Whether you’re defending your property, hunting for food, or managing pests, having a reliable rifle on your homestead is essential. The right firearm can serve multiple roles, making it a crucial tool for anyone living a self-reliant lifestyle. When choosing a rifle, you need to consider durability, accuracy, and ease of use, especially if you’re planning for long-term use or want a single firearm that can handle a variety of tasks.
I’ve put together a list of 15 rifles that balance versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. These choices work well for everything from hunting deer to keeping predators at bay, ensuring you have the right tool no matter the situation. Let’s look at what each one brings to the table and why they’re great for homesteaders.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular and versatile .22 rifles on the market. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s great for beginners and seasoned shooters alike. This semi-automatic rifle is excellent for small game hunting and target practice, and its extensive aftermarket support allows you to customize it to your liking.
Marlin Model 60
Known as the “Glenfield” to many, the Marlin Model 60 is a classic semi-automatic .22 rifle. Its tubular magazine holds 14 rounds, making it great for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. Reliable and accurate, it’s perfect for dealing with small pests or hunting squirrels and rabbits around the homestead.
Henry Lever Action .22
The Henry Lever Action .22 brings old-school charm with modern functionality. This lever-action rifle is highly accurate and smooth to operate, and it works well for small game and casual plinking. Plus, it’s built to last, so you can count on it for years of consistent use.
Savage Axis II XP
The Savage Axis II XP is a budget-friendly bolt-action rifle that comes with a factory-installed scope. Chambered in a variety of calibers, it’s a fantastic choice for hunting medium to large game. Its reliable accuracy and smooth operation make it a solid all-around rifle for the homestead.
Winchester Model 70
Dubbed the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Winchester Model 70 is legendary for its craftsmanship and performance. Ideal for hunting big game, this bolt-action rifle delivers consistent accuracy and durability. It’s a bit pricier, but it’s a worthy investment for serious homesteaders.
Remington 700
The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle renowned for its accuracy and customizability. Available in numerous calibers, it’s suitable for everything from varmints to large predators. It’s a proven performer with decades of use in the field, making it a go-to for many homesteaders.
AR-15
The AR-15’s versatility is unmatched, thanks to its modular design and ability to chamber various calibers. It’s an excellent choice for home defense, varmint control, or even deer hunting with the right setup. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s a modern favorite among firearms enthusiasts.
Ruger American Rifle
The Ruger American Rifle is a bolt-action workhorse known for its affordability and performance. With options for calibers ranging from .243 to .30-06, it’s a great hunting rifle for various game sizes. Its ergonomic design and smooth action make it a pleasure to shoot.
Marlin 336
If you’re looking for a lever-action rifle that can handle deer hunting and general homestead defense, the Marlin 336 is an excellent choice. Chambered in .30-30, it strikes a balance between power and manageability. It’s a dependable firearm with a timeless appeal.
Mossberg 500 Field/Deer Combo
Technically a shotgun, the Mossberg 500 combo is worth including for its adaptability. It comes with both a smoothbore barrel for birdshot and a rifled barrel for slugs, making it versatile enough for everything from turkey hunting to deer. Durable and simple to maintain, it’s a must-have for many homesteaders.
Tikka T3x Lite
The Tikka T3x Lite is a high-performance bolt-action rifle designed for accuracy and ease of use. Available in a variety of calibers, it’s a lightweight option perfect for hunting and long-distance shooting. Its high-quality build ensures reliability in the field.
CZ 457 American
This bolt-action .22 rifle offers exceptional accuracy and craftsmanship, making it a standout for small game hunting. The CZ 457 American is versatile, with interchangeable barrels that allow for multiple calibers. It’s a refined choice for homesteaders who value precision.
Henry Big Boy
The Henry Big Boy is a lever-action rifle chambered in calibers like .357 Magnum or .45 Colt, giving it power and versatility. It’s great for home defense and hunting medium-sized game. Its classic design and smooth action make it a favorite among lever-gun enthusiasts.
Thompson/Center Compass
The Thompson/Center Compass is a budget-friendly bolt-action rifle with excellent accuracy. Chambered in popular hunting calibers like .308 and .30-06, it’s an ideal choice for big game hunting. Its reliable performance makes it a great addition to any homestead arsenal.
Browning BLR
The Browning BLR is a unique lever-action rifle capable of handling high-powered cartridges like .300 Winchester Magnum. It combines the quick follow-up shots of a lever gun with the power of a bolt-action. Perfect for hunting large game, it’s a versatile and reliable choice.
