Best Centrefire Rifles in Australia for Hunting & Competition
Shopping for a centrefire rifle in Australia can feel overwhelming with all the options available. Whether you’ve got a hunting trip planned or want to lift your game at the local shooting range, finding the right rifle is about matching your needs with what actually works.
What Makes Centrefire Rifles Good
Centrefire rifles are straightforward to understand. The primer sits in the middle of the cartridge instead of around the edges like rimfire ammo. This gives you better ignition and more power, which is handy whether you’re hunting or competing. When you get decent centrefire rifles and stocks working together, your shots go where you point them more consistently.
The stock isn’t just there to hold onto – it actually affects how the rifle shoots. A good stock soaks up some of the kick, keeps your cheek in the same spot each time, and helps your shots stay grouped together.
Rifles That Actually Work
Bolt-Action: Keeps Things Simple
Most Australian hunters and competition shooters use bolt-action rifles because they’re reliable and accurate. These centrefire rifles and stocks have been doing the job for ages. Something in .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor will handle most situations you’ll run into, from weekend hunting to club competitions.
Semi-Automatic: For Quick Shots
Semi-autos are handy when you need to shoot quickly. They work well for pest control or those competition stages where time matters. Just check what your state allows – the rules are different depending on where you live.
Lever-Action: Classic Style
Lever-actions have that traditional feel that some hunters really like. These centrefire rifles and stocks are quick to operate and handle rough conditions well. They’re popular with people who prefer classic designs that still perform well.
Getting a Stock That Fits
The stock you choose changes how comfortable and accurate your rifle is. Better centrefire rifles and stocks let you adjust things so everything feels right for your size and shooting style.
If the stock doesn’t fit properly, shooting becomes harder work than it needs to be. The length needs to suit your arms, and the height should let you see through your scope naturally. Wood looks good and works well, while synthetic materials don’t mind getting wet or knocked around.
Picking Your Calibre
Australian hunting covers everything from small pests to large game, so choosing something versatile makes sense. The .243 Winchester works well for smaller animals without too much recoil, while .308 Winchester handles most medium-sized game effectively. If you’re planning long-range shots or hunting bigger animals, something like .300 Winchester Magnum gives you the extra power.
Competition shooters usually want something that shoots accurately without too much kick, especially for those rapid-fire events.
Looking After Your Gear
Centrefire rifles and stocks need regular cleaning and proper storage to keep working well. Australian weather can be hard on equipment, so taking care of your rifle means it’ll work when you need it to.
Get Your Setup Right with Us
At Marxman Rifles, we’ve been making centrefire rifles and stocks since 2015 for Australian shooters who want quality gear. We know what works because we use this equipment ourselves for hunting and competition.
Our centrefire rifles and stocks are made here in Australia from good quality laminated maple. We can do custom colours and finishes, and we’ll handle all the finishing work with pillar bedding and protective coating if you want. Whether you want something ready to use or prefer to do your own work, we’ve got options from finished stocks to blanks you can customise yourself.
Want to talk about upgrading your setup? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you find the right centrefire rifles and stocks for your hunting and competition needs.