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10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own (Part 1)
These classic hunting rifles bring a good dose of nostalgia, and plenty of real-world performance
1. Springfield Armory Model 1903 Sporter
Many, if not most, of our modern bolt-action hunting rifles have their roots in military rifles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the World Wars, an abundance of surplus rifles was quickly taken advantage of by hunters. The 1903 Springfield was commonly “sporterized” by pulling the action and putting it in a shorter, more-handy “sporter” stock. Of course, they were often re-barreled, re-chambered, and highly-modified for specific hunting purposes—all based around the robust 1903 action.
It was common for gunsmiths to “sporterize” surplus rifles for customers, turning them into heirloom hunting rifles. If I was to buy one, I’d take the original .30/06 chambering, although they were often re-barreled in other calibers like .270 Win. The 1903’s action was built for battle, and its heavier and more robust than most of our hunting actions today. There’s no doubt though that it would make a fine hunting rifle even today.
2. Winchester Pre-64 Model 70
If there is a ubiquitous American hunting rifle that transcends time and space, it’s the pre-64 Winchester Model 70. After being introduced in 1937, the Model 70 became known as “the rifleman’s rifle,” and a favorite of long-time Outdoor Life editor Jack O’Connor.
The Model 70 was more refined than previous copies of Mauser-style controlled-feed actions and featured a three-position safety. A redesign of the Model 70 in 1964—including conversion to a push-feed action—almost instantly made the pre-64 Model 70’s collector’s items. Even today, pre-64 actions are popular for custom hunting rifle builds and original rifles are as collectible as ever.
Although O’Connor noted—in his introduction of the “new” Model 70 in the March, 1964 issue of OL—that the “new Model 70” featured a stronger action, better case head support, and several other features he viewed as improvements, he still believed that the Model 70’s produced prior to World War II “were probably the best factory-produced big-game rifles ever turned out.”
3. Savage Model 99
Somewhat odd-looking, this design from 1899 was one of the most popular American hunting rifles in the early 20th century—and still carries quite a following.
It was a lever-action that featured a unique rotary magazine that allowed for spitzer-style bullets to be used—something tube-fed lever guns couldn’t do. It was offered in a variety of cartridges, but if I had to pick one, I’d probably go with the .250/3000 Savage. It was a screaming-fast cartridge when it was released in 1915 and doesn’t lag too far behind the .25/06.
In just about any offering, the Model 99 would be a great deer or black bear rifle, and the aforementioned Frank Glaser noted that in .250/3000 Savage, it was his favorite all-around market hunting rifle.
Air Rifles Continue Hunting’s Quiet Revolution
I’ll never forget my first morning deer hunting on public land near my childhood home in southern Wisconsin, a state with more than 600,000 deer hunters. For nine days a year, the state could field the world’s seventh largest army. Since hunters are required to wear blaze orange during the gun deer season, come November the Wisconsin woods and fields take on the look of a never-ending pumpkin patch—a loud one at that.
As I sat in a makeshift stand consisting of a board wedged between two branches about 15 feet off the ground, dawn brought a nearly steady barrage of rifle reports on the order of an Antietam reenactment. Until that time, I had no idea whitetail deer could run that fast. A blast from a .30-30, .270, or .30-06 (all common calibers used for deer hunting) will carry for miles, like gunpowder-induced thunder. The notion of a quiet morning communing with nature in the deer woods was, instead, something more akin to a day at the local gun range.
Is it any wonder, then, that hunters in droves are paying hush money for compound bows, air bows, silencers and now, new air rifles that deliver never-before-achieved lethality while greatly reducing noise? The trend of ditching ear plugs for weapons that don’t rock the forest (or your ear drums) is a theme that’s booming among America’s 15 million hunters—and nearly everyone seems happy about it.
One brand that is at the forefront of hunting’s quiet revolution is Umarex, purveyors of top-of-the-line air rifles. The company is helping change hunting’s trajectory with technological breakthroughs that have transformed an air rifle’s capabilities—dramatically. While Lewis and Clark used a primitive air gun to take more than 1,000 animals on their famed Voyage of Discovery, new Umarex models are light years from the early air guns—think the difference between the Wright Flyer and Apollo.
At the heart of this quantum leap is a patent-pending valve. The valve, along with a unique regulator, instantly pulses a jet of compressed air at 3,000 pounds per square inch behind either a 550- or 250-grain slug. The result is that the slugs travel at 760 feet per second or 1,000 feet per second respectively. Translated, that’s a wallop. The aptly named Umarex Hammer.50 caliber air rifles are now being used across the globe to hunt everything from deer in the Midwest to bears in Canada to 2,000-pound Cape buffalo in Africa. Indeed, these aren’t your granddad’s air guns.
In addition to significant noise reduction (hearing protection isn’t necessary when shooting Umarex air rifles) they do not kick like traditional centerfire rifles as their light recoil is more of a firm push rather than the sharp jolt common to other rifles. Moreover, air rifles are not subject to the same Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms regulations as centerfire and rimfire firearms and can be purchased direct from Umarex rather than through a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer.
The company has taken their technology to the archery market as well, offering CO2-propelled air bows that are marketed under the names AirJavelin and AirSaber. Their recent launches of the AirJavelin Pro PCP and the AirSaber Elite X2 double barrel arrow gun have been category redefining—to say nothing of looking like something out of Mad Max. The bows are powered by an onboard tank that will deliver up to 25 effective shots before needing recharge. With the air regulated to 1,500 pounds per square inch, arrows will launch at 370 feet per second, delivering plenty of energy to take deer and other game inside of 60 yards. With an over-abundance of deer in many suburban and semi-rural areas, Umarex’s air bows are finding a significant market where stealth is a requisite. The air rifles and air bows are a popular choice for vermin control anywhere you don’t want to alarm the neighbors.
As legions of hunters embrace modern air rifles, a growing list of states have created hunting seasons expressly for the guns. Moreover, Safari Club International, the global conservation and hunter advocacy leader, has recently created a new record book designation exclusively for air rifle hunters. “Giving airgunners their own category in the SCI Record Book is overdue,” said the organization in a recent press release.
And once most sportsmen and women realize they can enjoy a hunt in quiet solitude, there’s no going back.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisdorsey/2022/05/12/air-rifles-continue-huntings-quiet-revolution
Beretta Ultraleggero Silver Review: Lightweight 12-Gauge Over/Under Shotgun for Upland Hunting and Clay Shooting.
The Beretta Ultraleggero Silver is a groundbreaking over/under shotgun designed for hunters and sport shooters who demand performance without the burden of weight. As part of Beretta’s prestigious 690 series, it redefines what a lightweight shotgun can be—delivering steel durability, elegant design, and field-ready functionality in a package that weighs less than many 20-gauge models.
Whether you’re trekking through upland terrain or smashing clays at the range, the Ultraleggero Silver offers a rare combination of agility, reliability, and customization. Let’s dive into everything that makes this shotgun a standout choice.
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🛠️ Design and Build Quality Beretta Ultraleggero Silver
Unlike most lightweight shotguns that rely on aluminum receivers, the Ultraleggero Silver features a skeletonized steel receiver—a bold move that preserves strength while shedding unnecessary weight. Beretta achieves this by removing non-essential steel and replacing it with techno-polymer inserts, which are not only functional but also customizable with engraved scrollwork or game scenes.
The gun is built on the Beretta 690 boxlock action, known for its durability and smooth operation. It retains Beretta’s signature dual conical locking lugs and trapezoidal shoulders, ensuring a secure lockup and long-term reliability.
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🔧 Modifications and Customization
One of the Ultraleggero Silver’s most unique features is its interchangeable side panel inserts. These polymer plates can be swapped out for different designs, allowing shooters to personalize their firearm with floral scrolls, hunting motifs, or even custom logos.
While the standard model comes with a single selective inertia trigger, some European versions offer double triggers—though this option isn’t currently available in the U.S. The safety is automatic by default but can be converted to manual by a qualified gunsmith, which is a popular tweak among clay shooters.
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📊 Technical Specifications
The Ultraleggero Silver is chambered in 12-gauge and available with 26-inch or 28-inch barrels, giving shooters flexibility based on their preferred balance and swing. The gun weighs approximately 6 lbs (26”) to 6 lbs 5 oz (28”), making it one of the lightest steel-frame 12-gauge shotguns on the market.
It features Beretta’s Optima-Choke HP system, compatible with both flush and extended chokes for tailored shot patterns. The stock is crafted from oil-finished walnut, offering a classic look with modern ergonomics.
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⛓️💥 Performance and Shooting Range
In the field, the Ultraleggero Silver excels at upland bird hunting, with an effective range of 30–40 yards for game like pheasant, grouse, and quail. Its lightweight frame allows for quick shouldering and fast target acquisition, especially useful in dense cover or fast-flushing scenarios.
On the range, it performs admirably in sporting clays, trap, and skeet. While some shooters prefer heavier guns for recoil absorption, the Ultraleggero’s balance and responsive trigger make it a strong contender for competitive shooting.
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🦃 Hunting Applications Beretta Ultraleggero Silver
This shotgun is purpose-built for:
• Upland birds: pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail
• Small game: rabbit, squirrel
• Light waterfowl: with appropriate chokes and loads
Its portability and fast handling make it ideal for long days in the field, especially for hunters who cover a lot of ground.
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🎯 Clay Shooting Suitability
Though designed with hunters in mind, the Ultraleggero Silver is also a favorite among clay shooters who value speed and maneuverability. Its crisp trigger and balanced swing make it suitable for sporting clays and recreational trap shooting. However, competitive shooters may prefer a heavier gun for recoil management during extended sessions.
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🧩 Accessories and Add-Ons
Beretta offers a range of accessories for the Ultraleggero Silver, including:
• Custom side plates with engraved designs
• Recoil pads for added comfort
• Sling swivels for field carry
• Hard case for transport and storage
• Aftermarket chokes for specialized shooting scenarios
These options allow shooters to tailor the gun to their specific needs, whether in the field or on the range.
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💰 Price and Value
With an MSRP of around $2,999 USD, the Ultraleggero Silver sits in the premium tier of hunting shotguns. While it’s more expensive than Beretta’s older Ultralight models, the added durability of a steel receiver and the customization options justify the price for serious hunters and shooters.
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👍 Pros and 👎 Cons
Pros
• Ultra-lightweight with steel durability
• Customizable side panels
• Smooth trigger and reliable lockup
• Excellent balance and fast handling
• Ideal for upland hunting and clay sports
Cons
• No double trigger option in U.S. models
• Automatic safety may be inconvenient for sport shooters
• Higher price point than aluminum-frame competitors
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🗣️ User Reviews and Feedback
Hunters consistently praise the Ultraleggero Silver for its portability, balance, and field performance. Clay shooters appreciate its responsive trigger and sleek design, though some wish for manual safety and more trigger options. Overall, it receives high marks for innovation and reliability.
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🧠 Why Shooters Choose the Ultraleggero Silver
The Ultraleggero Silver is chosen by those who want:
• A lightweight shotgun that doesn’t sacrifice strength
• A customizable firearm with aesthetic appeal
• A reliable platform for both hunting and sport shooting
• The prestige and performance of the Beretta brand
It’s especially popular among upland hunters who prioritize mobility and fast target engagement.
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🤩 Interesting Fact Beretta Ultraleggero Silver
“Ultraleggero” means “ultralight” in Italian—a fitting name for one of the lightest steel-frame shotguns ever made.
