Outdoor Life Names Proof Elevation MTR Its Top Hunting Rifle for 2026

Outdoor Life has published its yearly list of the best hunting rifles, built on accuracy data from Montana and near Fairbanks, Alaska. Writer John B. Snow and colleague Tyler Freel also judged handling, finish and value.

Key points

• Top pick: The Proof Elevation MTR FDX in 6.5 Creedmoor, priced at $3,699, won Editor's Choice. Its 18-inch carbon fiber barrel uses an exponential gain twist, and Snow reports Federal Plus Peak ammunition gained 200 to 300 fps over standard brass-cased loads.
• Crossover: The $2,295 Seekins Precision PH3-NRL earned Best Crossover as a match rifle that can also go hunting. Snow says the 2026 version is more accurate, with a slicker action, than last year's.
• Value: The $948 Christensen Arms Evoke in 25 Creedmoor was called one of the best buys under $1,000. Handloads averaged .705-inch five-shot groups.
• Lever actions: The Marlin 336 Classic in .30/30 and the Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter in .44 Magnum made the list for hunting in thick cover.
• Method: Beyond five-shot groups, the team publishes 20-shot group sizes and mean radius values.

Quick take

The list also includes the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR, the Weatherby Model 307 Alpine CT in 25 Weatherby RPM and the ultralight Alpine Riflecraft Zenith. Snow argues that buying a new rifle today is a far safer bet than it was 25 years ago, though he still turns up the occasional dud, which is why the team tests every rifle.

Read the full story at Outdoor Life.