21 Great Rifles that Debuted in 2021

If you're a fan of rifles and researching for your next purchase, start here with this list of 21 of the latest and greatest.

August 25, 2021 By Shooting Times Staff

Benelli Lupo

New for 2021 Benelli has added three chamberings to its bolt-action Lupo offerings: .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. The rifle was introduced last year in .270 Winchester, .30-06, and .300 Win. Mag. The new .243 and .308 rifles have 22-inch barrels, and the Creedmoor’s barrel length is 24 inches. The .243 and Creedmoor have steep 1:8 twists, and the .308 has a 1:11 twist. The Lupo’s original innovative features are retained in these new versions. Barrels are CRIO-treated and free-floated, muzzles are threaded 5/8-24, and a cap is provided. The two-position safety is ambidextrous, and the double-stack detachable box magazine loads easily in or out of the gun. The Lupo’s chassis-style construction features an alloy receiver and an ergonomically shaped synthetic stock and fore-end with AirTouch gripping surfaces. The Progressive Comfort recoil pad and Combtech cheekpiece are said to reduce felt recoil by about 50 percent, and shims allow stock adjustments for length of pull and drop.

MSRP: $1,699

benelliusa.com

Bergara BMR

BMR stands for Bergara Micro Rifle, and it is a sleek bolt action produced in response to requests for a high-quality, lightweight rimfire rifle for small-game hunting and training. The BMR is offered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The .22 LR version has an 18-inch barrel, and the two magnum editions sport 20-inch tubes. The .22-caliber rifles have a 1:16 twist, and the .17 HMR has a 1:9 twist. The muzzles are threaded 1/2-28, and a thread protector is provided. Five- and 10-round magazines are supplied, and a 30-MOA scope rail is included. The weights are 5.5 pounds (.22 LR) and 5.8 pounds (magnums). The stock finish is tactical gray with black specks, and a carbon-fiber version is also available.

MSRP: $565 (steel), $659 (carbon fiber)

bergara.online

Bravo Co. BCM4 RECCE-14 MCMR

The BCM4 RECCE-14 MCMR features Bravo Co.’s recently redesigned MK2 upper. The MK2 upper is 30 percent more rigid than standard mil-spec uppers, and that results in improved performance and accuracy.

The RECCE-14 MCMR comes with a 14.5-inch barrel and a BCMGUNFIGHTER compensator that adds about 2 inches to total barrel length. It also has Bravo’s BCMGUNFIGHTER MCMR 13-inch handguard with integral top rail and M-LOK slots all the way around. The carbine comes with a BCMGUNFIGHTER Mod. 3 pistol grip, a BCMGUNFIGHTER six-position collapsible buttstock, and a 30-round magazine. The carbine weighs 6 pounds, 4 ounces. For a full report on this new AR-15, check out Jake Edmondson’s gun review starting on page 22.

MSRP: $1,500

bravocompanyusa.com

Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range

New Browning X-Bolt models for 2021 include the Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range, which features an adjustable stock and a muzzle brake. The synthetic stock has an A-TACS AU camo finish, and the rifle is chambered for a wide variety of cartridges, including the new 6.8 Western, a smoking-hot .270-caliber collaboration between Browning and Winchester. The new rifle has a free-floated barrel, Browning’s three-lever Feather trigger, an Inflex recoil pad that pulls the comb away from the shooter’s face, and a rotary magazine. The three-lug bolt has a 60-degree lift.

MSRP: $1,429.99 to $1,559.99

browning.com

CZ-USA Model 557 Eclipse

With the new Model 557 Eclipse, the CZ-USA folks have made the push-feed Model 557 weather-resistant for 2021. The stock is a black fiberglass-reinforced polymer unit that retains the slightly exaggerated pistol grip, a slight palmswell, and a high comb, and the Soft Touch surface texture provides a non-slip grip. The Model 557 Eclipse is offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., and .30-06. The .308 and .30-06 rifles have 1:10 twists, and the 6.5 Creedmoor has a 1:8 twist. All have 20.5-inch cold-hammer-forged barrels, and the muzzle of the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is threaded for a muzzle brake or suppressor. Magazine capacity is five rounds. There are no sights, but the receiver is milled for CZ 19mm dovetails. For more about the Model 557 Eclipse, see Joel Hutchcroft’s shooting report on page 56 in this issue.

MSRP: $659

cz-usa.com

Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro

The Delta 5 Pro bolt action is designed for PRS and NRL shooters, and it features an aluminum chassis stock, a three-lug bolt, and a “HELLFIRE” muzzle brake. It’s offered in .308 Win. with a 20-inch Heavy Palma barrel, 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24-inch Heavy Palma or 26-inch varmint barrel, and 6mm Creedmoor with a 26-inch varmint barrel. The rifle has the M-LOK mounting system and Magpul PMAG. Finishes include black and Cerakote. MSRP: $2,499

danieldefense.com

Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint

The new Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint rifle has an “EVOLVED EGONOM-X” synthetic stock that is finished in OPTIFADE Subalpine camo. It also has a removable cheekpiece, a checkered polymer pistol grip, and the highly effective TSA recoil pad. The metal is finished in Bronze Cerakote, and the RELIA TRIGGER is adjustable from 2 to 4 pounds. The heavy barrel is free-floated and spiral-fluted, and the muzzle is threaded and capped. The receiver has a one-piece Picatinny rail for optics mounting. It is chambered for .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., and .224 Valkyrie, and flush-fitting and extended extra-capacity magazines are included.

MSRP: $999

franchiusa.com

Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker

The new Carbon Fiber Stalker is available on Howa’s Short, Long, and Mini actions. The Short Action rifles come in 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem., and .308 Win. The Long Action rifles are chambered to .270 Win. and 6.5 PRC. All have 22-inch carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels. Weighing just 4 pounds, 10 ounces, the Mini Action version is chambered in .223 Rem., 7.63x39, 6.5 Grendel, and .350 Legend. All versions have a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee and are covered by a lifetime warranty.

MSRP: $999

howausa.com

Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve Blak

Kimber’s newest rifle is the Hunter Pro Desolve Blak. It’s built on the company’s well-established and popular Model 84 stainless-steel action, and it comes with a detachable box magazine, a muzzle brake, and a fiber-reinforced polymer stock finished with the Desolve Blak camo pattern. The new Hunter Pro Desolve Blak is offered chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor, .280 Ackley Improved, and .308 Winchester. The barrel length is 22 inches, and the rifle weighs approximately 5 pounds, 7 ounces.

MSRP: $992

kimberamerica.com

Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter

Mossberg’s Patriot family of bolt-action rifles continues to grow. New this year is the Patriot LR Hunter, which features a gray polymer-coated Monte Carlo-style stock and matte black barrel and action. The Patriot LR Hunter rifle comes with a Picatinny optics rail, Mossberg’s LBA safety trigger, and either a 22- or a 24-inch fluted barrel (barrel length depends on the chambering). The muzzle is threaded, and a thread protector is included. Available chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, and .300 Win. Mag. Magazine capacity is three, four, or five rounds, also depending on the chambering. Weights vary from 6.5 to 7.5 pounds.

MSRP: $766

mossberg.com

Red Arrow RAW 15

Red Arrow is new to the AR market and offers guns in .223/5.56, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win., along with the RAW 15 that is chambered for the .300 Blackout. The rifle’s bolt carrier is Melonite coated; the 16-inch barrel has a 1:8 twist; and the gas system is pistol-length. The bolt is a multi-caliber unit; the firing pin is “high-pressure”; and the handguard has a 15-inch M-LOK RAW-Rail. The CMC single-stage trigger is set at 3.5 pounds, and the finish is midnight bronze or black with red accents.

MSRP: $1,035 to $1,060

redarrowweapons.com

The new Fred Eichler Light Predator2L AR-15 from Rock River Arms features a lightweight carbon-fiber handguard and a 16-inch lightweight fluted CRIO-treated stainless-steel barrel. Chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO with a .223 Wylde chamber, the carbine weighs 6.9 pounds. It also features a Fred Eichler Series muzzle brake, a low-profile gas block, an RRA two-stage match trigger, a Hogue rubber pistol grip, a BCMGUNFIGHTER medium latch charging handle, and an RRA Operator CAR buttstock. It comes with a hard gun case and one magazine. Magazine capacity is 20 rounds, and the twist rate is 1:8.

MSRP: $1,945 to $2,010

rockriverarms.com

Rossi Rio Bravo Rimfire Lever Action

Rossi has a new rimfire lever action called the Rio Bravo. It is offered with a traditional beechwood stock or a new-age black synthetic stock. The barrel length is 18 inches. The wood-stocked model comes with traditional buckhorn sights, whereas the synthetic-stocked gun comes with a fully adjustable rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight. The tubular magazine holds 15 rounds of .22 LR ammunition.

MSRP: $323.50

rossiusa.com

Ruger Precision Rifle

The parade of chassis guns rolls merrily along, and Ruger makes the Precision Rifle in various calibers, but new for 2021 is the 6mm Creedmoor. The folding Ruger Precision MSR stock is fully adjustable for length of pull and comb height, and it is finished in Hardcoat Gray Cerakote. The 26-inch barrel is cold-hammer-forged and has 5R rifling and a steep 1:7 twist for those super-long, high B.C. bullets. The detachable box magazine holds 10 rounds, and the top of the action has a 20-MOA Picatinny rail attached with sturdy 8-40 screws. The safety is ambidextrous; the aluminum handguard has a flat bottom for easier use from a sandbag and a 1.5-inch dovetail attachment system. Weight is 12.8 pounds.

MSRP: $2,399

ruger.com

J.P. Sauer & Sohn S404 Synchrotech XTC

Although the famous firm of J.P. Sauer & Sohn closed its factory in Suhl, Germany, the firm is going great guns here in the United States, and it has a new iteration of the Model S404 designed as an ideal lightweight hunting rifle. It features a handlaid carbon-fiber stock that is finished in camouflage green. Weight is a dainty 5.4 pounds. The barrels are cold-hammer-forged and vary in length from 18 to 24 inches depending on the chambering. Accuracy of less than 1 MOA is guaranteed at 100 yards. The lightweight fluted barrel is threaded, and it and the receiver have Sauer’s DLC surface finish for corrosion protection. The pull weight of the crisp match-grade trigger varies from 1.2 to 2.7 pounds. The bolt is fluted and has the Sauer Dura Safe direct firing pin safety. The S404 is available chambered to 12 different cartridges, ranging from .243 Win. to .338 Win. Mag. Because of its high price, most of us can only dream about this bolt-action sporter.

MSRP: $8,199

jpsauer-usa.com

Savage Impulse

The new Savage Impulse is a straight-pull bolt-action rifle that is intuitive, fast, strong, and built to hunt. Versions for big game, hogs, and predators are offered. The Impulse action is called the “Hexlock.” The steel barrel extension fits into the aluminum receiver, so the receiver takes little stress and saves a lot of weight. In the bolt head are six hardened steel ball bearings. As the bolt is pushed forward and locked, the bearings are forced outward by a plunger into recesses in the barrel extension. When the gun is fired, the internal pressure forces the bearings even tighter into their recesses. The Impulse has the AccuStock and AccuFit adjustment, AccuTrigger, and a medium-contour fluted barrel that’s threaded 5/8-24. The detachable box magazine fits flush. The action has an integral one-piece 20-MOA rail for scope mounting. Barrel lengths are 22 and 24 inches depending on caliber.

MSRP: $1,449 (Big Game), $1,379 (Hog Hunter and Predator)

savagearms.com

SIG SAUER M400 Tread Predator

SIG SAUER has expanded its semiautomatic M400 Tread line with a varmint rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. This aluminum-framed carbine has a threaded 16-inch barrel with a three-chamber compensator, a hardened polished trigger, and ambidextrous controls. A 15-inch M-LOK handguard and pistol grip are standard, as are adjustable M-LOK flip-up iron sights and a lightweight M-LOK front-sight adapter of co-witness height. The stock finish is Cerakote Elite Jungle finish.

MSRP: $1099.99

sigsauer.com

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint

As we reported in our recent April issue, Springfield Armory’s new Model 2020 Waypoint features a premium-grade, carbon-fiber barrel from AG Composites. It is free-floated, fluted, and varies in length from 20 to 24 inches. The stock’s finish is handpainted. The TriggerTech trigger provides a clean, crisp break from 2.5 to 5 pounds. Calibers are 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Winchester. And the rifle accepts AICS-pattern magazines.

MSRP: $2,399

springfield-armory.com

Traditions Pursuit XT

Traditions has a new feature-packed .50-caliber muzzleloader called the Pursuit XT. The 26-inch chrome-moly steel barrel comes with a 1:24 VAPR twist to better stabilize the variety of available projectiles and to improve accuracy. The Elite XT trigger system provides a precise pull, along with a rebounding hammer and a manual cross-block trigger safety. The Pursuit XT has a Cerakote finish, an innovative Accelerator breech plug that can be removed by hand, and the Speed Load System. Many configurations and finishes are available, including scoped packages, and specialized versions are available to meet the Idaho and Oregon state requirements.

MSRP: $389 to $553

traditionsfirearms.com

Uberti 1885 Courteney Stalking Rifle

For 2021, the eternally popular .45-70 Government cartridge has been added to the well-received Uberti Model 1885 Courteney Stalking Rifle, giving hunters another option for states that require straight-walled cartridges. This falling-block beauty features a 24-inch barrel and a satin-finished AA-grade walnut stock with an African heartwood forearm tip, a Prince of Wales pistol grip, and a rubber buttpad. The barrel is blued, and the receiver is tastefully color-case hardened. The rifle has a hooded front sight and a quarter-rib base with a fully adjustable V rear sight; the base is cut to receive Weaver-style scope rings. A front sling-swivel stud is mounted on the very classy barrel band.

MSRP: $1,689

uberti-usa.com

Winchester Wildcat SR

Even .22 rimfires make noise, so Winchester has added a Wildcat model that is suppressor-ready. The muzzle is threaded 1/2-28, and the 16.5-inch chrome-moly barrel has a recessed target-style crown. The little carbine has an ambidextrous skeletonized buttstock, an adjustable ghost-ring rear sight, a ramped post front sight, and a detachable 10-round rotary magazine. The Wildcat SR is 34.75 inches long and weighs 4 pounds. Length of pull is 13.5 inches.

MSRP: $299.99

winchesterguns.com