TGM highlights many new rifles and shotguns debuting for 2014
Benelli’s Ethos auto loading shotgun is designed to operate with both light and 3-inch loads.
Every year at this time, the firearms industry unleashes a new selection of guns and gear for American sportsmen and women, competitors and armed citizens, and TGM has the lowdown on some of the hot items that should be making headlines in the weeks and months to come.
While anti-gunners are working overtime to discourage gun ownership, it appears the public is not responding, leading to continued strong sales. That’s always on the minds of retailers and wholesalers attending the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.
Gathered under one roof will be everybody who’s anybody in the firearms industry, from the top names in gun manufacturing to hundreds of firearms journalists, gun dealers and people who design and manufacture shooting and hunting accessories.
This year, as in the past, there is something for everyone.
Ruger (ruger-firearms.com) has announced two hot rifles and has resurrected the legendary Red Label shotgun for 2014, and TGM has had the chance to shoot all three. Ruger’s American Rimfire and SR762 semi-auto rifle are both hitting the marketplace.
Ruger’s new .308-caliber SR-762 comes with three 20-round mags
The American Rimfire in .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum is offered with either a 22- or 18-inch barrel, with a fiber optic front sight and folding rear.
The .308-caliber SR-762 is a rugged modern sporting rifle with a 16.12-inch barrel, forward bolt assist and a two-stage piston-driven operating system. It comes with three 20- round magazines, has a full length rail on top, flash suppressor, folding front and rear adjustable sights, and telescoping butt.
Chambered for 12-gauge 3-inch magnums, the Ruger Red Label over under shotgun is offered with barrel lengths of 26, 28 and 30 inches. It wears a checkered American walnut stock and forearm, and comes with five steel shot-compatible choke tubes. The Red Label has a single selective trigger, polished stainless steel receiver, cold hammer-forged barrels with 2-inch forcing cones and maximum back boring.
New from Winchester (winchester-guns.com) are semi-auto and pump shotguns, and rifles with a hint of history. The smooth-bore lineup includes semi-auto SX3 models and a new pump-action Field Compact model of the SXP.
The SX3 12-gauge 3½-inch Long Beard Turkey has a Briley X-full Long Beard Invector Plus extended choke tube designed for Winchester Long Beard ammunition, and is finished in Realtree Xtra Green. It has a pistol grip stock with three interchangeable recoil pads for length-of-pull adjustment and three interchangeable combs to adjust the drop at comb. It has a 24- inch barrel with a TruGlo fiber optic front sight and fully adjustable folding rear sight, plus a Weaver style cantilever scope mount rail is available.
Winchester’s 12-gauge SXP Field Compact has a shorter stock for smaller-framed shooters. It has a checkered satin finished stock and forearm that is fitted with an Inflex Technology recoil pad. The bolt is finished in black chrome, and it has a hard chrome bore and chamber. It comes with Invector Plus choke tubes, and a back bored barrel.
For cowboy fans, the Model 1892 lever action has a large loop lever, 20- inch round barrel with full length magazine tube and walnut straight grip stock and forearm. The barrel, receiver, curved buttplate and barrel band are all deeply blued. Winchester offers the Model 1892 loop Lever carbine in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .44-40 and .45 Colt. The Model 1873 has a color case hardened receiver and curved steel buttplate, a round 20-inch barrel with full-length magazine and semibuckhorn rear sight and Marble Arms gold bead front sight. The walnut stock has a straight grip. It is offered in .44- 40 and .45 Colt.
Winchester’s rim-fire Model 1885 Hunter Rim-Fire low wall features a checkered walnut pistol grip stock and Schnabel forearm with oil finish.
Finally, the Model 1885 Hunter Rimfire low wall model chambered in .22 Magnum, .22 Long Rifle, .17 HMR or .17 Winchester Super Magnum has a checkered walnut pistol grip stock and Schnabel forearm with oil finish, while the barrel and receiver are richly blued.
Mossberg (mossberg.com) also is introducing new rifles and shotguns, leading off with five new MVP Patrol Rifle models in 5.56mm, .300 Blackout or 7.62mm/.308 Winchester, depending upon the model. All have 16 ¼-inch medium bull barrels with scope mounting rails and A2 flash suppressors.
Finished in matte blue, all but one have black textured stocks. One of the 7.62mm models has a tan stock.
There are six additions to the MVP Flex bolt action series, including five chambered for the 7.62mm cartridge and one in 5.56mm. Three of the .30-caliber models and the .223 have 18.5-inch medium bull fluted barrels and the other two have 20-inch sporter fluted barrels. They all accept AR-style magazines and have adjustable telescoping buttocks and pistol grips.
The semi-auto is part of the Muddy Girl series, which includes four shotguns. The International 715T Flat Top model is chambered for the .22 Long Rifle. It has an A-2 style muzzle brake on a 16¼-inch barrel. It is finished in Muddy Girl camo and has a 25-round magazine.
Mossberg’s Muddy Girl shotgun models include:
• A Model 510 Mini Super Bantam with adjustable buttstock, chambered in 20-gauge with an 18½-inch vent rib barrel;
• A model 500 Persuader in 20- gauge with an eight-shot capacity and adjustable buttstock;
• A Model 500 home Security sixshot version in .410 bore with a grip forend, and • A Mossberg International semiauto 20-gauge with a 26-inch vent rib blued barrel and receiver and camo stock and forearm.
A new series of 20-gauge Mossberg Model 500 Flex pump guns feature the TLS (for Tool-less Locking System) that allows for switching forends, stocks and recoil pads. They are available in hunting and tactical configurations, including one with a pistol grip and cylinder bore barrel.
Another Model 500 entry is the Tactical Tri-Rail, which are variations of the popular Persuader and Cruiser models. The Persuader has an eightshot capacity. Both 12-gauge guns are equipped with forearms that have tactical rails on the sides and bottom.
Mossberg’s JIC (for “Just In Case”) series is designed around the Cruiser pistol-grip shotgun. There are five models in the series, all with a watertight storage tube or soft case with compartments. They include a Flex model, a six-shot Cruiser with 18½-inch or a 20-inch barrel, a Mariner six-shot model with Marinecote finish, and the Sandstorm six-shot with desert camo and an 18½- inch barrel.
There is also a JIC Patriot variation featuring the National Rifle Association seal engraved on the receiver, and a waterproof storage tube. A portion of the sales proceeds will go to support NRA programs.
Mosberg’s Model 930 high performance semi-autos have extended magazine tubes. They come with either a matte blue or Kryptek Yeti camo.
The Model 835 Waterfowl/Security combo comes with a 28-inch ported barrel and an 18.5-inch security barrel with a separate railed forend and pistol grip.
The three-gun Typhoon camo series features a Kryptek Typhon camo finish. The family includes a Model 950 JM Pro Series ten-round semi-auto, a Model 930 SPX eight-round model with pistol grip stock and a Model 590 six-shot model with ghost ring rear sight and elevated front sight.
Colt (colt.com) is unveiling a pair of new rifles that include enhancements to the classic AR platform. Both the LE6920 and LE6940 feature ambidextrous controls and the LE6920AE and LE6940AE-3G offer all three operating controls on both sides of the lower receiver, and that includes the bolt release. Each rifle has some specific features, and both sport and M4 stock, Colt A2 grip and Magpul® Gen 2 Back Up Sight. Both rifles have 16.1”-barrels and overall they measure 32 inches with the stocks retracted and 35.5 inches at full length.
New from Weatherby (weatherby.com) is the Mark V Terramark RC rifle and a Mark V ultra-Lightweight RC, plus three new shotgun models.
The Mark V Terramark features a hand-laminated composite stock with a raised Monte Carlo comb and matte gel coat finish in Desert Camo. It is fitted with a Pachmayr recoil pad. The 26-inch stainless barrel is fluted and button rifled, and it has a recessed target crown. Metalwork is finished in flat dark earth Cerakote.
The Ultra Lightweight comes with a Sub-MOA guarantee. It also has a hand-laminated composite Monte Carlo stock with raised comb, and a selection of barrel lengths in 22, 24, 26 or 28 inches, depending upon caliber.
The stock has a matte gel coat finish with spiderweb accents and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.
There is a CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum bedding plate for the action.
New entries in the WBY-X rifle family include the Series 2 Kryptek highlander with a 24-inch hammer forged barrel, the Series 2 Typhon and Typhon TR with Kryptek Typhon pattern stock, and the Series 2 Blaze with Boneyard Camo Legends Blaze pattern.
In the shotgun arena, the SA-08 GH2 (for Girls Hunt 2) has a shorter black stock accented by a pink spiderweb pattern and a 24-inch barrel.
The PA-459 Typhon TR (for Threat Response) and PA-08 Typhon TR pump guns have 18½-inch barrels. They are available in 12- or 20-gauge.
Weatherby’s SA-459 Black Reaper TR in 12- or 20-gauge has a Proveil Reaper black pattern and 18½-inch barrel.
Sig Sauer (sigsauer.com) is adding several new rifles chambered for the 5.56mm NATO round and one in 7.62x39mm.
SIG 556xi Russian semi-auto in 7.62x39mm is new as are several new rifles in 5.56mm
The SIG 556xi Russian semi-auto in 7.62x39mm has a 16-inch barrel with a lined chamber and bore cut with four lands and grooves on a 1:9- inch twist. It wears a Swiss-style side folding stock with cheek riser, three position gas piston operating system, accessory rail, and measures just over 35¾ inches. It comes with an AK-type 30-round magazine.
Sig Sauer’s Model 716 Designated Marksman has an 18-inch heavy match grade barrel and is chambered in 7.62×51. It has a short stroke gas piston system, a two-stage match trigger, Magpul® PMAG, 5.5-pound trigger pull, extended aluminum free float hand guard and folding front and rear sights.
In 5.56/.223 Remington, the SIG516 Carbon Fiber Carbine (CFC) has a 16-inch barrel with a 1:7-inch twist. It boasts a four-position gas piston operating system, extended 12- inch free float carbon fiber hand guard, a two-stage match grade trigger, A1 carbon fiber stock and a 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower with a Picatinny rail on the upper receiver.
For varmint and predator hunting, the M400 Predator model has an 18- inch stainless steel match grade barrel. Chambered for the 5.56mm/ .223 Remington, this rifle has a threaded and capped muzzle, two stage match trigger, five-round magazine and extended Hogue free float knurled hand guard.
The M400 Varminter sports a 22- inch stainless match grade barrel. It has a 5-pound trigger pull, the muzzle is threaded and capped, and it uses an AR-type magazine.
Sig’s M400 CFC model features direct gas impingement, a 12-inch free float carbon fiber hand guard around the 16-inch barrel, an A1 stock, match grade trigger, aluminum upper and lower, and an M1913 rail.
The SIG M400 B5 comes with a 30-round aluminum GI magazine, MIL-Spec trigger, flip-up rear sight, Keymod hand guard and optional Foilage furniture.
Browning (browning.com) is expanding its Model 725 Citori line with new 20-gauge models, and a pair of new 12-gauge trap and skeet models.
The new limited edition Citori O/U High Grade models feature engraving on the side plates, high-grade checkered walnut stocks and 28-inch vent rib barrels. The Grade III model features high-relief scroll engraving with a color case hardened finish and the Grade VI has a color case hardened receiver finish with full coverage, high relief engraving with gold enhancements. The Grade III comes with an ABS Elite case, while the Grade VI model has a high grade custom canvas and leather gun case.
The Model 725 Citori 20-gauge models feature a Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System, full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt. The Field model’s receiver has a silver nitride finish, and the stock and forearm have a gloss oil finish. Barrel choices are 26 or 28 inches. The Sporting model also has a silver nitride receiver with gold accents and target engraving. It has vent rib barrels in 28, 30 or 32-inch lengths.
The trap and skeet Model 725 is available with 30- or 32-inch barrels with a high post rib.
Browning’s new AB3 rifle is chambered for both standard and magnum calibers including .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield with 22-inch barrels, and 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum with 26-inch barrels.
Average weight on the standard model is 6 pounds, 13 ounces while the magnums average 7 pounds, 3 ounces.
They have composite stocks with Inflex Technology recoil pads and matte-blue finish on the barrel and receiver. The action has a 60-degree bolt, top-tang safety, bolt lock override button and detachable box magazine.
New to the X-Bolt family is the Eclipse Hunter with a laminated gray satin finish thumbhole stock and Monte Carlo cheekpiece, and Inflex Technology recoil pad. It has a detachable rotary magazine and adjustable trigger.
New to the Browning X-Bolt family is the Eclipse Hunter.
The newest Benelli (benelliusa.com) autoloader is the 6½ pound 12-gauge Ethos, with an inertia-driven action and a patented easy locking system. It is designed to function with light loads and 3-inch magnums. It has an AA-grade European walnut stock that incorporates the Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system. It has an anodized or nickel finish on the receiver and the barrel is blued.
The Ethos comes with five Crio chokes.
Remington (remington.com) has some new shotguns designed on the Versa Max platform, including a 3-Gun competition model with an extended magazine tube, the Versa Max Wood Tech with a sporting stock and vent rib barrel, and the Waterfowl Pro with a Realtree Max-5 camo finish. There’s a left-hand version of the camo gun.
There’s also a new Model 870 Magpul® FDE pump gun with synthetic stock, and a Model 870 Tactical with a pistol grip, 18-½-inch barrel and black synthetic stock in the box.
Following up on last year’s introduction of the Model 783, Remington is offering new versions chambered in .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum. There will also be some guns featuring a camo finish.
There are also new versions of the Model 700, including one designed for long-range shooting with a heavy barrel and composite Bell & Carlson M40 tactical stock. Also, Remington is chambering the Model 700 SPS in .260 Remington.
After months of waiting, the new Anschutz (steyrarms.com) MSR RX22 tactical training rifle is now available.
It’s a semi-auto with a single-stage trigger that has been factory set at 4 pounds. It has a force-locking blowback action with a hammer lock. It comes with a ten-round polymer magazine and is available in four versions, the Desert and Black Hawk models with side-folding stocks and Picatinny rails on the side and bottom of the forearm, and the Precision and Precision Black with fixed wood stocks and forearms. All have full-length rails on top.
Uberti (benelliusa.com) is offering a handsome Model 1873 Competition Rifle, a lever-action with historic lines and appearance, and a Grade-A walnut shotgun-style buttstock with recoil pad. It’s available in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum, and has a 20-inch barrel, open sights, 10-round magazine capacity, and a short-throw lever.
Uberti’s handsome Model 1873 Competition Rifle is available in .45 Colt or .357 Magnum.
More imports are being introduced by Century International (centuryarms.com) including the Catamount Fury gas-operated semi auto shotguns. They are chambered for 3-inch magnums and will take all 2 ¾- inch shells. The gas system is adjustable to accommodate different loads.
The Catamount Fury comes with three chokes in full, modified and cylinder bore, two five-round magazines and a cleaning kit.
There are two new models in the Centurion 39 rifle series, which is produced in Vermont from solid blocks of 4140 ordnance quality steel. The Centurion 39 Classic has a 16½-inch barrel with adjustable rear sight, black synthetic stock and Picatinny rails molded into the hand guards. Chambered in 7.62×39, it comes with two 30-round magazines.
The Centurion 39 Tactical model has a gas block/front sight combination, fully-adjustable rear sight, molded Picatinny rails on the hand guards and forward vertical pistol grip.
New this year from Stoeger (benelliusa.com) is the Synthetic Double Defense side-by-side in 12- gauge. This is a tough shotgun chambered for 3-inch magnums, with 20- inch barrels with fixed Improved Cylinder chokes, a box lock breakaction, vent rib and green fiber-optic front sight. It comes with Picatinny rails for accessories.
Stoeger semi-auto 12-gauge in Realtree Max handles 2¾, 3 and 3½ shells.
New from High Standard (highstandard.com) is an AK47 from Interarms with a folding stock, and an AK74 fold-under model. Made in the US, these rifles are fitted with American- made hard chrome barrels and receivers finished with Mil-Spec Parkerizing and delivered with one polymer 30-round magazine.
Century Arms 39 Classic AK rifle in 7.62×39
Rock River (rockriverarms.com) has announced the Operator III in 5.56mm/.223 Remington. It’s got a forged RRA LAR-15 lower and forged A4 upper, a 16-inch chrome moly barrel, Hogue grip, RRA Operator CAR stock, low profile mid-length gas system and several other features. It also sports an RRA Operator brake and accessory rail on the upper receiver.
