Buying Bolt Action Rifles in Australia
- PricesRimfire bolt actions from about $400, centrefire hunting rifles mostly $1,200–$3,500, precision and chassis rifles $5,000 to $20,000+.
- AvailabilityMore than 400 bolt-action rifles are listed and can be ordered today; popular Tikka, Savage and Howa models are usually on the shelf at Roseville Chase.
- DealerMagnum Sports, 19 Babbage Road, Roseville Chase NSW — NSW Firearms Dealer Licence 413159984 — (02) 9882 2689
Bolt-action rifles in stock today, from Tikka, Sako, Bergara, CZ, Winchester, Howa, Savage and Ruger, in the calibres Australian hunters and target shooters use.
Accuracy in a bolt action comes down to four things, and the price tag is not one of them: the barrel and its crown, how rigidly the action beds into the stock, the trigger, and how well the scope is mounted. Almost everything else is preference. A heavy barrel holds its zero through a long string and sits steadier off a rest; a sporter contour is far nicer to carry up a ridge and strings shots as it warms, which matters not at all for one or two shots at an animal. Check twist rate against the bullet weight you intend to shoot before you buy, because a slow-twist barrel will not stabilise a long, heavy projectile.
In NSW a centrefire bolt-action rifle is Category B and a rimfire bolt action is Category A. Both need the licence and a Permit to Acquire for the specific rifle, and since 1 July 2026 a safe storage inspection sits in front of every permit — so get the safe installed early. Interstate orders transfer to your nominated local dealer.
We mount, torque, level and bore-sight at the counter in Roseville Chase, which removes the most common cause of a rifle that will not hold zero. Come in and we will fit one to you.
Common questions
What is the best bolt-action rifle for hunting in Australia?
For most hunters a Tikka T3x, Sako 90, Savage 110, Ruger American, Howa 1500 or Bergara B-14 in .243, .270, 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 covers deer, pigs and goats. Tikka and Howa give the best value under $1,500; Sako and Sauer are the step up in fit and finish.
Are bolt-action rifles Category A or B in NSW?
Rimfire bolt actions (.22 LR, .17 HMR, .22 WMR) are Category A. Centrefire bolt actions are Category B. Each purchase needs a Permit to Acquire, and since 1 July 2026 the permit is only issued once you show you meet the safe-storage requirements.
How much does a bolt-action rifle cost?
At Magnum Sports rimfire bolt actions start at about $400, most centrefire hunting rifles are $1,200 to $3,500, and precision or chassis rifles run $5,000 to more than $20,000. Scope packages add roughly $400 to $1,500 depending on the optic.
Can you fit a scope to a new rifle?
Yes. We supply rings and bases and mount and bore-sight the scope in store. Bring the rifle and scope in or order the package together.
Do you ship rifles Australia-wide?
Yes, dealer to dealer to your nominated licensed dealer once your PTA is issued; longarm transfer freight is $65 ($85 to WA). Ammunition is collected in store only.
Answers written by the licensed dealers at Magnum Sports, Roseville Chase NSW. Last reviewed September 2026. Firearms law differs by state; check with your state registry before you buy.
