Finding the perfect present for a competition shooter is hard. That’s why we’ve curated this list of rifles for the 2024 Christmas and holiday season. Each selection is a solid choice as a gift for family or friends that are competitive shooters. (Also, be sure to read our 2024 Holiday Pistol Gift Guide.)
Rifles are listed below in no particular order.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifle
At SHOT Show 2024, the debut of Big Blue’s Model 1854 lever-action rifle turned heads and kicked off a classic gun-inspired craze. Chambered in .44 Rem. Mag. and sporting a 19¼-inch barrel and side loading gate, the Model 1854’s removable tubular magazine provides a capacity of 9+1 rounds. Drawing inspiration from the classic American lever gun, modern enhancements include M-LOK slots in the fore-end, a 4¾-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, plus a large loop lever and a flat-faced trigger. Black synthetic stock or Traditional Walnut stock Model 1854 versions are available. The Model 1854 is also available chambered in .45 Colt. Starts at $1,279, smith-wesson.com
Browning X-Bolt 2 Target Competition Lite Bolt-Action Rifle
An update of the original X-Bolt, the X-Bolt 2 Target Competition Lite bolt-action rifle from Browning is available chambered in 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm Creedmoor and .308 Win. The X-Bolt 2 Target Competition Lite includes a full-diameter target receiver, spiral-fluted bolt, DLX target trigger set, 20-MOA Picatinny rail, adjustable composite stock and a tunable competition muzzle brake. To help meet National Rifle League Production class weight requirements, the X-Bolt 2 Target Competition Lite is also fitted with a lightweight 24-inch stainless steel and carbon-fiber barrel. $2,739.99, browning.com
Hammerli Force B1 Straight-Pull Rimfire Rifle
With a straight-pull action similar to a biathlon rifle, the Hammerli Force B1 is an innovative rimfire that is loaded with features. The elongated bolt handle allows shooters to use multiple fingers when manipulating the bolt, plus the Force B1 also uses affordable Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines and is compatible with Ruger 10/22 trigger packs. Best of all, Hammerli offers both .22 Long Rifle and .22 WMR barrels for the Force B1 that can be easily swapped. $649, hammerliarms.com
Savage Arms Revel Classic Lever-Action Rimfire Rifle
Savage entered the red-hot lever-action rifle market in September 2024 with this rimfire. Available chambered in .22 Long Rifle, .17 HMR and .22 WMR, the Revel Classic is a modern take on the timeless lever-action rimfire rifle, including simplified takedown. With a medium profile, 18-inch carbon steel barrel and an aluminum receiver that’s drilled and tapped for mounting optics, the Revel Classic also sports a walnut stock with a straight grip. Also avaialble is the Revel DLX, which features an upgraded contoured walnut stock with intricate stippling. Starts at $439, savagearms.com
Watchtower Firearms Spec-Ops Type 15
Available chambered in either 5.56 mm NATO or .223 Wylde, the Spec-Ops Type 15 rifle from Watchtower Firearms sports a Type 15 7075-T6 billet aluminum receiver, ambidextrous charging handle and safety selector, Hiperfire trigger, B5 Systems Type 23 P-grip and B5 Systems Bravo Stock. A flat-face muzzle brake sits at the end of the a 16-inch barrel (1:8-inch twist). Plus, a 13.7-inch S7M handguard with M-LOK attachment slots and four quick-detach points, along with a full-length Picatinny rail provide plenty of room for accessories. One 30-round magazine is included with purchase. Starts at $1,479, watchtowerfirearms.com
