40 New Tactical Rifles for 2018

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posted on May 2, 2018
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This year was expected to be a quiet one for gun sales. We have a pro-gun administration in Washington and the market has an enormous inventory of ARs, a platform at risk of buyer fatigue. Then along came regulatory reinterpretations from—of all places—BATFE, and suddenly we began to see a number of new firearms introduced to the market. Below are some of the newest tactical rifles that emerged onto the industry scene in 2018. Take a look at these guns to see which one stands out to you:


American Built Arms .22 Chassis Rifle
Designed and manufactured in the U.S., this lightweight chassis rifle is perfect for practice and plinking for shooters of all ages. The chassis is made from 6061 T6 aluminum and the rifle features a heavy bull barrel.

Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 30.75 to 34 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $599
(443) 310-8777 abarms.com


Black Rain Ordnance BRO .458 SOCOM Rifle
Chambered in the big-bore .458 SOCOM, this hard-hitting AR is loaded with premium components and can be easily configured for home defense or hunting.

Caliber: .458 SOCOM
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 34.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
MSRP: $1,399
(888) 836-2620 blackrainordnance.com


Brownells BRN-10A
Though some don’t realize it, the original chambering of the AR platform was 7.62 NATO back in the 1950s. It was only when ArmaLite’s “afterthought” 5.56 NATO-caliber rifle was embraced by foreign militaries that it went to the forefront.

Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 42 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
MSRP: $1,699
(800) 741-0015 brownells.com


Brownells BRN-601
Designed to be a close copy of the rifle that so impressed Gen. Curtis LeMay, the BRN-601 has the green furniture of the USAF contract rifle. This was the early version of the ArmaLite rifle used in the Vietnam War.

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(800) 741-0015 brownells.com


Bushmaster 450 SD
It makes sense that Bushmaster would introduce a carbine chambered in the eponymous .450 Bushmaster. There’s also a rifle variant with a fixed stock, and both variants offer Hogue grips and a muzzle brake built to tame the big-bore round.

Caliber: .450 Bushmaster
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36.63 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(844) 700-0870 bushmaster.com


Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle
The Modern Precision Rifle takes advantage of a 100-percent proprietary chassis built with premium aerospace materials to assure maximum potential accuracy. The rifle is available in several popular longe-range calibers, including short-action 6.5 PRC and .308 Win., and long-action .300 Norma Mag. and .338 Lapua Mag.

Caliber: .300 Win. Mag.
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 38.5 to 47 inches
Weight: 8.5 pounds
MSRP: $2,395
(435) 528-7999 christensenarms.com


CMMG Inc. Mk4 DTR2 224 Valkyrie
With the introduction of the 224 Valkyrie, CMMG set out to build the ideal rifle that could take full advantage of the long-range characteristics of this new round from Federal Premium.

Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 44.5 inches
Weight: 9.2 pounds
MSRP: $1,699
(660) 248-2203 cmmginc.com


Cobalt Kinetics BAMF XL Overwatch PRS
Offering a choice of four foundation and accent colors, a premium trigger and a host of other upgrades and top-shelf options, the BAMF XL Overwatch PRS rifle needs only a riflescope to get out in the field and make your mark at long range.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 46 inches
Weight: 12 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $5,495
(435) 656-0599 cobaltkinetics.com


DoubleStar STAR10-BX
Also available in .260 Rem., the STAR10-BX offers a good example of the AR platform versatility without unwanted bulk. A Samsom 15-inch Evolution fore-end provides welcome adaptability, allowing you to add accessories as the situation dictates.

Caliber: 6 mm Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 45.5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds
MSRP: $2,549
(888) 736-7725 star15.com


DPMS MOE Warrior
More than a mere MilSpec M4 carbine, the MOE Warrior features some of the most popular aftermarket accessories, resulting in a factory-tricked-out AR at an attractive price. Best of all, the MOE SL handguard accepts M-Lok attachments.

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33.75 to 37.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces
MSRP: $1,099
(800) 578-3767 dpmsinc.com


FN America FN 15 Tactical Carbine FDE P-Lok
Featuring a MilSpec lower receiver, a match-grade, freefloat, chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel and a mid-length gas system, this carbine promises to be super reliable and accurate.

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 34 to 37.2 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(703) 288-3500 fnamerica.com


Howa Australian Precision Chassis Rifle
Specially designed to fill the needs of modern-day precision shooters, the APC rifle can be adjusted to fit individuals and is easily customizable by the end user.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 44.5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $1,149
(775) 828-0555 legacysports.com


Howa MiniAction Chassis Rifle
This all-new design blends the short-throw and unique cartridge compatibility of the company’s MiniAction system along with a flexible and adjustable chassis system for customization.

Caliber: 6.5 Grendel
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $1,199
(775) 828-0555 legacysports.com


IWI US Tavor 7
The popular Tavor bullpup gets a power boost with its newest model chambered in 7.62 NATO. It is fully ambidextrous—ejection direction can easily be switched by the user—and the charging handle can be locked back without the use of the bolt catch.

Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 26.75 inches
Weight: 9 pounds
MSRP: $2,299
(717) 695-2081 iwi.us


Kel-Tec RDB-C
Designed as a compact, take-anywhere rifle ideal for right- or left-handed shooters, the RDB-C features a 20.5-inch, threaded barrel for accuracy and maintains the ability to mount a sound suppressor.

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 20.5 inches
Overall Length: 30.4 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,275
(321) 631-0068 keltecweapons.com


Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC II (FDE)
Built by hand and featuring a host of options designed to custom-fit the rifle to the operator, the Advanced Tactical SOC II comes with a sub-.5 MOA guarantee. That’s confidence in the company’s product right there.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 40 to 43 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $2,449
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com


Lithgow Arms LA105 Woomera
Also known as the “Woomera,” the Aboriginal word for “spear thrower,” the LA105 was constructed with input and advice from experienced snipers in both the U.S. and Australian military.

Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 42.5 to 45 inches
Weight: 11 pounds
MSRP: TBD
(775) 828-0555 legacysports.com


LWRCI IC-DI 224 Valkyrie
LWRCI’s SIX8 has long been the gold standard for 6.8 SPC ARs, so a new rifle chambered in the new 6.8 SPC-case-based 224 Valkyrie was a no-brainer. Loaded with performance-enhancing features, this rifle should squeeze every bit of performance from the hottest new cartridge of 2018.

Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 20.1 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $1,995
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com


LWRCI IC-DI MKII Target
Chambered in .223 Wylde for optimum performance with either .223 Rem. or 5.56 NATO ammunition and sporting a cold-hammer-forged, NiCorr-treated barrel, this rifle promises enhanced accuracy in most any situation.

Caliber: .223 Wylde
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.1 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $2,363
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com


LWRCI REPR MKII 6.5 Creedmoor Elite
From its carbon-fiber barrel to its Geissele trigger and fully ambidextrous controls (including the charging handle), everything about this rifle is ultra-high end. It should be no problem at all to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with this version of the REPR in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 43.5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 1 ounce
MSRP: $5,103
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com


Mossberg MVP Precision
For 2018, Mossberg redesigned its MVP Precision rifle, giving it an all-new chassis design and greater flexibility in magazine feeding, thanks to its compatibility with all AR-15-style magazines.

Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 38.62 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,407
(800) 363-3555 mossberg.com


Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced rifle
Detachable-box magazine, upgraded Magpul furniture, heavy barrel and a bipod? Remington’s new 700 Magpul Enhanced now comes in 6.5 Creedmoor, needing only an optic to get you well on your way to long-range success.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,249
(800) 243-9700 remington.com


Remington Model Seven Threaded
Weighing in at a featherweight 5 ½ pounds, the Model Seven Threaded is the lightest rifle in Remington’s lineup. Available in .300 BLK in addition to .308 Win., the threaded, 16.5-inch barrel is a prime candidate for sound suppression.

Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 34.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $795
(800) 243-9700 remington.com


Rise Armament 1121XR in 6.5 Creedmoor
Designed to improve the performance of a heavy-caliber gas gun without unnecessary weight, the 6.5 Creedmoor-caliber exploits the potential of that round in a proven operating system from a company known for precision. Rise incorporates many of company’s premium components in building the 1121XR rifle.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 44 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $2,449
(844) 747-3308 risearmament.com


Rock Island Armory M22 TCM Tactical
Rock Island Armory’s latest offering blends the company’s popular .22 TCM cartridge with its M22 TCM rifle. The result is a practical pairing whether your goal is plinking or predator eradication, capable of delivering a 40-grain projectile in excess of 2,800 fps. Best of all, it can accept RIA’s 17-round .22 TCM 1911 magazine for even more trigger time.

Caliber: .22 TCM
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 9 ounces
MSRP: $531
(775) 537-1444 armscor.com


Ruger 10/22 Target Lite
Featuring an attractive laminate stock and a heavy bull barrel, the Target Lite sports numerous upgrades for your rimfire target shooting enjoyment. It even comes drilled and tapped for a scope rail, with standard .22-style rails and a Picatinny rail included.

Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.13 inches
Overall Length: 35.25 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
MSRP: $649
(336) 919-5200 ruger.com


Ruger PC Carbine
For those who want their carbine and handgun to share the same magazines and ammo, Ruger’s latest PC carbine has the answer. In addition to boasting a takedown design, it ships with interchangeable magazine well inserts for use with select Ruger and Glock magazines.

Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.12 inches
Overall Length: 34.37 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $649
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com


Ruger Precision Rimfire
This precision-based turnbolt is built on a one-piece, molded chassis and paired with a fully adjustable buttstock, a cold-hammer-forged target barrel for uncompromising accuracy and 30-MOA Picatinny scope base suggests this ain’t your run-of-the-mill rimfire.

Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 35.13 to 38.63 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $529
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com


Sabatti Urban Sniper
Built for competition or precision performance in a shorter package, the Urban Sniper brings Sabatti quality to the attention of American shooters. Available in both .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor, the rifle incorporates an adjustable composite stock and optics-mounting options.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 41.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $1,200
(800) 450-1852 Ifg-usa.com


Savage Model 10 GRS
Built for long-distance precision, this rifle boasts several accuracy-enhancing features including a fully adjustable GRS stock, a button-rifled fluted heavy barrel and the popular user-adjustable Savage AccuTrigger. Other chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.

Caliber: 6 mm Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 46 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,449
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com


Savage Model 110 Tactical With AccuFit
Precision and adaptability come together in the Savage Model 110 Tactical With AccuFit. The stock allows shooters to quickly adjust comb height and length-of-pull by securing the action three-dimensionally along its entire length, without sacrificing comfort or accuracy.  Other chamberings include 6 mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 or 24 inches
Overall Length: 43.25 to 46.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $784
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com


Savage MSR 15 Recon Long Range Precision
How do you improve upon a precision-based MSR? The addition of an adjustable gas block and a longer barrel add to the rifle’s reliability and its already impressive accuracy thanks to its 5R rifling.  Best of all, the Savage is also available in 6.8 SPC and 22 Nosler.

Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 35.25 to 38.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,249
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com


Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie
Designed for maximum performance from an MSR platform with the new 224 Valkyrie cartridge, this rifle is capable of delivering supersonic velocities at distances of 1,300 yards with extremely flat trajectories and, of course, the match-grade accuracy you have come to expect from the Savage brand.

Caliber: 224 Valkyrie
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 to 39 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com


SIG Sauer M400 SDI VTAC
Adding to SIG’s line of VTAC (Viking Tactics) firearms is the direct-gas-impingement M400 SDI VTAC. With a tan cerakote finish, numerous upgraded parts and M-Lok-compatible fore-end, this rifle is ready for any task.

Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
MSRP: $1,768
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com


SIG Sauer MCX Rattler SBR
It’s hard to imagine a more-compact personal defense rifle than the Rattler. With a 5.5-inch, .300 BLK barrel and a folding stock (yes, this is an SBR, so get that NFA paperwork ready), the Rattler is both compact and controllable for defense of home and hearth.

Caliber: .300 BLK
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 5.5 inches
Overall Length: 23.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,727
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com


Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Blue Platinum
Eye-catching is definitely one way to describe this new variant of M&P15-22. However, it upholds the high bar set by the M&P15-22 family, with its light weight, slim handguard and six-position stock lending itself to rimfire fun for all.

Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 30.7 to 33.75 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
MSRP: $499
(800) 331-0582 smith-wesson.com


Springfield Armory Loaded M1A 6.5 Creedmoor
Long-known and cherished for accuracy and precision, the Loaded M1A series now offers a 6.5 Creedmoor variant for those who love the rifle and the cartridge. Fully adjustable to fit the shooter, the Loaded M1A is right at home on the long-distance range.

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 45 to 46.25 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $2,045
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com


Springfield Armory Saint Edge
Freefloat handguard, upgraded trigger and top-tier furniture, in an AR-15-style rifle weighing slightly more than 6 pounds? Upgrading the new Saint Edge will be tricky, given the impressive list of standard features.

Caliber: .223 Rem.
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.5 to 35.75 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com


Wilson Combat Ultralight Ranger
Combining the company’s lightweight billet receivers with its match-grade tapered barrel results in a svelte, precision-based AR carbine that is fast-handling no matter the task. Other chambererings include 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC., .300 BLK., 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win. and .358 Win.

Caliber: .243 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10  rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $3,270
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com


Wilson Combat Tactical Hunter
Capable of exceeding the ballistics of rounds like the .450 Bushmaster, the .458 SOCOM and the .50 Beowulf, Wilson Combat’s newest rifle, aptly named the Tactical Hunter, can handle maximum pressures of 46,000 psi while generating in excess of 3,000 ft.-lbs. of energy—all from a hybrid-length receiver and custom-length buffer.

Caliber: .458 HAM’R
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 34.25 to 37.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,905
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com

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