At the 2017 Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas in January, Gun Tests staffers saw that although new modern sporting rifles do not dominate the introductions of rifles this year, another major manufacturer has entered that AR-15 market with a product that’s selling well. So now’s the time to buy your AR because prices should be falling.
Of course, you should find plenty new to like elsewhere in the 2017 rifle world, with new rimfire offerings, new youth offerings, and plenty of threaded muzzles for those suppressors that may be deregulated soon.
— Todd Woodard
Barrett
The Barrett Lightweight Rifle is a bolt-action rifle designed to be carried farther on long days in the field and perform at critical moments. The carbon-fiber stock is crafted provides an ultralight, yet stiff, platform. The actions are scaled for their specific caliber, and precision barrels are contoured for their application. SRP: $1800.
Bergara
The B14 Series BMP (Bergara Match Precision) Chassis Rifle is new from the ground up. The main chassis is machined from 7075 T6 aluminum and incorporates QD-swivel attachments and Magpul M-LOK slots. The B14 action and barrel incorporate a barrel nut that allows shooters to replace or change barrels, and the magazine well is contoured so it can be used as a support brace. With a near-vertical AR-style grip, the BMP is comfortable and allows for ambidextrous use. It’s available in 308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor, with threaded #5 contour barrels. This rifle has a sub-MOA guarantee and weighs 9.5 pounds. SRP: $1700.
Browning
John M. Browning designed the original Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) in three months, and variants of the classic design have served with distinction from World War I until the Vietnam War. For 2017, Browning commemorates 100 years of the BAR by offering a special semi-auto sporting version — the BAR Safari 100th Anniversary model. It will feature a steel receiver with special engravings of military and hunting scenes, highlighted in gold finish. The stock is Grade V Turkish walnut in oil finish, and production is limited to 100 rifles in 30-06 with a 22-inch barrel. SRP: $2700.
A new BAR MK 3 DBM semi-auto featuring a matte-black finish, an 18-inch barrel, a black composite stock and forearm, a 10-round detachable box magazine, integrated Picatinny scope mounts, a front sling swivel stud, and two QD-sling-swivel cups is also available for 2017. Available in 308 Win. SRP: $1500.
Browning’s new X-Bolt Medallion Safari Grade bolt-action rifle features a deep-polished blued and fluted heavy sporter barrel, with gold-accented engraving and receiver engraving in a polished blued finish. The stock is a gloss-finished, checkered, grade IV/V walnut, with a rosewood forend and pistol grip caps. It’s available in short-action calibers, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, and other chamberings up to 375 H&H. SRP: $1870 to $1900.
Also new in the X-Bolt lineup is the Hell’s Canyon Long Range model, which features a Cerakote burnt-bronze finish on all exposed metal surfaces. The heavy sporter contour barrel is fluted. The composite stock has textured gripping surfaces and a palm swell, and is finished in A-TACS AU Camo, with Dura-Touch Armor Coating. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 WSM, 300 WSM, 26 Nosler, 7mm Remington Magnum, 28 Nosler, and 300 Winchester Magnum. SRP: $1230 to $1300.
Browning’s AB3 bolt-action rifle will now be offered in a Micro Stalker model that features a black composite stock with a 13-inch length of pull for smaller-stature shooters. The new AB3 Micro Stalker has features found on Browning’s latest value-price bolt-action design, including a 60-degree bolt lift, a detachable magazine, an Inflex recoil pad, a bolt-lock override button, and a free-floating barrel. Available in 243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem., and 308 Win. SRP: $600.
Bushmaster
The new Minimalist SD Carbine from Bushmaster has an AAC Square Drop Handguard that’s compatible with Key Mod accessories, a lightweight FNC 1:8 twist barrel, and a mil-spec Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock and pistol grip. An ALG Defense trigger and an AAC 51 T flash hider/silencer mount are standard. It is available in 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout. SRP: $1170.
The ACR Designated Marksman has a mid-weight FNC 1:8 twist barrel, allows for toolless barrel change, and comes with a high-reliability piston system. It also has a PRS-style buttstock, a Geissele two-stage trigger, and an AAC 51 T flash hider/silencer mount. Extra barrels in 18.5, 16, 14.5, or 10.5 inches are available for $585 (per barrel). SRP: $2570.
CMMG
The MkW ANVIL XBE, an all-new mid-sized AR-rifle platform, is chambered in 458 SOCOM. The new MkW ANVIL utilizes CMMG’s Powerbolt design, that allows the rifle to use a modified AR10-sized bolt for increased durability. The rifle is also built on an AR10-sized frame, with the upper receiver shortened by -inch to minimize weight and increase ergonomics. It comes with a 1:14 twist 16-inch barrel, a billet upper and lower receiver, and a single-stage mil-spec trigger, and weighs 7.5 pounds. SRP: $1850.
The MkW ANVIL XBE2 is similar to the XBE, but comes with a Geissele SSA two-stage trigger, a Magpul MOE pistol grip, and a CTR carbine stock, with a six-position receiver extension. SRP: $2150.
CZ-USA
The evolving needs of military forces led to the further development of the Bren platform. Whereas the 805 was built to a specific set of pre-determined requirements, years of input and data from use in the worldwide war on terror were put together in a smaller, lighter Bren 2 package. A shorter gas system allows for barrel lengths down to 8 inches, with settings for normal use, suppressed use, and adverse conditions. The aluminum receiver is shorter and thinner, shaving weight from the rifle. The Bren 2 is currently available only for military/LE special order.
CZ’s first stainless rimfire, the 455 American Stainless Synthetic, is designed to be a hardy rifle that can be passed down through generations. With the same swappable barrel system as all of CZ’s 455 rifles, both the barrel and action are finished in a matte bead blast. Barrel length is 20.5 inches, and the bolt and bolt handle are finished in black nitride. Available in 22 LR, 17 HMR, and 22 Magnum. SRP: $434 to $451.
Famous for its use in rimfire competition, the 455 Training Rifle Rustic shares all the same popular features of its 452 predecessor—a 24.8-inch barrel, a tangent rear sight, and a beechwood stock with a Schnabel forend. The biggest difference is the ability to swap the barrel and/or stock—a trait of all CZ 455s. Designed as a rifle for introducing youth to the shooting sports, the Training Rifle is shipped with a 5-round magazine, but single-shot adapters and 10-round magazines are available. 22 LR only. SRP: $400.
Built to be an ideal first gun for young shooters, the 22 LR Scout has a 12-inch length of pull. With its simple leaf rear and blade front sights, learning the basics of sight picture has never been easier. The 11mm dovetails on the receiver make adding a scope a breeze. The muzzle is threaded 1/2×28, allowing for suppressor-hearing-safe shooting without the need for muffs or plugs. Shipped with a single-shot adapter to teach ammo conservation, any of the 455’s magazines will fit. SRP: $340.
Several new chamberings have been added to the 527 American bolt-action rifle line. These include the 7.62×39 with a 21.9-inch barrel and a 6.5 Grendel with a 24-inch barrel. Both feature newly developed flush-fitting bottom metal and a 2-round magazine. Extended 5-round magazines are available. Both rifles ship with one-inch scope rings. SRP: $733.
Another new addition to the 527 line is the Rustic. It has the same features as the standard American but wears a beechwood stock that has been hand-finished to give it an aged patina look. It is available in 7.62×39 or 6.5 Grendel. SRP: $733.
The suppressor-ready CZ 527 is happy shooting steel or taking down hogs. Chambered in 300 Blackout or 7.62×39, it’s got enough knockdown power for most medium game at shorter ranges. Using flush-bottom metal, it ships with extended 5-round magazines but can work with factory flush mags as well. SRP: $748.
Built on the incredibly precise 557 short-action, the new Varmint model adds a stout 25.6-inch barrel in a heavy profile that tapers to a 0.863-inch muzzle. Anchored in a newly designed walnut stock, it has a healthy palm swell, laser-cut stippling, and a flat forend. New for 2017 is the addition of 243 Win. to the available chamberings. SRP: $865.
DPMS
The new DPMS GII AP4-OR utilizes GII technology with a forged monolithic bolt carrier, dual ejectors, an Aermet extractor, a steel feed ramp, and reduced bolt geometry. The upper receiver has been improved for left-handed shooters, and the rifle, optics-ready, is shipped without open sights. Available in 308 Win. SRP: $1,350.
FN
The FN M249S is a semi-auto version of the M249 SAW light machine gun, originally developed by FN Herstal as the FN MINIMI and adopted by the U.S. military in 1988. The rifle features the signature 18.5-inch FN cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel and operates from a closed-bolt position. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the rifle will accept a magazine or a linked ammunition belt and offers a 4- to 6.5-pound trigger. The rifle weighs 16 pounds, is 40.7 inches long, and has an 18.5-inch barrel. SRP: $8800 to $9500.
The FN 15 DMR II has been re-engineered and features an all-new FN proprietary rail system with M-LOK, to provide extreme rigidity and less deflection, ensuring that all mounted accessories remain affixed without shift. Like its predecessor, the rifle offers an 18-inch match-grade cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 1:7 twist, a Surefire Pro Comp muzzle device, and an upgraded mil-spec lower with a Timney trigger and Magpul MOE grip and buttstock. SRP: $2000.
The FN 15 Tactical Carbine chambered for the popular 300 AAC Blackout is duty-ready straight out of the box. Equipped with the new FN proprietary rail system, the carbine offers a stronger, more rigid platform for accessories and optics. In addition, the FN 15 Tactical Carbine 300 BLK II, like its rifle and carbine siblings, features a 16-inch alloy-steel cold-hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrel, a carbine-length gas system, a low-profile gas block, a Surefire ProComp muzzle brake, and Magpul MOE furniture. SRP: $1600.
Improving upon the existing platform with the addition of FN’s proprietary rail system, enhanced mil-spec lower receiver, and match-grade free-floating chrome-lined, cold-hammer-forged barrel, the second-generation FN 15 Tactical Carbine offers extreme durability and performance. Features include the three-prong flash hider, the mid-length gas system, and the H1 buffer to decrease recoil. It’s fitted with a Magpul grip and buttstock and the M-LOK accessory-mounting system. SRP: $1600.
Howa
The Kuiu Vias and Verde rifles from Howa are built on the 1500 action and are available in the most popular chamberings, with a 20-inch lightweight, 22-inch standard, or 24-inch magnum contour barrel. All metalwork is finished in a gunmetal-gray Cerakote finish, and the barreled action is pillar-bedded in a Hogue Overmolded stock. Other features include a two-stage HACT trigger, a three-position safety, and sling swivel studs. SRP: $782 to $811.
The Lithgow Arms LA101 Crossover rimfire rifle (available from Howa) comes in 22 LR, 17 HRM, and 22 Magnum, and features a Cerakote titanium-colored finish, a cold-forged barrel, an adjustable length of pull, a threaded muzzle, and a two-position safety, and is compatible with CZ 45 and 455 detachable magazines. SRP: $1079.
The German-made Webley & Scott semi-auto rimfire rifle from Howa has a 19-inch standard or bull barrel and is housed in a carbon-Kevlar stock. Features include a threaded muzzle, a 10-round detachable magazine, and an interchangeable Picatinny rail. SRP: $362 to $463.
Marlin
For 2017, Marlin has announced the return of one of its most popular rifles, the 1894 Cowboy. Available in 357, 44 Magnum, and 45 Colt, these American-made rifles feature a straight grip American-black-walnut stock, a receiver and bolt machined from solid steel, a polished 20-inch octagonal barrel, and Marble sights. SRP: $1041. The SRP for the standard 1894 with a round barrel is $789.
To further celebrate the reintroduction of the 1894, Marlin is offering a limited-edition version in 45 Colt with B-grade American-black-walnut stock, highly polished metalwork, and an engraved gold-inlaid receiver. Only 1,500 rifles will be offered. SRP: $1,350.
Another lever-action that has been missing from the Marlin line is the 444. Chambered for the 444 Marlin and built on the 1895 action, this rifle has an American-black-walnut pistol-grip stock, 22-inch round barrel, and Marble sights. SRP: $789.
Mossberg
Mossberg has added two new MMRs to its line. The Tactical Optics Ready MMR is offered with or without a Vortex StrikeFire II red/green dot sight. This is an optics-ready AR-15 shipped without open sights. It has a 6-position stock, a forward-assist M-LOK handguard, a 1:8 twist barrel, and the new Mossberg JM Pro drop-in 4-pound trigger. SRP: $1253 to $1400.
The other new MMR is the MMR PRO. This rifle is similar to the optics-ready MMR but comes with an 18-inch, 1:8 twist 416 stainless barrel with a SilencerCo ASR muzzle brake. SRP: $1393.
Mossberg has several additions to the Patriot line. First is the Patriot Predator, which comes in a synthetic, flat-dark-earth stock with a 22-inch barrel and threaded muzzle. It is available in 223, 243, 308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. SRP: $441.
Two additional Patriots are available in 223: the Patriot Synthetic and Super Bantam. Both retail for $396. Mossberg also offers a Patriot Revere with high-grade walnut stock, rosewood grip and forend caps, and an upgraded blue finish. Finally, in addition to the Patriot Predator, four more Patriots will now be chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Remington
Four new bolt-action rifles are available from Remington for 2017. The new 700 Magpul is a cross between a hunting platform and a tactical platform, with adjustability in the comb and length of pull allowing a custom fit. In addition, the 22-inch heavy barrel is threaded for the addition of a silencer or other muzzle device. It also has a detachable magazine. It’s available in 308 Win. and 260 Rem. SRP: $1175.
Continuing a 12-year run of CDL SF Limited rifles chambered in classic cartridges, this year you will see the rifle in .300 Weatherby Magnum. SRP: $1225.
Remington’s 700 AWR (American Wilderness Rifle) is a big-game rifle with a stainless-steel-barreled action and a durable Cerakote coating. It also has 5R rifling and a durable and rigid stock. It replaces the XCRII line of 700s and is available in 270, 30-06, 7mm Magnum, and 300 Magnum. SRP: $1150.
An addition to Remington’s popular 783 line is a rifle with a walnut stock. It will be available in 308, 270, 30-06, and 7mm Magnum. SRP: $500.
Ruger
The new 10-22 Takedown Lite features a cold-hammer-forged barrel tensioned in an aluminum-alloy barrel sleeve. It has a threaded muzzle and is fitted with a thread cap. Easy takedown enables quick separation of the barrel from the action for ease of transportation and storage. It also has the Ruger Modular Stock System with a low comb and standard length of pull, but ships with an additional high-comb standard length-of-pull stock module. SRP: $660.
Savage
Savage has introduced several MSR rifles. The new MSR 15 Patrol and MSR 15 Recon have button-rifled 16-inch barrels with 5R rifling, a long-lasting Melonite QPQ finish, and zero-tolerance headspace control. These rifles also feature the proven 223 Wylde target chambering and a standard gas system. SRP: $850, MSR 15 Patrol; $1000, MSR 15 Recon.
The new Savage MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range address some long-standing shortcomings of MSRs designed for larger cartridges. Both feature a compact AR10 design that feels and handles more like an AR-15, and both utilize custom-forged uppers and lowers. Available chamberings include the 308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. The Hunter has a 16- to 18-inch barrel, and the Long Range has a 20- or 22-inch barrel. SRP: $1400, MSR 10 Hunter; $2200, MSR 10 Long Range.
Along more traditional hunting rifle lines, Savage offers the 11/111 DOA Hunter. Available in many popular big-game chamberings, it has a black synthetic stock, a matte blue finish, Weaver Grand Slam rings, and a Bushnell Trophy Scope. SRP: $684.
Savage line extensions include a purple version of the popular, youth-oriented Rascal rifle. SRP: $191.
Also, Savage has added a 22 LR to the A series. SRP: $281.
The B Series of rimfires is expanded with the introduction of the B17, B22, and B22 Magnum bolt-action rimfire rifles. They feature a new ergonomically designed stock with a higher comb, a top-tang safety, and target-style and vertical pistol grips. All in all, the B Series includes a dozen new models in configurations that include heavy and suppressor-ready barrels. All B Series rifles feature a 10-round rotary magazine and the AccuTrigger. SRP: $281 to $413.
Uberti
Uberti has two new 1886 rifles for 2017. The first is the 1886 Lever Action Sporting in 45/70 with a 26-inch barrel, a color-case receiver, an octagonal match barrel, a walnut stock, and fully adjustable sights. SRP: $1880.
The other is the 1886 Lever Action Hunter Lite. It is also available in 45/70, but with a 22-inch, round, match-grade barrel and half-length magazine. SRP: $1830.
Weatherby
Last year Weatherby announced a new bolt-action rifle designed for women. It was called the Camilla, but it never made it to market. It is ready for delivery this year. It’s a good-looking rifle, ergonomically configured to fit women shooters. Available in four short-action chamberings. SRP: $850.
The heart of the Vanguard Adaptive Composite (VAC) is the renowned Vanguard action. It is affixed to a composite target stock that features the Speedlock system, a quick and easy locking system for adjusting both length of pull and comb height. The full and lowered forend offers an improved grip for shooting while standing as well as a stud to which a bipod or a sling can be attached. Available with a threaded 20-inch #3 contour barrel, the VAC is chambered for the 223 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, or the 308 Win. SRP: $1270. For 2017, Weatherby will be chambering the 6.5 Creedmoor in select Mark V rifles such as the Accumark, Accumark RC, Ultra Lightweight, Terramark, Terramark RC, Arroyo, Arroyo RC, Outfitter, and the Outfitter RC.
Winchester Repeating Arms
For 2017, the legendary Model 1866 lever-action is now available in a Grade I Short Rifle. The receiver, crescent buttplate, and forearm cap are brass with a bright-polish finish. Stock and forearm are Grade I American black walnut with a satin-oil finish. A folding ladder rear sight and Marble Arms gold bead front sight are standard. Available with a 20-inch barrel in 44-40 Win. and 38 Special. SRP: $1300.
The XPR Hunter Mountain Country Range bolt-action features a polymer stock in Mossy Oak Mountain Country Range camo. Other features include an MOA trigger system, Perma-Cote matte-blued metal surfaces, a detachable box magazine, a steel recoil lug, a two-position thumb safety, and an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. Available in all popular cartridges, from 243 to 338 Win. Mag. SRP: $600.
Two new XPR Hunter Compact models are also being offered. The XPR Hunter Compact features a 13-inch length of pull. It will be offered for all popular short-action cartridges, from 243 Win to 325 WSM. SRP: $550. The XPR Hunter Compact Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo version has a suggested retail of $600.
Compiled by Gun Tests staff. Some of the descriptions above are from SHOT Daily, a trade magazine published at the show for the dealers and distributors who attend. Used with permission.
