We are already three quarters of the way through the year and the winter season will soon be upon us. Daylight hours are starting to shorten as we head into autumn. There’s a feel-good factor in the air and the deer must feel this too. They’ve spent the summer browsing for endless hours on the tender shoots, buds and arable land of our longsuffering farmers to get themselves into good condition for the rut. 

We’ve had to endure one of the wettest springs/summers on record, but as we move into autumn/winter there are more opportunities for us as the cover dies down and hunters can finally come into their own – perhaps with a new rifle in hand? Here are five options to suit all budgets.

SAUER 505 BOLT ACTION RIFLE

At the heart of the new 505 is the unmatched silky-smooth bolt action that Sauer claims is super-quiet, extremely fast and reliable. The manual cocking of the Sauer 505 is also new and is designed to be safer, quieter and more comfortable than ever. Thanks to the adjustable Quattro trigger, the ideal trigger-pull can be adapted for every situation and the integrated MagLock magazine safety reliably prevents unwanted triggering of the magazine button. Finally, the cold-hammer-forged barrel guarantees Sauer precision, whether you choose a polymer, carbon fibre or wooden stock.  
RRP £3,282  
Visit sauer.de/en  

BERGARA B14 WILDERNESS THUMBHOLE CARBON

Bergara’s B14 model is arguably the brand’s most popular centrefire. The Wilderness model is designed for uncompromising performance in the real world, with a lightweight construction, Cerakote finishes, fluted bolts and a thumbhole stock with carbon or steel-barrelled options. The whole rig weighs only 6lb 6oz in .308 Win, balanced with a short, slim 20in barrel that is carbon-fibre wrapped to add strength. This all adds up to a strong, weatherproof – all exposed metal parts are Cerakote finished – rifle. In addition a precision trigger mechanism and AICS-compatible detachable magazine mean that the B14 offers great value for money.  
RRP £1,445  
Visit artemisoutdoorsuk.co.uk  

MERKEL K5 BLACK

The Merkel K5 Black is sure to have old-school stalkers smiling, with its traditional Bavarian cheekpiece, stock and open sights. There are no signs of compromise with this rifle – grade 5 walnut, oil finish and nonejection systems are all classics, but the fluted barrel and nitrided Suhler tilting bolt lugs, trigger and automatic decocking systems add a modern twist. Weighing only 5lb with an overall length of 36.5in, the K5 blends style with substance. The Monte Carlo stock has a range of options, as does the K5 Arabesque model with superb engraving and non-fluted barrels. The range is available in calibres from .223 Rem up to 6.5 Creedmoor.  
Contact your local dealer for prices  
Visit vikingshoot.com  

BROWNING X BOLT PRO CARBON

The Pro Carbon is the latest iteration of Browning’s X-Bolt range. It tips the scales at 6lb 9oz without a scope or moderator, making it the perfect weight for woodland stalking. All metal parts are finished with a practical and attractive Cerakote. The stock’s high-density foam core is reinforced with carbon fibre to ensure strength while keeping it light. The action of the X-Bolt is relatively short and benefits from a 60° lift, making it easier to cycle and allowing more room for a scope. The stock is a parallel comb design that reduces felt recoil and makes for a comfortable rifle in the field  
RRP £2,479  
Visit browning.eu  

SAKO S20 HUNTER

The Sako S20 has been on the market for several years but remains a favourite among stalkers. As well as offering great balance and handling, the S20 features an innovative quick-detachable stock that facilitates an instant exchange of parts. This gives stalkers the ability to adjust and customise the rifle stock, length and cheekpiece height. These rifles are fitted with a practical integrated Picatinny rail and metal parts are finished with a weatherproof tungsten Cerakote. The range is available in .243, .270, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.  
RRP from £2,200  
Visit gmk.co.uk