Top 10 Best Semi-Auto Rifles for Hunters and Gun Operators

Semi-automatic guns have been around for a long time. If you’re considering owning a semi-automatic rifle, you have plenty of options. Nowadays, semi-auto rifles are used for various activities, including hunting, self-defense, and military engagement. 

Semi-automatic rifles can pack a powerful punch and require a great amount of care while handling. 

What Is a Semi-Auto Rifle? 

Before we continue to our list of rifles, it’s important to clarify the character of a semi-automatic gun. A semi-automatic gun shoots one bullet per squeeze of the trigger. One trigger pull equals one shot. This is different from fully automatic guns, which continue to shoot until the magazine is emptied so long as the trigger is held down. Some fully automatic rifles can switch to semi-auto with a quick thumb flick or even a burst fire mode, which fires a predetermined amount of bullets per trigger-pull.

This means that, technically, many guns fall under the category of semi-automatic. There are pump-action shotguns and semi-auto shotguns that vary in how often you have to cock them. There are also lever-action rifles, which are more common in older times amongst cowboys, and bolt action rifles are still popular today.

A semi-automatic rifle is a magazine-accepting rifle that shoots one bullet for every trigger pull. Ideally, these types of rifles require no cocking or racking between shots. 

Here’s the 10 best semi-autos money can buy.

10. Ruger 10/22 

To kick off our list of rifles, we’re starting with the Ruger 10/22. This is because of the rifle’s simplistic design. It currently serves best as a varmint hunting rifle because it’s one of the easiest rifles to handle. It’s easy to arm and reload out in the field. This rifle’s main source of ammunition is the .22 Long Rifle cartridge.

9. AR-15 

The AR-15 rifle is a well-known American-made rifle. First off, there’s a common misconception that the “AR” stands for “automatic rifle” or perhaps “assault rifle.” AR stands for “ArmaLite rifle,” named after the company that manufactured this model. For instance, there’s also the AR-10, a different variation of the same manufacturer’s rifle.

The most common chamber for the AR-15 rifle is .223mm. However, aftermarket components are available to convert to any popular caliber, including .22LR, 9mm, 7.62 x 39mm. 

8. AK-47 

If you’re looking to buy a rifle of any kind, then the AK-47 is a classic choice. It was originally conceptualized and manufactured in Russia, bearing the name “Avtomat Kalashnikova.” The creator of the AK-47 is rumored to have been inspired by German-made guns – such as the STG-44 – when he first designed it. The result was a simplistically functioning rifle, easy to fire and maintain. The inherent loose tolerances of the AK-47 allow the action to cycle in severe conditions; in other words, this gun doesn’t jam easily. 

The AK-47 most commonly takes the form of an automatic rifle. 

7. Ruger Mini-14 

The Ruger Mini-14 is a Ruger model semi-auto rifle that dates back to WWII. It’s design and appearance are iconic for a marksman rifle of this era, displaying a very thin stock and wooden furniture. Ranchers, hunters, and military enthusiasts like to use the Ruger Mini 14 as an all-purpose gun.

The ammo that this model takes is .223 Remington rounds and 5.56x45mm rounds. Some models of this firearm will only take the .223, so always be careful what you’re feeding the gun since this could damage the gun and the user.

6. Ruger Mini-30 

The Ruger Mini-30 is another Ruger model designed as a smaller, more maneuverable version of its predecessor, the M-14. This rifle is lightweight, can take a good amount of rounds, is fired via hammer, and packs a pretty good punch. Although it’s built well, this rifle will strictly take 7.62x39mm ammunition and is prone to jamming or destruction if the ammunition is not picked with care. 

5. PTR 91 

The PTR 91 rifle is a hefty gun. It’s utilized in hunting, especially for going after big game, but it can just as easily be used in the military as a standard-issue semi-automatic battle rifle. This gun fires with a noticeable impact and works well even at longer ranges. To reload and cock the gun requires some strength to bear the weight and be able to slap the racking mechanism back into place. If you’re looking for a satisfying rifle to use at the range, a reliable rifle for big game hunting, or a good rifle to keep in case of any emergency, then the PTR 91 is an excellent option.    

4.  Remington 750 

The Remington series of rifles have been around for a long time, and they remain some of the most reliable rifles. Today, there are several variations to the Remington model, including the Remington 700, which is one of the most popular bolt action rifles to date.

The Remington 750 gas-powered rifle is a friend to hunters everywhere. It’s well-suited for long-range action and powerful enough to take down any kind of game. One of the best features it has is the variety of ammunition it will accept. The most common caliber would be the .243 Remmington round, but it will also take .35, .270, .308, and .30-06.

3. Colt 6920 

An easily recognizable rifle is the Colt 6920. Its twin is the Colt M4, a gas-powered rifle designed primarily for military use and has remained popular for quite some time. The 6920 is modified for civilian usage and is legal to own anywhere in the US. Even after modification, however, it is just as strong, durable, and accurate compared to its original M4 state. Its reliability and functionality make it desirable to anyone, from gun owners to military personnel.

The ammunition required for the Colt 6920 is typically 5.56x45mm rounds. The .223 Remington rounds will also work for this gun. Of course, before trying new ammunition, you should always do your research and know your own guns to avoid any kind of damage to your or your gun.

2. DDM 4 V7 

The “DD” in DDM 4 V7 stands for ‘Daniel Defense,’ which is a series of very modern, generally lightweight, and highly functional guns. The available semi-auto rifle alone is worthy for anyone interested in guns to keep in mind. This gas-powered, maneuverable rifle is excellent even at long ranges, making it ideal for protection and combat purposes. This gun makes for a very fun outing at the gun range and would be sure to bag any game while hunting. 

One useful perk to this gun is that it comes with a built-in ambidextrous feature. It’s no secret that most people in the world are right-handed. For this reason, many guns over time have been taken unkindly to lefties since it’s easier and cheaper to appeal to the majority, righties. Of course, if you needed this function in the world of combat, then you’d want to make sure it was prepped and ready to go beforehand.

1. FN Scar H 

Easily the most iconic rifle of the modern age is the scar rifle. This is typically a combat-ready, fully automatic rifle well praised by any military officer.

Variations exist to suit the needs of the user. This version of the original automatic rifle offers a new range of uses in hunting or self-defense. Normally the auto rifle would take 7.62x51mm rounds, but this precision-based version requires 5.56 x 45mm rounds.  

The Takeaway 

No matter what kind of rifle you choose for your next hunt or competition, you can personalize it and make it your own with GunSkins. Our premium vinyl wraps come in dozens of officially licensed patterns, including camo, tactical, military, and more. Whether you’re getting ready for your next deer hunt or just want to show off your unique style, GunSkins can make your rifle exactly what you envision.

Sources:

AK 47 history | Military.com

AR 15 history | NPR.org

Semi Auto | AmericanFirearms.org