GunsAmerica Product Reviews – Rifles

aracal USA made a huge splash earlier this summer with the introduction of the Enhanced F pistol. The ergonomics are fantastic, they feel great. The triggers are well above average, and the bore axis is incredibly low. The quick sight model features an innovative design, with the rear sight, moved to the front of the chamber, making for lighting fast acquisition. So with that much new earlier this year, what was left? Turns out, plenty.

From long-range precision rifles to custom-grade hunting rifles, there was plenty of new product debuted at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to make every shooter take notice. If any major trends stand out, it’s the widespread and growing popularity of long-range shooting that has spawned several new precision rifle introductions, like Remington’s Model 700 PCR, as well as the popularity of cartridges like the 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoor. Breaking ground in a different arena, CZ USA showcased its 455 Scout rifle in .22 LR, which was topped with one of the company’s new proprietary suppressors. From budget-friendly to budget crushing, there was a rifle for every man’s taste at the show. Here’s a look at some of the best new rifles for 2018.   

 Winchester Repeating Arms, a rifle manufacturer made famous by the innovative lever action Model 1866, debuted a concept chassis style rifle at the 2017 SHOT Show. One year later, the Winchester XPC is ready to hit the market.

On the fun side of things, we got a chance to stop by the Marlin booth, and look at the new additions to the lineup. I, for one, don’t think lever actions get nearly enough love in the modern world. And what I saw at the booth make me want to fix that immediately.

Desert Tech is certainly among the most innovative of all firearms companies and is primarily known for their bullpup .50 BMG designs. Last year they introduced the MDR (Micro Dynamic Rifle), and this year it has gone into full production. It really says something about a company, when they consider the .308 as their “micro-sized” rifle!

The real surprise of SHOT Show 2018 came from Ruger, and I would argue this for best of the new firearms, and second place contender for the story of the year. Only 224 Valkyrie as a cartridge ranks higher in my opinion, and that is saying something. So Ruger has decided to enter the Pistol Caliber Carbine game, and I am really glad I didn’t spend the last year on R&D for a competing product. Because Ruger is going to sink a lot of ships with their new Ruger PC Carbine.

Oh, those crafty Finns. Apparently not content to just mop the floor with the competition in centerfire rifles, this year have introduced a rimfire called the T1x. How can I be so sure this is a winner since I haven’t shot it yet? It’s simple. The features are insane.

Most of us, at one point or another, have wanted a Tommy Gun. Among the iconic American weapons, it is a stand out just like the 1911 and the M16. Whether we grew up watching Al Capone movies or the Sands of Iwo Jima, this a weapon we remember from our youth. Unfortunately, full auto Chicago typewriters can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, and require that sticky special license. Fortunately, Auto Ordnance has been making civilian-legal versions for some time now.

After several years of development, Kinetic Research Group is finally releasing the SOTIC rifle. At the heart of the SOTIC rifle is a custom action that was designed in-house and offers an end user the ability to quickly swap out barrels.