ArmaLite AR-10T

Once again, hundreds of cool new products were unveiled at the SHOT Show. I can’t say I saw anything earthshaking, but there were some very nice new rifles. Some were cool or useful variations of popular, established models, and others were brand-spanking new. The following are a few of the highlights.

ArmaLite
ArmaLite’s latest introduction is not a new gun, but the addition of the .338 Federal cartridge to the line of AR-10 T precision rifles. The addition of .338 Federal ups the ante, making the popular AR-10 more suitable for hunting big game like elk and bear. A forged upper- and lower-receiver; Picatinny gas block; 22-inch, stainless-steel, match barrel; two-stage National Match trigger; and Armalite’s free-float target handguard are all standard.

Barrett
Barrett’s REC7 is an AR-style carbine chambered for the powerful 6.8mm SPC cartridge. The heart of the REC7 is its reliable gas-piston system, which vents gases and unburned power out the front, rather than back into the action. The result is an ultrareliable gun that runs cleaner and cooler than conventional AR designs. Other features include forged upper and lower receivers, M-4 feedramps, flip-up iron sights, and an A.R.M.S. 50 M-CV mounting system.

Browning
Browning’s new X-Bolt rifle turned a lot of heads. The new rifle retains the A-Bolt’s short 60-degree bolt lift but improves on the design with a sexy, redesigned stock; a detachable, rotary magazine; a bolt unlock button; and the new X-Lock scope mounting system, which employs four screws, one at each corner, to secure the scope bases. Browning’s new X-Bolt Feather Trigger is the X-Bolt’s most noteworthy feature. The user-adjustable trigger uses three levers to minimize perceived creep and to provide a crisp, clean trigger pull. The trigger is factory-set at approximately 31⁄2 pounds but is user-adjustable from 3 to 51⁄2 pounds. The X-Bolt will be available in wood- and synthetic-stocked versions.

CZ-USA has announced an improved version of its classic Model 550 American rifle. The new rifle combines classic CZ features like a controlled-round feed, Mauser-style action; integral scope-mounting bases; single-set trigger; hammer-forged barrel; and a totally redesigned stock. The new walnut stock is trimmer and sleeker with a more modern checkering pattern, offering improved looks and handling.

DPMS
DPMS wasted no time chambering a rifle for the new 6.5 Creedmoor round. The Panther 6.5 Creedmoor was designed to make the most of this long-range cartridge, as evidenced by its 24-inch, stainless-steel, heavy barrel; flat-top upper; and Koelbl single-rail gas block. Like all DPMS offerings, the Creedmoor’s upper and lower receivers are milled from solid billets of T6 aluminum.

Ed Brown
Ed Brown’s new A5 Tactical was designed with long-range, pinpoint precision in mind. It is built around Brown’s own controlled-round-feed action with a 26-inch, stainless-steel, match barrel by Shilen. The stock is McMillan’s A-5 model with an adjustable comb, beavertail fore-end, and removable buttstock spacers to accommodate shooters of all sizes. The A5 Tactical is offered in .308 Winchester or .300 Winchester Magnum and with either a Badger Ordinance detachable-magazine system or a hinged floorplate.

FNH USA
FNH USA’s new line of PSR precision rifles have free-floated, fluted, match barrels for utmost accuracy and reliable Pre-’64 Model 70-style actions. Each barreled action is bedded in a McMillan fiberglass stock that is available in black or OD green, and it comes with a standard floorplate or with a detachable, five-round magazine. It is available in .308 Win. and .300 WSM.