Nothing is quite as fine as letting go of a shot from afar that finds its target—whether it’s shooting a metal bullseye at 1,000 yards or taking a deer from across a large canyon. The biggest problem? Top guns for that usually come with hefty price tags that give many shooters pause about whether shooting from a distance is too expensive. But the good news is: it’s not.
With better production methods and competitive pressures in the firearms industry, you can now buy a good long-range setup without shattering the bank. The rifles featured here all shoot wonderfully well (we’re speaking sub-MOA with the proper load), reliably, and offer adequate adjustability to grow with you. We’re also steering clear of calibers that don’t make sense at ranges above 500 yards—consider 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, 6.5 PRC, and so on workhorses. Here’s a top 5 list of rifles that prove you don’t have to spend your life savings to shoot long—and shoot well.
5. Savage 110 Tactical
Savage has long been renowned for crafting rifles that shoot better than their sticker price suggests, and the 110 Tactical does not fall short. Out of the box, it’s shooting sub-MOA groups—and in the right hands, tighter than that. The user-adjustable AccuTrigger is the highlight, with the ability to customize the trigger pull to your heart’s content without too much hassle.
It’s available in all the appropriate long-range calibers and generally retails in the $700 range. While there have been isolated instances of minute feeding or extraction problems, most can be worked out through simple adjustments or upgrades. For value shooters who require precision and versatility, it’s a smart option.
4. Ruger Precision Rifle
The Ruger Precision Rifle is on the higher end of the budget segment, but it’s there for a reason. With a foundation as a modular precision platform from the ground up, it has gained a loyal fan base for exactly that reason. You get fantastic out-of-the-box accuracy, lots of aftermarket support, and a chassis-style system that lets you customize it to your preferences. Some shooters do comment that the action might be smoother and finish more polished, but performance is the real evidence. If it strains your budget slightly, look to the Ruger American series as a less expensive option to build upon. All in all, the RPR provides serious long-range capability that packs above its price tag.
3. HOWA ORYX
Howa might take a backseat on the radar stateside, but shooters who have experience with precision rifles are finally starting to wake up. The HOWA ORYX is a real treat: a butter-smooth bolt, a crisp two-stage trigger, and a mod chassis system out of the box. It’s also backed with a sub-MOA warranty and typically retails for between $720 and $850, which is a great value in this class. There’s a loyal following for the Howa 1500 action, and once you become more proficient, the way the rifle is designed makes it easy to modify. It’s a quality starter rifle that won’t leave you wanting for anything.
2. Bergara B-14 HMR
Bergara has established itself in a hurry, and the B-14 HMR (Hunting and Match Rifle) is why it’s done so. Built around a Remington 700-style action, it offers a familiar platform with a dash of modernity—solid ergonomics, quality barrel, and the kind of accuracy you’d find in rifles well above its price. Though the MSRP is around $1,199, real-world prices usually fall under $1,000, putting it right in the sweet spot for serious budget-conscious shooters. The action is smooth, the trigger is clean, and it consistently prints tight groups. If you’re after a rifle that’s competition-ready right out of the box, the B-14 HMR is a standout.
1. Tikka T3x UPR (Ultimate Precision Rifle)
The top of the list is the Tikka T3x UPR, a rifle that blurs the line between factory and custom guns. It’s not easy to find, but whoever is lucky enough to get one doesn’t really regret it. Tikka bolt actions are the stuff of the gods when it comes to smoothness and consistency, and the 70-degree bolt throw of the UPR gives the rifle more velocity and functionality with second shots.
Add a chilly hammer-forged Sako barrel and a high-quality trigger, and you’ve got a rifle that shoots like a dream. Punching paper or stretching shot out at range, the T3x UPR is match-grade accurate and constructed like it ought to cost a whole lot more. It’s the long-range shooter’s fantasy that can still squeeze into the “budget” conversation—barely.
Optics and Ammo: Don’t Cut Corners
Even the best rifle isn’t going to shoot if the balance of your rig isn’t of equal quality. That means pairing it with decent glass that holds a good track and is suitable for your style of shooting. You don’t have to break the bank and do this—there are excellent scopes available for between $425 and $700 that deliver clean glass and good performance. As for ammo, utilize proven long-range winners like 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 PRC, which produce flat trajectories, great energy retention, and moderate recoil. Good ammo and consistent dope will take you a long way than you can ever think of.
Long-range shooting used to be a costly sport, but now with today’s technology, it’s cheaper than ever. There are rifles out there, less than $1,000 that will shoot you out to 1,000 yards reliably—something unheard of a couple of decades ago. But gear’s only half the equation. Your ability, wind reading, and trigger time are just as important. Invest in a good optic, shoot regularly, and familiarize yourself with your rifle forwards and backwards. With the right equipment and mindset, those far-off targets won’t stay out of reach for long.