The past decade has brought forth a lot of changes when it comes to deer hunting guns. New calibers, new looks, and new technologies have created a space in the gun market that allows hunters to pick something that fits their individual wants and needs. If you’re after a classic-looking deer rifle in a popular caliber, there are loads of options.
If you’re after a fully customizable rifle built on a chassis in a former wildcat caliber configuration, there are options out there for you, too. In addition, even slug hunters have been granted access to incredibly accurate and comfortable guns designed to shoot at distance. Here are a few great options that have been introduced over the past couple of seasons that will help you decide which deer gun you need to be carrying in 2022.
Winchester XPR – TrueTimber Strata MB
For what you’re getting, the XPR in TrueTimber Strata camo might be the best .30-06 for the buck, and kicks off our list of the best new deer guns for 2022. Winchester’s XPR line is built tough, and can take any abuse you can throw at it during your upcoming deer season. With a precision button-rifled 24-inch barrel featuring a FDE Perma-Cote finish, it looks great out of the box. In addition, as you taper down, you’ll notice a threaded muzzle with muzzle break. This all sits nicely on the composite stock finished in TrueTimber Strata. This nifty camo pattern has taken the hunting world by storm the past few years, and it looks amazing on the XPR. MSRP $750
Springfield Model 2020 Waypoint
Each Model 2020 is built to deliver the accuracy and performance expected from a custom-grade rifle.
Introduced in late 2020, but hard to find until the past year, this gun that is available in .308 WIN (7.62x51mm NATO) as well as 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor is not for the casual hunter. Springfield Armory has been known for its attention to detail and accuracy since its inception. With a .75 MOA guarantee, you know that you’re buying a quality rifle. The 2020 Waypoint features a custom-painted Evergreen camo stock that’s made of lightweight carbon fiber, and features a 3-axis adjustable cheek comb. In addition, the receiver is green Cerakote and the 20-inch barrel is fluted, 416 stainless steel, with green Cerakote, and has a 1:10 twist. With an overall length of 41.5 inches, the 2020 Waypoint comes in at just 7 lbs. 11 oz. Other features include a picatinny rail mount with REM 700 SA pattern, a fluted Nitride bolt, and a TriggerTech adjustable trigger. MSRP $1,923
Kimber Hunter
The Kimber Hunter is very simplistic by appearance, but with the small details many of us have come to know and love. This lightweight deer rifle that has low-recoil and incredible accuracy, and it won’t break the bank. New for 2022, the Hunter is available in .270 as well as .30-06 and .280 AI. Weighing in at just 5 lbs. 13 oz., the Hunter in .270 features a match-grade adjustable trigger and a removable box magazine that allows for quick and easy reloading. The 22-inch sporter barrel is stainless and features a match-grade chamber. In addition, the stock is composite and the flat dark earth color makes the rifle look as good in the cabinet as it does in the field. Other features include a Kimber recoil pad and a Mauser claw extractor. MSRP $1,026
Savage 110 Classic
Combines complete adjustability and superior accuracy, with a quality walnut stock and modern ergonomics.
The 110 Classic is new for 2022, and combines new tech with timeless looks. The 110 Classic in .30-06 SPFLD features a gorgeous walnut stock with modern ergonomics similar to the other 110 models. The stock has an adjustable length-of-pull and comb height allowing for maximum comfort. Tweaking the LOP and comb height also increase consistency. The Classic also features the AccuTrigger system for more customization. The 22-inch black carbon steel barrel finishes off the classic look. The receiver is drilled and tapped. The 110 Classic is 41.25 inches overall and weighs in at just over 8 lbs. MSRP $1,099
Savage 110 Ultralite Camo
If you’re looking for another newish option in .30-06 from Savage, the 110 Ultralite Camo is light, weighing in at less than 6 lbs. The receiver is melonite and skeletonized to cut down weight, making this the ultimate deer rifle for mountain hunters. The name also states that there’s a special camo involved. Savage teamed up with KUIU on this one utilizing the Verde 2.0 pattern on the famous AccuFit stock. While it’s not in the name, the coolest thing about the 110 Ultralite is the barrel. PROOF Research exclusively designed the carbon fiber wrapped, stainless steel-cut rifled barrel on this .30-06. Like any 110, the Ultralite Camo comes equipped with Savage’s AccuTrigger and AccuFit, allowing you to customize your comb height, length-of-pull, overmold surfaces, and trigger weight. MSRP $1,699
Mossberg Patriot Walnut – Vortex Scoped Combo
For those of you looking for another classic-looking deer gun, the Mossberg Patriot Walnut is a beautiful .270 WIN with a walnut stock that features traditional checkering. The matte blue fluted barrel is 22 inches long and has a 1:10 twist. This model comes equipped with a Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope, and is basically ready to hunt out of the box. The overall length is 42.75 inches, and the package weighs in at around 8 lbs. The Patriot is a reminder of classic deer rifles, but with enough features to make it a formidable force in the marketplace. It’s stylish, functional, and affordable. This combo is a great setup for anyone jumping into the sport, or looking to add a .270 to their arsenal that features a classic look. MSRP $783
Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo Bolt-Action Rifle
The Lupo came on the scene and made a splash and continues to make our list of the best new deer guns with a few tweaks. Benelli’s reputation teamed with a new rifle had the industry buzzing. The popular rifle has taken off, and new for 2022 Benelli’s industry-leading BE.S.T. surface treatment now adorns three of the Lupo’s popular big-game calibers. The .300 Win Mag is a formidable caliber for deer, especially out west. With a Crio-treated free-floating barrel attached to a hardened-steel barrel extension, all bedded to a steel block, the Lupo gives shooters sob-MOA accuracy. Many thought that the Lupo rifles looked “goofy” out of the gate, but the design is ergonomic, and was built with control in mind. Benelli has always been known for their spacers and customizable shotguns, and that’s extended to the Lupo lineup. The Combtech cheek pad also carried over, increasing comfort. The .300 WIN Mag features the Elevated II stock finish and a matte Labrador gray BE.S.T. 24-inch barrel. Overall weight is 7.1 lbs. MSRP $1,899
Ruger American With Go Wild Camo
The affordable and reliable Ruger American Rifle is now available in Go Wild camo in .350 Legend. The .350 Legend was designed by Winchester specifically to adhere to some state laws requiring straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting. This 6.8-lb. rifle has an overall length of 43.75 inches with a 22-inch burnt bronze Cerakote threaded barrel. In addition, the barrel is cold hammer-forged and comes with a muzzle break installed. Ruger’s patented Power Bedding block system positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel, which increases accuracy and reliability. The synthetic stock is, of course, in Go Wild Camo. It comes with a factory installed picatinny rail, a 5 capacity AR-style magazine, and sling swivel studs. MSRP $769
Henry Steel Lever-Action .30-30 Side Gate
While the Henry .30-30 is not a brand new gun, no list of the best new deer guns for any year can exist without a repeater. The Henry features a 20-inch round barrel and a standard lever or a large loop. The five-shot tube magazine can be loaded from the front or topped off through the side gate. The Steel Side Gate model is drilled and tapped for those wanting to utilize a scope. The side ejection allows the use of a scope, with ease. In addition, side ejection improves line of sight and is safer, as the spent brass ejects sideways and forward. With an overall length of 39 inches and a weight of 7 lbs., this Henry is quick to shoulder and snappy. Getting on target quickly is important, and the Henry makes it easy. The .30-30 is the supreme choice for brush hunters. As with all Henry rifles, the Steel Side Gate comes with the Henry satisfaction guarantee. MSRP $1,017 to $1,035
Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter LR
For the only 6.5 Creedmoor on the list, we chose the X-Bolt Western Hunter LR from Browning. Whether you’re hunting the vast plains or you’re glassing from hillside-to-hillside, the Western Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor will make your life easier. LR stands for long range, and this gun is built for the task of shooting at distance. You’ll find a heavy sporter, contoured barrel that’s threaded and suppressor-ready. In addition, this gun sports an ergonomic bolt handle, and a composite sporter-style stock in the Browning OVIX camo finish. It’s a gun that looks as good as it feels. The X-Bolt also features a bolt unlock button that works in conjunction with the tang safety to provide ultra-safe checking and unloading. Weighing in at just 6 lbs. 6 oz., the Western Hunter LR is extremely light for a 6.5 Creedmoor. MSRP $1,149
Savage 220 Slug Camo
Some hunters prefer slug guns, or must use slugs in their hunting zones. The refreshing Savage 220 bolt-action 20-gauge slug gun is built more like a rifle. The 22-inch barrel is button-rifled and the gun features Savage’s AccuTrigger and AccuStock. The receiver is drilled and tapped and comes with a one-piece picatinny rail for mounting optics. In addition, the synthetic stock features Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo. The box magazine and oversized bolt make this slug gun feel just like you’re handling a rifle, and with a similar weight of just over 7 lbs. MSRP $889
Mossberg 930 Slugster
A nice and affordable 12-gauge option for slug hunters is the 930 Slugster from Mossberg. It rounds out our list of the best new deer guns for 2022. This smooth-cycling auto-loading shotgun features a dual gas-vent system for recoil management, which makes shooting 12-gauge slugs more comfortable. In addition, it allows shooters to get back on target faster for follow-up shots. The stock is synthetic and the 24-inch matte blue barrel features a fully rifled bore. With a weight of 7.5 lbs. and an overall length of 44.5 inches, it’s not overly heavy or cumbersome. The 930 Slugster comes with a cantilever scope base for easy mounting of your favorite optics. MSRP $773 This fine autoloading shotgun features a fully rifled barrel and dual gas-vent chamber for fast action and recoil reduction.
