January 4th, 2018
Our recent “Sneak Previews” of new-for-2018 guns and shooting products have been very popular with our readers. Following on that, here are more New Rifles. These eight rifle selections (plus a new stock) were revealed in the 50-Page 2018 New Product Showcase in Shooting Industry Magazine’s January issue. This January Product Showcase, which you can access for free online, features products from 183 companies. And the December 2017 issue unveiled many more. Combined, the two Shooting Industry New Business Year editions have revealed new products from more than 240 brands.
Here we spotlight some of the more interesting New-for-2018 Firearms and Accessories. All these products are found in Shooting Industry’s 2018 New Product Showcase.
New Tactical Rifles from Legacy International
Legacy Sports is offering two new tactical rifles, both well-suited for PRS matches and tac comps. The Lithgow LA105 (top, above) comes in both 6.5 Creedmoor (1:8″) and .308 Win (1:10″) chamberings, with 24″ barrels with Lithgow muzzle brakes. The new Howa Bravo (tan stock above), is offered with 20″, 24″, and 26″ barrels in three chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. The Howa 1500 action rides in a KRG Bravo Chassis with adjustable comb and adjustable LOP. We’re please to note this rig accepts AICS mags.
Mossberg MVP Precision — Affordable PRS Factory Class Rifle
The New Mossberg MVP Precision is another rifle targeting the PRS Crowd. It features an all-new chassis with a longer fore-end up front and a fully-adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock in the back. This should be popular. 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.
New T1x Rimfire Rifle from Tikka — Plus a Lefty TAC A1
Tikka is introducing a new Rimfire rifle, the Tikka T1x. It features a medium-contour 20″ barrel with threaded muzzle, 10-round detachable magazine, and a smooth bolt throw. This will be offered in Both .22 LR and .17 HMR. The rifle boasts the feel and balance of Tikka’s centerfire line, so this can serve as a nice small-bore option for fans of Tikka hunting rifles. MSRP for the T1X is $499.00.
Tikka will also be introducing a 6.5 Creedmoor version of its popular T3X hunting rifle for 2018, along with a left-hand version of the Tikka TAC A1 Rifle, an impressive modular rig priced at $1999.00 to qualify for PRS factory class. South-paws should be happy.
New Rimfire Rig from Europe — Steyr’s Handsome Zephyr II
Steyr’s new Rimfire rifle, the Zephyr II, is offered in .22 LR, and .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The Zephyr II features a classic European walnut stock with a Bavarian cheek piece, and nice checkering on the grips and handguard. We think this would make a good carry-around varminter, as we bet the Zephyr has good balance and excellent accuracy (based on our experience with other Steyrs). Zephyr II has a smooth-running action, tang safety, and cold-hammer-forged 19.7-inch barrel. Without scope, the Zephyr II weighs 5.8 lbs., including 5-rd detachable magazine.
AR with Proof Research Carbon Composite Barrels from LWRC International
You can’t have a SHOT Show without some interesting new Black Rifles. LWRC International (LWRCI) will unveil some new AR-platform rifles in interesting chamberings. The smaller IC-DI (AR15) line will be offered .223 Wylde and the impressive .224 Valkyrie chamberings, along with the typical 5.56 NATO. What really caught our eye, however, was the larger AR10-platform REPR model, shown above. This will be available in two new variants: 6.5 Creedmoor (all-steel barrel) and 6.5 Creedmoor with a PROOF Research carbon fiber composite barrel. Weighing just 9 lbs., the PROOF Research model is a full 2.8 lbs. lighter than the standard model. Each features an LWRCI tunable gas block, Monoforge upper receiver with integrated rail-base, and ambidextrous lower receiver controls.
Grayboe Ridgeback Stock — Innovative Tactical/Practical Design
The Grayboe RIDGEBACK is a new stock specifically designed for PRS and tactical-style shooting. The Ridgeback is made of a solid, fiberglass epoxy material and features M-LOK sections built into the fore-end, a bubble level behind the action and an adjustable comb that can be re-positioned easily with one hand. NOTE: This preview shows a CAD rendering; production model may vary slightly.
New Savage 110 Models with Adjustable Stocks
For 2018, Savage’s model 110 line-up boasts higher-quality, user-adjustable stocks. The all-new AccuFit system 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 Long Range Hunter shown here features a 26″ barrel with brake, and is offered in six calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .308 Win, 300 WSM, and .338 Federal.
How To Carry All These New Rifles…
So how do you hold all these new-for-2018 rifles — and transport them safely back from SHOT Show? Here’s a recently-introduced product that can help — the CaseCruzer Mini 2N2 GunPOD:
We love this thing — it will hold two rifles (up to 35″ OAL) and two handguns, plus mags and a whole lot more — muffs, ammo boxes, you name it. This CaseCruzer Mini 2N2 GunPOD is all you need to transport all your gear to a three-gun match. The case is airline-approved and even has wheels. It ain’t cheap though — MSRP is $535.00. There is also a larger version, the 3N3 GunPod (below) that holds THREE Rifles up to 41″ OAL plus three handguns. Priced at $582.00, the 3N3 holds more but it’s pretty heavy (29 lbs. empty). We like the versatility and sturdiness of these CaseCruzer GunPODs.
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