No. 4—Remington Model 700
Introduced in 1962—in conjunction with the then-new 7 mm Rem. Mag chambering—the Remington Model 700 represented an across-the-board refinement of the Models 721, 722, which debuted concurrently, and the subsequent Model 725. The resultant rifle was of exceptional strength due to its “three rings of steel” construction, inherently accurate and had sleek, sensuous lines. With Winchester’s debacle but two years later, the market would soon be ripe for a quality, accurate bolt-action rifle like the Model 700. To date, more than 5 million Model 700s have been produced.

The Model 700 sported a push-feed action, as compared to the renowned controlled-round-feed version of the Model 70, a bolt with dual-opposing locking lugs (for 90-degree lift), a swept-back handle, jewelling (beginning in 1969) and a plunger-type ejector, the latter of which is widely copied even today. It had a cylindrical receiver, extended bolt shroud (1969 change), two-position safety, single-stage trigger, and fast, 3.2-millisecond locktime, among other noteworthy features. Besides cosmetic changes or new chamberings, little has changed since the Model 700’s introduction—a testament to the design. The Model 700’s reliability and accuracy have endeared it to generations of hunters and competitive shooters. The next time you take to the range or field, take note of how many trophies—animals or plaques—are rewarded to those using the Model 700. You might be surprised. —Aaron Carter

No. 5—Ruger 10/22
When it came to firearms, Bill Ruger had a keen eye for guns of classic form and functional design. And judging from the number of so-called International, or Mannlicher-stocked, models that have appeared under the Ruger banner throughout the years, the rotary-magazine-fed Mannlicher-Schoenauer was one of those. So it isn’t surprising that when Ruger set out to design a .22 rimfire he incorporated the rotary magazine. It helped make the little 10/22, introduced in 1964, trim and easy to carry and provided just as many shots as guns whose tubular magazines were awkward to reload or those whose clip magazines protruded from their stocks’ bottoms and made carrying at the balance point uncomfortable.

As firearms accessorizing became more of a home-gunsmithing proposition, another one of the 10/22’s clever design features gave it a huge leg up on the competition: Its barrel could be switched out for a more accurate, target-profile type by anyone with only an Allen wrench and a few minutes to spare. From such modularity sprang a huge cottage industry of aftermarket 10/22 parts and accessories occupying dozens of pages in gun parts suppliers’ catalogs.

According to Ruger, the 10/22’s production totals are well on their way to the 6 million mark—a remarkable figure for any commercial firearm. Today it is available from the factory in a variety of configurations, including a “compact” version and a competition-ready heavy-barreled model with a wildly configured laminated thumbhole stock. Ruger has even reinvented the basic design in a pistol configuration called the Charger.

So even though you can no longer buy the 10/22 from the factory with a Mannlicher stock—yes, Ruger made them in walnut, birch and laminated wood—the gun’s current factory and unlimited home-brewed manifestations, along with its unfailing reliability, accuracy potential and low initial cost, have lent it a timeless appeal. —Brian C. Sheetz

No. 6—Mauser Model 98
The Mauser Model 98 is without a doubt the best of Peter Paul Mauser’s bolt-action rifles. It set a standard for safety, durability and reliability that no other bolt-action rifle can match. When it comes to safety, Mauser was a belt-and-suspenders man, and his temperament shows in the Mauser 98, which included better venting for ruptured cases or pierced primers, improved heat treatment and larger receiver ring dimensions. Additionally, the Mauser 98’s bolt has a third “safety” lug on the rear of bolt body to back up the forward locking lugs in case they failed. And the gun has a three-position safety at the rear of the bolt, which allows it to be loaded and unloaded with the safety engaged.

Original Mauser sporters and custom rifles built in British and German custom houses were especially popular in Africa. With its controlled-round feed extractor, there is no doubt that the Mauser 98 is the first choice for hunters pursuing game animals that are not convinced that humans are on the top of the food chain. Today, rifles based on the original Mauser 98 action are still made in the Czech Republic and Serbia, and they remain popular with hunters. Mauser 98s may be had at every price range, so it is one of the few classic sporting guns available to both the masses and the elite. Moreover, sporterized military Mauser 98s are guns that reward the owner for the work he puts into it. Given its influence on other bolt-action rifles and its widespread use over the past century, the Mauser 98 certainly deserves a place near the top of the list. —Glenn M. Gilbert

No. 7—Marlin Model 336
The rugged, reliable, American-made Marlin Model 336 epitomized, and still does, the hunting-specific, lever-action rifle. In fact, if today’s makers were tasked with creating a top-notch, lever-action hunting rifle, many of its features would likely resemble those found on the Model 336 upon its introduction in 1948. The Model 336’s solid-top receiver, trigger plate, hammer, lever, carrier and locking bolts were fashioned from steel forgings for strength, and a lowered hammer, a drilled-and-tapped receiver—a 1956 feature—and side-ejection, as opposed to top ejection on the Winchester Model 1894, allowed for the addition of a riflescope—acknowledging the trend of using rifle-mounted optics. Improving on its predecessor, the Model 36, the 336 had a round bolt—the first of its type—for greater strength and streamlined appearance, as well as a redesigned carrier and newly designed extractor to ensure reliability. Further, the Model 336 featured a pistol grip stock, blued, exposed metal parts to reduce glare and Micro-Groove rifling (another 1956 addition) for enhanced accuracy. In 1984, to the chagrin of many, a cross-bolt safety was added.

Although little has changed mechanically since its debut, the Model 336 has been fashioned in numerous configurations to meet the diverse needs of hunters. The Model 336XLR, developed in conjunction with Hornady’s LeverEvolution ammunition, extends the reach of this tried-and-true, lever-hunting rifle to previously unimaginable ranges. By virtue of its lineage—tracing back to the 1893—the Model 336 now has the distinction of being the longest, continually produced lever-action rifle. Judging from the 336’s popularity, Marlin could hold that honor for a long time. —Aaron Carter

No. 8—Savage Model 110
The Savage 110 bolt-action rifle has achieved a kind of cult status among knowledgeable riflemen. Designed by Nicholas Brewer, the 110 was announced in 1957 at a price of $109.95—hence its model designation. Brewer devised a simple, yet clever, receiver turned from round bar stock and induction hardened at critical wear points, along with a sandwiched recoil lug, a barrel secured to the receiver with a threaded collar, or nut, and a multi-piece bolt assembly that could be manufactured economically. The barrel nut and precise button-rifled barrel lent themselves to exacting assembly and the kind of accuracy that usually was found only on more expensive, blueprinted rifles.

The 110 seemed to have accomplished the impossible by offering qualities that are usually thought to be mutually exclusive: exceptional accuracy and an attractive price. The 110 also offered an easy to use, sear-blocking, tang-mounted safety. Its distinctive barrel locking nut and separate, floating bolt head meant not only that the factory could precisely control headspace during assembly, but it allowed experimenters to change barrels and even chamberings. What’s more, the 110 could be ordered in any amazing array of options and features. Its versatility and affordable quality have earned the Model 110 a permanent place among serious shooters. Including all its variants, production has exceeded 3.4 million rifles. —Brian C. Sheetz