The tactical-rifle market has largely been dominated by the AR-15 platform and precision bolt-action rifles, but there are a number of tactical and defense-oriented rifles that are new for 2017 and fit in neither category. These guns represent the innovative stand-outs from companies that are either eschewing the explosive AR-15 market or are expanding beyond it.
Take a look at some of the more unique new rifles for 2017:
Browning BAR Mk3 DBM
The legendary BAR gets an upgrade thanks to this new version of the semi-automatic mainstay with a detachable, 10-round box magazine. It is also one of the lighter semi-auto .308 Win. rifles on the market. QD sling swivels are included.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $1,470
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
Century International Arms C308 Patriot Brown
This CETME clone offers consumers the ability to own a roller-lock, delayed-blowback-operated rifle made famous by the Heckler & Koch G3 without breaking the bank. The C308 accepts plentiful and inexpensive CETME or G3 magazines.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 40.2 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $860
(800) 527-1252 centuryarms.com
Christensen Arms CA-10 G2
The CA-10 G2 utilizes aerospace alloys and composites to limit weight while assuring high performance. It’s built with a matched receiver set and features an undercut trigger guard and match chamber. You can choose a carbon-fiber-shrouded or stainless steel barrel.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Weight: 7 pounds. 3 ounces
MSRP: $2,995
(888) 517-8855 christensenarms.com
Daniel Defense DD5V2
Thanks to an innovative four-bolt connection system, the DD5V2’s fore-end and freefloat barrel connect to the upper receiver without the need for a barrel nut. That, plus a host of top-tier features make it a potential new standard for ARs chambered in 7.62 NATO.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 35.38 to 39 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $3,044
(866) 554-4867 danieldefense.com
Desert Tech MDR
Light and compact, yet powerful, the MDR (Micro Dynamic Rifle) is a thoroughly modern bullpup design that is caliber-convertible. Portability, ergonomics and balance were all vital considerations in the design of this fully ambidextrous rifle available in three calibers.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 26.2 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $2,525
(801) 783-4041 deserttech.com
Kel-Tec RDB Survival Rifle
Unconventional in design, the RDB Survival rifle is intended to provide as small a footprint as possible to allow it to be carried easily. Lightweight and compact, the bullpup design is also intended to be as ambidextrous as possible.
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 26.1 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
MSRP: $TBD
(321) 631-0068 keltecweapons.com
LWRC International REPR MKII
Loaded with enhanced features like an adjustable gas block, fully ambidextrous controls (including the charging handle) and a heavy-profile, nitride-coated barrel, the piston-driven REPR MKII is an ideal choice for DMR duties. It is also available with a 16.1-inch barrel and in an array of finishes.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40.5 to 41.5 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $4,253
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
Molot VEPR AK47
Built to the same standard as the RPK light machine gun, the semi-automatic VEPR AK47 boasts a significantly reinforced receiver when compared with a standard, stamped, AK-pattern rifle. The RPK-style barrels are hammer forged and likewise stronger than their standard-AK comrades.
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 36.8 inches
Weight: 10 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $1,200
(702) 215-3600 fimegroup.com
Rock River Arms R9 Competition Rifle
Rock River Arms recognizes that more and more shooters are choosing to participate in matches with pistol-caliber carbine divisions. To meet this need for accurate and reliable match carbines, the company is launching the new R9 Competition Rifle chambered in 9 mm.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 32 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32.75 to 36.75 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $1,565
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
Ruger Mini Thirty Tactical
In addition to its ghost-ring adjustable rear aperture and protected front post, the Mini Thirty’s receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting the included Picatinny rail. It’s also now available with a stainless steel finish.
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.12 inches
Overall Length: 36.75 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $1,169
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
Savage MSR-10 Long Range
All the precision-accuracy-based features consumers expect from Savage boltguns are now available in an AR platform. Chambered in either 6.5 Creedmoor or 308 Win., it is built on a compact frame with a non-reciprocating, side-charging handle.
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 41.63 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,284
(413) 568-7001 savagearms.com
SIG Sauer 716G2 DMR
Redesigned with an added emphasis on overall weight reduction, the SIG716G2 DMR (also available in black) features an aluminum, KeyMod-compatible handguard. A skeletonized handguard figures prominently in the looks and weight-reduction aspect of the 716G2 DMR.
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $3,108
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P10
New for 2017 is a Performance Center version of the M&P10 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor for long-range excellence. A two-stage, match-grade trigger and a 1:8-inch barrel twist are at the heart of the rifle’s prowess in the field.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 1 ounce
MSRP: $2,035
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Wilson Combat Recon Tactical
Wilson Combat’s Recon Tactical line of ARs are designed to the fill the needs of any discerning shooter from self-defense, competition or hunting. Its match-grade, medium-weight, stainless steel barrel is at the heart of its accuracy. Three different barrel lengths are available.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $2,995
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com
