Best Guns for Gun Raffle Fundraisers: Top Picks to Maximize Donations
If you’re planning a raffle to raise money for your nonprofit, fire department, hunting club, or veterans’ organization, few prizes generate buzz like a quality firearm. But if you’re wondering what the best guns for a gun raffle are, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we break down the top gun raffle prize ideas—from crowd favorites to high-value head-turners—and explain how offering custom engraving on your top prize can maximize your fundraising results.
Top Picks: Best Guns for Gun Raffle Fundraisers
Here are some of the most effective and appealing guns to include in your raffle, based on popularity, reliability, and broad audience appeal:
1. Ruger 10/22
-
Why it’s great: Lightweight, accurate, and affordable.
-
Ideal for: First-time gun owners or as a runner-up prize.
-
Raffle bonus: Appeals to a wide demographic, including younger and casual shooters.
2. Glock 19
-
Why it’s great: One of the most recognized and reliable 9mm pistols.
-
Ideal for: Law enforcement supporters, concealed carry fans.
-
Raffle bonus: High demand ensures strong ticket sales.
3. Henry Golden Boy
-
Why it’s great: Classic lever-action style with a polished brass look.
-
Ideal for: Collectors, history buffs, and Western enthusiasts.
-
Raffle bonus: Perfect for custom gun stock engraving with your organization logo or a special local community theme.
4. Savage Axis 2 XP
-
-
Why it’s great: Budget priced rifle available in many calibers.
-
Ideal for: Deer hunters and Youth shooters
-
Raffle bonus: Popular low to mid range gun available in many caliber options.
-
5. Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III
-
Why it’s great: AR-style rifle that’s budget-friendly yet high-quality.
-
Ideal for: Tactical shooters and general enthusiasts.
-
Raffle bonus: Its tactical aesthetic and customization options attract younger demographics.
6. Weatherby 307 Adventure SD
-
Why it’s great: Legendary for long-range accuracy.
-
Ideal for: Deer hunters and shooting sports fans.
-
Raffle bonus: Great platform for a personalized rifle engraving.
7. Browning Citori CX
-
Why it’s great: Premium-quality all purpose shotgun.
-
Ideal for: Serious hunters and shooting professionals.
-
Raffle bonus: A top-tier grand prize that allows for premium ticket pricing, especially when paired with a one of a kind engraving for collectors.
Why Custom Engraving Increases Raffle Value
In addition to featuring the best guns for gun raffles, offering engraved guns as part of your raffle creates a unique and one-of-a-kind prize that buyers will value far more than a standard firearm. At Whitetail Woodcrafters, we help organizations turn ordinary raffle guns into custom fundraising showpieces that maximize your fundraising.
Benefits of Custom Engraving:
-
Exclusivity: A one-off firearm can’t be bought in stores.
-
Higher perceived value: Justifies higher ticket prices and auction bids.
-
Emotional connection: People are more likely to enter when the prize supports a meaningful cause.
-
Memorability: Winners get a permanent reminder of their support.
- Collectibility: When a unique engraved gun design is created every year, it creates a collectible demand bringing even higher prices.
Pair your prize gun with a custom engraved knife or engraved wooden plaque for a complete gift package.
Will Engraving a Raffle Gun Pay Off?
Some organizers hesitate to spend extra on customizing their raffle firearm—but the truth is, investing in engraving pays off every time. The relatively low cost of engraving—typically $200-$800 depending on the detail and amount of engraving—increases both the perceived and actual value of the prize far beyond that investment.
Here’s how engraving boosts your return:
-
Higher Ticket Prices – A custom engraved gun gives you justification to charge premium ticket prices, often $20–$50+ per entry, compared to $10–$15 for standard raffles.
-
Increased Ticket Sales – A one-of-a-kind engraved gun generates more buzz, leading to higher ticket volume.
-
More Sponsors and Donor Interest – Custom engraving allows you to feature a sponsor’s logo or honor a cause, which can attract funding or promotional partnerships.
-
Elevated Event Branding – Engraved prizes enhance the professional image of your fundraiser, helping you grow for future years.
Example:
Imagine raffling off a $900 shotgun. Add $250 for engraving your organization’s logo, event title, and date. Now it feels like a $1,500 collector’s item, making it easier to sell 300 tickets at $25 rather than 300 tickets at $15.
That’s a $3,000 revenue difference—all from a small engraving upgrade.
Make It Personal, Make It Profitable
At Whitetail Woodcrafters, we’ve seen clients boost revenue significantly just by offering engraved firearms and accessories. Whether it’s a commemorative design, organizational logo, or a thank-you tribute, the engraving makes your prize not just a gun—but a lasting symbol of support.
Looking for proof? Explore our portfolio of engraved firearms for fundraisers to see how your next raffle prize can stand out and pay off.

Pro Raffle Prize Strategy
Want to really boost engagement with the best guns for gun raffles? Offer a bundle raffle with multiple tiers:
-
Grand Prize: Browning Citori CX with custom engraving
-
Second Prize: Henry Golden Boy with laser-engraved stock
-
Third Prize: Prize bundle of engraved pocket knives or wooden display plaque
This gives more people a chance to win, increases ticket purchase volume, and keeps the raffle exciting.
Partner With Whitetail Woodcrafters
We’ve helped dozens of organizations build memorable, high-value gun raffle prizes that boost ticket sales and maximize donations. With custom engraved rifles, shotguns, handguns, and knives, our products add unmatched value to your event.
Need help getting started?
We will help you find the best guns for gun raffles and design engraved firearms as a highlight for your fundraiser. Contact us to talk about creating a custom raffle prize for your group or event today.