--- title: "The Best 7mm PRC Rifles" description: "Here's a look at the best 7mm PRC rifles on the market, including offerings from Savage, Ruger, Proof Research and more." date: "2023-01-14" modified: "2025-02-11" authors: - name: "Tyler Freel" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/tyler-freel/" - name: "John B. Snow" job_title: "Shooting Editor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/john-b-snow/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/best-7mm-prc-rifles/" categories: - "Guns" - "Hunting Rifles" - "Precision Rifles" - "Rifles" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # The Best 7mm PRC Rifles ![Springfield 2020 Waypoint 7mm PRC Rifle]() *The Springfield 2020 Waypoint Long Action is one of many great 7mm PRC rifles on the market.* Since the cartridge's introduction back in 2022, the demand for 7mm PRC rifles has increased exponentially. Every cartridge launch is accompanied with some degree of uncertainty, but rifle makers met the demand for this new .284 cartridge and it's one of the most popular long-action chamberings today. The 7mm PRC, as detailed in Shooting Editor John B. Snow's [initial review](), provides a modernized 7mm magnum that's built from the ground up with the [principles of modern cartridge design]() as a more efficient package to deliver heavy-for-caliber, high-B.C. bullets downrange. It largely delivers on those promises, though factory ammo velocity has been hindered by the lack of availability of powders like Reloader 26 — though Federal Premium's factory loads are reportedly still achieving it. For any big game hunter who's looking to buy a new 7mm, it's a great choice. Here's a look at some of the best 7mm PRC rifles you can get today. ## Best 7mm PRC Rifles - [Springfield Waypoint 2020 Long Action]() - [Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite]() - [Sig Cross Magnum Sawtooth]() - [Ruger American Gen 2]() - [Bergara B14 Ridge]() - [Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed]() - [Allterra Arms Mountain Shadow Carbon]() - [Seekins Precision Havak PH3]() - [Accuracy International AXSR]() - [Howa 1500 Gamepro 2]() ### [Springfield Waypoint 2020 Long Action]() In 2024, Springfield announced an expansion of their Waypoint 2020 line in long action form, introducing the rifle in 7mm PRC. I got ahold of a pre-release model to [test and review](). Like previous 2020 Waypoint models it has a BSF carbon-fiber barrel, Springfield 2020 action, and an AG Composites stock with adjustable cheek riser. The stock has M-Lok slots on the fore end, and QD sling swivel cups on both sides. The rifle is light and functionally accurate, but we've seen better accuracy from Springfield's steel-barreled 2020 rifles. Overall, our test rifle averaged 1.1-inch 5-shot groups and 20-shot aggregates were between 1.5 and 2 inches at 100 yards. Springfield has since released their [2020 Boundary](), a BDL-style version that's a bit lighter. ### [Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite]() Savage introduced their Trail Hunter Lite model 110 in 2024, on the heels of their Trail Hunter as a lightened version. It’s not really lightweight, but more appealing to many hunters than the heavy-barreled original. It is a great example of an affordable and practical all-around hunting rifle at just over $600 retail. **Read the full review here:** [Savage M110 Trail Hunter Lite]() The Trail Hunter Lite is durable and weather-resistant with a tungsten-colored Cerakote finish on both the barrel and receiver, and it comes in a rubberized Hogue stock with a beefy pistol grip and non-slip texturing. We have tested and reviewed the Trail Hunter Lite in 5.56mm Nato, and found it to be very accurate and handy in the field. It has a threaded muzzle that’s suppressor ready, and Savage’s Accutrigger is user-adjustable for pull weight. If you’re shopping for a budget-priced do-all in 7mm PRC, this is one of your best options. ### [Sig Cross Magnum Sawtooth]() We reviewed the Sig Cross Magnum when it first was released in .300 Win. Mag. with a steel barrel, but we like this updated version with a Proof carbon-fiber barrel chambered in 7mm PRC even better. The Cross magnum utilizes a monolithic receiver that resembles an AR rifle, but it is one piece. It has a free-fload M-Lok handguard up front and a folding adjustable precision stock at the rear. At a hair over 8 pounds, it’s one of the most lightweight, packable, and capable 7mm PRC rifles. **Read our Cross Magnum Review:** [Sig Cross Magnum Review: A Versatile and Portable Precision Rifle]() We really like the short throw and smooth operation of the Cross Magnum’s bolt, and the ability to substitute a precision AR grip is a plus too. On Cross rifles we’ve tested, we have found that the two-stage trigger is sometimes too light, and the weight step between stage one and stage two are too close together to be safe and effective — if trigger weight is adjusted up, it wasn’t possible to feel the stop at the second stage on one of our rifles. Generally though, this is an excellent rifle for anyone who’s looking for a light, modular 7mm PRC that can reach out there. ### [Ruger American Gen 2]() The Ruger American is one of the most popular hunting rifles on the market and the new gen 2 model has made it even better. The most noticeable features are the fluted 20-inch barrel that’s threaded and capped with a radial muzzle brake, a nice Cerakote finish, and a new-and-improved stock. The stock has a nice grippy texture and adjustable comb piece. It’s also adjustable for length of pull and has a more rigid fore-end than previous Ruger American models. **Read our full review: [Ruger American Gen 2 Rifle Review]()** Like previous models, the gen 2 is an accurate shooter, and now uses an improved polymer magazine too. Though many improvements have been made, the three-lug action is still pretty clunky, but for $600, we aren’t complaining. This is one of the best values in 7mm PRC rifles that we can find. ### [Bergara B14 Ridge]() Though it’s one of their base models, the Bergara B14 Ridge is an excellent option for a 7mm PRC rifle. It’s got a 22-inch threaded 1:8-twist barrel that’s painted, along with the receiver, in a black Cerakote finish. The B14 ridge has an attractive synthetic stock that’s got a stiff fore-end and a speckled gray-on-black paint job. It’s heavier than some of the high-end composite stocks from AG Composites and Manners, but on an $800 rifle it works wonderfully. The B14 Ridge in 7mm PRC holds 3 rounds in its internal BDL-style magazine, which has a hinged floorplate. We have shot this rifle in a variety of chamberings and it has always been pretty accurate. I used a B14 Ridge chambered in .308 on my first trip to Africa back in 2019 and would be only more capable with the 7mm PRC version. This is a great mid-priced rifle for any well-rounded hunter. ### [Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed]() The Browning X-Bolt has been a solid go-to hunting rifle for many years, and the updates in the X-Bolt 2 have been useful, thoughtful, and have ultimately elevated the platform. These include the Vari-Tech stock with adjustable length of pull and comb height, an enlarged ejection port, and smoother action. The ability to adjust the fit of the rifle is a nice addition, but the fore-end of this stock is still a bit more flexible than we like. **Read our full review on another X-Bolt 2 model: [Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro Mcmillan]()** The Speed model is one of the best 7mm PRC rifles to look at if you want a high-quality gun that’s useful for many different styles of hunting and still relatively affordable. The X-Bolt 2 rifles are dependably accurate and have smooth actions, feeding from proprietary rotary three-round magazines. If you’re looking for something with improved features, something like the new X-Bolt 2 Pro SPR that will be coming later in 2025 is worth checking out. ### [Allterra Arms Mountain Shadow Carbon]() The Mountain Shadow Carbon is one of the flagship rifles from Allterra Arms. As you might guess, this two-lug bolt gun’s calling card is its light weight. If you’re not familiar with the company, Allterra Arms is a boutique custom and semi-custom rifle maker out of Idaho that prides itself on building rifles that are utterly reliable, shoot with next-level accuracy, and that are built to a very high standard. I’ve carried one of their Mountain Shadow Steel rifles on many hunts and can attest to its best-in-class qualities. The Mountain Shadow Carbon is similarly configured and uses the company’s interesting and innovative Convergence action which is designed to create a perfect alignment between the bolt and the bore. For a deeper understanding of the Convergence action (and the other tech that Allterra builds into their rifles) check out this review of my [Mountain Shadow Steel](). I got that rifle before the 7 PRC came out and since then the majority of Allterra’s rifles are chambered in the new 7mm round. Pairing the 7 PRC with the Mountain Shadow Carbon is a match made in alpine heaven, and should you want a once-in-a-lifetime rifle for hunting the high country it is an excellent choice. — John B. Snow ### [Seekins Precision Havak PH3]() This is one of the most exciting new rifle introductions of 2025. Seekins Precision has built a loyal following among hunters and shooters for innovative rifles at extremely competitive prices. If you take a look at the specs on the new PH3, which incorporates many upgrades over the successful PH2 line, you won’t find another sub-$2,000 rifle that can duplicate its feature set. Normally, I wouldn’t include a rifle we haven’t had significant time with yet in a roundup of this sort, but based on my initial handling of the PH3 and my familiarity with the company and the products it puts out, this new rifle is a safe bet to consider. It has a long list of appealing qualities. A toolless three-lug action that cocks smoothly thanks to dual cocking ramps. An integral Picatinny rail with 20 MOA of declination. An integral M-Lok rail that goes along the length of the fore-end. A quick change barrel system that allows for multi-caliber capability. (You can also swap bolt heads to run cartridges with differing case-head dimensions.) The list goes on. Once we get some rounds through a couple of these models we’ll update this review. — J. B. S. ### [Accuracy International AXSR]() Put simply the Accuracy International AXSR is one of the best rifles ever made, and is one of the the top [long-range]() and sniper rifles you can buy. I’ve been running one for years in competition and have had a lot of success with it in matches like the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge. I also use it to test ammo and to shoot for the pure joy of it and one of the barrels I have is a [7 PRC prefit from Proof Research](). With factory Hornady 180-grain ELD-M ammo, for instance, the 26-inch barrel shoots five-shot groups that average .760 inches. It’s difficult to overstate how sturdy the AXSR is. It has five action screws, compared to the typical two found on Remington 700 pattern receivers, and each of those screws has significantly more thread engagement than a 700. That kind of overbuilt mentality informs how the entire rifle is constructed. It’s designed to be able to fall out of a helicopter and keep functioning. That level of engineering comes at a cost, of course. Both in terms of the amount of money needed to acquire one and the weight of the rifle. But if you want one of the [world’s greatest sniper rifles](), there’s no substitute. — J. B. S. ### [Howa 1500 Gamepro 2]() The Howa 1500 has a longstanding reputation for affordability and quality performance, and this 7 PRC is cut from that winning pattern. For less than $600 you can get a blued rifle in this cartridge based on a time-tested action that is known for delivering good accuracy. In fact, Howa guarantees the 24-inch barreled rifle will shoot under an inch with three-shot groups, which is solid performance at this price. The rifle comes with a two-stage trigger, a good Hogue synthetic stock with overmolded texture for a solid grip and bedded pillars to promote good accuracy, and a bolt that can be taken down without any tools. You’ll have to take some care with the blued finish to avoid corrosion, but with basic precautions the metal will survive years of hard use. For a hunter looking to get into the 7 PRC for not much money, this is one of the best options. — J. B. S. ## Final Thoughts Any time a new cartridge is introduced, hunters and shooters have some measure of trepidation. Will it perform as promised, and will it catch on? After a few years, it's safe to say that the 7mm PRC isn't going anywhere. It's one of the best options you can choose for efficient magnum-level performance, and one of these 7mm PRC rifles is sure to be a good fit for you. ## Author Tyler Freel is a Staff Writer for *Outdoor Life.* He lives in Fairbanks, Alaska and has been covering a variety of topics for OL since 2010. From backpack sheep hunting adventure stories to DIY tips to gear and gun reviews, he covers it all with a perspective that’s based in experience. Freel is never one to shy away from controversial topics. He’s responsive to readers on OL’s social channels and happy to answer questions, debate opinions, and squash trolls. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()