The video opens with lighthearted banter between Kyle and Clint, including jokes about Clint’s fading voice and nods to their previous bolt gun series. They quickly pivot into why bolt-action rifles remain so appealing, emphasizing the satisfaction of stretching shots to 500 yards and beyond and the discipline required for precision shooting. The first rifle on the 2023 list is the Savage Model 110 Carbon Predator. Built on the proven Model 110 action, this variant adds a Proof Research carbon fiber barrel to cut weight while maintaining rigidity, keeping the rifle under 7 pounds. It features a user-configurable trigger that can be adjusted down to about 1.5 pounds, giving shooters a crisp, light break. Offered in multiple calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor with 18- or 22-inch barrel options, it targets hunters and precision shooters who want portability and accuracy. With an MSRP just over $1,600, the Carbon Predator is positioned as a high-performance yet attainable entry in the modern bolt-action market.
The focus shifts to the Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical, which earns a spot for combining Mossberg’s reliability with long-range features at a strong value. Chambered in proven short-action calibers like 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308, it uses 22- to 24-inch barrels and feeds from AICS-pattern magazines. The rifle’s MDT chassis is highlighted as a major advantage, offering a free-floated barrel channel for accuracy and a robust platform trusted in the precision rifle community. The hosts explain what makes a quality bolt-action rifle today: modularity, a 20 MOA Picatinny rail for optics, and M-LOK slots on the sides for accessories such as lasers and rangefinders. Ergonomics are equally important, with adjustable length of pull, comb height, and grip angle allowing shooters to fine-tune fit. At roughly 8-plus pounds bare, the Patriot LR Tactical balances stability with manageability, and with an MSRP just over $1,000, it is framed as one of the best value-focused long-range bolt guns available.
Attention turns to Sako’s TRG line, specifically the TRG 22 for short action and TRG 42 for long action cartridges. The hosts note that the TRG 42 has seen military and SOCOM use in Europe, lending serious credibility to the platform. A standout feature is Sako’s cold hammer forged barrel process, where both the rifling and chamber are formed in a single operation. This is described as reducing inconsistencies and contributing to exceptional accuracy. The rifle uses a three-lug bolt with a short throw, speeding up cycling while maintaining a solid lockup. At a Beretta range day, the team reportedly saw consistent hits out to 1,000 yards, reinforcing the TRG’s reputation as a true precision system. However, the premium construction and performance come with a steep MSRP around $5,500. That high price point is the main reason the TRG does not rank higher on the list, even though it is praised as one of the most capable factory bolt guns available.
The US Arms Co. Azriel is introduced as a standout performer in 6.5 Creedmoor, especially within the channel’s bolt gun series. Outfitted with a Voodoo optic, suppressor, and a premium chassis, the featured setup is estimated to be worth around $15,000, underscoring how far a fully built precision rig can go. To keep things grounded, the hosts outline more attainable Azriel configurations: base models starting near $2,999 and $3,999, plus a version using the original J Allen chassis, now under MDT, at roughly $5,300. They note that the J Allen chassis alone costs about $2,000, reflecting its high-end ergonomics and adjustability. The conversation then moves to honorable mentions like Q’s Fix, available in 8.6 and .308. While the Fix is praised for its innovative, lightweight design, they mention finicky extraction and chambering issues. In contrast, the Sig Cross is described as smoother and more reliable in personal experience, making it the preferred lightweight, packable bolt gun among the two.
The Barrett MRAD in .338 Lapua enters the discussion as another honorable mention. The hosts reference widespread claims that the MRAD is among the most accurate sniper rifles in the world, with a strong track record in military and law enforcement roles. They suggest that such a reputation deserves a direct comparison against other elite systems like Accuracy International and Sako’s top-tier rifles. This sparks the idea of producing a dedicated high-end bolt gun comparison series, pitting platforms like the MRAD, Azriel, and other premium rifles head-to-head in real shooting scenarios. One host jokes about how dominant the Azriel has been in their current bolt gun series, hinting that it would be a benchmark in any future testing. The segment underscores how the list blends practical, value-driven rifles with aspirational, top-shelf precision tools, and teases more in-depth content for enthusiasts who want to see these rifles pushed to their limits side by side.
The Aero Precision Solus is highlighted as Aero’s first complete rifle and a major surprise in the bolt gun series. The competition model carries an MSRP around $2,100, while the Hunter version is about $2,500, both praised for delivering impressive performance for the price. The hosts report half-MOA accuracy and even a 0.3 MOA group shot by Ryan, emphasizing that these results came without sponsorship influence. Both the Solus and the Azriel featured in testing are chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, reinforcing that cartridge’s dominance in modern precision shooting for its flat trajectory and manageable recoil. As the list wraps up, viewers are invited to comment with their own picks, with the hosts noting how difficult it was to narrow down so many strong bolt-action options. Among honorable mentions, the Ruger American receives specific praise as a fantastic, budget-conscious rifle that punches above its price. The video closes with thanks to viewers and customers, plus playful jokes about the host’s strained voice and a comparison to Clint Smith.
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