The Top 5 Rifles Of 2023

Intro and 2023 rifle overview

Clint and Kaya from Classic Firearms look back at 2023 and focus on rifles rather than pistols or standard AR-15s they covered earlier in the year. They explain that their top five list is meant to span several categories instead of repeating similar guns. The lineup includes a pistol caliber carbine, a bullpup that could be considered a modern battle rifle, a bolt-action precision rifle, and an updated AR platform. They emphasize that some of these releases were unexpected from the manufacturers and that the list is based on their time shooting the rifles and observing performance, ergonomics, and overall design choices.

Henry Homesteader 9mm PCC

The number five pick is the Henry Homesteader, a semi-automatic 9mm pistol caliber carbine that was a surprise from a company known for lever actions. The rifle uses interchangeable magazine adapters, allowing it to run proprietary Henry magazines as well as Glock, SIG, and Smith & Wesson M&P magazines. The hosts note that the Glock mag configuration is especially appealing because it supports high-capacity options like 50-round drums. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28, making it straightforward to run suppressed, which they describe as a lot of fun. Initially, the Homesteader seemed like just another 9mm carbine, but shooting it changed their opinion. They highlight its wood furniture, modular magazine system, and overall enjoyable handling as reasons it earned a place on the list.

Springfield Armory Hellion bullpup

At number four is the Springfield Armory Hellion, a bullpup rifle derived from the Croatian VHS service rifle. The hosts comment that its styling looks like a mix between a FAMAS and a G36, especially with the ambidextrous charging handle. They point out features that are unusual for bullpups, including an adjustable stock that changes length of pull for different shooters and a fully ambidextrous layout. The ejection can be configured for left- or right-handed use, and the rifle includes multiple sling attachment points with QD and traditional options. They mention color variants such as OD green, FDE/gray, and black, as well as barrel length options around 16, 18, and 20 inches that were highlighted in 2023. Their main criticism is the tight, unflared magwell, which requires precise magazine insertion. They suggest Springfield should flare the magwell in future versions and speculate that additional chamberings like 300 Blackout or 7.62 NATO would be interesting evolutions.

Aero Precision Solus bolt gun

The number three slot goes to the Aero Precision Solus, specifically the Hunter configuration with a carbon stock and a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The hosts note that Aero Precision was previously known for AR-15 and AR-10 components such as uppers, lowers, and rails, so a complete bolt-action system was unexpected. The Solus impressed them in a bolt-gun series where it competed against rifles like the US Arms Azrael. During accuracy testing, the Solus produced very tight groups, with measured MOA figures that were extremely close to the winning rifle. They emphasize the smooth action, quality trigger, and traditional-style safety reminiscent of common Remington-pattern actions. The competition-oriented Solus variant includes a thumb rest that allows the shooter to keep the firing hand thumb on the strong side of the stock, which they say improves comfort, stability, and trigger control. Overall, they describe the Solus as a highly accurate, well-executed bolt gun that offers strong value and justified its place on multiple top lists.

Daniel Defense DD4 R3 AR-15

In the number two position is the Daniel Defense R3 lineup, represented by the DD4 R3 and contrasted with the M4A1 R3. The hosts explain that Daniel Defense has long been known for durable, reliable rifles like the DDM4 V7 and the standard M4A1, which uses a carbine-length gas system. The R3 series incorporates updates they had been asking for, especially fully ambidextrous controls. The rifles use a mid-length gas system that they say feels noticeably different and smoother compared to the carbine-length setup on the original M4A1. The new R3 rail, often misnamed as the RIII or RZ3, retains the robust lockup of the earlier RII/RIS II style but switches to M-LOK attachment. They highlight that the controls are intuitive and easy to actuate, and they mention that Daniel Defense rifles are widely trusted for hard use, including duty applications. These refinements, combined with the company’s established reputation, secure the R3 series a high ranking in their 2023 rifle list.