For 2020, gun manufacturers are still attempting to find solutions to the glut of modern sporting rifles in inventory. One approach is value-added rifles, which offer high-end enhancements at a nominal price. Meanwhile, gunmakers are also getting consumers back in stores by reinvigorating the pistol-caliber carbine. America's Rifle is still quite popular, as these offerings from a number of familiar manufacturers will attest.
ArmaLite | AR-10 SuperSASS Gen II
With chamberings such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win., a choice of 20- or 22-inch stainless steel, match-grade barrel and an adjustable-gas block, the only thing left to add to this updated Super SASS is a sound suppressor for the ultimate tactical long-range-rifle system.
▶ Magpul PRS Gen2 buttstock
▶ 20-round Magpul PMag
▶ M-Lok-compatible freefloat handguard
▶ Tri-port muzzle brake
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 43 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $3,399
(623) 780-1050 armalite.com
Del-Ton | DT Scout
Featuring a mid-length gas system and a 1:9-inch twist barrel, the DT Scout has a lightweight profile and comes ready to shoot out of the box.
▶ Polymer flip-up rear sight
▶ Adjustable buttstock
▶ Threaded muzzle, AR flash hider
▶ Phosphate low-profile gas block
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.6 to 36.4 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $680
(910) 645-2172 del-ton.com
Diamondback | DB-15 BGSMB
If you’re looking for next-level components at a (near) entry-level price, Diamondback’s BGSMB DB-15 carbine might be just the thing. An M-Lok-compatible handguard, backup sights, a custom receiver and a host of other options give the BGSMB an upgraded air.
▶ Mid-length gas system
▶ Diamondback CNC flash hider
▶ Magpul CTR stock
▶ Black nitride barrel
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 15 ounces
MSRP: $849
(321) 305-5995 diamondbackfirearms.com
Faxon | Ascent
It certainly appears that the middle ground is the next big thing in the AR-15 world, and Faxon’s Ascent carbine fits right in. Mil-spec grip and stock keep cost down, while a nitrided BCG, free-float handguard and enhanced receiver add value.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Faxon | Bantam
Pistol-caliber carbines are still going strong, and Faxon’s Bantam is Glock-magazine compatible, uses mil-spec components and comes in at less than $1,000. Given the competition, it’s tempting to call it entry-level, but it appeals to more than just the wallet.
▶ Last round hold-open
▶ Glock-magazine compatible
▶ A2 pistol grip and flash hider
▶ Nitrided bolt-carrier group
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 31 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 25.875 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $949
(513) 280-8861 faxonfirearms.com
Franklin Armory | M4-HTF XTD R3
The success of the 350 Legend cartridge is also not going unnoticed. Franklin Armory released the M4-HTF XTD R3 in Winchester’s exciting new straight-walled round, bringing an upgraded carbine to the mix of semi-automatic rifles for it.
▶ Mid-length gas system
▶ B5 Systems stock and grip
▶ Aura XTD muzzle device
▶ M4-contour barrel
Caliber: 350 Legend
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,199.99
(775) 783-4313 franklinarmory.com
Gilboa | Pistol Caliber Carbine
Light, handy and convenient all describe the blowback-operated Gilboa Pistol Caliber Carbine. A modular lower allows for interchangeable mag wells for use with either Glock or S&W M&P magazines.
▶ Muzzle threaded ½x28
▶ Interchangeable magazine well
▶ Collapsible stock
▶ Custom muzzle device
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.6 to 36.6 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $1,696
(800) 809-2188 gilboa-usa.com
IWI US | Zion-15 Rifle
Best known for importing the bullpup Tavor family, IWI is now offering a U.S.-made AR-15 with some nice upgrades over a plain-Jane model. With quality furniture and a 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel, this newcomer promises to be an exciting addition to a crowded market.
▶ B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD stock
▶ Freefloat handguard
▶ Magpul PMag magazine
▶ B5 Systems Type 23 P Grip
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 33 to 36.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $899
(717) 695-2081 iwi.us
Rock River Arms | LAR BT-3 Select Target Rifle
The heart of the LAR BT-3 Select Target Rifle is the 20-inch, fluted 1:10-twist cryo-treated Rock River Arms LAR BT-3 Select Target Rifle (BT31750) barrel. It’s flanked by a lightweight, 17-inch fleefloated handguard and an adjustable Magpul PRS buttstock.
▶ Hogue rubber pistol grip
▶ A2 flash hider
▶ A4 Upper receiver
▶ Integral winter trigger guard
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 42 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $1,800
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
