The NCH is ideal for handgun hunting. (Photo: Nosler)
Nosler is taking note from the black rifle market and is building a rifle-class firearm in a handgun package. This is great news for hunters looking for an advantage whether it’s a longer season or to comply with hunting restrictions.
Based on the Nosler Model 48 Short Action Rifle, the NCH — Nosler Custom Handgun — is a handgun for legal purposes. It has a highly modified stock for a forward-set pistol grip and bullpup action.
The result is a rifle-caliber gun measuring in at as little as 18 inches long, weighing as little as 5.4 pounds. The receiver is optics-ready — the NCH is designed to be used with a scope. It has a turned-down bolt with a knurled knob.
The NCH has a free-floated Shilen, 416R stainless steel heavy contour threaded barrel. Nosler pairs the action with a single-piece machined 6061-T6 alloy stock and forend. The pistol grip is interchangeable and compatible with AR-15 grips.
The base of the forend is wide and flat for shooting off a bag or rest. It’s also equipped with a sling swivel for bipods.
The color combinations are limitless. (Photo: Nosler)
“Over the last 40 years, I have shot every conceivable configuration of single-shot handguns including high-end custom rigs,” said author and hunter Mark Hampton. “The new Nosler handgun will keep up with the very best of them.
Hampton is the author of the book “Handgun Hunting” and has collected plenty of hunting awards over the years.
“In my experience, I have found this handgun to be extremely accurate, well-designed, and user-friendly,” he added. “The Nosler handgun will be most welcome with handgun hunters, target and steel shooters, or anyone looking to add an exciting dimension to their shooting experience.
Because of the redesign, the NCH is a single-shot bolt-action pistol, but not every hunter wants or needs fast follow-up shots. Especially considering that the NCH is offered in .22 and .24 Nosler, 6mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington and .308 Winchester.
Nosler is building these guns to-order with many custom options available. They offer two performance upgrades, barrel fluting and a hefty muzzle brake installed. Multiple barrel lengths are also available ranging anywhere from 12 to 18 inches.
See Also: A 5.56 Magnum? .22 Nosler — Full Review
Each NCH gets a custom Cerakote finish. Customers can pick one or two colors, for the stock and for the barreled action. They will do any color but have a list of favorites ranging from popular tactical shades and familiar hunting colors to bright and fun options like Blue Titanium and Stormtrooper White.
Nosler’s suggested price for these guns starts at $2,495. Adding barrel fluting or a Nosler brake add $100 and $200 to the price.
Granted, that’s not inexpensive, but it is Nosler. This is a pretty singular product — it will be interesting to see if it remains unique or if other companies will follow with similar handguns of their own.
Sure would like to have one in 6mm Lapua, but I can build one on a XP100 Action for a whole lot less money!!!!
I’ve owned an older TC Contender with a 30-30 18 inch barrel for a few years. paid $600 new. Shoots great. Got several white-tail. Don’t have to fool with a bolt.
Don’t forget the Savage Striker series. I have one in .308. Paid a fraction of this $2495 price, could have bought 4-5 Strikers for one of the NCH’s. I like the design of the NCH, but being a right handed shooter I prefer a left handed bolt!!
The Remington 100 was ahead of its time.