Rifle Review: OL Ranks the Best Rifles of 2011

By John B. Snow
May 13, 2011

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The eclectic mix of rifles in this year's test offers something for nearly everyone. For sheer versatility, the Ruger Gunsite Scout is a rifle that lives up to its billing as a do-everything, go-anywhere .308, and is proof that the quality of Ruger's hammer-forged barrels has improved dramatically. The Sauer 303 is frightfully expensive, yes, but this .30-06's speed and handling can make you forget the $4,500 price. For lovers of classic bolt guns, the introductions from Sako and Montana Rifle Company offer good news, while Savage continues to expand into new markets, thanks to its innovative and aggressive approach. Small-game hunters also have a couple of new rimfires--one from CZ and the other from Marlin--to look forward to.
Find More Results from Outdoor Life's Guns and Optics Tests:
Photos: The Best New Rifles of 2011
Photos: The Best New Shotguns of 2011
Photos: The Best New Binoculars of 2011
Photos: The Best New Rifle Scopes of 2011
Photos: The Best New Spotting Scopes of 2011 Video: Outdoor Life's 2011 Optics Test Overview
Video: OL 2011 Shotgun Test: The Results Are In!
Video: How to Test the Quality of Optics with a Flashlight
Video: How to Measure an Optic's True Objective

New rifles from Ruger and Sako stole the show during our 2011 Gun Test.

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