Today’s Saturday video showcase includes multiple video reviews of some of new rifle and pistols introduced in recent months. There are some impressive new rifles, and a score of new pistols both for CCW and competition.
Ten New Guns Revealed for 2025
This video features an interesting collection of new rifles and new handguns. Rimfire rifle fans should check out the Bergara BMR .22 LR rifle, while hunters will like the fast-cycling Beretta BRX1 straight-pull rifle. Among the pistols covered in this video, the Kimber KD9SC has nice features and 1911-style ergonomics.
Notable covered guns shown in the above video:
Best New Bolt-Action Rifles in Review
If you are looking for a new affordable hunting or varmint rifle, this video is a good place to start. It features 14 bolt-action rifles from a wide variety of manufacturers including Barrett, Bergara, Browning, CVA, Ruger, Savage and more. There is good video footage showing rifle details and features.
1. Dark Mountain Arms (DMA) Stowaway
2. Bergara MG Micro Lite
3. Taurus USA Expedition
4. CVA Cascade SR-80
5. Stag Arms Pursuit
6. Barrett MRAD ELR
7. Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan
8. Bergara B14 Wilderness Sierra
9. Beretta BRX1
10. Savage Arms KLYM
11. Ruger American Rifle Gen 2
12. Bespoke Gun Phantom
13. CVA Cascade LRH
14. Best of the West Stealth
New Rifles and Shotguns
This video covers both rifles and shotguns. Featured first is the CMM BR4 semi-auto rifle that complies with state restrictions while offering AR-style functionality. This is followed by a report on the Browning X-Bolt 2 rifle with muzzle brake. Next is the SIG Sauer MCX military-style rifle, followed by a Browning A5 shotgun. There are five other featured long guns reviewed by this video for nine in total (see list below). NOTE: The video title claims 13 guns are reviewed, but there are really only 9 specific stories:
Smith & Wesson M15
HM Defense HM 50B
Beretta BRX 1
Wilson Combat AR
(multiple models)
New Handguns including CZ Shadow 2 and Taurus 608 Revolver
This video is mostly manufacture-supplied PR material but it does cover a variety of interesting new handguns: CZ Shadow 2 Target; Savage Stance XR; Kimber CDS9; Taurus 608 Competition Revolver; and Tisa PX 5.7. That CZ Shadow 2 Target pistol has attracted much attention, with some good reviews. The Firearm Blog says the new Shadow 2 Target may be the most accurate CZ pistol ever made. With a $2600 price it better be good! If you compete in action pistol matches, the CZ Shadow 2 could take you to the next level… but that price is daunting.
Best New Lever-Action Rifles for 2025
Lever-action rifles are enjoying a significant growth in popularity. For 2025 Savage has introduced the Revel Classic and Revel DLX rimfire lever-action rifles in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR chamberings. This video covers other new lever guns including: Bishop Firearms 1895 GBL (01:00), Smith & Wesson 1854 (02:22), POF USA Tombstone (03:54); Browning BLR (05:26); Winchester 1892 DLX Octagon (06:50); Henry Big Boy X (08:25); Marlin 1895 Dark Series (10:00).
Leading New Air Rifles for 2025
Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or just love high-quality air guns, this video is worth watching. The title refers to five rifles but it actually covers six notable, recently-introduced air rifles, showcasing performance, accuracy, and features. From budget-friendly options to high-end precision models, the video covers six air rifles with performance stats and real-world testing. The reviews include pros/cons and features of each model: BRK Pathfinder XR Green (00:55); FX Impact X4 (02:20); Gamo Riser Punisher (03:56); Umarex Zelos PCP (05:20); BRK Ghost Silver (06:54); and Hatsan Jet 3 (08:19).
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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.
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For the second year in the row, one of the more popular rifles at SHOT Show was the versatile Bergara’s B14 Hunting and Match Rifle (HMR). Designed for the tactical, PRS, and long-range hunting markets the HMR features an ergonomic, adjustable stock fitted with an internal aluminum sub-chassis. The stock is comfortable in a variety of positions, making it suitable for both hunting and practical shooting comps. The HMR is now offered in five chamberings: 22-250, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag. They all use AICS-compatible box magazines. We’re pleased that all HMRs are guaranteed to produce sub-MOA groups at 100 yards using factory match-grade ammunition. Weight, without optics, is 9.15 lbs, about one pound less than the Ruger Precision Rifle. MSRP is $1,150.00. That’s a good value, but we wish Bergara included a scope rail from the factory.
Watch Video Starting at 6:30 for Bergara B14 HMR (Showing Internal Chassis):
The Spanish-made HMR boasts a molded synthetic stock with built-in machined aluminum mini-chassis. This mini-chassis allows secure, repeatable bedding for Bergara’s B14 action, which features two-lug bolt with coned bolt-head. The Chrome-Moly Bergara barrels are threaded 5/8″ x 24 at the muzzle for brakes or suppressors. The HMR uses a precision-machined bottom metal and is designed to accept AICS-style magazines.
The stock has a multi-stage textured finish, which looks good. Designed for both righties and lefties, the ambidextrous stock features an adjustable cheekpiece, and length of pull is adjustable with simple spacers. For slings and accessories, the HMR stock offers multiple flush cup QD mounts as well as multiple swivel studs for bipods and/or slings.
This should be an interesting addition to the line-up of factory rifles suitable for the PRS Series Production Class. But frankly, we think Bergara went too short with the barrels (or at least should offer longer barrels as options). In 6.5 Creedmoor, at 22″ you’re giving up 90 FPS or so compared to a 27″ (See Barrel Cut-Down Test). Additionally, we think most PRS competitors would prefer a different profile on the fore-end. Nonetheless for tactical guys who don’t like modular metal stocks, this is a pretty affordable option that can also work for hunting. NOTE: The new 6mm Creedmoor version does include a 26″ 1:8″-twist barrel. We like that. CLICK HERE for Bergara B14 HMR Owners Manual.
Our friends Ed and Steve, aka the 6.5 Guys seemed to be everywhere at SHOT Show. With tripods and cameras slung over their shoulders, Ed and Steve worked marathon hours, recording no less than 43 SHOT Show videos. They found all sorts of new and interesting products. They visited notable optics makers including March, Nightforce, Nikon, and Vortex. They interviewed major players in the PRS/Tactical Game including George Gardner of G.A. Precision, Tom Manners of Manners Composite Stocks, and Frank Galli, founder of Sniper’s Hide. And the 6.5 Guys also covered mainstream, large-volume rifle makers. That will be our focus here today, as we present the 6.5 Guys’ coverage of three key, long-arms builders or importers — Bergara, Legacy International, and Savage Arms.
Savage Arms — New Options for Precision Shooters
We own a couple Savage rifles, so we know Savage centerfire rifles can deliver surprisingly good accuracy for the price. It is not unusual for Savage rifles in some chamberings to shoot 0.7 MOA right out of the box. And the barrel nut system allows you to easily swap in an aftermarket custom barrel to get even more accuracy. Here the 6.5 Guys look at Savage’s new-for-2018 offerings, including the Stealth Evolution and the long-action Model 110 BA with GRS stock. A new chambering has been added — the 6.5 PRC.
Bergara — Becoming a Player in the American Market
We have been impressed with Bergara’s development as a brand in the last few years. Bergara, a Spanish company, is serious about becoming a player in the American market. The company has listened to American shooters, building hunting and tactical rifles with key features valued by American customers. Bergara rifles offer a nice combination of comfortable ergonomics with some advanced engineering, such as the B14’s internal metal chassis. In this video, the 6.5 Guys look at the latest rifle offerings from Bergara.
Legacy Sports International — Howa and Lithgow Arms
Legacy Sports Int’l is the importer/distributor for a number of rifle manufacturers, including Howa, Lithgow Arms, and Citadel. In this video, Ed looks at the Howa KRG Bravo chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. This features the smooth-running Howa 1500 action with 2-Stage HACT Trigger, set in a Kinetic Research Group modular chassis. Priced at $1279.00 MSRP with sub-MOA guarantee, it is definitely a serious contender in the PRS Factory Class. Anyone looking at a Ruger Precision Rifle should also consider this Howa.
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SHOT Business, an NSSF publication, has just revealed a host of new-for-2018 rifles. These new rigs will all be on display at SHOT Show in Las Vegas next month. These new rifles run the gamut — from muzzle-loaders to modern-day Tommy Guns. As you’d expect, there are AR-platform rifles, and modular PRS-type rigs. There is also an interesting new rifle from Savage that looks very Tikka-esque.
SHOT Business reports: “For what seems like a long time now, new rifle introductions at the SHOT Show have been dominated by variations on the AR15/AR10 platform. But times are changing, to paraphrase one of Bob Dylan’s most famous lines. For 2018, we continue to see line extensions to accommodate the 6.5 Creedmoor, but we’re also seeing the emergence of a new trend—dedicated long-range precision sport and hunting rifles. Yes, there are still a few new MSRs that will draw intense interest, but for the first time in a decade, the new rifles at SHOT are a balanced lot.”
Among the many new rifles to debut at SHOT Show 2018, here are three that caught our eye. Savage has upgraded its hunting rifle offerings with adjustable, internal-chassis stocks, Bergara continues to build a good reputation, and Mossberg has rolled out a new modular rifle that could provide stiff competition to Ruger’s popular RPR.
Savage — New Stocks for 110 Series
We are impressed with the New Savage 110 line-up featuring higher-quality, user-adjustable stocks. The all-new AccuFit system/stock allows shooters to customize length of pull and comb height. The new AccuStock features a rigid chassis embedded in the stock. Savage has a full line of revamped 110s with these enhanced stocks. For example, the Savage 110 Storm shown here features a detachable-box magazine, a stainless-steel barrel, and a gray synthetic stock. It is available in many chamberings from .223 Remington to .338 Winchester Magnum. MSRP: $849. Visit SavageArms.com.
Bergara — Upgrades to HMR
The HMR Pro is an upgraded version of the HMR, introduced in 2017. The new-for-2018 HMR Pro includes a Cerakoted stainless action and barrel with a threaded muzzle plus a upgraded TriggerTech trigger. All HMR Pros ship with a “proof of accuracy” sub-MOA target. Available chamberings are: .223 Remington ( 1:8″-twist), .22/250 Remington (1:9″-twist), 6mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor (both 1:8 twist, and .308 Winchester with a 1:10 twist. Weight range: 9.2 to 10.10 pounds. MSRP: $1,695. Visit BergaraUSA.com.
Mossberg T&T — Tactical and Traditional
The MVP Precision looks good. It has all-new chassis with a longer fore-end up front and a fully-adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock in the back. Every rifle comes with an LBA trigger, and 20″ or 24″ threaded and free-floated medium bull barrels are standard. The action features an oversize bolt handle with a Picatinny rail on top. Available chamberings include the 6.5 Creedmoor (no surprise) and 7.62×51 (.308 Win). Mossberg will also offer combo packages fitted with Vortex Viper HS-T riflescope. Visit Mossberg.com.
For fans of traditional wood-stocked rifles, Mossberg has added the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering to the top-of-the-line Revere model. This rifle features a high-grade European walnut stock with rosewood fore-end tip and grip cap. As you can see in the video above, the Mossberg Revere offers a lot of style and performance for the $823 MSRP.
New Rifles tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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Wouldn’t it be great if rifle-makers offered demonstration days, where shooters could try out various rifles — with ammo provided? Yep, that would be nice. Well that’s exactly what Bergara Rifles USA has been doing with its Bergara Experience. We commend the company for offering these free “test drive” sessions, giving shooters a chance to test some impressive factory rifles.
This video covers the First Bergara Experience, held in North Carolina
Bergara hosted three shooting demo sessions last month (August) in the Southeast USA. The first event took place at Woody’s Hunting and Rifle Club in New Hill, North Carolina on August 5th. Next Bergara’s team hosted an event on August 19th at the White Feather Precision Shooting Range in Ardmore, Tennessee. The final Bergara Experience in August was held on the 26th at the Barbour Creek Shooting Academy in Eufaula, Alabama.
The video above was filmed at the inaugural Bergara Experience, in North Carolina. Shooters fired a variety of rifles both prone and from the bench. A crowd favorite was the precision B-14 HMR (see below) chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor — both with and without suppressors.
Here’s video from the Barbour Creek Academy. This is an excellent facility with a covered shooting house and a range that runs out to 1,580 yards. At Barbour Creek, shooters got to test the long range capabilities of Bergara rifles.
“It’s one thing to say your rifles are serious long-range precision rifles and to claim accuracy out hundreds of yards in your advertising, but we wanted to prove it,” noted Ben Fleming, Bergara’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “The concept behind the Bergara Experience was to give the public the opportunity to experience long distance shooting… these shoots show that the performance of these rifles is not just ad-talk, it’s built-in.”
Bergara rifles all come with a test target (above). We thought it was interesting that Bergara uses a target we originally designed right here at AccurateShooter.com.
This target features a central red diamond, with lines for your cross-hairs, thicker on the horizontal. Our version includes boxes to enter load data, MV, and group size below each aiming graphic. CLICK HERE to Download Target.
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Here is AccurateShooter’s Forum Boss with the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). The commercial success of this innovative firearm inspired other gun-makers to release their own “blacktical” bolt-guns.
It looks like 2017 will be the year of the metal-stocked, tactical-style bolt-action rifle. Inspired by the success of the Ruger Precision Rifle, other rifle-makers have built their own Blacktical Bolt-guns. These feature modular chassis systems with adjustable buttstocks. While optimized for PRS and tactical competition, these tough, versatile rifles can also be used for hunting. Popular chamberings are: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, and .308 Winchester. All the rifles showcased here retail for under $2000.00, so they can be campaigned in the new PRS Factory Class.
PRS Production Class Cost Limits
Production Division combined rifle and scope MSRP as listed on the company’s website shall not exceed $3,000 USD, the rifle shall not exceed $2,000 USD and the optic not exceed $2,000 USD. [Editor: For example, you could have a $2,000 rifle with a $1000.00 scope or vice-versa. The total system cannot exceed $3000. Rifle alone cannot exceed $2000.00 retail sale price.] Production Division rifles are not permitted to be altered or improved in any way from the original factory configuration.
Bergara B14 BMP Chassis Rifle
The Bergara B14 rifle features a modern, modular aluminum chassis. The buttstock assembly offers an adjustable comb and adjustable length of pull. Like Savages, the BMP employs a barrel nut so owners can quickly swap barrels. The new B14 features a good adjustable trigger. Current chamberings are 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester (both fed from AICS-type box mags). Our friends Ed and Steve (aka the 6.5 Guys) were impressed with the new Bergara: “Bergara has in-sourced chassis and triggers to produce very high-quality offerings at a very competitive price. Handling, shooting and cycling the bolt on the $1150 MSRP Hunting and Match Rifle would lead one to believe the price tag was a mistake (maybe the first digit should have been a 2). We felt the same when we got behind the $1,699 Bergara Match Precision Rifle.”
Howa HCR Modular Rifle
The new Howa HCR Chassis Rifle combines a Howa 1500 barreled action with a modern aluminum chassis and LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock. Length of pull is adjustable from 12.5″ to 16.75″. Comb height is also adjustable. Weight with a 24″ barrel is 10.2 pounds (before optics) so the Howa HCR is lighter that many of its competitors. The Howa’s MSRP is $1299.00, a good value in this category. These guns feature a smooth-running action plus excellent 2-stage HACT adjustable trigger. Available chamberings are: .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. NOTE: If basic black’s not your color, this rifle is also offered with a rugged, Multicam CeraKote finish.
Tikka T3X TAC 1
We got a chance to handle the impressive new Tikka T3X TAC 1 at Media Day at the Range. The ergonomics are good and the rifle balances well. Bolt cycling is smooth and the T3X boasts an excellent, adjustable 2-stage trigger. The Tikka T3X has a nice folding stock, and the T3X accepts other AR-platform buttstock units and pistol grips. The T3X will be offered with choice of 16″, 20″, or 24″ barrels, all threaded at muzzle (factory muzzle brake is standard). There are three chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, and .308 Winchester. MSRP is $1899.00, so the T3X is legal for PRS Production Class. We really liked the Tikka T3X, and so did GunsAmerica.com: “Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or .260 Remington, the barrel is a perfect balance of being thick enough to shoot seriously, while thin enough not to feel like a benchrest gun. It ships with three magazines, which is a bargain for anyone looking to shoot PRS. I see lots of guns at SHOT Show I want to test or review, but few I would write a check for in the booth. The Tikka T3 TAC A1 is an exception to that rule.”
Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis
Weatherby’s new Vanguard® Modular Chassis (VMC) rifle features a Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) aluminum stock, Luth AR MBA-1 buttstock, and 22″ heavy barrel. The Weatherby Vanguard action is fitted with an adjustable 2-stage trigger. Priced at $1519.00 MSRP, this rifle is offered in three chamberings: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.
Winchester Repeating Arms XPC
As reported in the NRA Blog: “The XPC Rifle from Winchester Repeating Arms is a full-house precision chassis rifle based on their proven XPR bolt action. The stock features a Cerakoted fully-machined alloy chassis frame paired with a Magpul PRS Gen III stock. A full-length Picatinny rail allows for mounting optics, and M-LOK and QD mounts grace the XPC for easy attachments. A Magpul MOE-K grip rounds out the furniture, and the rifle comes bundled with one 10-round Magpul AICS PMAG and one five-round MDT metal mag.” The barrel is threaded for muzzle brake or suppressors.
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Shown is a new .338 Lapua Magnum rifle from Israel’s IWI. Impressively beefy rig.
For folks in the gun industry, the third Monday in January is the best day of the year. Held in conjunction with SHOT Show, Media Day at the Range lets us try out dozens of new rifles and pistols, as well as meet top gun designers and friends in the shooting sports. We saw some very interesting new products this year. Here are some of the most interesting “take-aways” from Media Day at the Range 2017 on January 16th.
Most Innovative — “The FIX” Rifle from Q
The star of Media Day, at least in the rifle category, was “The FIX”, a new modular rifle from the Q Team. This innovative rig features a totally unique bolt system with a 45° lift and a bolt housing that runs on rails (literally). This thing cycles fast and smoothly.
The trigger, set at 2.5 pounds, was one of the best we’ve ever tried on a centerfire factory rifle. One has to admire the engineering on “The FIX”. This new rifle has definitely “raised the bar” for tactical-style rifles. It’s different, it works, and it offers real advantages for both hunters and tactical style shooters.
Savage 10 with Ergonomic GRS Stock
Perhaps the most ergonomic rifle we shot all day was the new Savage GRS-10 in a stiff, composite GRS stock. European-crafted GRS stocks feature a very comfortable hand-grip, plus fully adjustable cheek-piece and adjustable length of pull. As shown this rifle is very affordable for PRS production-class competition.
To be frank, this Editor liked this rifle more than the Ruger Precision Rifle. A lot more. The GRS stock fit better, the Savage bolt cycled much more smoothly, the trigger was better, and the magazine seated more easily. If you don’t have to be “tacticool” with a metal stock, you should definitely consider this Savage. The new Savage GRS-10 will be offered in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win chamberings. Here’s a video review by Guns America.
Blacktical Bolt-Action Rifles — The PRS Influence
We saw many new (or upgraded) PRS-style bolt action rifles in modular aluminum frames. There were offerings from Savage, Bergara, Tikka, and more. We’ll provide a more thorough run-down on these new guns next week. We really liked the new Tikka T3x TAC A1, while tactical shooters Ed and Steve (aka the 6.5 Guys) were impressed with the new Bergara: “Bergara has in-sourced chassis and triggers to produce very high quality offerings at a very competitive price. Handling, shooting and cycling the bolt on the $1150 MSRP Hunting and Match Rifle would lead one to believe the price tag was a mistake (maybe the first digit should have been a 2). We felt the same when we got behind the $1,699 Bergara Match Precision Rifle.”
Tikka T3x TAC A1
Bergara Match Precision
Pistols — The Sounds of Silence
The most interesting handgun on display was SilencerCo’s Maxim 9, which features an integral suppressor. It looks bulky but it felt relatively normal in the hand. The silencer did tame muzzle lift as well as reduce sound levels dramatically. This is an impressive piece of engineering.
There were many other pistols equipped with more conventional screw-on silencers. Here is a special edition Smith & Wesson M&P model.
Optics — High-End Models from Schmidt and Bender
There were many new optics on display at Media Day, none more impressive than the new 5-45x56mm PMII from Schidmt & Bender. Led by our good friend Kyle Brown, Schmidt & Bender USA had a strong presence at Range Day, with many optics models fitted to high-end tactical rifles. Jason Baney (shown below with Kyle), used one of these rifle/scope combos to make 5 of 5 hits on steel at 960 yards.
Jason Baney checks out the new 5-45x56mm PM II with help from Kyle Brown (left).
Meeting Old Friends
One of the great things about Media Day is the chance to re-connect with old friends. At the Winchester booth, it was great to see Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medalist (including three golds). She is the first Summer Olympian to win an individual medal at six consecutive summer games. Kim, a Californian, is leading efforts to challenge draconian new California laws that will severely restrict how ammo is distributed and sold in California. Kim said that, under the new ammo laws, she will not be able to obtain the special “International Loads” she shoots in competition. We wish Kim well in her efforts. We believe that California’s new laws restricting the purchase of ammunition are unconstitutional and, hopefully, will be challenged successfully in court.
Along with Kim we met with our friends Steve (L) and Ed (R), aka the 6.5 Guys, along with past Top Shot Champion Dustin Ellermann (in middle below).
World Record AR Speed-Shooting by Jerry Miculek
At the Smith & Wesson shooting bay, we watched the legendary Jerry Miculek set a world speed record for 10 rifle rounds total on three targets. Before a cheering gallery of fans, Jerry drilled multiple sub-two second runs using his S&W M&P 15T semi-auto rifle. The fastest split was a 1.59 (but we’re waiting for final confirmation on that). We’re told that’s definitely a new world record. Jerry may not be getting any younger, but he’s still blazing fast. Jerry calls this 10-shot drill “STL” or Share the Love.
Ammunition — Polymer Jacketed Pistol Bullets
One of the more notable, recent developments in pistol ammo has been synthetic jacketed bullets. With a total polymer shell over a lead core, these are safer when shooting steel targets because they do not fragment like conventional, jacketed bullets. With no exposed lead or copper, there’s minimal contact between these materials and the barrel, so there’s less copper and lead fouling. Moreover, according to Federal’s test engineers, the red Syntech coating produced 12% less friction in the barrel. Here is the American Eagle 9mm Luger 115gr Total Syntec Jacketed ammo provided by Beretta at Media Day.
And that’s a wrap… now on to SHOT Show.
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Bergera Rifles has introduced a new rifle designed for the tactical, PRS, and long-range hunting markets. Bergara’s new B14 Series Hunting and Match Rifle (HMR) features an ergonomic, adjustable stock fitted with an internal aluminum sub-chassis. Initially, the HMR will be offered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win chamberings, fed with AICS-compatible box magazines. We’re pleased that all HMRs are guaranteed to produce sub-MOA groups at 100 yards using factory match-grade ammunition. Weight, without optics, is 9.15 lbs, about one pound less than the Ruger Precision Rifle. MSRP is $1,150.00.
The Spanish-made HMR boasts a molded synthetic stock with built-in machined aluminum mini-chassis. This mini-chassis allows secure, repeatable bedding for Bergara’s B14 action, which features two-lug bolt wtih coned bolt-head. The Chrome-Moly Bergara barrels are threaded 5/8″ x 24 at the muzzle for brakes or suppressors. The HMR uses a precision-machined bottom metal and is designed to accept AICS-style magazines.
The stock has a multi-stage textured finish, which looks good. Designed for both righties and lefties, the ambidextrous stock features an adjustable cheekpiece, and length of pull is adjustable with simple spacers. For slings and accessories, the HMR stock offers multiple flush cup QD mounts as well as multiple swivel studs for bipods and/or slings.
This should be an interesting addition to the line-up of factory rifles suitable for the PRS Series Production Class. But frankly, we think Bergara went too short with the barrels (or at least should offer longer barrels as options). In 6.5 Creedmoor, at 22″ you’re giving up 90 FPS or so compared to a 27″ (See Barrel Cut-Down Test). Additionally, we think most PRS competitors would prefer a different profile on the fore-end. Nonetheless for tactical guys who don’t like modular metal stocks, this is an interesting (and pretty affordable) new offering.
Bergara B14 HMR Rifle Specifications:
Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester
Action Type: 2-lug action, sliding plate extractor, cone bolt nose and breech
Magazine: AICS style mag compatible – Includes one Magpul® PMAG AICS Magazine
Barrel Specs: 6.5 Creedmoor (1:8″ Twist, 22″); .308 Win (1:10″ twist; 20″)
Mini-Chassis Material: 7075 T6 aluminum
Weight without scope: 9.15 pounds
MSRP: $1,150.00
Learn more about Bergara rifles in this SHOT Show Video by the 6.5 Guys
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Bergara USA offers a new metal-chassis rifle for tactical shooters, such as PRS competitors. Dubbed the Bergara Premier Series Tactical Rifle (aka BPR-17), this new rig features an XLR chassis, and is chambered in .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor. With a $2,200.00 MSRP, Bergara’s new rig costs less than a full custom, but it is WAY more expensive than the new Ruger Precision Rifle which sells for $1100-$1250 (street price) at most dealers. For Bergara, this may be a case of “too little, too late” — at least when compared to the new Ruger rifle.
The Bergara Premier Tactical is built with Bergara’s Premier action (which featurs a coned bolt nose and breech for smooth feeding). Notably, this rifle is fitted with a Timney 517 flat trigger with safety, adjustable from 1.5 – 4 pounds. The 416 stainless barrel has a Dead Air suppressor-ready Key Mount Brake. Both barrel and action are Cerakote finished in matte black.
The XLR chassis features an adjustable length of pull (11.25 – 14.75 inches) and adjustable cheek height. The lightweight chassis buttstock features QD flush cups on both sides, ambidextrous cheek rest, mono-pod provision and an enclosed design. For more information, visit www.bergarausa.com.
Bergara Premier Tactical Rifle Specifications:
Calibers: .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor
Action: Bergara PREMIER Action
Stock: Custom chassis stock by XLR
Trigger: Timney 517 flat trigger with safety, adjustable from 1.5 – 4 lb.
