilize a mini-chassis internally for added strength and precision.

• Harmonics: Heavier barrels reduce vibration and stay more stable under rapid fire.
• Free-floating: A must. Prevents stock contact and enhances consistency.
• Twist rate: Controls bullet stability. 1:8 works great for 6.5 Creedmoor.
• Length: Balance velocity vs. portability. 22–26″ is the sweet spot for most cartridges.

In 2025, threaded barrels are a must. Whether you’re adding a brake or suppressor, threading provides flexibility without requiring a gunsmith.

Expect to spend:

• $1,200–$1,800 for a quality base rifle
• $800–$1,500 on optics (don’t skimp here)
• $200–$500 on accessories: bipod, rings, bags
• $500+ for reloading gear (if you’re serious)

The RPR has become the benchmark for precision rifles under $2,000. With its adjustable folding stock, M-Lok handguard, and crisp trigger, it’s match-ready out of the box and easy to customize.

It’s heavy and tactical-looking, making it less ideal for hunting.

Built in the same factory as SAKO. Smooth action, excellent barrel life, and a serious competition pedigree, all under $2,000.

Uses proprietary magazines. A bit heavier than some competitors.

Savage dropped a full-featured competition rig into a chassis that’s typically sold with builds costing $3,000 or more. The 110 Elite Precision is Savage’s best precision rifle to date.

Heavy. Limited field use; this is a bench gun.

Blends range-ready precision with a hunting-friendly profile. Excellent factory trigger, threaded barrel, solid stock ergonomics, and one of the smoothest bolt throws in its class.

Just under 10 pounds, fine for range use, but a bit much for high-mileage hunts.

Lighter than most precision rifles but still sub-MOA capable. Tikka’s action is butter smooth, and the CTR features include a detachable magazine and a threaded muzzle.

Barrel swaps are complicated. Less support than some competitors.

Top-shelf parts. Bartlein barrel. Competition-tuned chassis. This is what precision looks like when price is no object; built to crush matches and break bank accounts.

Cost. And did we mention the weight?

Excellent barrel, surprisingly good trigger, and smooth action. Shoots sub-MOA with good ammo and won’t destroy your bank account.

Basic stock. Some users upgrade to an MDT chassis later.

A great rifle helps, but it’s no substitute for time behind the trigger. Long-range shooting is part science, part art, and 100% practice.

Begin with the rifle that best suits your needs and budget. Then invest in good glass, ammo, data, and range time. That’s where the real precision comes from.

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