The firearm industry has become more flexible in response to an increasingly diverse consumer base. New models reflect varying consumer interest driven both by uncertain times and the availability of new technology.
In 2023, the handgun market continues to be brisk. Manufactures are competing strongly with one another, with “ready” being the marketing watchword. New pistols are touted as “optics ready,” “suppressor ready” or both. Feature-laden and often high-end variations of the Gen3 Glock are plentiful from both boutique and not-so-boutique manufacturers. The contraction of double-stack carry guns seems to have waned in favor of expansion of those same frames, with several micro 9s offered in slightly larger variants. While we’re seeing that there is no limit to the refinements possible to the 1911, the big trend in single-action semi-automatics is toward the 2011. In long guns, while new versions of MSRs continue to be introduced, wilderness/survival guns are appearing more frequently, as are affordable long-range bolt actions. In both rifles and shotguns, “ready” has also become a thing, with MRDS-cut receivers and threaded barrels now offered.
Aero Precision | Solus Competition
Known for its AR-15 rifles, Aero Precision is getting into the bolt-action, long-range game with the Solus, a precision-built rifle for the shooter who wants to stretch things a bit. There are two models available, one optimized for competition, and the other for long-range hunting.
▶Remington 700 Short Action footprint
▶60-degree bolt throw
▶Integral 20-MOA top rail
▶AICS- and AIAIW-compatible mag well
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 41 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 1 ounce
MSRP: $1,350
(253) 272-8188 aeroprecison.com
American Tactical | Black Creek TRX Bronco
ATI expands its TRX bolt-action-rifle line with the new TRX Bronco, available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. A more compact version called the MRX Bronco is also available in 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK and 7.62x39 mm.
▶AR-15-compatible grip
▶TriggerTech trigger
▶Integral Picatinny rail
▶M-Lok attachment slots
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel length: 16.5 inches
Overall length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(800) 290-0065 americantactical.us
Bergara | B-14 Wilderness HMR Carbon
The B-14 has an integrated mini-chassis molded into the stock for repeatable bedding and accuracy, as well a Bergara Performance Trigger. Optional chamberings include .308 Win., 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag. and 7 mm Rem. Mag.
▶Sniper Grey Cerakote
▶Omni muzzle brake
▶Compatible with AICS magazines
▶Two-lug action with sliding plate extractor
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 44 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,350
(877) 892-7544 bergara.online
Browning | X-Bolt Target Max Competition Heavy
Built for production-class competitions and long-range accuracy, this new X-Bolt comes ready-to-go out of the box—just add a quality scope. The foundation of this rifle is a stiffer, heavier, full-diameter receiver, and it sports a nylon-filled MAX stock for added stability.
▶Heavy bull barrel
▶Recoil Hawg muzzle brake
▶Factory-installed ARCA/Swiss rail
▶Adjustable Browning Target DLX trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 6 mm Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 46 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
MSRP: $1,799
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
Caracal | CSR 308
Suitable for counter-sniper tactical operations but also at home in precision long-range competition, the CSR 308 is a versatile bolt-action rifle. It is available with 16- and 18-inch barrels in addition to the 24-inch tube, and the fully adjustable stock folds for convenient transport/stowage.
▶Fully ambidextrous controls
▶Optic and bipod not included
▶SR-25 magazine compatible
▶Muzzle brake with suppressor attachment
Specifications
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 35 inches (folded)
Weight: 11 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $3,850
(208) 323-8727 caracalusa.com
Franchi | Momentum All-Terrain Elite
While technically not a scout rifle, Franchi’s newest addition to its Momentum line could pass for one. Short, light and accurate, the All-Terrain Elite features an optics rail with back-up sights, a removable AICS-pattern magazine and contoured stock among its many features.
▶Freefloat fore-end
▶Adjustable trigger
▶TSA recoil pad
▶60-degree bolt
Specifications
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,449
(800) 264-4962 franchiusa.com
Mossberg | Patriot LR Tactical
Offering long-range accuracy and easy customization at an affordable price, the Patriot Tactical adjusts to the user for repeatable performance. It is available in .308 Win. and 6.5 PRC as well as 6.5 Creedmoor.
▶Adjustable MDT stock
▶LBA adjustable trigger
▶20 MOA Picatinny rail
▶AICS-style magazine
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 42.3 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $1,085
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Noreen Firearms | ULR 50 BMG Mini Rifle
This single-shot, bolt-action rifle was designed with simplicity in mind. Its shell-holder bolt allows for easy and quick reloading while maintaining the minimalist nature of the rifle. The stock is changeable via a Picatinny rail.
▶Noreen-designed muzzle brake
▶Timney trigger
▶Minimalist stock
▶Fore-end Picatinny rail
Specifications
Caliber: .50 BMG
Capacity: 1 round
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 29.5 to 38 inches
Weight: 16 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
(406) 388-2200 onlylongrange.com
Sako | TRG 22A1
For more than two decades, the TRG has built a reputation for flawless performance. The latest version includes multiple quick-adjustment settings on its folding stock, a fully adjustable two-stage trigger and a plethora of accessory-attachment points along the fore-end. The threaded, cold-hammer-forged barrel boasts guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy.
▶Tri-lug, 60-degree-throw bolt
▶Spring-loaded adjustable buttpad
▶Spring-loaded adjustable comb
▶15-inch M-Lok fore-end
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Overall Length: 40 to 47 inches
Weight: 12 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $5,500
(301) 283-2191 sako.fi
Weatherby | Mark V Apex
Available in a slew of chamberings and built for long-range accuracy, the latest Mark V is a lightweight package built to exacting standards. A two-tone Cerakote finish on the barrel adds durability and panache, while the Peak 44 vertical-grip, carbon-fiber stock adds only 23 ounces of weight. The 3DHEX buttpad is the industry’s first production, 3D-printed pad that promises superior reduction in felt-recoil.
▶Weatherby Accubrake muzzle brake
▶Spiral-fluted bolt
▶Ambidextrous palm swell
▶Guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 46 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $2,799
(307) 675-7840 weatherby.com
