With the buck and stag season commencing in August, now is an ideal time to review your rifle offering. Combined with the ongoing fox control that takes place throughout this period, demand for quality centrefire rifles remains strong. In this article, we take a look at four of the UK’s best-selling rifle brands and highlight some of the models that are likely to attract the attention of your customers.
Few rifles have generated as much interest over the past 12 months as the Benelli Lupo. A proven sales success with significant ongoing potential, the Lupo range continues to gain traction among UK shooters. Leading the line is the Benelli Lupo Granite Moss, arguably the standout model in the range. Combining guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy with an adjustable length of pull, Progressive Comfort technology and an adjustable trigger, it delivers an impressive specification for a retail price of just £999.99.
Available in all the major calibres and engineered for smooth, intuitive operation, the Granite Moss makes a compelling case as a go-to rifle. With stronger dealer margins and a lower retail price than many of its nearest competitors, it offers excellent value for both retailer and customer alike.
For those already familiar with the Granite Moss, it is also worth considering its stablemates. The Lupo BE.S.T. offers an upgraded synthetic package, while the BE.S.T. Wood provides a more traditional aesthetic. Both models feature Benelli’s industry-leading BE.S.T. surface treatment, delivering exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion and wear.
For retailers seeking a highly competitive budget option, the ATA Turqua continues to shake up the market. Featuring a button-rifled free-floating barrel, 60-degree bolt lift, two-stage adjustable trigger and detachable magazine, the Turqua offers a specification normally associated with rifles at a significantly higher price point. Retail prices start at just £599.99, and every Turqua rifle is backed by a three-shot sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.
Within the range, the Black Synthetic and Green Synthetic models are particularly worthy of consideration, both featuring adjustable cheekpieces. For customers willing to spend a little more, the CLR Synthetic offers an attractive spider-web textured finish that enhances both grip and appearance.
Moving from Turkey to the Czech Republic, CZ remains one of Europe’s most respected rifle manufacturers. Its recently updated 600 Series, now marketed as the 600 Plus range, is well worth a closer look. The latest generation of CZ centrefire rifles offers calibre-change capability through bolt and barrel swaps, alongside a highly durable receiver that CZ guarantees for up to 20,000 rounds on the Alpha variant.
The action incorporates the increasingly popular 60-degree bolt lift and oversized bolt knob, providing fast and reliable operation when it matters most. Accuracy is further enhanced by a precise single-stage adjustable trigger, supplied as standard with four adjustment settings and a straightforward tuning system.
Additional practical features include a top-mounted push-button safety and CZ’s unique magazine lock system, which allows the rifle to be loaded through the ejection port while retaining the magazine in place.
Popular models within the range include the Alpha, featuring a high-grip synthetic stock and semi-heavy barrel, and the Ergo Thumbhole, which combines a lightweight synthetic stock with a lighter-profile barrel, making it particularly well suited to long days in the fields. Retail prices range from £1,304.99 for the Alpha to £1,459.99 for the Ergo, through to £3,229.99 for the flagship MDT Target variant. Offering a strong blend of features, performance and brand heritage, the CZ 600 Plus range occupies an attractive position in the mid-market sector.
For those drawn to Austrian engineering, it is worth revisiting one of the oldest and most respected names in the firearms industry. Steyr Arms, formerly known as Steyr Mannlicher, has been manufacturing firearms since 1869 and has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest hunting rifles available today.
Among the most popular models are the CL II and SM12 variants, available with either traditional walnut or SX synthetic stocks. Features include Mannox-finished cold hammer-forged barrels, calibre-specific actions, a choice of rolling three-stage or hand-cocking safeties, and triggers that rank among the very best in their class.
Available in both left- and right-handed configurations, the Steyr range offers a model to suit virtually every shooter. Retail prices start from £1,976.99, positioning the brand as a premium option for customers seeking outstanding craftsmanship, proven reliability and exceptional field performance.
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