GunsAmerica Product Reviews – Rifles

With its Super Lite model, Howa has set a new standard for affordable factory rifles weighing less than five pounds.

When I shoot recreationally I’m often selective about what I shoot, and I often find myself pulling out the Aero M16A4. It might not be small, sleek, and sexy, but it’s accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot. I’d take the latter over the prior anytime.

Competing in an already saturated market, Foxtrot Mike Products recently released its spin on what a modern AR platform should be with the FM-15. Featuring a direct impingement side-charging assembly, the FM-15 requires no buffer tube to operate and can be fired while folded. While I tested the complete 16″ rifle chambered in 223 Wylde, the upper will fit all standard AR lowers.

One of the lightest rifles in Weatherby’s lineup, this bolt-action affair clocks in at as little as 4.7 pounds, depending on configuration.

This week, we got our hands on the Caracal 814 pistol, one of the best values in the AR pistol space today. From Boise, ID, Caracal has been chalking up wins for the last few years. And the 814 is no different. Most known to the US customer for the Enhanced F series pistols, Caracal has been quietly creeping up in rifles. And now, “pistols” as well.

What if you wanted a shotgun AR? Not a shotgun that looks like an AR, but an AR-15 that uses a MIL-SPEC multi cal lower complete with a standard upper? Well, that’s certainly an option, and the Charles Daly AR .410 upper receiver delivers unto you your shotgun AR.

Marlin Firearms made big news recently by launching its first rifle since being acquired in 2020 by Sturm, Ruger and Company: the Marlin Model 1895 SBL chambered in the potent .45-70 Govt., and manufactured in Mayodan, North Carolina. Ruger, as was widely reported, purchased Marlin after the Remington Outdoor Company declared bankruptcy and its assets were sold, including the Marlin brand.

In the past several years, Bergara has gained a reputation for building exceptional custom rifles. They have long been known for making some of the best rifle barrels in the industry. The company recently announced a new .22 rimfire rifle, the BMR, or Bergara Micro Rimfire.

Maxim Defense entered the fray just a few years back as a disruptor to the “same old, same old” firearms industry. They were initially known for their debut PDW brace and stock, a marvel of engineering. Through what we can only assume was a vision on Mescaline, Maxim managed to shorten the normal buffer system of an AR to 1/3rd the length while retaining full spring strength and buffer weight. Not just regular buffers either. They make them all the way up to H3, which is near double standard. Which would prove to be important later, like this week.