Top 10 Bolt-Action Rifles of the Year — SHOT Show 2018

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.   

CZ USA 455 Scout

With a short 12-inch length of pull, the 455 Scout not only makes a great rifle for smaller-framed shooters, it’s also incredibly nimble in the backcountry. A leaf rear and front blade sight make for quick target acquisition, while dovetail mounts provide the option to easily add an optic. Best of all? The Scout, chambered in the venerable .22 LR, comes threaded (½-28) for a suppressor, making it an extremely quiet riot in the deep woods. I had the 455 Scout along for an elk hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness area this past fall, and with subsonic .22 loads it was exceptionally effective for stacking up grouse. With one of CZ’s new cans, the 455 is a backcountry survivalist’s dream gun.

MSRP: $339

SEE ALSO: A Sub-MOA Winchester for $550? The XPR Bolt-Action – Full Review.

Christensen Arms TFM

When quality and sex appeal matter, Christensen Arms delivers. The Tactical Force Multiplier (TFM) is the embodiment of everything the prestigious manufacturer stands for, including precision design and custom construction. The TFM is available now in .308 Win. all the way up to .338 Lapua Mag., and now the ever-popular 6.5 Creedmoor. The rifle features a 416R barrel with aero-grade carbon fiber wrapping, a target barrel profile and adjustable titanium side baffle brake. A carbon fiber, long-range stock features adjustable cheek piece and butt pad, with a fully adjustable match trigger. What Mercedes Benz is to cars, Christensen Arms is to the rifle industry.

MSRP: $4,895

Bergara Premier HMR Pro

Bergara has built a solid reputation for making some of the most accurate barrels in the industry, something that stands out on the new Premier HMR Pro rifle. Chambered in several calibers from .22-250 to .308 Win., as well as 6 and 6.5 Creedmoor, the HMR Pro features a No. 5 taper Bergara barrel, TriggerTech trigger, and HMR molded stock with integral mini-chassis for repeatable bedding. Designed for hunting or match use, the HMR Pro is available in 20-, 24-, and 26-inch barrels and weighs right at 9 pounds. The rifle features an adjustable spacer system for length of pull, as well as an adjustable cheek piece.

MSRP: $1,715

Gunwerks Verdict

If you want to enter the long-range game and money isn’t an object, Gunwerks has a custom-grade rifle that will meet your needs. With its 1000-yard-out-of-the-box guarantee, Gunwerks has introduced several new proprietary stock designs for 2018, including a new stock for the Verdict. The new stock features adjustable length of pull and cheek piece, as well as a squared contour on the grip for better thumb placement and stability, which aids in trigger control. By bringing stock production in house, Gunwerks is able to keep a better reign on quality control. Anything but light, the 16-pound rifle (depending on caliber and barrel selection) is capable of housing everything from 6mm Creedmoor to .338 Lapua.

MSRP: Starts at $6,250

Kimber Open Country

If you’re looking to tackle big game in the most rugged country North America has to offer, then you know the value of a lightweight, long-range hunting rifle. Kimber’s Open Country rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee and is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces, the ultralight Open Country comes with a crisp, adjustable trigger (factory set at 3 pounds), 24-inch barrel and finish options of either granite or Optifade Open Country.

MSRP: $2,269

Ruger American Rifle with Modular Stock

Ruger has had tremendous success with its American line of rifles, which got a facelift for 2018. Along with the addition of several calibers, including 6mm Creedmoor, the American now comes with a modular stock that fits Magpul-type magazines, as well as AI-style magazines, depending on caliber. Many of the same stocks are now available in GO WILD camo. In other product lines, Ruger added the Precision Rimfire and Hawkeye Long-Range Target rifle, broadening its already impressive collection of handguns and rifles.

Browning Pro Long Range X-Bolt

Browning has taken its X-Bolt rifle a step further with several premium features on the Pro Long Range edition, including a carbon fiber stock that is filled with noise dampening foam, making it extremely lightweight and rigid for improved accuracy and handling. Proprietary lapping, fluted heavy sporter contour barrel and Cerakote finish on barrel, action and stock make the X-Bolt Pro Long Range an all-weather workhorse. The rifle features a glass-bedded receiver that is drilled and tapped for X-Lock scope mounts, while a 60-degree bolt lift and adjustable trigger give optimum performance. MSRP: $2,099

Savage Model 110

The Model 110 has been a staple in Savage’s rifle lineup, but it’s back in 2018 with the AccuFit system. Offering the customizable fit of a near-custom rifle, the AccuFit system features five different comb risers and four length of pull inserts, allowing personalized fit for shooters of all sizes. With nine total adjustments, the AccuFit system is also ideal for youth, who can adjust the rifle as they grow. The Model 110 is available in everything from .204 Ruger to .300 Win. Mag. and includes other standard Savage features like the AccuTrigger. MSRP: $749

Winchester XPR in Verde & Vias

Winchester’s XPR has already won several awards in the firearms industry, and for good reason. It’s an affordable rifle with a solid barrel and trigger that borrows concepts from the Model 70 but comes in at a very affordable $500. The XPR is available in two new Kuiu patterns for 2018, Verde and Vias, so it’s ready to tackle the toughest of the sheep mountains. It’s also available in 6.5 Creedmoor, one of the hottest new cartridges on the market, and weighs just under 7 pounds.

MSRP: $549

Remington Model 700 PCR

The Model 700 is one of the most trusted rifles around, and now it’s got a fresh new look for long-range competition shooters. It was only a matter of time before Remington made the introduction. The Precision Chassis Rifle (PCR) features an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis, 24-inch barrel with 5R rifling, free-floated handguard and Magpul PRS Gen3 handguard. With sub-MOA accuracy, the PCR is chambered in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington. The rifle comes equipped with the X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger and Magpul pistol grip.

MSRP: $1,200

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