The year 2022 is now behind us. We wondered — “What new firearms did Americans purchase the most last year?” Well Gunbroker, via the GunGenius.com site, answered that question based on its 2022 sales data. GunGenius.com publishes a monthly Top Sales Report featuring the Top 5 Best Sellers for each major category of firearms on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a year-end report listing the Top Selling Firearms of the Year. Just recently, GunGenius.com released its gun sales report for 2022. Across all gun categories, the report ranks the Top 22 Best-Selling Guns of 2022. Check out the list below.
Here Are the Top 10 in Each Major Category:
Here are the 22 Top-Selling Firearms in 2022:
1. SIG Sauer P320
2. Remington 700
3. SIG Sauer P365
4. Smith & Wesson M&P9
5. Ruger 10/22
6. Mossberg 590
7. Remington 870
8. Glock G19
9. Ruger American Rifle
10. Springfield Armory XD
11. Glock G43
12. Beretta 90
13. Colt Python
14. Ruger Mark IV
15. SIG Sauer P226
16. Springfield Armory Hellcat
17. CZ-USA CZ 75
18. Winchester Model 70
19. Ruger Mini-14
20. Glock G17
21. Henry Arms Big Boy
22. Mossberg 500
New for 2023 — 36 NEW Firearms Showcased at SHOT Show
This 17-minute Backfire Channel video covers three dozen firearms from multiple manufacturers. There are tactical rifles, hunting rifles, modern sporting rifles, plus a wide selection of new-for-2023 handguns from major manufacturers including S&W, Beretta, and Canik. Here are the firearm brands covered, with the respective times in the 17-minute backfire video. NOTE: More than one rifle per brand was reviewed so there are 36 guns covered among 22 manufacturers. For rifle fans we recommend Tikka (4:12), Howa (7:00), Bergara (10:11), and Browning (12:05).
New Rifles with Notable Features at Attractive Prices
Most of the 2022 best-selling bolt-action rifles* are traditional rigs such as the Remington 700 and the Winchester Model 70. Will some new rifles challenge these classics? Mossberg has a semi-tactical style Patriot rifle with a very attractive $1085.00 price. And Bergara has some nice, lightweight hunting rifles with advanced carbon stocks. These are priced competitively compared to carbon-stocked models from Gunwerks and Christensen Arms.
New Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Rifle
Mossberg’s new Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical looks like a winner. This $1085.00 rifle has many cool features (MDT Chassis, 20 MOA Rail, threaded muzzle). Get a Patriot in 6.5 Creedmoor for local PRS-style events, and it can serve for deer hunting also. Then slip on a .22-cal barrel and use the rifle for varminting. We like the ergonomics of the stock and it offers an adjustable cheekpiece and Length of pull (with spacers). Like all Patriot rifles, the Patriot LR Tactical has Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action) user-adjustable trigger with 2 to 7-lb adjustment. Priced at $1085.00 MSRP, the rifle is currently offered in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Win with 22″ barrel, and 6.5 PRC with 24″ barrel. FULL Specs HERE.
Bergara Carbon-Stocked B-14 Squared Crest Rifle
Bergara’s new B-14 Squared Crest is an ultralight rifle for demanding backcountry hunters. It features a proprietary carbon-fiber monocoque stock with an internal spine for greater strength and rigidity. The new 100% carbon fiber stock is crafted using CF-RTM technology, a state-of-the-art method used in the aerospace industry. This manufacturing process consists of assembling dry carbon fibers by hand with an injected resin. With grey Cerakoted stainless steel 20″ barrel, unloaded weight is approximately 6.8 pounds. MSRP starts at $1999.00.
* We were curious about the Top 10 sellers among bolt-action rifles. There were some surprises. Here is the GunGenius.com list of the Top 10-selling bolt-action rifles: Ruger American Rifle, Browning X-Bolt, Savage 10/110, Savage Axis, Remington Model 700, Tikka T3, CZ-USA 457 Rifle, Ruger Precision Rifle, Mossberg Patriot, and Savage Model 93. We note this is somewhat inconsistent with the Top 22 list above. For example, if the Browning X-Bolt ranks higher among bolt guns than Rem 700s, then why is the Rem 700 higher on the overall list? We can’t really explain that. Perhaps the overall ranking is based on new AND used sales, but GunGenius doesn’t really give an explanation.
Anschutz .22 LR rifle set up for F-Class competition. Photo courtesy Sportschieben Blog.
Here’s a fun new discipline that will grow in years ahead — Smallbore F-Class with .22 LR rimfire rifles. Rest-supported prone rimfire matches have been held around the world for quite some time, but only a few years ago was the discipline officially codified in the NRA Smallbore Rulebook. And the first-ever Smallbore F-Class National Championship was held in July 2018 in conjunction with the Smallbore Nationals at Camp Wa-Ke’-De in Bristol, Indiana. The Nationals involved multiple days of prone shooting at 50 meters and 100 yards. For more information read Hap Rocketto’s Shooting Sports USA Smallbore F-Class Report.
Smallbore F-Class competitors may shoot F-TR style with a bipod, or use a front rest. In the above photo from the inaugural NRA National Championship you can see a shooter with SEB Coaxial Rest at top, with a competitor using a low-profile bipod at bottom. Note the extended handle used to adjust bipod elevation. This is not a coaxial joystick, but rather a long handle attached to the mariner wheel.
Smallbore F-Class — The Future Looks Bright
With the high cost of centerfire ammunition, and the limited number of 1000-yard (or even 600-yard) ranges, we can envision that Rimfire F-Class will become a popular event at ranges across the country. Clubs don’t even need benches — just a 100-yard target bay and flat ground for the shooters. You can start with an inexpensive rimfire rig and Harris bipod. Then work up from there. Here is a custom rimfire F-TR style rig that belongs to F-Class ace and past centerfire F-TR National Champion James Crofts.
Rimfire F-Class and Fun Prone Matches with Front Rest or Bipods
Rimfire F-Class offers the fun of centerfire shooting at a much lower cost. Shooting is done prone with either a front rest or a bipod. You can shoot a relatively inexpensive rifle such as a CZ 457 MTR, or a custom build that has the same design features, weight, and ergonomics as a full-size F-TR or F-Open rifle. The choice is yours. We like shooting smallbore F-Class, because you can find decent .22 LR ammo for just $0.20 per round. By contrast, you’ll probably spend at least $1.20 per round for F-Class centerfire ammo (counting bullet, powder, primer, and part of the brass cost).
Top-Tier Vudoo V22-S Target Rifle for Rimfire F-Class
Vudoo Gun Works now offers an impressive .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle that should prove ideal for rimfire F-Class (Open division). It features the new V22-S single-shot action, McMillan stock, and Flavio Fare BR-VS trigger.
Rimfire F-Class in the Canary Islands
This video comes from the Canary Islands, part of Spain. The voice-over is in Spanish but there are English sub-titles. The host explains: “In this video we summarize the main characteristics of this [shooting sport] that is practiced at 50 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters with your .22 LR. Learn how to prepare your rimfire carbine and learn how to score your own targets by following our simple explanations. In another video we will delve into shooting techniques, shooting accessories and field accessories.”
Here is another rimfire F-Class video from the Canary Islands. This shows how the sport can be done with a variety of rimfire rifle types, even including a .22 LR AR clone. Some shooters are using a wide-base bipod, others are using normal Harris-type bipods, while others are using a large, benchrest-style front rest.
Rimfire F-Class-Style Local Fun Match in Oregon
In this video, F-Class John shoots an F-Class-style local fun match in Oregon. He is using a .22 LR rimfire rifle that has a full-size stock very similar to his custom F-Open centerfire rifles. This allows him to easily switch from centerfire F-Class to rimfire prone shooting with front rest and rear bag. The local fun match rules are a little different than an official F-Class match, but the shooting skills required are the same. Shooting this kind of local rimfire match allows John to keep his F-Class skills at a high level at a fraction of the cost of shooting centerfire F-Open.
Rimfire F-Class in Russia
NOTE: This video was filmed in Russia. The dialog is in Russian (without English subtitles), but it is still interesting to watch. Shooting F-Class with .22 LR ammo has become popular in Russia and other parts of Europe. You can have fun on a relatively short (200m) range with low-cost ammo.
Smallbore F-Class Course of Fire
The Smallbore F-Class Nationals was completed on paper targets at 50 yards and 100 yards. According to Shooting Sports USA: “The tournament ran during the any sight and metric phases of the 2018 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships, featuring a daily course of fire which mirrored the sling shooters, 40 shots at 50 meters on the A-50 target, a Metric Dewar, followed by 40 shots at 100 yards on the A-33 target. Although the international targets were shot throughout, the first two days were titled ‘conventional’ and the last two ‘metric’.”
The specifics of the match such as rifle requirements, rests, and sights may be found in the Provisional Smallbore Rifle F-Class Rules (Section 23), found on page 65 of the current NRA Smallbore Rifle rulebook. Any rules not covered in Section 23 will [reference] the normal rules of Sections 1 through 22.
SHOT Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year among ALL industries. This year there are thousands of exhibitors spread out over two exhibit halls the combined size of 14 football fields! Thankfully a number of YouTubers have been working hard, finding interesting new products in the miles of aisles. Today we feature some notable videos from SHOT Show 2023. The first video in our showcase comes from Backfire, a popular gun-centric YouTube Channel with over 600,000 subscribers. This video spotlights 36 new rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Keep scrolling to view a dozen other videos highlighting a wide variety of new firearms as well as the all-new Mark 7 GENESYS progressive press.
36 New Guns at SHOT Show 2023
You’ll need some patience to get through this entire 17-minute Backfire Channel video, but it’s worth it. The hosts cover three dozen different firearms from multiple manufacturers. There are tactical rifles, hunting rifles, modern sporting rifles, plus a wide selection of new-for-2023 handguns from major manufacturers including S&W, Beretta, and Canik.
New Bolt-Action Rifle from Stag Arms
Stag Arms, a major producer of AR-type rifles, surprised SHOT Show attendees with an all-new, bolt action rifle, the Pursuit Line Bolt Gun. This rifle features a pivot pin behind the action which allows rapid and easy change of stock types. There are many other interesting features in this new bolt-action rifle.
New Beretta and Smith & Wesson Pistols
This 5-minute video was mostly created at the Beretta and Smith & Wesson booths at SHOT Show. Highlights include the new S&W 5.7 pistol (1:50 time-mark, see also S&W video above), which shoots the high-velocity FN 5.7x28mm cartridge. For CCW, there’s a nice little Beretta BX-4 Compact Carry with factory Red Dot sight (1:12). If you want a “Show-Off” pistol, check out the eye-catching faux-gold finish Girsan Hi-Power clone (0:17). Revolver fans will appreciate the massive S&W 350 Legend revolver (1:29).
New Shotguns and Upgraded LUPO Rifle from Benelli
Benelli showcased new shotguns and an enhanced version of its handsome LUPO Rifle, first introduced in 2020. Benelli expanded the choice of LUPO chamberings to include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Mag. The LUPO featured Benelli’s proprietary BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) which is guaranteed against rust and corrosion for 25 years. BE.S.T. is high-gloss, unlike Cerakote. This proprietary finishing technology is a hybrid Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technology that applies a protective coating to parts. PVD and PECVD processes utilize electricity, radio frequencies, and plasma in a high vacuum environment to deposit a solid coating that precisely and uniformly covers the treated parts.
New Benchmade Knives for 2023
Here is a report from the floor of SHOT Show 2023. The video features a variety of cool new knives for 2023 from Benchmade. Some of these are coming soon, but you can check out all the latest Benchmade knives available at the KnifeCenter website.
New Savage 1911 Pistol
You read that right, rifle-maker Savage Arms is now producing a 1911-type pistol and is looks very good. It has ambidextrous controls, a forward rail, target crown, and nice sights. The new Savage 1911 is built built from stainless steel, has a dual recoil spring, machined sear and disconnector. It is offered in three styles: Black Nitride, Stainless, and Two-Tone (black slide, stainless frame). MSRP is $1499.00.
Lyman Mark 7 Progressive Reloading Press Line-Up
SHOT Show’s Amy Sweezey visited the Lyman booth to look at Lyman’s Mark 7 progressive reloading presses. The Mark 7 line of presses is very advanced. The all-new, automated Mark 7 GENESYS press featured in the video can be set, via a keypad, for a shorter pistol ammo up/down stroke or a longer rifle cartridge stroke. Output is 2500 rounds per hour for pistol and 2000 rounds per hour for rifle! For more info on the GENESYS and other Mark 7 progressives, visit LymanProducts.com.
New Glock Performance Trigger for Gen 5 Pistols
In this episode of TFB-TV, James Reeves interviews champion shooter Shane Coley. The key topic is Glock’s new factory-built Performance Trigger. Yes, Glock is now making a high performance trigger for its Gen 5 pistols. Shane explains all of the relevant details, including a surprisingly reasonable price. This new trigger should be available very soon.
QUICK FLIX
Rise Armament Iconic 2-Stage AR Trigger
Henry Homesteader Semi-Auto 9mm Rifle
LEFT: Rise Armament claims this is the first-ever “mechanically independent” two-stage trigger for AR-platform rifle. The first stage is 1 pound while the second stage is 2 pounds for 3-pounds total pull weight. As you can see in the video, there is a very short reset — good for 3-gun competition and tactical games.
RIGHT: Here is the new Henry Homesteader semi-auto 9mm rifle as displayed at Industry Day at the Range. This PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) shoots 9x19mm (9mm Luger) pistol ammo. As you can see, recoil is minimal. Testers really liked this new Henry rifle. READ Full Report.
Shadow Systems Pistols
BONUS Last Year Video of ELR Shooting at Raton in New Mexico
As a “blast from the past”, this 2022 SHOT Show TV video has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
NOTE: The ELR sequence in the video below starts at 23:48 mark, but if you click the center arrow start button the video should start at 23:48:
Today’s the day — SHOT Show 2023 has officially opened with thousands of gun industry exhibits at the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum center. The big event, the largest gun/shooting/hunting convention on the planet, will attract tens of thousands of visitors to Las Vegas for the next four days. SHOW Shot 2023 concludes on Friday, January 20, 2023. Our Daily Bulletin will provide reports from SHOT Show all week, highlighting interesting new firearms and shooting sports products. If you want an “insider’s view” of SHOT Show, check out the SHOT Show Facebook Page and SHOT Show Instagram Page.
CLICK HERE for the searchable database of all SHOT Show 2023 exhibitors.
SHOT Show Level 2 of the Venetian Expo, just hours before the event opened this morning.
Notable Products on Display at SHOT Show 2023
New Forster Co-Ax XL Reloading Press
The folks at Forster Products surprised us all with a remarkable new Co-Ax XL Press. This is bigger than the classic Co-Ax so it can handle cases up to .50 BMG. This new press features a floating quick change die station, floating “universal” shell holder, and integrated LED lighting.
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com has an exclusive video showcasing the features of the new XL Co-Ax press. Gavin posted: “The Co-Ax XL is a lot like the standard Forster Co-Ax, but on a larger scale to accommodate cartridges up to the mighty 50 BMG!”
MPA Matrix Air Professional Air Rifle Chassis
Leading rifle chassis-maker MasterPiece Arms (MPA) has released the new Matrix Air Professional Chassis. Built for stability and precision, the Matrix Air Pro is rugged and sturdy. Compatible with RAW HM1000X and FX Crown, the Matrix Air Pro can handle Plenums and 300, 580, and 700CC bottles. This game-changing Airgun Rifle Chassis offers simple installation and a large variety of accessories. MPA President Phil Cashin noted: “Over the past several years, there has been a huge growth in the Competition Precision Airgun market. Masterpiece Arms has recognized a significant need for a Precision Oriented Airgun Chassis. The Matrix Air Professional Chassis answers that need.”
Elite Iron Revolution Bipod
Elite Iron offers the impressive Revolution Bipod. Designed for long-barreled rifles in .338, .375, and .408 calibers, this unique bipod design provides exceptional strength, stability, and adjustability. Every bipod is hand-constructed to individual customer specifications, ensuring the highest quality fit and standards for even the most demanding environments.
AMP Bullet Seating Press — Computer Controlled
The AMP Press from Annealing Made Perfect combines a motor driven ram, a distance sensor, and a load cell to deliver extremely accurate and precise Force / Distance bullet seating measurements. It is designed for use with inline bullet seating dies. For the first time, this data can be stored and sorted according to a multitude of variables. This allows users to enhance their case preparation, so as to achieve more consistent “neck tension”. It also allows users to batch their loads accordingly. Users can store sessions for each caliber. Current bullet seating sessions can be compared to previous ones to accurately see how loads are changing (if at all) over time.
New Handguns for 2023 — Video Previews
Thousands of handguns will be showcased at SHOT Show 2023. This video covers seven relatively new design pistols that will be on display at SHOT Show 2023. These are: 00:34 The CZ P-10 F; 02:06 Rock River Arms STK 100; 03:44 SAR9 Compact; 05:04 Smith and Wesson M&P M2.0 10mm; 06:22 Bond Arms Roughneck Derringer; 07:08 Mossberg MC2sc; and 08:39 Cabot Guns Apocalypse.
Want to see even MORE new pistols? This Survival Gear video features has ten other recently introduced pistols. Most of these will be featured at SHOT Show 2023.
SHOT Show is a Massive Event — 800,000 Square Feet of Products
Based on current bookings, SHOT Show 2023 will encompass over 800,000 net square feet. That’s the equivalent of 14 football fields. There should be over 2600 exhibitors this year. CLICK HERE to search for exhibitor booths by company name.
There’s a new advanced powder dispensing system on the market — the SuperTrickler. This is an extremely advanced, push-button control powder dispenser that aims to offer the speed and precision of the AutoTrickler V4 in a unitized product with all the components — powder container, fast dispenser, and precision trickler — in one device. Below are four videos that show the SuperTrickler in action.
The SuperTrickler was designed by Rex Petersen of Denmark in collaboration with Australian Peter Kowald, a retired automation/process control engineer. Peter concentrated on the software, while Rex designed and crafted the mechanical functions. The SuperTrickler prototype attracted worldwide attention. It is now manufactured and sold from Denmark to customers worldwide.
The design team states: “Rather than just dropping powder, the SuperTrickler has been designed from the get-go to be part of a compact system approach to reloading, which is affordable to the home user. Apart from the precision balance, it does not rely on third-party products and has a responsive touch-screen interface to a stand-alone microprocessor that enables powerful … features such as laddering, data logging, automatic power-up, robotics interface and much more. When true precision matters for reloaders that want more, the SuperTrickler is a very fast, feature rich, expandable and future-proof investment in the art of reloading.”
The SuperTrickler is available by itself, or as a bundle with an A&D FX-120i force restoration scale. Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars NOT including shipping. If you have questions about the SuperTrickler, you can get answers via the SuperTrickler Facebook Group. There is also a SuperTrickler thread in our Shooters’ Forum. Units have started shipping but there can be significant wait times from order to arrival.
Industry Day at the Range is a unique event. Gun industry representatives are able to view, inspect, and shoot scores of new rifles, shotguns, and pistols provided by 200+ manufacturers from around the globe. In addition, new optics and shooting accessories are on display. Hundreds of media members and other gun industry personnel visited the Boulder City, Nevada gun range on 1/16/23 to test a wide variety of new firearms. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Conditions this year at the range were pretty brutal. It was cold, and there were wicked, 20+ mph winds. Still most of the shooting was at targets inside 50 yards so those breezes didn’t stop the show. It did make it more challenging to hit the longer range targets set up on the upper rifle bay.
Wicked Winds at the Range
New Henry Semi-Auto 9mm Rifle
Featured Products for SHOT Show 2023
SIG Sauer MCX-Spear Tactical Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor
SIG Sauer’s MCX-Spear will soon be available to purchase. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce was impressed with this advanced tactical rifle, which is a semi-auto version of the full-auto platform that won the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) contract with the U.S. military. MSRP for the MXC-Spear is $4199.00. It will initially be offered in .308 Winchester, and then 6.5 Creedmoor soon after. A few months later, the new .277 SIG chambering should be available. This looks like an AR, but because it has a gas piston (rather than direct impingement), it needs no AR-type buffer tube. This allows a handy folding stock. The MCX-Spear also has a convenient side charging handle. Watch Pearce shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor MCX-Spear starting at 3:20 time-mark. NOTE: Video and photo from previous SIG Sauer product demo day.
New 2311 Pistol from Oracle Arms — A Thoroughly Modern 1911
The all-new Oracle Arms 2311 has features derived from the classic 1911 platform, but modernized in many ways. Will this be a game changer? Only time will tell. The Hunt Fish Shoot Channel testers state “a completely ambidextrous 2011-style pistol with P320 magazines is something to get excited about!”
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Shotgun
The new Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is an American-made semi-automatic tactical shotgun for under $1000. The A300 series carries forward many features of the popular Beretta 1301, but with a redesigned operating system and lower price tag. This was filmed at the Special Beretta 2023 Range Day.
Henry Homesteader 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol Caliber Carbine
Henry Repeating Arms is known for classically-styled, lever-action rifles, but the new Homesteader is very different. This is a semi-automatic, 9mm Luger-chambered pistol-caliber carbine complete with a two-piece wood stock, open sights, and a 16″ threaded barrel. The design employs a proprietary magazine, though adapters for Glock, SIG Sauer P320, and Smith & Wesson M&P magazines will also be available.
SIG Sauer P320 AXG Comp Legion Pistol
In this TFBTV video, James Reeves tests the new SIG P320 AXG Comp Legion, an aluminum framed, compensated version of the SIG P320, optics ready and in the Legion format. NOTE: This test was done at the SIG Sauer range day which proceeded the full Industry Range Day.
One of the best things about Industry Day at the Range is the FREE Ammo provided by Federal and other manufacturers. Rifle, pistol, shotgun — the ammo is ALL FREE.
REPEAT Performance — Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle
As we recently featured Savage’s straight-pull Impulse Elite Precision rifle in our Daily Bulletin, we are reprising a video from Range Day 2022. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tested the Impulse Elite Precision at the Savage range booth. Pearce confirmed that the straight-pull action can, with a little practice, definitely increase rifle cycling speed: “It’s much faster to chamber follow-up shots, and stay on target. Even novice shooters can chamber a second shot much faster than with a standard rotating bolt.” Here is his video report:
Watch video at 3:00 time-mark to see bolt cycling. CLICK HERE for more GunsAmerica Range Day videos.
Impressive Zeiss optics were on display in 2023, as shown here in 2020.
This Sunday we showcase a top choice for PRS/NRL Production Division competition. Savage Arms has adapted its Impulse straight-pull action for the tactical market. Savage’s Impulse Elite Precision combines the award-winning* Savage Impulse straight-pull action with a precision MDT aluminum alloy chassis. The ability to shoot faster, with less rifle movement, is potentially a game-changer for the tactical/precision rifle competitions where stages run “on the clock” and fast follow-up shots are very important. And with a $2499.00 MSRP (for 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win), and $2719.00 for 6.5 Creedmoor, the Impulse Elite Precision qualifies for the PRS Production Division, which is now capped at $3000 for rifle and $2500 for optic under 2023 PRS Rules (2.3.1). The 2022 PRS Production rifle max price was $2500.00.
The Savage Impulse Elite Precision in the Field
This Savage Arms video shows an Impulse Elite Precision rifle being fired in the field, shooting off a tripod at steel targets. There are good close-ups showing the rifle being shot and cycled rapidly. Starting at 00:19, watch how quickly the operator can cycle the action in just about 1 second. If you are considering purchasing an Impulse Elite Precision, definitely watch this video:
The new Impulse Elite Precision features a straight-pull action fitted in a ACC (adjustable core competition) chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). With a full-length ARCA rail, the Impulse Elite Precision can be easily customized for individual balance preferences. You can add weight and accessories on the fore-arm easily through the ARCA mounts. And the rear section offers adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height. The ambidextrous bolt can be fitted on either right or left sides.
This Impulse straight-pull action is bedded in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, the Impulse Elite Precision is optimized for the PRS/NRL game.
Seven Chamberings Offered for Impulse Elite Precision
The Impulse Elite Precision is offered in seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. MSRP for the rifle in 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win (both with 26″ barrels) is $2499.00. In 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC, also with 26″ barrels, the rifle retails for $2719.00. For the bigger chamberings, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM, which have 30″ barrels, MSRP is $2799.00. Effective January 1, 2023, the max allowed price for PRS Production Class is $3000.00 (Rule 2.3.1 update).
“The Elite Precision has changed the way Savage shooters think about long-range capability,” said Jessica Treglia, Senior Brand Manager for Savage Arms. “The addition of the Impulse straight-pull action is going to add a new element of speed to an already efficient rifle. When split times are an important aspect of the competition, Impulse Elite Precision will be a game-changer.”
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Action — Overview
Savage’s Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Innovative Hexlock Bolt System in New Savage Impulse
When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”
Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)
* Hunting Version of Impulse Named 2021 Rifle of the Year — The Savage Impulse straight-pull hunting rifle won the coveted NRA American Hunter 2022 Golden Bullseye Award as Rifle of the Year. Previously, Guns & Ammo magazine editors also named Savage’s Impulse the 2021 Rifle of the Year.
SHOT Show 2023 is right around the corner, with the annual NSSF Gun Industry convention opening its doors to dealers and media on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Thousands of new products will be unveiled for the first time at SHOT Show 2023, including hundreds of new rifles. Today’s Saturday Movie showcase features a number of new (or nearly-new) rifles that will be on display at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. This showcase gives our readers a chance to preview some of the newest hunting, precision, and tactical rifles on the market even before retail buyers get to handle them at SHOT Show display booths.
Five Best New Generation Precision and Sniper Rifles for 2023
This Survival Gear video showcases five newer model precision/tactical rifles offered in 2022 and some new offerings for 2023. The models are: 1. SIG Sauer Cross PRS (1:01 time-mark); Scopes Poweryz (2:25); Tikka T3X Tac A1 (3:18); Kelbly’s Nanook MG (4:48, shown below); and IWI US DAN (6:05).
The video hosts based his choice on function, reliability, and accuracy: “When pulling together this list of the best precision rifles and sniper rifles, I considered a few different criteria. The list highlights modern rifles with proven track records that are currently in use. It includes some new precision rifles that are coming online right now.”
Three Impressive Modern Rifles — Including a Cool Ultralight
This 10-minute Central Gear video covers three fairly interesting rifles. PRS/NRL fans will like the Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro Precision Rifle, a modern mag-fed chassis rig for PRS/NRL competition. Hunters should check out the impressive Gunwerks Skunkwerks Lite SabR rifle. Designed for easy field carry by hunters, the limited-edition Lite Sabr features an ultra-light magnesium metal chassis and a folding buttstock. The third rifle, also from Gunwerks, is a modern muzzleloader for hunters.
Fierce Arms 5.8-Pound Mountain Reaper Ultralight
This video covers just one rifle, the Fierce Arms Mountain Reaper. But we think this new ultralight rig will definitely appeal to hunters who need a light rifle. With an 18″ barrel, the Mountain Reaper weighs just 5.8 pounds! The Mountain Reaper features an ultra-light magnesium chassis, carbon-wrapped barrel, and carbon M-Lok forearm. It also boasts a quick-deploying, push-button-lock folding stock and premium Bix ‘N Andy trigger. Seven chamberings are offered starting at $3399.00 MSRP.
Three New Bergara Rifles for 2023
With over 620,000 subscribers, the Backfire YouTube Channel is very popular. It has earned a strong following for its multi-product comparison tests and straight-talk “No BS” reviews. In this video, Backfire reviews three new rifles from Bergara: The Bergara B14 Squared Crest, The Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon, and the Bergara HMR Carbon. All three products are well suited for hunting and varminting.
Five New Rifles for 2023 — Wide Variety of Platforms
The five rifles featured in this video have just hit the market. Most of these were first revealed at the NASGW (Nat’l Assn. Sporting Goods Wholesalers) EXPO a few months ago. Many will also be showcased soon at SHOT Show 2023 next week. The five featured rifles are: 1) Traditions Shed Horn .50 Cal Muzzleloader (1:02 time-mark); 2) Rock River Arms LAR22 (3:19); Mossberg Patriot Predator (5:47); Live Free Armory Challenger (8:28); and Pioneer Arms 556 (11:05). Two of these five choices are AR-type rifles, and one is an AK variant underfolder. The reviewer notes: “Here are five of the best new rifles introduced at NASGW 2022 … to keep an eye out for in 2023.”
Top AR-Platform Rifles for 2023
AR-platform “Modern Sporting Rifles” continue to be top sellers because of their affordability and versatility. An AR rifle can be used for Service Rifle competition, 3-Gun games, varmint hunting, and of course, home defense. This video features 15 modern-generation AR-platform rifles. Most of these rifles will be on display at SHOT Show in Las Vegas starting Tuesday January 17, 2023.
In this 54-minute video interview, Ken Clemens, co-owner of Brux Barrels, is interviewed by F-Class ace Erik Cortina for the Cortina Precision YouTube Channel. A lot of ground is covered, with many fascinating insights into barrel-making revealed. Watch and learn:
Interview with Ken Clemens, Co-owner of Brux Barrels
If you are involved in competitive shooting, and especially if you compete in F-Class or long-range benchrest, we recommend you take the time to watch this interview, perhaps in a couple of sessions because it runs for a lengthy 54 minutes. Ken Clemens explains the important procedures that go into making match-grade, cut-rifled barrels. Ken also explains some factors to consider when choosing a barrel-maker and specifying length, contour, land/groove configuration, and twist rates.
About BRUX Barrel-Making Methods
Brux starts with 4150 chrome-moly or 416R stainless steel double-stress-relieved bar stock — the best available. Barrels are bored with the Barnes gun drill, and reamed with an industry-standard Pratt & Whitney reamer. Brux uses solid carbide cutter hooks and employs special methods to achieve best results.
After the bore-cutting process is complete, each barrel is hand-lapped to high-precision standards. Multi-point inspections and meticulous hand processes (not possible in mass production) ensure extremely high quality. The Brux website says: “If there is the slightest deviation in surface finish or tolerance, the barrel is discarded.”
BRUX Specializes in Cut-Rifled Gun Barrels
Brux produces custom cut-rifled barrels, precision-crafted by professionals with extensive experience in both machine tools and competitive shooting. While Brux earned its reputation building great barrels for F-Class, benchrest, and long range competition, Brux also crafts hunting barrels. Brux states: “Hunters, big game and varmint, can benefit from the accuracy and dependability of a custom barrel made to your specifications.”
BRUX Barrels’ Owners Are Competitive Shooters
Brux owners and machinists are shooters themselves. So they understand how important a truly top-quality barrel can be. Everything else about a rifle can be great, but you need a superb barrel to win at the highest level. Owners Ken Clemens (pictured above) and Norm Brux are both seasoned shooters with years of experience using their own products.
Made in the USA — About the Home of Brux Barrels
The Wisconsin River Valley near Lodi has a storied history of hunting and shooting. The glacier spared many granite escarpments, leaving secluded glens and a topography rich in soil and wildlife habitat, which attracted families with old-world values and skills. Many of their descendants turned raw steel and iron into the tools necessary for farming – and some evolved to precision tooling and making gun barrels.
Wisconsin River Valley near Ferry Bluff State Natural Area.
Do you have some ammo that got loaded incorrectly, perhaps with the wrong powder? Then you’ll want to disassemble the ammo for safety’s sake. You can use an impact puller to do this task, but if you have more than a dozen rounds or so, you may prefer to use a collet-style bullet puller. These work very quickly and positively, making quick work of big jobs. The efficiency of the collet-style puller is worth the investment if you frequently disassemble ammo. These devices retail for under $35.00 (collets sold separately). Normally, you’ll need a specific collet for each bullet diameter. But collets are not that costly, so this isn’t a big deal, particularly if you only load a few calibers, such as .223, 6mm, and .308.
Hornady and RCBS use different mechanisms to tighten the collet around the bullet. On the red lever Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller, a lever-arm on the top of the bullet puller serves to tighten the collet around the bullet. Simply rotate the lever from the vertical to the horizontal position to grab the bullet. Lower the ram to remove the case. The bullet will drop out when you return the lever arm to the vertical position. This is demonstrated in the video below:
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Demonstrated
Collet bullet-pullers resemble a loading die with a lever or handle on the top. They screw into a standard reloading press. Hornady and RCBS both make collet-style bullet pullers. They use the same basic principle — the device tightens a collet around the bullet, and then the bullet is separated from the case by lowering the press ram. NOTE: Collet pullers may leave small marks on your bullets, unlike impact (kinetic) pullers.*
Like the Hornady tool, the RCBS Bullet Puller employs a collet to grab the bullet. However, the RCBS tool tightens the collet in a different way. The head of the RCBS tool is threaded internally. By rotating the lever arm clockwise in a horizontal circle you squeeze the collet around the bullet. To remove the bullet, after lowering the press ram, simply spin the lever arm back in the opposite direction. The use of the RCBS tool is demonstrated in these two videos:
RCBS Collet Bullet Puller Demonstrated:
WARNING: When removing bullets from loaded cartridges, always make sure there are no obstructions or debris in your shell-holder or under the loaded round. NEVER engage a primer seating accessory on your press when working with loaded rounds. You can cause a round to discharge by contacting the primer! Also, we recommend you keep your head and torso away from the bullet puller tool at all times.
*By contrast, impact pullers rarely mark bullets, particularly if you put a little bit of foam or paper wadding in the closed end of your impact puller. When dismantling loaded rounds, powder kernels can get trapped in the wadding, so you should remove and replace the wadding before changing to cartridges loaded with a different powder type (assuming you intend to save the powder).
As a “blast from the past”, this 2022 SHOT Show TV video has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
Like the Hornady tool, the 
