2026’s best new hunting gear: The top rifles and shotguns for Canadian hunters

Want to see more great new hunting gear for the upcoming season? Check out the year’s best new ammo , bowhunting gear ,  optics and apparel & accessories.

And for the complete round-up, see all of this equipment in one place at: 2026’s Best New Hunting Gear.

MARK V BACKCOUNTRY CAPRA

Tipping the scales between 4.1(short-action) and 4.4 pounds (long-action), the Mark V Backcountry Capra may well be the lightest-ever production centrefire rifle. It’s built on a titanium version of Weatherby’s slender, six-lug Mark V action, and paired with a Peak 44 carbon-fibre stock and diamond-fluted barrel. Light enough to capture any sheep hunter’s attention, it comes with a choice of nine popular mountain-friendly chamberings.

Learn more: www.weatherby.com

GENERATION II PRAIRIE

This version of Ruger’s popular American Rifle is designed specifically for intermediate- to long-range shooting scenarios common on the prairies. Standard features include an adjustable trigger and stock, three-position safety, Cerakote barrelled-action with fluting, a bull contour to add stability and reduce recoil, and a textured stock for a secure grip in any weather. It comes in six calibres, from .22 ARC to .300 Win. Mag.

Learn more: www.ruger.com

X-BOLT 2 LEFT-HAND

As a southpaw shooter, I take notice whenever a mainstream gun maker answers the call for a left-hand action. Browning has done just that with its popular X-Bolt 2 line, now including four synthetic stocked and two wood-stocked models featuring left-handed actions: the X-Bolt 2 Speed, X-Bolt 2 Composite Hunter, X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR, X-Bolt 2 Speed LR, X-Bolt 2 Hunter, and X-Bolt 2 Medallion.

Learn more: www.browning.com