Reaching out and touching a target at extreme distance requires more than just skill; it demands a purpose-built instrument. A true long-range rifle is a symphony of precision engineering, where the barrel, action, chassis, and trigger must work in perfect harmony to defy wind and gravity. The wrong platform can turn a rewarding challenge into an exercise in frustration, wasting both ammunition and opportunity.
As a former Marine Scout Sniper, I’ve learned to evaluate a rifle not on its specs alone, but on its total capability and reliability under demanding conditions. The market is flooded with options, so I’ve cut through the noise to bring you a definitive list of the top performers for 2025. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a serious hunter, or a precision enthusiast, this roundup is built on real-world performance metrics to help you make an informed decision.
The Top Long-Range Rifle Platforms for 2025
- Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Rifle
- Bergara B-14 HMR Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Barrel
- Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 3 6.5 Creedmoor 26″ Barrel
- Savage 110 Elite Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 26″ Barrel
- Christensen Arms MPR 6.5 PRC 22″ Carbon Fiber Barrel
- Barrett MRAD MK22 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Barrel
- Sig Sauer Cross Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 16″ Foldable Stock
- Howa 1500 HCR Heavy Chassis Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Barrel
Tikka T3x TAC A1 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Rifle
The Tikka T3x TAC A1 is a benchmark for out-of-the-box precision. It features a fully modular aluminum chassis system that is both rigid and highly adjustable, allowing you to achieve a perfect fit for any shooter. The cold hammer-forged barrel is renowned for its consistency and longevity, a critical factor for sustained fire during long training sessions.
Where this rifle truly stands out is in its exceptional trigger. The single-stage unit is crisp and predictable, breaking cleanly at a user-adjustable weight. Combined with the smooth, reliable bolt action, the TAC A1 provides a level of control that builds shooter confidence and directly contributes to tighter groups on target, shot after shot.
Bergara B-14 HMR Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Barrel
Bergara built its reputation on barrels, and the B-14 HMR is a prime example of that focus. It utilizes a premium, hand-lapped barrel that provides exceptional accuracy right from the start. The rifle is built on a Remington 700 footprint, giving you immediate access to one of the largest aftermarkets for triggers and stocks in the world.
The HMR (Hunting and Match Rifle) chassis is a perfect balance for the shooter who demands precision but also needs portability. It offers a comfortable, vertical pistol grip and an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull. This makes the B-14 HMR one of the most versatile and capable platforms for both the competition field and the backcountry.
Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 3 6.5 Creedmoor 26″ Barrel
The Ruger Precision Rifle democratized long-range shooting, and the Gen 3 continues that legacy. Its innovative design uses a Ruger American Rifle-style action integrated into a fully adjustable, rugged chassis. The 26-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel provides a high muzzle velocity, which helps the 6.5 Creedmoor bullet maintain stability and energy downrange.
This platform is built for customization and adaptability. It features a folding stock for compact storage and transport, and its magazine well is compatible with readily available Magpul PMAGs. For a shooter looking to get into the precision rifle game without a massive investment, the RPR offers proven performance and incredible value.
Savage 110 Elite Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 26″ Barrel
Savage engineered the 110 Elite Precision in partnership with top-level competitive shooters, and it shows. The rifle is built on a rigid, blue-anodized aluminum chassis from MDT, featuring extensive adjustability and a host of high-end features like a built-in Arca-Swiss rail for direct tripod mounting.
At the heart of this system is Savage’s acclaimed Model 110 action, known for its strength and reliability. It’s topped off with a heavy-contour, fluted barrel and the superb AccuTrigger, which is user-adjustable for a clean, light pull. The Elite Precision is a true turn-key competition rifle ready for the firing line.
Christensen Arms MPR 6.5 PRC 22″ Carbon Fiber Barrel
The Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle (MPR) is a masterclass in modern materials. Its carbon fiber-wrapped barrel provides the stiffness of a heavy steel barrel at a fraction of the weight, and it also dissipates heat more effectively. Chambered in the potent 6.5 PRC, this rifle delivers a flatter trajectory and more energy at long range than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
The MPR’s chassis is machined from aluminum and features a fully adjustable folding stock, making it an ideal companion for mountain hunts where every ounce counts. The attention to detail and lightweight construction, without sacrificing accuracy, places Christensen Arms in a league of its own for the hunter who shoots long.
Barrett MRAD MK22 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Barrel
The Barrett MRAD is the pinnacle of modular, military-grade precision. Adopted by elite units, the MK22 variant is engineered for absolute reliability and sub-MOA accuracy. Its core strength lies in its quick-change barrel system, allowing a single lower receiver to be configured for multiple calibers in minutes with simple hand tools.
Every component of the MRAD is over-built for duty use, from the fully ambidextrous controls to the folding stock that locks up with zero play. This is not just a rifle; it’s a weapons system. For the shooter who demands the ultimate in versatility and bomb-proof construction, the Barrett MRAD is in a class by itself.
Sig Sauer Cross Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 16″ Foldable Stock
The Sig Sauer Cross redefines what a precision hunting rifle can be. It is incredibly lightweight and compact, thanks to its minimalist, folding titanium chassis and short 16-inch barrel. Despite its compact dimensions, it maintains excellent ballistic performance with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, making it ideal for suppressed use and tight quarters.
This rifle is built for the mobile hunter. It breaks down into a small package for easy transport in a pack and deploys instantly for a shot. The two-stage match trigger and fully free-floated M-LOK handguard add to its capability, proving that a long-range instrument doesn’t need to be long and heavy.
Howa 1500 HCR Heavy Chassis Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Barrel
The Howa 1500 HCR offers exceptional value by pairing a proven, smooth action with a feature-rich chassis. The Howa 1500 action is known for its strength and reliability, featuring a crisp, user-adjustable trigger. This action is then bedded into a rigid, heavy-duty HCR (Howa Chassis Rifle) stock.
The HCR chassis provides all the necessary adjustments for a custom fit, including an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull. It also comes standard with an integral Picatinny rail and a detachable box magazine. For the budget-conscious shooter who refuses to compromise on features, the Howa 1500 HCR is a very compelling option.
What to Look For in a Long Range Rifle
Picking the right tool for the job is half the battle, and that’s especially true when it comes to long range shooting. It isn’t just about the name on the barrel; it’s about how the whole system comes together to help you, the shooter, make consistent hits. Based on my experience, here are the key things you need to consider before you invest in one of the best long range rifles in 2025.
First, let’s talk about the action. You have two main choices: bolt-action or gas-operated (semi-auto). For pure, unadulterated precision, a bolt-action is king. It’s simpler, more rigid, and generally more accurate out of the box because there are fewer moving parts. A semi-auto, on the other hand, gives you faster follow-up shots, which can be crucial in certain competitive scenarios or for tactical applications. Your intended use should dictate your choice here.
Next up is the cartridge, or caliber. This is a big one. You need a round that can buck the wind and still carry enough energy downrange to be effective. Popular choices like the 6.5 Creedmoor are fantastic for their mild recoil and flat trajectory, making them easier to shoot accurately for longer periods. The .308 Winchester is a proven workhorse with widespread ammo availability. For the serious long-range hunter or shooter wanting to reach way out there, magnum calibers like .300 PRC are hard to beat, but be ready for more recoil and a higher cost per round.
Don’t overlook the barrel. A heavy or fluted contour is your friend. It adds weight up front for stability and resists heating up as quickly, which helps maintain point of impact during strings of fire. The twist rate, like 1:8 or 1:7.5, needs to be fast enough to stabilize the heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets that are essential for long-range work.
Finally, the chassis or stock and the trigger are what connect you to the rifle. A good chassis system offers immense adjustability for length of pull and cheek weld, ensuring you can get a solid, repeatable position behind the rifle every time. The trigger is perhaps the most important interface. You want a clean, crisp break with minimal creep and overtravel. A good trigger doesn’t make you a better shooter, but it sure makes it easier to shoot well.
FAQ
What is the most important factor for long-range accuracy: the rifle or the shooter?
This is the eternal question, and the answer is both, but the shooter is the bigger variable. You can have the most expensive, most accurate rifle in the world, but if you don’t understand the fundamentals of marksmanship, wind reading, and ballistics, you won’t hit anything. A quality rifle is a force multiplier—it makes a skilled shooter even more effective and can help mask some minor errors. But it can’t replace skill. Focus on building a solid foundation first; the rifle is just a tool in your hands.
Is a semi-automatic rifle accurate enough for serious long-range shooting?
Absolutely. The technology gap has closed significantly. While a high-quality bolt-action still holds a slight edge in pure, bench-rest precision, modern gas guns like the LMT MARS-H or the Knights Armament SR-25 platform are more than capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy at extended ranges. For practical field shooting or dynamic competitions where speed matters, the semi-auto’s capability often outweighs the tiny theoretical accuracy advantage of a bolt gun.
What is a good starting caliber for a new long-range shooter?
I almost always point beginners toward the 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s close to ideal for learning. It has very manageable recoil, which means you’re less likely to develop a flinch and you can see your impacts through the scope. It has an extremely flat trajectory and bucks the wind well, so you have to make fewer corrections while you’re learning the basics. Ammunition is also widely available from many manufacturers in both match and hunting varieties.
How much should I expect to spend on a good long-range rifle setup?
You need to think in terms of the whole system, not just the rifle. For a complete rig that you won’t outgrow quickly, set a realistic budget. A capable factory rifle starts around $1,200 to $2,000. You will need a scope that is just as, if not more, important. A good optic with reliable tracking and clear glass will run you another $1,000 to $2,500 as a starting point. Then add a mount, bipod, and maybe a bag. All in, a solid entry-to-mid-level setup is a $3,000 to $5,000 investment. You can spend a lot more, but this range will get you a rig that performs.
Why is a chassis system so popular now compared to a traditional stock?
It boils down to adjustability and rigidity. A traditional hunting stock is designed to be light and carry well. A chassis is designed to be a stable shooting platform. They almost always feature an aluminum bedding block or full-length rails that the action screws directly into, creating a perfectly rigid and consistent interface. They also offer tool-less adjustments for the length of pull and comb height, so you can fit the rifle to your body perfectly. For a dedicated precision rifle, the benefits of a chassis are hard to ignore.