Best Hunting Rifle for Beginners with Scope

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If you’re new to hunting and looking for your first rifle, the choices can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to pairing your rifle with the right scope. The good news is, some of the best brands now offer “ready-to-hunt” rifle and scope combos designed just for beginners. No complicated assembly, no worrying if your rings and bases fit—just mount the included scope, sight in, and you’re in business. Here are the best hunting rifles for beginners with scope included, plus a simple buyer’s guide and everything you need to get started with confidence.

Quick Picks: Top Ready-to-Hunt Rifle & Scope Combos

Buyer’s Guide: What Makes the Best Beginner Rifle & Scope Combo?

Shopping for your first hunting rifle and scope is easier when you focus on a few key factors:

  • Caliber: For beginners, .243 Win, .308 Win, and .270 Win are excellent—easy to shoot, accurate, and effective for deer, hogs, coyotes, and more.
  • Package Quality: Look for combos with a real, brand-name scope (Vortex, Bushnell, Weaver) instead of a no-name optic—better glass and better reliability.
  • Stock & Fit: A comfortable stock with proper length of pull is crucial for learning to shoot well. Youth or “compact” models are great for smaller shooters or anyone under 5’8”.
  • Accuracy: Modern entry-level bolt-actions routinely shoot 1 MOA or better out of the box—plenty accurate for any ethical hunting shot.
  • Ruggedness: Synthetic stocks and blued or matte finishes are easy to care for, even in rough weather. All picks below are built to last.
  • Ease of Use: A simple, push-feed bolt-action is safe, easy to learn, and easy to clean.
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Full Reviews: Best Ready-to-Hunt Rifle & Scope Combos for Beginners

Ruger American Rifle .308 Win with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Scope

Who it’s for: The new hunter who wants a rifle that will serve from first deer to lifetime buck, plus a quality scope.

  • Key Benefits:
    • Smooth bolt, crisp adjustable trigger (Marksman Adjustable)
    • Stock fits most adults well, recoil manageable in .308 Win
    • Vortex Crossfire II scope—bright, simple, and tough
    • Box magazine (easy loading/unloading in the field)
  • Pros:
    • 1 MOA accuracy guarantee from Ruger
    • Works for deer, hogs, coyotes, and more
    • Scope is easy to zero and holds true season after season
  • Cons:
    • Heavier than some ultra-light rifles (about 7 lbs scoped)
    • Sling not included—add one for comfort

Final Verdict: This is the most “future proof” starter combo—solid enough to hunt with for life. Check price now

Savage Axis II XP .243 Win with Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Scope

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious beginners, younger shooters, or anyone sensitive to recoil.

  • Key Benefits:
    • AccuTrigger for safer, crisper trigger pulls
    • Mild recoil .243 is great for deer, antelope, coyotes, hogs
    • Bushnell Banner scope—solid, bright, with reliable adjustments
    • Factory bore-sighted—saves you time at the range
  • Pros:
    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Great for women, teens, or smaller-statured shooters
    • Accurate out of the box—great value for the money
  • Cons:
    • Stock is basic polymer—functional, not fancy
    • Scope isn’t “premium,” but it’s better than most starter combos

Final Verdict: A trusted, affordable starter that’s easy to shoot well. See latest price

Mossberg Patriot Youth Super Bantam .243 Win with 3-9×40 Scope

Who it’s for: Youth hunters, women, or anyone needing a shorter, lighter rifle that’s still deadly on deer and hogs.

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  • Key Benefits:
    • Shortened stock and light weight—easier to handle for smaller shooters
    • Adjustable spacers—lets the rifle “grow” with the shooter
    • Factory-mounted, bore-sighted 3-9×40 scope
    • Smooth bolt and crisp trigger
  • Pros:
    • Very mild recoil—fun for range practice and hunting
    • Accurate and dependable for any game up to whitetail size
    • Fits smaller shooters right out of the box
  • Cons:
    • Not ideal for big, tall shooters
    • Basic stock, but extremely functional

Final Verdict: Best starter package for youth, teens, or anyone under 5’8”. See today’s deal

Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic .270 Win Package with Scope

Who it’s for: The new hunter who plans to hunt in any weather—rain, snow, sleet—or wants a rifle ready for anything.

  • Key Benefits:
    • Weatherproof synthetic stock and Cerakote finish
    • .270 Win—flat shooting and trusted for deer, hogs, antelope, even elk
    • Scope included, pre-mounted and bore-sighted
    • Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee
  • Pros:
    • Handles all weather and rough handling
    • Excellent accuracy for price
    • Recoil pad helps with comfort
  • Cons:
    • Heavier than most “youth” rifles
    • Not the fanciest stock, but ultra-tough

Final Verdict: Your “go anywhere, do anything” starter rifle combo. View price

Savage Axis II XP Left Hand .308 Win with Bushnell 3-9×40 Scope

Who it’s for: Left-handed beginners tired of trying to make right-handed rifles work for them.

  • Key Benefits:
    • True left-handed bolt action, safety, and stock
    • AccuTrigger for safer, more accurate shooting
    • Factory-mounted Bushnell Banner scope
    • 1 MOA accuracy potential
  • Pros:
    • Affordable and easy to shoot
    • Perfect for lefties—no compromise needed
    • Works for deer, hogs, and predators
  • Cons:
    • Limited left-handed options overall, but this is the best combo value
    • Basic stock and finish, but totally functional

Final Verdict: The easiest way for lefties to start hunting with confidence. See price

Comparison Table: Best Beginner Hunting Rifle & Scope Combos

Name Caliber Scope Included Best For Weight Price Link
Ruger American .308 + Vortex 3-9×40 .308 Win Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 All-around, adults ~7 lbs View
Savage Axis II XP .243 + Bushnell 3-9×40 .243 Win Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Value, mild recoil ~6.5 lbs View
Mossberg Patriot Youth .243 + 3-9×40 .243 Win 3-9×40 (factory) Youth, smaller shooters ~6.5 lbs View
Weatherby Vanguard .270 + Scope .270 Win 3-9×40 (factory) All-weather, big game ~7.5 lbs View
Savage Axis II XP LH .308 + Bushnell 3-9×40 .308 Win Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Left-handed shooters ~6.5 lbs View
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it better to buy a rifle and scope combo or separate?

For beginners, a factory combo saves time, money, and confusion. You know the scope fits and is boresighted—just sight in at the range, and you’re ready to hunt.

What’s the best caliber for a beginner hunting rifle?

.243 Win and .308 Win are top choices for low recoil, easy accuracy, and deer-size game. .270 Win is also excellent for longer shots or bigger game.

How far can I shoot with these combos?

With a quality scope and proper ammo, ethical deer shots out to 200–300 yards are realistic. Always practice at the range and know your personal limits.

Can youth rifles be used by adults?

Absolutely! Youth and “compact” models are great for smaller adults, tree stand hunters, or anyone who wants a lighter, handier rifle.

How do I sight in my new combo?

Start at 25 yards, get close to center, then move to 100 yards for final zero. Always use the same ammo you’ll hunt with, and read the rifle’s manual for safe operation.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Every one of these combos will get a new hunter started right—accurate, safe, reliable, and easy to use. Start with a rifle that fits you, sight in your scope, and you’ll be ready to make great memories and fill your first tags. The hunt starts here!

Ready for your first hunt? Check today’s deals, pick your rifle combo, and get outdoors with total confidence this season!

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