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Rifle Reviews - Popular Hunting Rifles Used for Deer Management & Stalking in the UK
Best Rifles for Deer Hunting - Read on for top rifle reviews and trials of some of the most well known and popular hunting rifles used in the UK for Deer Stalking & Management.
For many deer hunters, choice of rifle is very personal. Some hunters will be content with an old and trusted, classic hunting rifle that has been handed down from father to son, others will want the very best and latest in rifle technology and design.
Whichever camp you fall into, deciding which hunting rifle to go for is an important decision. This is because unlike with shotgun certificates (SGC), in the UK, the number of rifles a firearm certificate holder can possess, is carefully legislated and specified on each individual Firearms Certificate (FAC).
Whilst possessing a shotgun certificate allows the holder to own a number of shotguns, having permission to acquire say a .308 calibre hunting rifle, does not allow the holder of the certificate to acquire several rifles in said calibre.
Typically, the holder of the FAC will instead be permitted to acquire just only one rifle in each calibre. This often results in the decision being made by firearm holder, being more considered.
Left: A Sako 85 in .308 Calibre -You should consider your make and model of hunting rifle carefully, as you will likley be allowed only one rifle in each calibre
Whatever your choice, the following rifle reviews, are designed to give you an overview of some of the top most popular hunting rifles used in the UK today for Deer Management & Stalking.
Top Deer Hunting Rifles
The following list of 'Rifle Reviews' will be extended and added to every time we here at 'County Deer Stalking' get lucky enough to try out a new offering!
Rifle Reviews
Click on the link at the end of each summary to read more about each Rifle:
Benelli Lupo. "Benelli's first attempt at a bolt action rifle is of a modular chasis-based design".To read more follow this link: benelli-lupo-review
Beretta BRX1."Beretta's first hunting rifle, a straight-pull rifle, priced very competitively".To read more, follow this link: beretta-brx1-rifle-review
Blaser K95."James Cartwright explains why, when hunting deer with his single shot Blaser K95 Stutzen rifle, one shot is enough".To read more follow this link: blaser-k95-single-shot-rifle-review
Blaser R8 ."So the action feels modern but is it any good? Well I have to say 'yes' it is, it's very, very good. I like it very, very much. Not only is it fast but it feels slick".To read more Click on the Following link: blaser-r8-rifle-review
Blaser R8 Ultimate."It is the feel that has evolved and in early 2019 it evolved still further into the Blaser R8 Ultimate".To read more about the Blaser R8 Ultimate Click on the following link: blaser-r8-ultimate
Browning A-Bolt Mk III. Toby Worthington Reviews the super affordable Browning AB3 rifle. To read more follow this link: browning-a-bolt-iii-review
Browning X Bolt 2. We take a closer look at the new Browning X-Bolt 2 a refined evolution of a well-known stalking rifle, Browning X-Bolt 2 Review
Browning Maral."Could this be the fastest bolt action on the market?". To read more Click on the following link: browning-maral-rifle-review
Heym Heym SR21."The SR21 Classic is a beautifully made rifle that’s well suited to the UK stalker who’s happy to accept that a wood and blue gun is going to require that little extra TLC". To read more Click on the following link: heym-sr21-rifle-review
Howa 1500 ."A couple of years ago after some deliberation I decided to purchase a Howa 1500 Lightning in .243 win". To read more Click on the following link: howa-1500-rifle-review
Merkel Helix Speedster "Is this the fastest gun in the west? Well at any rate the fastest bolt action on the market". To read more click here: merkel-helix-speedster
Mauser M03 Exreme."When Mauser launched the M03, a modern classic was born". To read more Click on the following link: mauser-m03-extreme-rifle-review
Rangemaster Precision Arms 'RPA' - Woodland Stalker."At just 36" (910mm) the Woodland stalker is a highly accurate and compact rifle". To read more click on the following link: woodland-stalker
Remington 700 ."What can I possibly say about the Remington 700 that has not already been said?".To read more click on the following link: remington-700-rifle-review
Ruger Scout ."Since its introduction, the Ruger Scout has received much attention and caused somewhat of a stir".To read more click on the following link: review-of-the-ruger-scout-rifle
Sako 85 ."Having initially been a fan of the Sako 75 it is perhaps not surprising that I like the Sako 85 so much".To read more click on the following link: sako-85-synthetic-stainless-rifle-review
Sauer 100 Classic XT. "Coming from the Blaser family, the Sauer 100 boasts a formidable heritage". To read more click on the following link: sauer-100-classic-xt-review
Sauer 100 Pantera. "It is with great relief that Sauer have introduced a little ‘pizzazz’ to the design of the Sauer 100 Pantera". To read more click on the following link: sauer-100-pantera-rifle-review
Sako S20. "Overall, this is to my reckoning, one of the most interesting rifles to have arrived on the hunting scene in some time". To read more about the S20 follow this link: sako-s20-rifle-review
Sako 90. You see, what Sako have done with the 90, is effectively take a good rifle and made it even better, and that is no small feat”. To read more click on the following link: sako-90
Sako 100. "What do we really think of Sako's new flagship rifle?" To read more click on the following link: Sako 100 Review
Sauer 202 . "The Sauer S 202 is a pretty, pretty rifle. There's no getting away from it". To read more click on the following link: sauer-202-rifle-review
Sauer 202 Outback ."Another huge advantage of the outback over other Sauer rifles and indeed many other rifles in general is that it is very light weight". To read more click on the following link:sauer-outback-rifle-review
Sauer 404. "Proclaimed by Sauer as the best Sauer Rifle of all time, does it live up to the hype?". To read more follow this link: sauer-404-review
Sauer 505. "Peter Jones compares the Sauer 505 to Rachel Riley". To read more, follow this link: sauer-505
Savage Axis. "Savage arms have introduced a range of economy rifles. Via Edgar Brothers we are now offered a UK themed package deal". To read more click on the following link: savage-axis-rifle-review
Sig Sauer Cross. British Army Officer Ollie Ward reviews this unconventional hunting rifle. To read more click on the following link: sig-sauer-cross
Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter . "Set right in the heart of Austria is the city of Steyr". To read more click on the following link: steyr-mannlicher-pro-hunter-rifle-review
Tikka T3. "I have just taken delivery of a new Tikka T3 Lite synthetic. My prime objectives when purchasing a new rifle were reliability, accuracy and great value". To read more click on the following link: tikka-t3-lite-review
Tikka T3x. "Peter Jones reviews the Tikka T3x rifle, a stalwart of UK and European hunting and the latest in a series of rifles made by Tikka". To read more click on the following link: tikka-t3x-review
Weatherby Vanguard Mk II . "For many Weatherby is associated with some serious hunting cartridges and for their original well known and impressive Mk V rifles". To read more Click on the following Link: weatherby-vanguard-mk-2-rifle-review
To read more about how to select the right hunting rifle for you, simply follow this link: best-rifle-for-deer-stalking-management
Alternatively, if you are also trying to decide on the best calibre to go with your rifle of choice, then take a look at our 'Rifle Calibres' page for more information about deer legal calibres, and an overview of the most popular Calibres used by UK Deer Stalkers & Managers in the UK.
Click on this link:rifle-calibres
If you are interested in starting deer stalking and applying for a Firearms Licence, a great first step is to take the Proficient Deer Stalking certificate Level 1 (PDS1). This deer management qualification provides the foundation skills and knowldge needed to hunt in the UK. To find out more about the PDS1 course follow this link: Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
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Free Deer Culling and Deer Management Service
At County Deer Management we recognise that whilst deer are often an admired and fondly regarded animal they do require management. We offer a FREE Deer Management Service using properly qualified deer managers to help you achieve this.
Our service is FREE this is because our costs are covered purely from the sale of the resulting Venison. As such we ask only that any deer shot remain the property of the stalker.
How We Work
Upon your invitation we will visit your property and carry out the following:
- A survey of your land, providing you with an assessment of the likely species of deer and their approximate numbers.
- We will discuss with you and offer advice on appropriate forms of deer deterrents. Including the use of Deer fencing, Tree guards and electric fencing.
- If required we will then carry out a risk assessment in order to consider carefully the viability of a deer cull.
- If a cull is thought to be the best solution to your deer problems we will discuss a suitable cull plan with you.
- Why not give us a try? For more details please CONTACT US.
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Sika Deer Stalking
At County Deer Stalking we are able to offer what we believe to be the finest sika deer stalking in the UK.
We have grounds in Dorset and in Kent where we are able to offer first-class stalking over hundreds of acres of stunning scenery.
Sika Deer Stalking can be highly challenging as these deer are a secretive and whilly quarry. The best time of year to be hunting is during the rut in September to October, and during the early days of the season for hinds in November.
At County Deer Stalking we are delighted to be able to offer superb Sika Deer Stalking in Dorset and Kent for both cull animals and world class Sika stag trophies. Please contact us for details. 0203 981 0159
As well as in Dorset and Kent, many who choose to hunt Sika, will visit Scotland where there is a large population of Sika, along with an increasing number of Sika/Red Hybrids. Other large herds can be found in the New Forest and East Anglia.
Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon) are one of the larger UK Deer Species having originally been introduced to the UK in the 19th Century from Japan.
Typically existing in single sex groups but mixing more readily during the Rut in September, Sika deer are a highly vocal deer with a large range of unusual calls.
To watch a short film in which we are hunting Sika on our Dorset ground, follow this link: youtube.com/watch
Deer Stalking seasons vary between England & Wales and Scotland.
The Open Season for Sika Deer in England & Wales:
Sika Stags: 1st August - 31st April
Sika Hinds: 1st Nov - 31st March
The Open Season for Sika Deer in Scotland:
Sika Stags: 1st July - 20th October
Sika Hinds: 21st October - 15th February.
For more information about opportunities to stalk Sika Deer please contact us on 0203 981 0159 or email:
