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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.
Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition Review: Features, Calibers, Price & Hunting Performance
Introduction Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition: A Rifle Built for Driven Hunts
The Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition is a specialized straight-pull hunting rifle designed for battue and driven hunts, particularly targeting wild boar. This edition stands out with its blaze orange polymer stock and forend, offering high visibility in dense woodland environments — a crucial safety feature for group hunts. Built on the proven BRX1 platform, this rifle combines rapid operation, modularity, and rugged reliability, making it a top choice for European hunters and sport shooters alike.
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🧩 Key Features and Ergonomics
The BRX1 Wild Boar Edition is engineered for speed, control, and adaptability. Its standout features include:
• Blaze Orange Polymer Stock and Forend: Designed for visibility and safety in group hunting scenarios.
• Closed Pistol Grip: Offers improved control and instinctive aiming during fast-paced battue hunts.
• Interchangeable Metallic Sights: Includes a red fiber-optic front sight and a yellow triangle rear notch, ideal for quick target acquisition.
• Threaded Barrel (M14): Allows for the attachment of muzzle brakes, suppressors, or flash hiders where legal.
• Straight-Pull Bolt System: Enables rapid follow-up shots without lifting the bolt, ideal for moving targets.
• Ambidextrous Controls: The bolt handle and ejection system are reversible, making it fully adaptable for left-handed shooters.
• Adjustable Trigger: Offers three weight settings — approximately 950g, 1250g, and 1500g — to suit different shooting styles.
• Three-Position Safety: Located on the tang for intuitive thumb operation.
• Flush-Fit Magazine: Holds 5 rounds and maintains a sleek profile for easy handling.
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🎯 Caliber Options and Barrel Configurations
The BRX1 Wild Boar Edition is available in three popular calibers, each suited to different hunting needs:
• .308 Winchester: Comes with a 51 cm barrel and a 1:11” twist rate. Ideal for medium game and wild boar, offering effective range up to 600 meters.
• .30-06 Springfield: Also features a 51 cm barrel with a 1:11” twist. Known for its versatility, suitable for deer, elk, and boar, with effective range around 700 meters.
• .300 Winchester Magnum: Equipped with a longer 57 cm barrel and a 1:10” twist rate. Designed for long-range shooting and larger game, with effective range reaching up to 900 meters.
All barrels are cold-hammer forged and interchangeable via Beretta’s modular system, allowing hunters to switch calibers depending on terrain and target species.
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🧪 Performance and Accuracy
The BRX1 Wild Boar Edition excels in fast-paced hunting environments. Its straight-pull action allows for lightning-fast follow-up shots, while the free-floating barrel ensures consistent accuracy. The rifle’s ergonomic design — including the closed pistol grip and recoil pad — enhances control and comfort during extended hunts.
The Picatinny rail on the receiver allows for mounting optics such as red dot sights or scopes, further improving precision. Whether shooting offhand in dense brush or from a stand, the BRX1 delivers reliable performance.
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🐗 Hunting Applications Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition
This rifle is purpose-built for:
• Wild Boar Hunting: Its name says it all — optimized for driven hunts where speed and visibility are key.
• Deer and Elk: With appropriate caliber and optics, it’s effective for larger game.
• Battue and Driven Hunts: The straight-pull system and high-visibility stock make it ideal for fast, reactive shooting in group settings.
• Stand Shooting: With a scope mounted, it performs well in static hunting scenarios too.
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🧰 Accessories and Modifications
The BRX1 Wild Boar Edition supports a range of accessories and upgrades:
• Threaded Barrel: Compatible with muzzle brakes or suppressors (where permitted).
• Optics Mounting: MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for scopes or red dot sights.
• Caliber Conversion Kits: Available for switching between .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and .300 Win Mag.
• Trigger Adjustment: Three-stage trigger weight customization.
• Ambidextrous Setup: Bolt and ejection port can be reversed for left-handed shooters.
While the rifle doesn’t use chokes (as it’s not a shotgun), its modularity rivals tactical platforms, making it highly adaptable to different hunting styles.
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👍 Pros and 👎 Cons Based on User Reviews
Advantages:
• Extremely fast straight-pull action for quick follow-up shots.
• High-visibility blaze orange stock enhances safety in group hunts.
• Modular barrel and caliber system for versatile use.
• Ambidextrous controls for left-handed shooters.
• Adjustable trigger for personalized shooting feel.
Disadvantages:
• Magazine capacity limited to 5 rounds.
• Blaze orange design may not appeal to all hunters aesthetically.
• Caliber conversion kits are sold separately and add to overall cost.
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💰 Price and Availability Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition
As of 2024–2025, the Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition is priced between €1,650 and €1,850 depending on configuration and barrel length. Availability is strongest in European markets, particularly in countries with a strong tradition of driven hunts like Germany, France, and Italy. Expansion into other regions is expected as demand grows.
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🏹 Why Hunters Choose the BRX1 Wild Boar Edition
Hunters and sport shooters gravitate toward this rifle for several compelling reasons:
• Speed: The straight-pull bolt system is significantly faster than traditional bolt-action rifles.
• Safety: Blaze orange polymer stock ensures visibility in dense woods and group hunts.
• Versatility: Multiple calibers and barrel lengths make it suitable for various game and terrains.
• Precision: Cold-hammer forged barrels and adjustable
The Beretta BRX1 Wild Boar Edition is more than just a rifle — it’s a specialized hunting tool designed for speed, safety…
The Beretta LegThe Beretta Legacy: A 500-Year History of Italian Firearms Excellence
Explore the incredible 500-year history of Beretta, the world's oldest gun manufacturer. From Renaissance workshops to modern innovation, discover the story behind this legendary Italian firearms company.
For nearly half a millennium, the name Beretta has been synonymous with quality, precision, and innovation in the world of firearms. Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta Gardone Val Trompia, often simply referred to as Beretta, stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship and enduring legacy. This is the story of how a small workshop in the Italian Alps evolved into a global leader in firearms manufacturing, serving militaries, law enforcement, and sporting enthusiasts for generations.
The Genesis: A Renaissance Beginning (1526 - 1800s)
The Beretta story begins in the picturesque Val Trompia, a valley renowned for its iron ore deposits and skilled metalworkers. It was here, in 1526, that Bartolomeo Beretta, a master gun barrel maker, received a contract from the Arsenal of Venice for 185 arquebus barrels. This seemingly small transaction marked the official birth of the Beretta dynasty and the commencement of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. The document which secures this claim is stored in the Archivio di Stato di Venezia.
Unlike many businesses of the time, Beretta remained a family-owned enterprise. Generation after generation, the secrets of gunsmithing were passed down, each descendant adding their own expertise and contributing to the company's growth. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Beretta continued to thrive, supplying firearms to various Italian states and building a solid reputation for quality and reliability. The company focused on producing barrels for muskets and pistols, honing its expertise in metallurgy and precision manufacturing. This early period laid the foundation for the innovation and excellence that would characterize Beretta in the centuries to come.
Transition and Expansion (1800s - Early 1900s)
The 19th century brought significant changes to Europe, and Beretta was not immune. The industrial revolution ushered in new manufacturing techniques, and the company began to modernize its operations. Under the leadership of Pietro Beretta (1791-1849), the company underwent a significant transformation. He introduced new production methods and expanded the range of firearms produced, catering to both military and civilian markets.
The transition from artisan workshop to a more industrialized operation was gradual. Beretta carefully balanced tradition with innovation, ensuring that the quality that had defined the company for centuries was not compromised. They invested in new machinery and adopted more efficient production processes, allowing them to increase output and meet the growing demand for firearms.
Giuseppe Beretta (1840-1903) took the reins and ushered in an era of further expansion and diversification. He focused on international markets, showcasing Beretta firearms at exhibitions and building relationships with foreign governments and distributors. This strategic move helped to establish Beretta as a global player in the firearms industry.
World Wars and Global Recognition (1915-1945)
The two World Wars significantly impacted Beretta. During World War I, Beretta was a major supplier of firearms to the Italian army. The Beretta Model 1915 pistol became a standard sidearm for Italian officers. The war years saw a dramatic increase in production, requiring Beretta to further expand its facilities and workforce.
Between the wars, Beretta continued to innovate, developing new models of pistols, shotguns, and rifles. The company's commitment to quality and design earned it international recognition.
World War II once again placed Beretta at the forefront of firearms production. Despite Italy's changing allegiances, Beretta continued to produce weapons, often under duress from occupying forces. The Beretta Model 1934 pistol was widely used by Italian forces, and the company also produced firearms for the German military. This period was challenging for Beretta, as it navigated the complexities of wartime production and occupation.
Post-War Era and Modernization (1945-Present)
The post-war era brought renewed opportunities for Beretta. The company rebuilt its facilities and focused on developing new and improved firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. Beretta expanded its product line to include hunting shotguns, sporting rifles, and competition pistols.
A pivotal moment in Beretta's history came in 1985 when the Beretta 92F (later known as the M9) was selected as the standard sidearm for the United States Armed Forces, replacing the Colt M1911A1. This prestigious contract catapulted Beretta to international prominence and solidified its reputation as a world-class firearms manufacturer.
Beretta has continued to innovate and expand its global presence in recent decades. The company has acquired several other firearms manufacturers, including SAKO of Finland and Benelli of Italy, further diversifying its product portfolio and strengthening its position in the market.
Beretta's commitment to research and development has led to the development of cutting-edge firearms incorporating advanced materials and technologies. The company remains at the forefront of firearms innovation, constantly seeking to improve the performance, reliability, and safety of its products.
Today, Beretta is part of Beretta Holding, a vast industrial group that encompasses numerous prestigious brands in the firearms and outdoor recreation industries. While remaining a family-owned business, Beretta has grown into a global enterprise with manufacturing facilities and distribution networks around the world.
Beretta's lasting success highlights its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and tradition. #Beretta #Berettashotgun