The concept of the modern sporting rifle, while often attached to the AR-15, encompasses a wide variety of firearms on today's market. Most often, these guns share several elements in common, including modularity, the use of detachable magazines and a semi-automatic action. Often, these guns are also found in popular centerfire chamberings, like 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO or 7.62x39 mm. Check out the latest and greatest in the MSR market for 2019 here:
2A Armament Palouse-Lite
Part of 2A Armament’s new Builder Series, the Palouse-Lite is a lightweight platform with forged receivers and a host of desirable components like a full-mass bolt-carrier group, M-Lok handguard and a billet trigger guard.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 5 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
(208) 344-5465 2a-arms.com
Arsenal, Inc. SAM7SFK-80
This semi-auto version of the Bulgarian model AR-M4SF features a milled-and-forged receiver and a vertical front-sight/gas-block combination. With the company’s Gambit muzzle device permanently attached, the barrel is extended to 16.2 inches to avoid the need for a tax stamp.
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Length: 35.75 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 9 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(702) 643-2220 arsenalinc.com
Barrett REC10 Carbine
The REC10 is a lightweight, direct-gas-impingement, 7.62 NATO-caliber AR loaded with desirable features and accoutrements. With the Barrett name, it promises to be über-reliable and accurate.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
MSRP: $2,995
(615) 896-2938 barrett.net
Brownells BRN-PROTO
Step back in time with this replica of the original Eugene Stoner AR-15 prototype. With historically accurate features and a 25-round magazine, any AR-15 aficionado can appreciate this classic reproduction.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(800) 741-0015 brownells.com
Bushmaster ACR 6.8
With the U.S. Army interested in 6.8 mm calibers, the 6.8 SPC has seen renewed interest. Bushmaster has added its innovative ACR to the list of rifles chambered in this intermediate round.
Caliber: 6.8 SPC
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 34 to 37.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $2,249
(800) 883-6229 bushmaster.com
Chiappa RAK-9
Get all of the functionality and handling characteristics of a semi-auto AK combined with a 9 mm chambering for less-costly ammo, which means increased range time.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 17.25 inches
Overall Length: 34.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $719
(937) 835-5000 chiappafirearms.com
CMMG Resolute 350 Legend
After the launch of the hot, straight-walled 350 Legend cartridge from Winchester, CMMG became the first AR manufacturer to have a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the round.
Caliber: 350 Legend
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.7 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 7 ounces
MSRP: $1,549
(660) 248-2293 cmmginc.com
Diamondback Firearms DB15224VB
Part of Diamondback’s new line of DB15 rifles made in the U.S., this AR-style rifle is now chambered in 224 Valkyrie and features a stainless steel barrel with a 1:7-inch, right-hand-twist rifling.
Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 28 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 38 to 41.25 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $992
(877) 997-6774 diamondbackfirearms.com
DS Arms SA58 Improved Battle Carbine
DS Arms has returned the enormously popular FAL to the leading edge with its “I” series. All the best recent tactical rifle innovations have been added to the medium-bore, FAL-based SA58.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 28.5 to 37.75 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $2,245
(847) 277-7258 dsarms.com
Head Down Firearms Craftsmen
Offered as a mid-level rifle placed between the company’s entry-level (but quite functional) Cornerstone and the top-tier Master Series, Head Down Firearms’ Craftsmen series features intelligent, useful upgrades.
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,449
(770) 485-7015 hdfirearms.com
Head Down Firearms OTG Patrol
Designed as a no-nonsense carbine ideal for law-enforcement purposes, the OTG Patrol series comes with a 1-MOA or better guarantee, a nitride-finish barrel and ambidextrous controls. Paired with a 14.5-inch barrel, the pinned and welded flash hider brings the overall barrel length to an NFA-compliant 16 inches.
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 14.5 inches
Overall Length: 34 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(770) 485-7015 hdfirearms.com
LWRCI REPR MK II Side Charge
The latest REPR rifle features a folding, side-charging handle for rapid, unobstructed loading of this piston-driven, precision platform. A monoforged upper enhances reliability and accuracy.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40.5 to 41.5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $4,150
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
MG Arms TaranisX
Featuring a host of practical features, MG Arms’ TaranisX offers a good example of how the AR platform can be configured for long-range applications, without unwanted bulk.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 30 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $2,995
(281) 821-8282 mgarmsinc.com
POF-USA Revolution DI Rifle
The direct-impingement version of POF-USA’s ground-breaking Revolution rifle is now offered in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor chambering. It is available in a black-anodized finish or, for a small added cost, Burnt Bronze Cerakote.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $2,669
(623) 561-9572 pof-usa.com
POF-USA Wonder
Ideal for smaller-stature shooters, the Wonder is light, but full-featured—and then some. It sports POF-USA’s Dual Extraction Technology and a low-profile gas block.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 32 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,599.99
(623) 561-9572 pof-usa.com
Radical Firearms RF-10
Using the company’s newly designed billet 7075 T6 matching upper and lower receivers, the RF-10 is an AR-style rifle that provides plenty of room for accessories with its new M-Lok fore-end.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $1,049
(281) 207-8788 radicalfirearms.com
Rise Armament Watchman
Built with input from law enforcement, military counter-snipers, competitive shooters and firearm instructors, Rise Armament intends the Watchman as an amalgam of functionality, accuracy, dependability and affordability.
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 7 ounces
MSRP: $1,099
(884) 747-3308 risearmament.com
Ruger AR-556 Optics Carbine
More than a run-of-the-mill, optics-ready carbine, this latest AR-556 features a same-plane A3 upper receiver and Picatinny gas block for hassle-free installation of a variable-power optic, red dot or BUIS.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.10 inches
Overall Length: 32.25 to 35.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $789
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
Savage Arms MSR 15 Competition
Designed for precise accuracy from an MSR platform firing the 224 Valkyrie cartridge, the practical features found on the Savage MSR 15 Competition may give you an edge in sports like 3-gun.
Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 35.38 to 38.6 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $2,909
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com
Silver Shadow DBR Snake
Dual-barreled actions with the same receiver allow the patented DBR Snake to quickly put multiple rounds on target before transitioning to a new target. The rifle uses two side-by-side triggers, and the parallel barrels are 1.18 inches from bore center. A light, composite stock helps keep weight down.
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Magazine Capacity: 60 (2x30)
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35.6 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $2,419
(800) 809-2188 silver-shadow.com
Sol Invictus SI-308
Available in .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor, the SI-308 can be had in three different barrel lengths and features a modular upper receiver with a removable forward assist and shell deflector.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 36 to 42 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,511
(321) 428-4466 solinvictusarms.com
Springfield Armory Saint Victor
With a host of upgraded components, the Victor series brings a lightweight, full-featured AR-15-style rifle to the Saint line. Building on Springfield Armory’s solid Saint platform, the Victor is the logical, next-step AR-15 carbine.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
MSRP: $1,073
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Wilson Combat Protector Carbine
Offered in a choice of two finishes, a premium two-stage trigger, hand-fitted mil-spec CNC-machined upper and lower receivers and a match-grade, button-rifled barrel, the only thing Wilson Combat Protector is missing is an optic.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $1,999
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com
ZEV Technologies Small Frame Rifle
Combining the ballistic advantages of 6.5 Creedmoor with an AR-15-style rifle, the Small Frame is smaller and lighter than a traditional AR-10. At its heart is a custom, sub-MOA match barrel and a tuned gas-and-buffer system that promises added reliability and silky-smooth cycling.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 38.75 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,989
(805) 486-5800 zevtechnologies.com
