The NSSF has compiled a webpage showing new handguns introduced in 2024 or late last year. The article, which also appears in SHOT Daily Magazine, covers 10 different manufacturers, small boutique makers as well as large manufacturers. In alphabetical order, the brands covered are: Dickinson Arms, European American Armory, FN, Lone Wolf Arms, Rossi, Smith & Wesson, Stoeger, Taurus, Uberti and Walther.
Beretta 92 GTS
The handsome new Beretta 92 GTS is the latest in Beretta’s historic 92 series. The new Limited Edition features an aluminum finish and handsome wood grips. Internally the 92 GTS features a new twin sear trigger system, offering a different double action experience.
FN 510 and 545 Big Bore Pistol Options
FN has released what it calls “big bore” choices of the original 509 design. The 510 MRD is chambered in 10mm and has 10- and 15-round mags. The 545 MRD is chambered in .45 ACP, also with 10- and 15-round mags. Like the 509, these are polymer-lower, striker-fired designs with 4.1-inch barrels. Both the 510 and 545 are available in black and Flat Dark Earth colors.
Stoeger STR 9mm Combat-X
Stoeger has released an updated version of the STR 9 with some new features such as removal of the finger grooves on the frame, redesigned cocking serrations, and a more robust locking block. This is a nice pistol at an affordable price compared to other comparable 9mm options on the market.
Multiple New Models from Ten Pistol Makers
This video covers ten pistols using mostly factory footage. In this video, Survival Gear spotlights 10 popular pistols displayed at SHOT Show. Some are new, while others have been out for a while. The ten featured handguns are:
Cabot 1911 Insurrection
Springfield Armory TRP
Live Free Armory Pistol
Glock 49
CANIK TP9 Elite Compact
Diamondback .357 Mag SDR Revolver
Walther PDP Match
Sig Sauer M17X
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Spec
Taurus Judge Toro
SIG Sauer P322 Comp Rimfire
In this video SIG Sauer Shooting Team Captain Max Michel puts the SIG P322-COMP through its paces at the range. The P322-COMP is a competition-ready .22 LR rimfire pistol with class-leading 25+1-round and 20+1-round capacity. It has a threaded barrel equipped with a 2-port compensator and comes with a factory-installed ROMEO Zero Elite Red Dot Optic. There are handy slide rackers, and the polymer grip features an adjustable trigger shoe, and integrated magwell.
Wednesday, 1/24/2024 was a big day at SHOT Show 2024. There were major political forums with state Governors and state Attorney Generals. New products were showcased including some impressive new electronic components, as well as innovative new rifles, pistols, and shotguns. In today’s summary we include two video “shorts” by F-Class John, who found a new laser chronograph from Caldwell, plus the impressive new AMP Annealing machine, the AMP Mark II DB. Scroll down to see those previews.
SHOT Show Day 2 RECAP
Our friend F-Class John found a new Radar Chronograph, the $499 Caldwell VelociRadar. This compact chrono will compete directly with the popular new Garmin Xero X1 Pro and the new compact Labradar LX.
F-Class John also checked out the new, advanced AMP Mark II DB Annealing system. With a digital display, this stores cartridge settings, has an auto-run feature, and a case counter. John will have a full video on the new machine very soon.
Governors Forum at SHOT Show
The major policy event of SHOT Show Day 2 was the third annual Governor’s Forum. Seven Governors, mostly from “red states”, attended the event. They discussed the importance of the Second Amendment and how states can work to promote the shooting sports industries. Laurence Keane, NSSF Sr. V.P. and General Counsel, acted as moderator.
Later in the afternoon there was the first-ever Forum with state Attorney Generals. Topics included how law enforcement officials handle Second Amendment issues.
SHOT Show New Product Center
Hundreds of new products were on display at the New Product Center on Level 1 of the Venetian EXPO. Among the most-scanned products were the new Ranger and Ranger+ systems from LongShot Target Cameras. We hope to test the impressive $399.00 Ranger+ this spring. It ha a guaranteed 1,000-yard capability and connects directly to your phone or tablet via WiFi.
New Suppressors from SilencerCo
SilencerCo is one of the nation’s leading suppressor vendors. SilenceCo has also streamlined the process of buying a suppressor and complying with Federal requirements. In this 2.5-minute interview, SilencerCo’s Mike Allen talks about the benefits of suppressors and notes some new developments in compact Spectre 9mm and Velos suppressor models. These feature new mounting systems.
Thousands of firearms are on display at SHOT Show 2024, including many that are being showcased for the first time at this major trade show. Today we’re featuring four noteworthy guns — three rifles and one pistol. The new CZ 600 MDT rig could quickly become an important player in PRS/NRL factory class. A new lever gun series was introduced by Smith and Wesson, with two versions, one with a stunning wood stock. Among competition pistols, Walther’s new steel-framed PDP Match model was impressive. And we expect hunters and tactical shooters will like Beretta’s tactical version of its popular BRX1 straight-pull rifle.
CZ 600 MDT Tactical Match
CZ is rolling out an impressive new rifle for the PRS/NRL crowd. The new CZ 600 MDT match rifle combines the popular CZ 600 bolt action with a top-quality MDT alloy stock. We think this is a good option for someone getting started in PRS/NRL competition. In addition the action can be removed and placed in a conventional stock for hunting season.
In this TFB-TV episode, host James Reeves visits CZ headquarters to check out the new CZ 600 MDT. The CZ 600 MDT is a collaboration with MDT Precision, makers of quality precision rifle chassis systems. The CZ 600 series was introduced in 2022, and this is a cool, new variant for the tactical market. TFB-TV states that: “The CZ 600 MDT takes the accuracy and ease of use from the CZ 600 family and marries it to one of two different MDT chassis to bring the CZ 600 into the tactical, military, and PRS realms.”
Smith & Wesson’s New Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifles
At SHOT Show 2024 Smith & Wesson showcased of its first ever modern lever-action rifles, the S&W Model 1854 Series. These new Model 1894 Lever Guns will be offered in multiple formats. Get the basic version with stainless barrel/action and a polymer forearm/buttstock for $1279.00. Or if you have a big budget you can get the limited-edition Model 1854 with polished black PVD finish and very handsome, fully-figured wood for $3499.00 MSRP.
In 1854, Smith & Wesson founders Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson patented their first lever gun. Honoring that historic milestone, the classic American lever gun is reborn as the Model 1854 Series, the first to incorporate the feel of Smith & Wesson’s revered large-frame revolvers, their smooth action, and iconic craftsmanship.
The Model 1854 Series rifles are built with 19¼-inch barrels, are chambered in .44 Rem Mag, and have a capacity of 9+1. The standard Model 1854 has a 410 stainless receiver and a 416 stainless barrel. Key features include M-LOK slots in the fore-end, a 4¾-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, a flat-face trigger, and removable magazine tube. Additionally, these rifles contain a side loading gate, utilize side ejection, and include a removable mag tube for easier unloading.
Mark Smith, S&W President/CEO states: “These rifles fuse the classic craftsmanship of the iconic lever-action with modern engineering to deliver a platform built on reliability and performance. Our new Model 1854 rifles are a nod to tradition and a testament to Smith & Wesson’s legacy as an American firearms manufacturer.”
The handsome Model 1854 Limited Edition shares the same feature set, but instead of the M-LOK capable fore-end, it boasts a classic high-grade satin walnut finish on both the stock and fore-end and a polished black PVD finish on the receiver and barrel. Both rifles have a 36″ overall length, include a 11/16-24 threaded muzzle, and ship with an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear sight and a gold bead front sight.
Walther PDP Steel Frame Match Pistol
We like metal-framed pistols. The extra weight lowers the center of gravity, reduces muzzle flip, and allows faster shot strings. That’s all very valuable if you are shooting pistol matches on the clock. Walther has made a good thing better by creating a full metal version of its popular PDP pistol. The PDP Match metal variant features an extended ergonomic grip and optics-ready slide. The trigger is excellent. This is definitely one of the best 9mm competition pistols on the market.
Intrigued? You’ll find a very thorough review on the All4Shooters.com website. This review includes comprehensive tech details and has good close-up images. The review also includes information on the lesser-priced Walter PDP with polymer grip. As sold in the USA the Walther PDP Match Steel Frame model costs $1,899, shipped with two 20-rd and one 18-rd magazines with aluminum base pads.
Beretta BRX1 Straight-Pull Tactical Version
For 2024, Beretta has introduced a new, camo-finish version of BRX1. This has been dubbed the BRX1 Tactical. Like other BRX1 rifles, this camo BRX1 features a left/right swappable straight-pull action that is very fast to cycle.
In this video, released just last week (1/17/24), the TFB-TV team tests the new Beretta BRX1 Tactical: “This tactical edition, a standout with its multicam finish, is a specialized variant of the Beretta BRX-1, which has gained popularity in Europe for its precision and reliability. The BRX-1 Tactical is enhanced for practical functionality with a 3D printed magazine adapter, allowing it to accept Magpul P-Mags, adding to its versatility.” This video covers the BRX1’s notable features including smooth action, adaptability, and stock ergonomics. The video also compares the new BRX1 Tactical to the original European BRX-1 model, highlighting the main changes — principally the stock configuration and the new bigger magazine.
The new BRX1 Tactical rifle features the same advanced straight-pull action as shown in the BRX1 hunting model below. But the tactical model has a more rugged stock and will hold larger-capacity Magpul P-Mags.
NEW Burris Eliminator 6 Laser Rangefinder Riflescope
The new Burris Eliminator 6 could be the most sophisticated new optics product at SHOT Show 2024. This 4-20x52mm optic combines a powerful laser rangefinder with multiple environmental sensors, in a 34mm tube format that is compact, with easy-to-use turret controls and sharp ED glass.
Burris revolutionized hunting optics with its Eliminator laser rangefinding riflescopes. These offered a magnified optic with a built-in rangefinder giving hunters and varminters a fast/accurate aiming solution. The Eliminator’s laser measured distance then provided a firing solution. Just put the red dot on the target. Building on five generations of Eliminator rangefinding riflescopes, Burris has just released an impressive, all-new, completely redesigned Eliminator 6. Hunters who are familiar with the legacy Eliminator series will instantly recognize the Eliminator 6 as “something different,” and they would be correct. It is smaller, and lighter, and it looks like a regular scope.
How does it work? Using the Eliminator 6, simply range your target, hold the illuminated aiming point on your target, and hold wind if necessary using the hold-off points in the reticle. You don’t have to carry around a separate Laser Rangefinder, or dial elevation with knobs.
See how the parallax and illumination adjustments are now conveniently located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Burris states that the “Eliminator 6 [has] the most comprehensive and advanced integrated technology ever delivered in a hunting riflescope.” Remarkably, this new Eliminator 6 includes multiple sensors, along with the laser rangefinder. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). This allows the Eliminator 6 to provide extremely accurate ballistics solutions. The key features are:
• Integrated laser rangefinder capable of ranging out to 2,000 yards (reflective)
• BurrisConnect App compatible for quick programing and precise ballistics
• 4-20X Magnification
• X177 Reticle with 177 1/5 MOA illuminated aiming points
• Angle Sensor informs ballistics calculator
• Built-In Environmental Sensors
• HUD with 11 data zones
• Shotcall Marker
To maximize optical clarity and minimize chromatic aberration, Burris uses extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for the Eliminator 6. The ED glass combined with multi-coated lenses deliver a crisp optical view with superb low-light transmission. Other optical features include a new 5X system with 4-20X magnification, a +2.0 to -3.0 diopter adjustment range, and side focus/parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity. Parallax and illumination adjustments are now located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Ranging — At the touch of a button, the Eliminator 6 offers instant and precise ranging out to 2000+ yards on reflective targets and 1400 yards on deer hide. Simply place the reticle on the target, depress the ranging button, and the distance in yards or meters is presented on the scope’s heads-up display (HUD).
Environmental Monitoring — Climate and terrain play a big part in ballistics. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). From this, the Eliminator 6 selects the ballistics solution via the previously calculated database drawn from the Burris Connect App.
Ballistic Compensation — Eliminator 6 ballistic solutions are calcuated on the BurrisConnect mobile App and uploaded to the scope. Bluetooth connectivity with the user’s mobile device allows the user to create an internal DOPE card in the Eliminator 6 that combines ranging, environmental, and ballistic data. Users can create profiles using factory load data or completely custom.
Precise Aiming Solutions – The digital DOPE card works with the scope’s illuminated X177 reticle to display the precise holdover aiming point for the ranged distance. Combined with the reticle’s windage hold-off points, the Eliminator 6 offers a massive 177 aim points with 1/5 MOA precision to ensure reliable point-of-aim/point-of-impact performance.
ShotCall Marker (SCM) – Available for display in the HUD is bullet velocity and bullet energy at the ranged distance. These features allow the shooter to recognize when the shot distance may be too far and the velocity/energy too low to ensure an ethical kill. The SCM will display an “X” if the user defined ballistic terminal performance is inadequate at the ranged distance.
Every wondered how modern rifle actions are designed and crafted? Want to know the fine details of firing pin function and bolt lock-up? Then you should definitely watch this highly informative YouTube video. Top F-Class shooter Eric Cortina of Cortina Precision interviews Jim Borden, an engineer whose Borden Accuracy company produces some of the best rifle actions ever made. This is one of the better Eric Cortina video interviews. You’ll learn quite a bit from watching the video. The full video runs over two hours, so you may want to watch in segments over a couple of days.
Viewers have praised this interview, saying it has a wealth of information:
Gunsmith Alex Wheeler observed: “I consider Jim a friend even though we have never met. Definitely one of the guys that really gets actions. There’s not as many of them as you would think. He was the first timed action out there that had good ignition, at least in my opinion. It was a great interview. I do hope he has him on again.”
“Agreed. Jim is full of information and really does a good job on his actions. This [Cortina] interview with Jim Borden was excellent.” — Jud96
“I really like Jim’s explanations on why ductility is so important in an action. Especially in the critical areas that basically form 90 degree surfaces, such as where bolt lugs meet the bolt body. There is a lot of great info in this interview.” — Jackie Schmidt
“I have enjoyed all of Erik’s interview videos, which are very informative. But I agree [that] this interview with Jim Borden is the best. I learned a lot. Thank you Erik and Jim!” — Alexander-M
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Jim began shooting high power silhouette and benchrest matches in the mid 1970s while working for a Fortune 500 company as an engineer. In the early 1980s he began building rifles for himself and then for others. Jim has a background as a gunsmith, machinist, registered mechanical engineer, engineering instructor, project manager, hunter, and benchrest competitor.
In benchrest competition Jim has set ten world records and won 11 National Championships thereby earning induction into the Benchrest Hall of Fame. Jim also served six terms as President of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS).
Jim operates Borden Rifles/Borden Accuracy with his wife Joan, sons Jim Junior and John, daughter Andrea Mecca and son-in-law John (Mike) Mecca. Jim is also an outstanding photographer. Below is a stunning eagle image photographed by Jim Borden.
Borden Accuracy — A Success Story
Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles has been a source for precision benchrest and hunting rifles for many years. Jim started doing his own gunsmithing while competing in benchrest and High Power silhouette matches. Jim launched his business in 1987, working nights and weekends while still employed at P&G. The business became full-time in 1995 with Jim and his wife Joan doing the work. The business was expanded in 1999 with the construction of the new Springville, PA facility and the addition of sons Jim Jr. and John to the staff. Daughter Andrea Mecca joined the staff in May 2016 as machinist and machine operator and Son-in-law John Mecca came onboard in January 2000.
Jim and company began making Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions in 2001. They added Borden Alpine and Timberline actions in 2006. These actions are made in an advanced manufacturing facility which has three CNC vertical machining centers, 1 CNC lathe and 2 CNC turning centers, three manual lathes, a manual knee mill, a surface grinder, a cylindrical grinder and wire EDM machine. To learn more, visit BordenRifles.com, call 570-965-2505, or send email to info [at] bordenrifles.com.
SHOT Show 2024 kicks off on Monday, January 22, 2024 with Industry Day at the Range. We’ll have friends there at the Boulder City Range testing new rifles and pistols, and checking out new optics and accessories. Then on Tuesday, January 23, the doors open at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Over 2500 companies will be exhibiting products this year, with booths and displays covering over 800,000 square feet of floor space. Show organizers expect over 50,000 attendees.
SHOT Show is restricted to industry professionals — manufacturer personnel, buyers/sellers of products, and media representatives. But thankfully, there will be lots of coverage from the event. We’ll be providing regular updates through our Daily Bulletin. In addition, we’ll be following SHOT Show coverage from leading gun-related YouTube Channels, including BackFire, Guns America Digest, The Firearm Blog (TFB-TV), RECOIL Magazine, and Ultimate Reloader. And below are official pages from the show website:
Here are two video previews for products that will be on display in Las Vegas at SHOT Show 2024.
In addition, NRA Publications’ Shooting Illustrated will provided extensive coverage of SHOT Show — from pre-show private events to Media Day At The Range to updates from the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Shooting Illustrated staffers will be at SHOT Show to find notable new firearms, gear, and accessories, which will be covered via regular updates on the internet. Check out ShootingIllustrated.com for daily show recaps, as well as exclusive, live content from Las Vegas on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Shooting Illustrated is the NRA’s official journal covering personal defense, concealed carry, and tactical firearms, training and gear. Shooting Illustrated reaches over one MILLION users through its print magazine, digital publications, and social media. Visit ShootingIllustrated.com for more information.
Though some manufacturers introduce new rifles mid-year, many officially launch new rifles at SHOT Show each January, though often with late fall previews before the actual show. There have been some very innovative rifles introduced recently, including the Nosler Carbon Chassis Hunter shown above and the new PWS UXR featured in a separate article.
In today’s Saturday Showcase, we feature seven videos that cover a huge variety of rifle types — from air rifles to long-range, large-caliber ELR rigs. The first video below covers 11 different rifles, and the other six videos cover more than two dozen other rifles. Watching these videos is a good way to see a host of different rifle options in a short period of time.
11 New/Recent Rifles with Factory Promo Videos
This videos features new offerings from Mossberg, Benelli, Stag Arms, Bergara, and more. There’s also the return of a classic, the Marlin 336.Rifles listed in this video (with video times):
When you’re in mountainous backcountry pursuing big game, you don’t want to be hauling around a 12-pound rifle. Thankfully, with carbon fiber and other modern materials, there are quality hunting rifles at 6 pounds or less. The host of this video notes: “When you go hunting, the last thing you want is to carry a heavy gun with you that gets you tired and weighs you down. The good news is that this is not necessary anymore. In times of titanium carbon fiber, and Kevlar, hunting rifles get lighter and lighter while keeping all the high-quality, reliability, and accuracy that you expect of them. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at these lightweights that will serve you well.”
Savage Arms KLYM Light Rifle
Here is innovative engineering from Savage Arms. The impressive new Savage KLYM rifle employs carbon fiber components for major weight savings. The HuntStand team had a chance to field test the new KLYM rifle series: “Based on a new carbon-fiber platform, Savage KLYM cuts weight so you can go farther in your quest for beasts off the beaten path.” With its Proof Research carbon fiber-wrapped stainless barrel and FBT carbon fiber stock, the new KLYM is listed as weighing under 6 pounds.
Recommended Take-Down Camp Rifles
We think every avid hunter can use a take-down rifle. Able to separate into two shorter sections, a good take-down rifle can be carried conveniently in a day pack, yet assembled easily in a minute. This video covers a variety of take-down rigs, most of which are chambered for rimfire cartridges. Some of these rifles are ultra-light, weighing less than 4.5 pounds without optic.
Accurate .22 LR Rifles for 2024
This PewPew Zone video showcases multiple .22 LR rifles. Shown above is the CZ 457 with Manners Precision stock. The rimfire rifles featured in this video (in order) are: Lithgow LA 101, Anschutz 1761, Tikka T1x MTR, CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer, Savage Mark II FV, and Ruger Precision Rimfire.
Long Range Rifles
This video focuses on larger-caliber rifles intended for long-range target shooting and tactical applications. Rifles featured in this video include: Barrett MRAD MK22, Howa 1500, Bergara B14, Accuracy Int’l AXSR, Tikka T3X TAC A1, Daniel Defense Delta 5, Ruger Precision Rifle. Unfortunately, the interesting rifle shown on the static intro frame is more of a teaser and is not separately tested.
Best Air Rifles for 2024
Air rifles are fun and very inexpensive to shoot. There are a variety of air rifle disciplines now: from benchrest competition, 3-position shooting, air rifle silhouette, tactical matches, and the popular Field Target Competition. You can shoot air rifles for a small fraction of the cost of centerfire firearms.
A radical new tactical rifle, the UXR (User Xchange Rifle) was just introduced by PWS (Primary Weapons Systems). This unique, revolutionary rifle allows users to quickly switch chamberings by exchanging just three parts: barrel, magwell, and bolt head. Initially available in 5.56×45 and .300 BLK variations, the UXR platform will also be available in .308 Win and 8.6 BLK configurations later this year.
Our friend True Pearce of GunsAmerica Digest Tests the new PWS UXR:
The new UXR rifle has a unique, patent-pending Xchange system. The upper receiver of the UXR is the only serialized part of the setup, enabling the shooter to easily transition from configuration to configuration, caliber to caliber. Adaptability is the core principle of the UXR, showcased in its many customizable features such as an adjustable buttstock that can fold left or right, an adjustable cheek plate, and ambidextrous-able selector switch, magazine release and even the charging handle.
The UXR platform also features a proprietary “modified long-stroke piston system” which allows the rifle to run reliably with any UXR barrels regardless of caliber. This internal system allows the user to swap calibers and barrels without needing to adjust the gas system each time. And the newly-designed Bore Evacuator reduces back pressure, especially when a suppressor is being used, making the UXR a good choice for suppressed shooting.
For more information on the UXR, visit Primaryweapons.com/firearms/uxr. PWS will have the UXR at the Industry Day at the Range on January 22, 2024, and it will be showcased at SHOT Show 2024.
The RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used with some Dillon and Hornady progressive presses.
If you load pistol or rifle ammo with a progressive press, we strongly recommend you get a Lock-Out Die from RCBS. This unique reloading die will prevent your progressive press from advancing if the dispensed powder charge is more or less than about 0.3 grains too high or too low. The Lock-Out Die really works. Your Editor uses it on his RCBS 2000 progressive press. I can affirm that a Lock-Out Die has “saved my bacon” a half-dozen times over the years when there was an over-charge (which could cause a Kaboom) or a low charge (which could cause a squib load).
The Lock-Out Die works by using a central die detection rod that sets its vertical position based on the height of the powder column in the case. Through an ingenious design, if the powder column height is too low or too high, the rod locks in place as you start to pull the press handle. This halts the press before the ram can lift and the cartridge plate can advance. Unlike a beeping alarm system (which can be ignored or defeated), the Lock-Out Die physically stops the movement of the press ram and prevents a bullet being seated in the “problem” case.
It takes a bit of tweaking to get the Lock-Out Die detection rod setting just right, but once it is correctly positioned, the Lock-Out Die works smoothly in the background. The Lock-Out Die won’t interfere with the loading process unless it detects a high or low charge — and then it positively stops the progressive loading cycle.
While crafted for use in RCBS progressive presses, the RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used on a Dillon XL Progressive (see video below) or Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive — though it does take up one station which could otherwise be used for a final crimp die (after the seating die). The RCBS 2000 has one more station than a Dillon 550/650, so it’s an ideal platform for using the Lock-Out Die.
Learn More at UltimateReloader.com
On the UltimateReloader.com website, run by our friend Gavin Gear, you’ll find an excellent two-part series on the function and set-up of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. Part One explains how the Lock-Out Die functions, using cut-away illustrations. Part Two shows how to install and adjust the Lock-Out Die on various progressive presses. The Ultimate Reloader video at the top of this article shows setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press, while the Reloading Bench video below shows the Lock-Out Die on a Hornady LnL progressive.
The folks at Sierra Bullets asked a few staff bulletsmiths a classic question about guns: “If you could own only one firearm which one would you choose?” There were many interesting answers including a “cheater” response — the drilling — which is really two guns in one. The most-often mentioned chambering was the venerable .30-06. Respondents cited its versatility, hunting prowess, and ready availability of ammo. The popular .308 Winchester, as expected, got mentions as did its cousins the .243 Win and 7mm-08. There were quite a few votes for classic lever guns, as well as 12-gauge shotguns. Two bulletsmiths cited the .22 LR, and we can certainly see the logic in that answer. The little rimfire cartridge is versatile, quiet, and inexpensive. SEE All Answers.
We ask our readers the same question — if you could only have one long gun, what type of firearm would it be? List the gun type and chambering in the comments section.
If You Could Have Just One Long-Gun — ANSWERS:
Media Relations Manager Carroll Pilant answered: “I would NEVER own only one gun. If I HAD to pick one, it would be a drilling in 12 gauge over .30-06.”
Ballistic Technician Rich Machholz answered: “The early tang safety Ruger M77s pretty much have all you could want in a bolt gun, but I do like the Winchester lever guns and the combination guns, particularly the drillings. Since I have the first two, I’m going for a Doug Turnbull 1886 or a side by side 20 gauge over .223 drilling.”
Ballistic Technician Philip Mahin answered: “More than likely it would have to be a bolt action .30-06. The reliability is legendary on a wide range of game animals and factory ammunition has still been available at my local stores even in these tough times.”
Ballistic Technician Duane Siercks answered: “If I had to boil it all down to one gun, it would probably be a .30-06. I have a Remington 700C (custom shop gun) that has worked very well for anything and everything I have ever wanted to do with it.”
Ballistic Technician Paul Box answered: “A .22 Rimfire.”
Chief Ballistician Tommy Todd answered: “Remington 700 in .308 Winchester.”
VP – Sales & Marketing Matt Reams answered: “A light weight Kimber in 25-06.”
Production Toolsetter Brad Vansell answered: “Savage weather warrior 7mm-08 is my rifle of choice.”
Production Toolsetter Dan Mahnken answered: “The .308 Winchester rifle — [based on the] wide range of bullets made and the wide range of things that one can hunt with it.”
Process Engineer David Palm answered: “Savage action 243 Winchester.”
Ballistic Technician Gary Prisendorf answered: “Probably a .22 LR. It may not be the best choice, but you could use it for about anything if you really had to.”
Production Manager Chris Hatfield answered: “Beretta A300 Outlander 12 gauge.”
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Borden Accuracy — A Success Story
If you load pistol or rifle ammo with a progressive press, we strongly recommend you get a Lock-Out Die from RCBS. This unique reloading die will prevent your progressive press from advancing if the dispensed powder charge is more or less than about 0.3 grains too high or too low. The Lock-Out Die really works. Your Editor uses it on his RCBS 2000 progressive press. I can affirm that a Lock-Out Die has “saved my bacon” a half-dozen times over the years when there was an over-charge (which could cause a Kaboom) or a low charge (which could cause a squib load).
