Feature Articles

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.

New for 2018, Walther dropped the PPQ subcompact at SHOT Show. Following countless consumer requests, the famous PPQ has now been shrunk to subcompact size. The sub takes the same famous Walther trigger and mates it with a 3.25-inch barrel. It ships with two magazines are in the box, one a flush fit 10, the other a 15-round extended magazine. The 15 round includes a grip extender, and when inserted, gives the subcompact a full-size grip.

Aimpoint is the gold standard for red dot optics, the mark by which all others are judged. Over the years we have seen the growth, or perhaps shrink is a better term, of the Aimpoint line from the legendary Comp 2, down to the micro T1. With several variations of each, there is something for everyone and every gun. So it is always exciting to hear what is next.

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.

Kimber has been making waves with the K6s revolver line, which are words I never thought I would be typing. From the introduction 2 years ago, they have been steadily growing the line with more and more offerings. This year, three new models are set to debut.

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!

As far as bang for your buck goes, TriStar Arms has established a very good reputation. Way down at the bargain end of the spectrum, the prices are so low that it’s often overlooked by serious shotgunners. At GunsAmerica, we don’t believe you should need a trust fun to shoot trap or skeet, so we dropped by TriStar during SHOT 2018 to check out the new products.